Essential Moisture Boost System - Essential Moisture Boost System - Anti-Aging | Dry Skin: Paula's Choice Skin Care & Cosmetics

Product Rating:

(6 reviews)

Super happy with first Paula's Choice purchase
I have tried all kinds of skin care products, from drug stores, expensive department stores and all natural/organic shops and this set works better than anything I have ever used. I feel like I have the skin I always thought I should have as a young person (I am 25). My skin has a nice glow to it and I don't need to wear any foundation. Another thing about this product is that even though I don't really break out every more, once in a very little while I might get a break out and I found while using this set that my break outs were much smaller and cleared up extremely quickly, like within 2 to 3 days rather than a week or more. I think its because the products are very soothing. I would by all of the products in this set again with the exception of the 1% BHA lotion. While I found it effective I preferred the sample of the 2% BHA liquid I received with my order. Great purchase!
—Jessica

Super happy with first Paula's Choice purchase
I have tried all kinds of skin care products, from drug stores, expensive department stores and all natural/organic shops and this set works better than anything I have ever used. I feel like I have the skin I always thought I should have as a young person (I am 25). My skin has a nice glow to it and I don't need to wear any foundation. Another thing about this product is that even though I don't really break out every more, once in a very little while I might get a break out and I found while using this set that my break outs were much smaller and cleared up extremely quickly, like within 2 to 3 days rather than a week or more. I think its because the products are very soothing. I would by all of the products in this set again with the exception of the 1% BHA lotion. While I found it effective I preferred the sample of the 2% BHA liquid I received with my order. Great purchase!
—Jessica

not great for me
We have pretty harsh, dry winters where I live and I was tired of having tight, dry skin all of the time. My skin is also prone to blemishes/breakouts. I used the entire system for a few weeks but didn't notice much improvement in the dryness of my skin. I did not like the way the 1% BHA lotion smelled, and with my blemish prone skin I found that the 2% BHA liquid or gel worked better (and smelled better) at clearing up my blemishes. I spoke with Customer Service about a more hydrating system, but they said with my blemish prone skin, this was the most moisturizing system I should go with. We vacationed to a much warmer/humid area for a week and my face broke out horribly while we were there. I didn't want to give up on the system completely, so I waited a few weeks and my skin condition went back to its pre-vacation condition (dry, tight, with some blemishes). I discovered that my skin felt better after I stopped using the toner (it would leave my skin feeling slightly red and irritated) and I would have sent it back for a refund but my 60 day window had already passed. I will continue using the system for now (minus the toner) because my skin has a few fewer blemishes than before I started using the system, but it is still pretty dry and tight. I have a feeling that as the weather gets warmer and more humid here I will have to find something else so I don't have a repeat experience of when I went on vacation earlier this winter! The Customer Service team was very helpful in recommending the 2% BHA for my skin, but I just wish I could find something that would relieve the dryness I constantly feel without causing more breakouts! Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We are sorry to hear of your experience with the products. We do understand that each customer is uniquely different in how they will respond to products or ingredients. This along with everyday environmental factors can sometimes play a part in how someone will ultimately respond to a product or combination of products. We have located your account information and applied a credit for the products. We will send you some of the Skin Recovery samples to see how your skin responds and hopefully they will be more moisturizing but not lead to blemishes or breakouts. Please contact customer care with any questions.
—Erika

Great!
I've been using this system for a month now, and I love it! I've been on Accutane for 2.5 months now and as a result my skin was very dry and flaky. I wanted to use Paula's products for a long time now, and bought this kit from a recommendation from the Live Chat with an expert, and I'm so glad I did! The moisture levels in my skin improved in a few days, and it has not aggravated any breakouts at all. Although I'm still in the early stages of treatment, which means I have large pimples that take forever to heal and flake considerably, this product has helped smooth over the areas and keep what skin has healed looking flawless! I highly recommend this product to anyone with dry skin. I will definitely repurchase!
—Sarah

Everything I expected!
All the products I've purchased are amazing. I noticed within 2 weeks, but you have to stick to a daily routine,you can't use the products once or twice a week.
—Kathy Payne

Heidi
I tried this starter kit out with the samples and my face looks and feels great. I'm back to purchase the full size now!
—Heidi Hagemann

Moisture Boost One Step Face Cleanser
Lightly lathering, this silky formula quickly removes all makeup (including eye makeup) and rinses easily.

