Product Rating:   (26 reviews) toner
This toner really is fantastic. I love Skin Balancing Toner, but my skin tends to dry out in the winter and this solution has done a nice job of keeping dry patches in check. My skin feels softer and smoother than it has before. I love this entire line of products and just recommended the Skin Balancing set to a friend struggling with acne. I tell everyone who asks me why my skin suddenly looks so great!
—Mary E

Nothing tops Paula's Choice
Thank you so much Paula for a wonderful line of skincare that has saved my skin. I will never use any other line and i have confidently recommended this line to everyone i know. I recieve complements all the time on how fantastic my skin looks!
—Rebecca R.

oh my gosh !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i am 46 . blackheads still plague me . 6 months on paulas choice - NO MORE BLACKHEADS ! i am completely astounded !thank you thank you thank you
—ellen godfrey

Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner is the BEST!!!!
I love your Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner! It's the only toner that doesn't leave my skin red and irritated! I love that it is fragrance free and leaves my skin feeling fresh, clean, and moisturized. Thank you for an amazing product!
—Jamie H

Tina
I have to say that after only one use, I noticed how "refreshing" this toner is! I prefer it to the Skin Balancing Toner, but that is always individual, yet with my acne prone skin, I want that clean feeling and that is exactly what I feel with this toner. Again, thank you Paula for knowing "your stuff!"
—Tina

Great product
Great toner. Makes my oily/combo skin feel great. It's quite refreshing, actually, just as the name implies. The only improvement I would suggest would be to offer it in a LARGER bottle.
—Sang

My ABSOLUTELY favorite toner of all time!
No irritants, only good things for your skin, and it leaves the most wonderful 'refreshing' feeling to your skin! I will stock up on this one to avoid ever running out! I've tried a couple of Paula's other Toners over the years and while they were OK, this one is something I never want to be without again!
—Cheryl Leui

My Favorite Toner
Great job Paula! I've used 3 other PC toners. Two that are now discontinued were fine, no complaints. And Skin Balancing Toner, which I didn't have good results with. This one however is terrific! No breakouts, no slick texture, no tightness, just clean and smooth and happy skin. It's much better than the old formulas and I love it! I might have to stock up too!
—Katina

Too harsh for my skin
This product was too harsh for my skin, had to stop using it, sending it back.
—Cheryl

The BEST toner!
This is the best toner I've ever used!!! I especially love how it takes off the last little bit of make-up and leaves your skin feeling fresh but not tight. I hope you keep this one around forever. Thank you so much Paula!
—Lea Holland

Absolutely Amazing!
This toner is absolutely perfect! It does the exact job that its description says. It goes on easily with no tingling or stinging. My face feels extra clean and smooth after I use it. I have not had any blemishes since I switched over from the Skin Balancing Toner to this toner. I highly recommend this product!!
—K

pretty decent
I like the anti-oxidants packed into this toner, and it certainly is refreshing. But, for those with oily skin during the warmer months, the skin balancing toner is probably to be preferred because of its slightly moisturizing properties. As for me, I use balancing during the day, and healthy skin at night! A winning part of my anti-acne regimen.
—Kendall M.

Improved toner!
I bought several PC products over a year ago. Cleanser, toner, moisturizer. I think the change was overwhelming for my skin leaving it red and irritated. Decided to find a mild cleanser (use Cetaphil) and investigate other toners,etc. Well, a good toner is very hard to find! So I came back to PC recently and this time ordered samples of both toners for combo skin. BINGO!I found a toner I can use. The Healthy skin refreshing toner is wonderful. Time to place an order for this toner.
—Carol M

Really Actually Refreshing
I have never used a toner that actually made my skin feel "Refreshed", until I tried this one. It doesn't irritate my acne-prone skin and leaves it clean and ready for the next step in my skin-care regimne.
—Mindy

What is with the stinging?!!!
Paula, what's the deal? Why does this product sting? I was really looking forward to trying your toners and I got this as a sample along with Extra care Non-greasy Sunscreen. Both of these product stung especially around the eye area. Paula has say time and time again that the skin around the eyes are no different than skin elsewhere on the face, so I don't know why my eyes stung more so than the rest of my face. I was hoping it would just go away after a while, but it was so bad that after a couple of minutes my eye area was getting all red and puffy and I had to get it off my face ASAP. I couldn't really find any ingredient overlap between the products, so I don't know what might be a prime suspect in the irritation. Given the number of complains about this problem with the sunscreen, I think some type of explanation is due! Customer Care: Thank you for sharing your feedback on our Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner and Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 45. We are sorry neither of these products worked well for you. With few exceptions (such as AHA products) stinging upon application is not an expected reaction. Rather, it is an adverse reaction and your skin's way of telling you that, for whatever reason, the product is not compatible. Paula and her team go to great lengths to formulate our products, always paying attention to the potential for a negative reaction. Unfortunately, even the mildest products will still cause some people's skin to react negatively. This is true for any cosmetics company. Again, we apologize that your experience with these products was unsatisfactory. We would be happy to send you some additional samples of other products and will credit you for the samples you purchased. Please contact our Customer Care team for additional details on how to proceed with either option.
—Freda

