hydralight healthy skin refreshing toner
I purchased a few moiusurizing products and found them to be great on my skin but after beginning to use this toner my skin has been extremely red and inflamed. I am not sure what ingredient, or if its a combination of what I am using, but I cannot use this any longer. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We are sorry to hear of your experience with this toner. It is designed for those with extra sensitive skin. While the response you have indicated is not typical, 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. For that reason, we have located your account information and applied a credit for the product. Please contact customer care with any questions.
—gin
Not as soothing/calming as I had hoped
I really wanted to love this toner, but after I apply it my skin burns (sometimes just slightly but other times pretty bad), and I don't see any hydration taking place...not that I expected it to be super-moisturizing or anything, I just wanted a light moisture boost after cleansing. This toner might work great for others, but I noticed someone else said they experienced burning as well so I am not sure. Also, the inner lid/rubber thingy sticks to the cap for me too. All things considered, I wish I would have ordered the Balancing Toner instead. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We are sorry to hear of your experience with this product. This is a very gentle and soothing toner. While the response you have indicated is not typical; 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. For that reason, we have located your account information and applied a credit for the product. We suggest the Skin Recovery Toner instead of the Skin Balancing Toner, we will send you samples to try. Please contact customer care with any questions.
—Rebekah
I like this.
Initially I had complained that it never dried. Well, that was during the humid season. Now it dries just fine. I am not sure what it is doing, just taking Paula's advice into consideration. Since I've used this in the drier months, however, what beautiful skin I am seeing in the mirror! I truly cannot believe it.
Wow, this amazing woman is making fragrance-free products for those of us with sensitive skin, and these products are like a miracle! I still do not honestly know what to rate this product, but I know that the gestault is worth 5 stars.
—Heather
Good product, bad bottle
I consider this to be a great year-round toner that compliments my skin care routine. I've had no trouble with breakouts or stinging and I have combination skin that can be acne prone at times. My only complaint is that the cap seems to break on every bottle i have (the rubber stopper on the top comes off and is very annoying). One time I threw it away and then had half the bottle leak in my travel case. Please consider another type of bottle top on this great product! Customer Care Response: We understand your frustration with this happening to your toner bottle. We will pass it along to Paula and her packaging team for review. In the meantime we will place a replacement order for you. Please contact customer care with any questions or concerns.
—Valerie
Problematic
I have combination skin. There is something in this that really irritates my skin. It caused my skin to break out in red bumps along the cheekbone areas. I have tried most of Paula's Toners, though I haven't had great success with a lot of them. This breakout problem is also true for both the RESIST and the Skin Balancing Toners. However, the Skin Recovery Toner and the CLEAR Acne Regular Strength Toner did not have this effect. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We are sorry to hear of your experience with this product. While the response you have indicated is not typical, 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. For that reason, we have located your account information and applied an in house credit for the product. Please visit Beautypedia to see which toner from other brands you may try. If no toner works well for you, it would be best to not use a toner in your routine. Please contact customer care with help with your skin care routine.
—Callee
Bottle is a problem!
I like this toner, it leaves my skin feeling really clean and fresh. The only problem with it is that the bottle opening/plug thing sticks to the cap and you have to detach it and put it back on every single time you use it or else you'll use way too much product at once. really annoying! Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We understand how frustrating this experience must be. We will issue you a replacement product for the inconveniences. We do track any problems with packaging and yours will certainly be noted. Please contact customer care with any questions, we are happy to help!
—Valerie
CAUTION!
I agree with those who say this toner stings their skin or has immediate redness. My skin reacted immediately to this toner. After much comparing of ingredients of the various PC products that bother my skin, I have concluded that there are a couple of ingredients in OC products that I can not tolerate
1)Sorbic Acid.
2) Camellia (Green Tea) extract)
One is supposed to be hypo allergenic but of course I have immediate contact reaction to Sorbic Acid. The other ( Green Tea extract) is supposed to be soothing. Alas it is NOT soothing at all. I figured this out by comparing ingredients on the products. I find it especially amazing that the more Green Tea extract a product has the quicker my skin reacts. So the calming lotion was anything but calming. Just passing along some hard earned observations. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We are sorry to hear your skin does not respond well to these ingredients. We do list all the ingredients we use in each formula on the web site so please feel free to check them out. Please contact customer care with any questions or concerns.