Moisture Boost Hydrating Toner
Normalize and optimize skin function with this lightly hydrating toner.

Skin Perfecting 1% BHA Lotion
Provides exfoliation with lightweight, matte finish moisture.

Moisture Boost Daily Restoring Complex SPF 20
Amazingly light yet substantially moisturizing, this daytime must provides broad-spectrum sun protection plus proven antioxidants that shield skin from wrinkles.

Moisture Boost Hydrating Treatment Cream
You'll notice an immediate radiant finish and beautiful smoothness after applying this silky-smooth, luxurious cream.

What Makes Paula's Choice Products Unique?

Created by world renowned skin care expert and author Paula Begoun

Proven effectiveness based on hundreds of published scientific studies

Targeted systems for wrinkles, acne, rosacea, sensitive skin, oily skin, dry skin and more

Fragrance-free, color-free, free of harmful skin irritants, and never tested on animals

100% customer satisfaction guaranteed

Unequalled customer service

Ingredients

Moisture Boost One Step Face Cleanser:
Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate (gentle cleansing agent), Methyl Gluceth-20 (skin-conditioning agent), Glycol Stearate (moisturizing thickener), Glyceryl Stearate (moisturizing thickener), Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract (soothing agent, anti-inflammatory), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (water-binding agent), Cocamidopropyl Betaine (very mild cleansing/lather agent), Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate (cleansing agents), Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium PCA (water-binding agents), Hydroxyethylcellulose (thickener), Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol (preservatives), Propylene Glycol (slip agent), Citric Acid (pH balancer), Phytic Acid (chelating agent to soften hard water), Phenoxyethanol (preservative).

Moisture Boost Hydrating Toner:
Water, Glycerin (skin-identical ingredient), Methyl Gluceth-20 (humectant), Superoxide Dismutase, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract (antioxidants), Epilobium Angustifolium (Willow Herb) Extract (anti-irritant), Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract (antioxidant), Sodium PCA (water-binding agent), Creatine, Lecithin, Phospholipids, Linoleic Acid (cell-communicating ingredients), Sodium PEG-7 Olive Carboxylate (surfactant/emulsifier), Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (vitamin C/antioxidant), Tocopheryl Acetate (vitamin E/antioxidant), Butylene Glycol (water-binding agent), Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol (preservatives), Panthenol, Allantoin (anti-irritants), Polysorbate-20 (emulsifier), PEG-4, Hydroxyethylcellulose (thickeners), Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol (preservatives).

Skin Perfecting 1% BHA Lotion:
Water, Cetyl Alcohol (thickener/emollient), Butylene Glycol (water-binding agent), Salicylic Acid (beta hydroxy acid/exfoliant), Allantoin, Bisabolol (anti-irritants), Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol (silicone slip agents), PVM/MA Decadiene Crosspolymer (film-forming agent), Sorbitan Stearate, PEG-40 Stearate, PPG-14 Butyl Ether (thickeners), Propylene Glycol (slip agent), Laureth-7 (emulsifier), Polyacrylamide (water-binding/film-forming agent), C13-14 Isoparaffin (thickener), Sodium Hydroxide (pH balancer), Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Diazolidinyl Urea (preservatives).