Stings.
I tried a sample of this and it made my skin sting. Customer Care Response: Thank you for the feedback. We apologize that this product did not work on your particular skin. Please feel free to contact our customer service team via Live Chat or phone to discuss other product options.
—Jimmy Nguyen

Just Perfect
I am 68 years young. This toner is usually my only moisturizer due to mostly oily skin (yes, 68). I hope this is never discontinued. This toner rocks.
—Pat Moore

Better than Skin Balancing Toner!!
This works much better on my combination/oily skin. The Skin Balancing Toner felt greasy and I started breaking out after using it. I recommend this toner over the SBT if you have oily or combo-breakout prone skin, and I will definitely buy this again. I haven't tried the Clear Toner (regular strength) so I can't compare it to that. But, the texture is clean and light, like water really, and it doesn't dry you out or sting.
—Katina

So-so
This toner was okay, but I liked how my skin felt when I was using the Skin Balancing Toner better. It seemed to feel softer. I understand that everybody's skin is different and that some people prefer the Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner, but I have since gone back to the Skin Balancing Toner and hope that you never discontinue it.
—Susan P.

Excellent!
I have occasional breakouts on the T-zone, especially my chin area and this toner really does the job in keeping my entire face balanced and under control. No tight, dry feeling; no greasiness. I love the fact it contains nothing harsh such as alcohol or witch hazel which those in the stores contain. Will never be without it!
—Olivia

...perfect.
My skin was filled with acne when I came home from a vacation and I needed something to work fast without irratating my skin. This did the trick and its great that its loaded with antioxidants. when I'm out...i have to buy it again!!
—chloe

Love It!
I tried this toner first when I received a free sample and I'm so glad I did. It's filled with antioxidants and gives a light bit of moisture, perfect for winter and my patchy driness. It's safe enough to use even though I get occasional acne and can't put just anything on my face. There's not scent and it absorbs quickly making your face feel smooth and perfectly lightly hydrated.
—Janelle

Products work great for scalp too!
Im very pleased with the entire PC brand.Recently,I looked into other uses for PC produts since they worked fabulously for my face. I first tried this HSR toner on my scalp and it felt great. The greentea and grapeseed extracts make a BIG difference in scalp and hair condition. I use this with a dropper(1ml) after showering and before minoxidil treatment and it has been working a miracle for hair. Also, PC BHA 1% or 2% is great too for the scalp. It really helps with scalp itch and flaking. I apply it after showering with a 1ml dropper. Im happy with PC forever. For years i have spent $$$ for gimick prodcuts that made skin worse such Dermalogica,
—Tony

LOVES IT!
In addition to the cleansing and exfoliating I do to my skin with other Paula's Choice products, this toner cleans my pores and preps my skin for the rest of my Paula's Choice regimen.
—Liezl

Doesn't Work For Me
I have combination skin and this toner makes my face oily. It also has a heavy feel to it. I prefer her original toner she had years ago. It felt like nothing on the skin. I can't use this at all. I'm sad it didn't work for me. Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear about your experience with this item. Please contact Customer Service for assistance in selecting an alternate item.
—W

gorgeous!
This is a gorgeous toner. It helps keep my skin in perfect shape. I have experienced much better results with the Healthy Skin Toner than with the Skin Balancing Toner. I use this in all seasons. Thank you Paula!
—Francie

What makes this product unique?
Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner is the type of toner more cosmetic companies should offer, but don't. When used after cleansing it helps skin restore and repair itself. This unique formula works immediately to improve skin function and reduce cellular damage and inflammation thanks to its antioxidant-rich formula. It's 100% irritant-free base leaves a nearly imperceptible finish that's especially beneficial for combination or oily skin. During summer months or in humid climates this may be the only moisturizer your skin needs. It is also helpful for removing the last traces of makeup.

This product is 100% fragrance- and colorant-free.

Who is this product for?
This product has been specially formulated for normal to oily/combination skin and is also a great option for those with sensitive skin.

How should this product be used?
Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner can be used once or twice daily, as needed.

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

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

Water, Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Leaf Extract (antioxidant), Epilobium Angustifolium (Willow Herb) Extract (anti-irritant), Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract (antioxidant), Sodium Hyaluronate (water-binding agent), Glycerin (skin-identical ingredient), Methyl Gluceth-20 (humectant), Sodium PCA (water-binding agent), Allantoin (anti-irritant), Butylene Glycol (water-binding agent), Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol (preservatives), Bisabolol, Panthenol (anti-irritants), Polysorbate-20 (emulsifier), PEG-90M (stabilizer), Sodium Chloride, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Potassium Phosphate (pH adjusters), Phenoxyethanol (preservative).

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

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.