—Carol
Refreshing!
I never used toners before because I thought they would dry out my skin. After reading about the good and bad of toners on Paula's Choice I gave this one a try. It's so refreshing and not drying at all. It really feels like it's waking up your skin. This toner has helped keep my skin clear and is great for getting rid of any makeup residue that your cleaner might have missed.
—Sarah
Surprisingly amazing!!
I never had much use for toners. I read somewhere that it was a useless step for facial cleansing. After reading Paula's websites and book, I decided to include a toner in my regime. Well... not only does it calm the redness on my face (especially around my nose where I've been constantly red for ages) but it has helped heal my acne scars and my face is now finally looking smooth and clear. I'm not sure if that's what the toner is supposed to do but that is what I've noticed since using it. This is my first time using Paula's Choice and I'm so glad I've finally found a skin care line that actually takes care of my face! Thank you Paula!
—Jeannette
Perfect
Love this toner so much. I have tried all PC toners and I feel this one is perfect in the morning. I have normal skin, not too oily or too dry, no break outs just normal. This toner feels so refreshing in the morning and doesnt make my face feel tight or doesnt leave any sort of residue but my skin still feels hydrated. Love all the antioxidants in this. My "Toner Secret" is I use this toner in the AM and S.R.toner at night with a cotton pad. THEN I take the Resist Toner w/ a spray top and spray my face and let the Resist Toner soak in before I move on to my exfoliate. My skin has never looked better. There is NOT a toner out there that even compares to PC toners. Good job!!!
—armanda
Fairly good
I bought a tester at first and i fell in love with it. So, i decided to buy a full bottle. It did well on my skin but a week after my skin started to burn! Anyway, i will try the Skin balancing toner instead.
Still love PC product! Customer Care Response: Thank you for your feedback. We are sorry to hear this product did not respond well with your skin. It is designed to be very gentle but we know that each consumer may have a different experience. We will credit you for this product and send you the Skin Balancing Toner samples instead to try. We are haveing trouble locating your account so please contact customer service.
—Ticha
Loved but lost
So before I really got to enjoy this toner The squirt cap got stuck inside the cover and I lost a whole lot of toner as I proceed to soak a cotton pad. This also happened with my first bottle of Skin Balancing toner. Could you guys consider a spray bottle? as I'm sure this has happened to others. Thanks in advance. Customer Care Response: We certainly understand your frustration with this product. We will pass along your comments to Paula and her packaging team. In the meantime we will have a replacement toner mailed out for you. Please contact Customer Care via Phone, Live Chat, or Email for further assistance.
—Michele
Amazing toner
I never used toner before this. I purchased this because toner was the one step I didn't have in my Paula's Choice skin care regiment. I can't believe I haven't used this before. This step made all the difference. My skin looked a lot better before, but now it's perfect. I didn't think a toner would make a difference, but it hydrated my skin without clogging my pores. I use the Clear cleanser, this toner, BHA 2%, serum for oily skin, and the Pure Mineral sunscreen. My skin is PERFECT. I have never had perfect skin my entire life. It's usually a red, pimply, irritated mess. I hardly wear foundation any more. I just can't believe it. I knew about Paula's Choice for years but never ordered. I'm so glad I did. I will NEVER go back to anything else!
—Kim
Did not work for me
My skin is sensitive, and red over chins, forehead and nose. I am very worry about applying new stuff to my face. I tried this toner for the first time hoping It would hurt, but I had to washed with water my face because I felt my skin was burning and became very red.Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear about your experience with this product. Please contact Customer Service for further assistance for returning or exchanging this item.
—Yuliett
Hydralight Toner
The verdict is still out on this one. I love the cleanser, but toner, though chock-full of good things, does not dry immediately and I end up having to rinse it off my face in the morning to proceed with sunscreen and makeup. Good for night, but necessary?
—Heather
I Love This Stuff!
This makes my face feel soo good. I feel clean and hydrated and ready for the next step in my beauty routine. Can't say enough about how good this product is! I have dry skin and was using the one for very dry skin, but this moisturizes too, and feels refreshing.