Moisture Boost Daily Restoring Complex with SPF 20:
Active Ingredients: Homosalate 4%; Octisalate 4%; Oxybenzone 3%; Avobenzone 3%; Octocrylene 2%.
Other Ingredients: Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate (emollient thickener), Butylene Glycol (slip agent), VP/Eicosene Copolymer (film-forming/suspending agent), Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate (emulsifier), Ascorbyl Phosphate (stabilized vitamin C/antioxidant), Retinyl Palmitate (vitamin A/antioxidant), Tocopheryl Acetate (vitamin E/antioxidant), Tocopherol (vitamin E/antioxidant), Picea Excelsa (Spruce) Extract (antioxidant), Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice (water-binding agent), Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate (emollient), Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol (emollient thickeners), Dimethicone (silicone slip agent), Titanium Dioxide (opacifying agent), Bentonite (thickener), Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer (film-forming agent), Ethylhexylglycerin (skin-conditioning agent), Sodium Polyacrylate (film-forming agent), Disodium EDTA (stabilizer), Sodium Hydroxide (pH adjuster), Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol (preservatives).

Moisture Boost Hydrating Treatment Cream:
Water, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil (emollient plant oil), Ethylhexyl Stearate (thickener), Butylene Glycol (slip agent), Glycerin (skin-identical ingredient), Petrolatum (emollient), Cetearyl Alcohol, Dipentaerythrityl Hexacaprylate/ Hexacaprate, Tridecyl Trimellitate (all thickeners), Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide 3, Cholesterol (skin-conditioning/water-binding agents),Tocopherol (Vitamin E/antioxidant) Squalane (emollient), Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (stabilized Vitamin C/antioxidant), Dimethicone (silicone slip agent), Niacinamide (Vitamin B3/cell-communicating ingredient) Polysorbate 60 (thickener), Hydrolyzed Jojoba Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, , Hydrogenated Lecithin, Whey Protein (all water-binding agents), Tridecyl Stearate, Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate (thickeners), Phenyl Trimethicone (silicone slip agent), Myristyl Myristate (thickener), Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Phospholipids, Decarboxy Carnosine HCI (cell-communicating ingredients), Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodum Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer (film-forming/water-binding agents),Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax (all thickeners/emollients), Triethanolamine (pH-adjustor), Disodium EDTA (chelating agent), Benzoic Acid, Chlorphensin, Sorbic Acid, Phenoxyethanol (all preservatives).

Sources to support the claims made for Moisture Boost One Step Face Cleanser

Biochemistry and Pharmacology, June 2007, pages 1,786-1,795; Contact Dermatitis, June 2006, pages 303-312; British Journal of Dermatology, July 2005, pages 124-131; Skin Research and Technology, February 2005, pages 53–60; and Dermatologic Therapy, January 2004, pages 16–25; Cutis, December 2001, Supplemental, pages 12–19; Skin Research and Technology, July 2001, pages 49–55; and Contact Dermatitis, June 1999, pages 310–315.

Sources to support the claims made for Moisture Boost Hydrating Toner

Archives of Dermatological Research, March 2010, pages 71–83; FEBS Letters, December 2009, Epbulication; Acta-Dermatovenereologica Croatia, Volume 17, 2009, pages 25–39; Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, September 2009, pages 299–304; Dermato-Endocrinology, March 2009, pages 72–76; Clinics in Dermatology, November-December 2008, pages 614–626; Skin Therapy Letter, September 2008, pages 5–9; Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, July 2008, pages S7–S12; Dermatologic Therapy, September-October 2007, pages 322–329; Dermatologic Surgery, "The Antioxidant Network of the Stratum Corneum," July 2005, pages 814–817; American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, May 2004, pages 327–337; Dermatologic Therapy, January 2004, pages 16–25; Exogenous Dermatology, June 2004, pages 154–160; and Toxicology Letters, December 2003, pages 65–73; Journal of Investigative Dermatology, April 2002, pages 618–625; Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B, October 2001, pages 61–69; and www.naturaldatabase.com.

Sources to support the claims made for Skin Perfecting 1% BHA Lotion

Biochemistry and Pharmacology, June 2007, pages 1,786-1,795; Archives of Internal Medicine, July 2002, pages 1531–1532; Annals of Dermatology and Venereology, January 2002, pages 137–142; Archives of Dermatology, November 2000, pages 1390–1395; Preservatives for Cosmetics, 1996, by David Steinberg, Allured Publishing, pages 39-40; Pain, January 1996, pages 71–82; and Seminars in Dermatology, December 1990, pages 305–308.

Sources to support the claims made for Moisture Boost Daily Restoring Complex SPF 20

Archives of Dermatological Research, March 2010, pages 71–83; Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, September 2009, pages 299–304; Skin Research and Technology, August 2009, pages 338–345; Dermatologic Surgery, July 2009, pages 1,057–1,065; Experimental Dermatology, June 2009, pages 522–526; Clinics in Dermatology, November-December 2008, pages 614–626; Skin Therapy Letter, September 2008, pages 5–9; Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, July 2008, pages S7–S12;Food and Chemical Toxicology, April 2008, pages 1,298–1,307; Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Volume 72, pages 796–806; Future Oncology, December 2008, pages 841–856; Journal of Pathology, January 2007, 241–251; Journal of Radiation Research, December 2004, pages 491–495; British Journal of Dermatology, October 2003, page 681; and Journal of Dermatological Science, volume 31, 2003, pages 193–201; and Journal of Investigative Dermatology, November 2003, pages 1,1631,167; and January 2002, pages 117–125.

Sources to support the claims made for Moisture Boost Hydrating Treatment Cream

Dermatologic Therapy, September-October 2007, pages 322–329; British Journal of Dermatology, August 2007, pages 295–300; Journal of Investigative Dermatology, December 2006, pages 2697–2706; Dermatologic Surgery, "The Antioxidant Network of the Stratum Corneum," July 2005, pages 814–817; Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, February 2005, pages 287–295; Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, September–October 2004, pages 207–213; Nature Medicine, February 2003, pages 225–229; Microscopy Research and Technique, January 2003, pages 107–114; Progressive Lipid Research, January 2003, pages 1–36; Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, November 2002, pages 587–594; Journal of Lipid Research, May 2002, pages 794–804; Free Radical Research, April 2002, pages 471–477; and Clinical Geriatric Medicine, February 2002, pages 103–120.

Moisture Boost One Step Face Cleanser:
DIRECTIONS: Splash the face and eyes generously with tepid to slightly warm water. Using your fingers, apply a quarter-sized amount on your face and eyes using vigorous but gentle circular motions. Rinse well and gently pat face dry with a clean towel.

Moisture Boost Hydrating Toner:
DIRECTIONS: After cleansing, soak a large cotton ball or pad with Moisture Boost Hydrating Toner and gently stroke over face. Do not rinse off. Follow with the appropriate Paula's Choice moisturizer, sunscreen, exfoliant, and/or specialty product.

Skin Perfecting 1% BHA Lotion:
DIRECTIONS: Apply to clean skin. Dispense a dime-sized amount and massage over face. Follow with a Paula's Choice Acne Fighting Treatment (if needed), moisturizer, and/or specialty product. For daytime, wear under a product rated SPF 15 or higher. Note: Persons allergic to aspirin should not use a product containing salicylic acid.

Moisture Boost Daily Restoring Complex with SPF 20:
DIRECTIONS: Apply liberally before sun exposure and after using Paula's Choice Moisture Boost One Step Face Cleanser and Moisture Boost Hydrating Toner. May also be applied over any Paula's Choice exfoliant or serum. Reapply as needed after swimming or excessive perspiration.

Moisture Boost Hydrating Treatment Cream:
DIRECTIONS: Apply Hydrating Treatment Cream after cleansing, toning, and exfoliating. Also works beautifully around the eyes. For daytime, wear under an SPF 15 product.

Detailed instructions on how/when to apply your Paula's Choice products can be found in our How to Put Together Your Own Skin-Care Routine article.

Moisture Boost One Step Face Cleanser:

Do I still need to use an eye or face makeup remover?
It depends on how much eye or face makeup you are using or if you are wearing waterproof mascara, waterproof makeup, or other hard-to-remove makeup. Otherwise, this cleanser effectively removes most types of makeup.

I have normal to oily skin that gets drier in the winter - would One Step Face Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin be a good seasonal choice?
Yes! It has a lotion-like texture but still rinses and cleans beautifully.