—Linda Stratton
Nice Enough
I use this product in the evening after removing my makeup. I have oily, acne prone skin at 47 years old. It is a nice toner, nothing special, but it does not irriate my skin and it seems to remove any remaining makeup/oil from my skin
—Debi
Love it, but would like a bigger size
I don't mind the price tag on Paula's products for the most part, because they all perform so well and I know they have way more antioxidants and other good ingredients than most products in the same price rage. But, I do wish she would offer some of the smaller products (toners, weightless sunscreen spray, etc) would be offered in larger portions/bottles. I would pay the higher price for more product at once.
—Liz
So soothing!
I bought this as the green tea content and the other antioxidant content is high. This toner applied after cleansing is so soothing and calming! Love it!
—Katie
Great toner
I really like this toner - it keeps the flakes away with no burning or irritation. Great prep before applying makeup.
—Missy
Good product
Doesn't burn or sting and adds has some great ingredients. Good value as well.
—Joe
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
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
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
Very good product
I love this toner. I have oily, acne-prone and sensitive skin and use this toner as my main "moisturizer". I have tried the Skin Balancing toner also, but this one just seems more soothing. I know the Hydralight line doesn't get much hype (and too bad, because it's wonderful!), but please do not discontinue it!
—Dorota
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
Best toner on the market thats best for me :)
This is the best toner that I have used that doesn't sting. It does a great job at cleaning the leftover makeup and dirt. Also this doesn't leave my face feeling oily a few hours later. I tried some samples and loved them. Now if I could get my hand on a full size, I would be a happy girl. Shipping and taxes makes it expensive for us Canadians to perches the products. I'm going to have to take one star for shipping and taxes they are a BEEP! sorry lol. Paula really tries to gives the best deals and prices, so I'm going to have to treat myself for Christmas. I will continue following your latest info and using your great products. Thank you Paula and Team
—Jessie
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
...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
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
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.
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
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
Great toner
This toner is great. Every time I use it after washing, the slightly tight feeling disappears. For me, it's kind of like a very , very light moisturizer. There is no residue. My skin just feels normal. I was very sceptical about the usefulness of toners, but I have to admit: this is great stuff.
—Lucy
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
Too harsh for my skin
This product was too harsh for my skin, had to stop using it, sending it back.
—Cheryl
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
What makes this product unique?
Hydralight 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?
Hydralight Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner can be used once or twice daily, as needed.
After cleansing, soak a large cotton ball or pad with Hydralight 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
Sources to support the claims made for Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner:
Archives of Dermatological Research, March 2010, pages 71–83; Cancer Prevention Research, February 2010, pages 170–178; Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, September 2009, pages 299–304; Phytotherapy Research, September 2009, pages 1,197–1,204; 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; Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, July 2008, pages S7–S12; Dermatologic Therapy, September-October 2007, pages 322–329; 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 Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry, October 1999, pages 3954–3962.
Directions: After cleansing, soak a large cotton ball or pad with Hydralight 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 provide an extra dose of antioxidants and repairing ingredients.
What are the main differences between the five Paula's Choice toners?
Every Paula's Choice toner repairs skin, provides antioxidants, and helps remove last traces of makeup. They do not contain alcohol, fragrance, or unnecessary irritants such as menthol, peppermint, and citrus oils. Below you'll find a brief description for each distinct toner.
RESIST Advanced Replenishing Toner is a specialized formula designed to supply aging skin with a broad range of ingredients it needs to produce healthy collagen while reducing wrinkles. It is a super-charged version of our popular Skin Recovery Toner, with a specific emphasis on improving the signs of aging skin.
Hydralight 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.
Moisture Boost Hydrating Toner contains a broad range of ingredients that aid skin's barrier repair process so those with dry skin 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.
Skin Recovery Toner for normal to very dry skin is for those who need more help protecting their skin from environmental damage or dryness. Skin Recovery Toner has a rich, milky liquid texture and contains more plant oils and other emollients for intense hydration. Excellent for rosacea!
Skin Balancing Toner for normal to oily/combination skin is excellent to help normalize skin and reduce signs of extreme combination skin (oily and dry areas). Its cell-communicating ingredients help balance skin and reduce enlarged pores.