Moisture Boost Hydrating Toner:

What do toners "tone"? I thought Paula didn't recommend toners!
Paula has always recommended toners that are well-formulated. Toners can be a great after-cleansing step to be sure you've removed all your makeup. When properly formulated, they soothe skin and add hydrating ingredients to make skin softer, not to mention they're another leave-on source for antioxidants and other ingredients that improve skin's healthy functioning.

How do I know which toner is right for me? Besides skin type, what are the main differences between the four Paula's Choice toners?
All of our toners restore skin, help remove last traces of makeup, are alcohol- and fragrance-free, and contain no unnecessary irritants such as menthol, peppermint, and citrus oils. They are great as an adjunct to a more thorough cleansing routine, especially post-workout or in hot/humid climates. Even more significantly they go beyond the basics by offering skin benefits you can see and feel.

Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner is an excellent choice for normal to oily/combination skin. It provides a weightless finish, and although it feels very light, it supplies skin with potent antioxidants and anti-irritants. Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner is a great option for those who want more protection and a soothing, soft, feeling on their skin, particularly those with sensitive skin. To get the benefits of both toners for normal to oily/combination skin, you may want use Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner in the morning and Skin Balancing Toner in the evening.

Moisture Boost Hydrating Toner contains ingredients that help soothe and restore normal to dry skin, plus it includes a greater amount of glycerin, a key ingredient to make dry skin look and feel better. It also contains a broad range of ingredients that aid the barrier repair process so those with dry skin (or normal skin with occasional dry patches) will receive even more benefit from their Paula's Choice moisturizer and/or specialty product. Moisture Boost Hydrating feels lighter than our Skin Recovery Toner, yet still provides an array of antioxidants, anti-irritants, and skin-protecting ingredients. To get the benefits of both toners for normal to dry skin, you can use Moisture Boost Hydrating Toner in the morning and Skin Recovery Toner in the evening.

Skin Recovery Toner for normal to very dry skin is an excellent choice for those who need more help protecting their skin from environmental damage or dryness. Skin Recovery Toner has a richer texture than any of our other toners and contains more plant oils and other emollients than our Moisture Boost Hydrating Toner. This is a great option for dry to very dry skin, extremely sun damaged skin, or those dealing with eczema or rosacea accompanied by dry skin.

Skin Balancing Toner for normal to oily/combination skin is excellent for protecting skin from environmental damage or dryness. In addition, its cell-communicating ingredients can, in theory, help balance skin so its oily areas do not worsen or lead to reddened or blemished skin. Skin Balancing Toner uses a more complex formulation than our Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner, and helps restore normal cell function.

Moisture Boost Daily Restoring Complex with SPF 20:

Should I reapply Moisture Boost SPF 20 during the day?
For casual wear, meaning less than four hours total time out in the sun, it is not necessary to reapply sunscreen as you will be protected all day. If you are perspiring or just spending a longer period of time outdoors, it should be reapplied.

How is Moisture Boost Daily Restoring Complex SPF 20 different from Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 15?
Although both products provide reliable broad-spectrum sun protection, they do so using completely different active ingredients. Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 15 contains mineral actives (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) while Moisture Boost Daily Restoring Complex SPF 20 contains synthetic active ingredients such as avobenzone. Because of this, Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 15 is preferred for sensitive or rosacea-affected skin. The other notable difference is that Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 15 is designed to be used as part of the comprehensive Skin Recovery routine. Moisture Boost Daily Restoring Complex SPF 20 is designed to be used with our Moisture Boost three step system for those seeking a less complicated skin care routine.

Moisture Boost Hydrating Treatment Cream:

I have dry skin. Which Paula's Choice moisturizer should I use?
All our moisturizers address the needs of dry skin and make it feel soft and smooth. Resist Barrier Repair Moisturizer is our lightest cream, while Moisture Boost Hydrating Treatment Cream is richer since it contains more oil. Skin Recovery Moisturizer is our most "protective" moisturizer. The best way to determine which one to use is to sample them and see which texture you prefer.