Hydralight One Step Face Cleanser
I love the Skin Balancing Cleanser, it removes all of my make up and leaves my skin fresh and clean. But the Hydralight does not remove the make up and leaves my skin greasy. Im going back to the Skin Balancing Cleanser. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We are happy to hear you like the Skin Balancing Cleanser better! We will leave an in house credit for this cleanser on your account to be used toward a future phone purchase. Feel free to contact customer care with any questions.
—Jo
great product!
(Maybe I should have added that I do not use a lot of makeup. I hate the way it feels on my face, almost like a sensory integration issue. Yuck.) But I still love this cleanser. No mess at all, especially when I have to travel. LOVE it!
—Heather
This is the best, no need for any other!
I love this cleanser! I was using Paula's Balancing before, but this requires so little rinsing! So much more convenient, and great for travel. Please do not discontinue this, as you have some of my favorite makeup.
—Heather Way
Disappointed
Have used multiple products from entire Paula's Choice line for several years now but my last order was very disappointing. Tried 2 new Resist items and this cleanser and dislike all of them intensely. This cleanser leaves a crazy shine on my face where the Skin Balancing one never did. And like many other reviews state, this does not remove makeup. I was so disappointed by this last order I switched skin care systems. I am trying the Skin Balancing Cleanser one more time since I am ordering the moisturizer anyway.
Customer Care Response: Thank you for your comments. We are sorry to hear you were not happy with this cleanser or your Resist products. We will certainly pass along your comments and feedback to Paula and her Product Development Team. We hope you like the Skin Balancing Cleanser better. In the meantime we will credit you for the products. Please contact customer care with any questions.
—Jayne
Excellent!!
This cleanser is the best I've ever used! It is extremley gental(great for my sensative/combination skin) and does not leave a resedue. Although I will agree with other users that it is not that great at removing eye makeup. The best part is the value. I've had the same bottle for over 3 months now and I bet it will last me another 2. Awesome!
—Sarah
Amended Review
This is a good cleanser but does not remove makeup. I mentioned this in my last review and Paula's Choice sent me sameples of a different cleanser to try. This is fantastic customer service! I am impressed, and will make Paula's Choice my first choice for any type of makeup and skin care.
—Myra
Deceptively efficient!
I tried a sample of this on a whim, after reading these reviews. Wow. With my oily skin, I have always used a series squeaky-clean cleansers, and then had to pile on the moisturiser to compensate. This cleans my skin quickly and completely. I do wash twice if I have foundation on, and I was toning afterwards just to confirm my skin was clean, but there was no need. This has also become a staple in my travel bag. My only complaint is the lack of sizes it comes in, for the sake of minimising package wastage, a bigger bottle would be welcome, as well as a smaller, more portable one. A great product, just takes some faith!
—Caroline
This is the best!
I have used this cleanser for approximately 5 years now and I wouldn't use any other. It takes all make-up off and rinses completely. Skin feels wonderful afterward.
—Alexis
Very Good Cleanser!
This is a very good and gentle cleanser. It lives up to the claims like all Paula's products. I like it because it's a very light gel texture that doesn't foam that much, so it won't strip my skin. After washing my face, my skin is very soft and not dry at all. However,if you use too hot water, your skin will become dry but that's obviously not because of the product.
I definitely recommend it!!
—Vince
Good
I like this cleanser. It's nice, gentle, water soluble. You need to wash twice to get lots of mascara or eye makeup off, but other than that, excellent product.
—Lucy
Perfrct
As someone with oily/combo skin I always felt I needed a lather to clean my face. Paula broke me of that habit about a year ago and now I tried this cleanser and WOW love it.
—Jennifer
Hydralight
I am surprised how much I like this cleanser. Usually I prefer the lather, the psychological assurance that I am "really cleaning" my skin. This is so easy to use, and rinses SO quickly.
—Heather
One of my favourites cleansers of all times.
I love its gel consistency which slips over the skin to cleanse without rubbing. I also love that it doesn't foam. It cleanses perfectly and gently, then rinses easily leaving my skin soft and smooth, neither greasy nor squeaky clean (which usually means the cleanser is too strong). Especially nice during summer as it feels refreshing. The sole bad point is that, alone, it doesn't remove makeup/sunscreen well, but it's a wonderful morning cleanser.
—Eric
Does everything it says
Love this cleanser. It's light, it leaves my skin refreshed and clean without over-drying it. Perfect.
—Meridith
Ok cleanser
This cleanser was really good but a bit too light for me, I perfer a lather and more product. This product does exactly what it says in that it really is hydra"light". Great for people who dont want that lather and a light cleanser.
—annika
GREAT PRODUCT for Sensitive Skin
Love the feel and the texture of this product. Two days of use and my skin is starting to feel great!! Will continue to use from now on.
—Marie
Highly Reccomend
I have always been one to think that foaming cleansers made my face cleaner and less oily than non-foamers, but I absolutely love this wash. I have sensitive, acne prone skin, and since starting to use this cleanser I have had no issues with my face. My only complaint is that it doesn't do a good job removing eye make-up. I've found that I have to use a make-up remover afterwards under my eyes because even after washing around the eye twice, the cleanser just can't quite get it clean. Other than that, this is a wonderful product.
—Beth B.
One Of The Best Cleansers On The Market!
This cleanser is truly awesome! It doesn't have any annoying fragrance to it, it rinses cleanly, it has mild exfoliation properties to it, and it never strips my skin of its essential moisture. Every time that I use it, I truly know that I am doing something great for my skin!
—S.W.
Falling in love
So I start out giving this a 4 because it took forever for me to determine which products were right for me. I have oily, combination skin because it is oily all year round but in the winter it can get a little dry. However, I have tried a ton of products, some of which I could have eliminated if I knew about paula before I tried them. Anyways, I started with the balancing system and it was too creamy for my oily skin so I finally called the company and talked with a girl who has been more help then I could have imagined. Long story short, I went with almost the whole line from hydra light, except for the day time moisturizer, I use the mattifying. Everything works wonderful and has made a big difference on my skin.
—Amanda
Couldn't live without it!
I began using the one step face cleanser 11 years ago. As a teenager I struggled with acne and tried every prescription and over the counter treatment that existed and everything left my face irritated. As soon as I began using the one step face cleanser I saw an immediate improvement in the way my skin looked and felt. I haven't been without this product since. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
—Emily
great cleanser!
This stuff is great! There is no odor and it has a nice texture and leaves my skin moist and feeling great. Doesn't take of waterproof mascara but everything else comes off without a washcloth.
—Alison
Not my favorite
I have normal/ combination skin with rosacea. I like a gentle cleanser at night before applying my rosacea treatment. In the morning, though, I prefer a slightly stronger cleanser to remove any oily film and give my skin a clean foundation to apply sunscreen. This one did remove the oil, but was mildly irritating and a bit difficult to rinse off. Not terrible, just not my favorite.
—Sarah
Good cleanser!!
This is the first product samples I've tried and I couldn't believe it works so great on my skin, my skin is combination oily and I found this cleanser makes my skin so smooth and hydrated without dryness. I've already made my order and I really can't wait to use it!!!
—Ana
hydralight cleanser
Sorry but it wasn't great. Doesn't remove my foundation very well, even with a facecloth. Takes too much scrubbing and pulling on the skin. Fine for light makeup. Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear about your experience. Please contact Customer Service for suggestions on alternate products. Please note we have a 60-day return/exchange policy.
—Janice
Love it!
I love this cleanser! The texture feels great against my oily skin and rinses clean. The only "complaint" I have is that it is not as effective at removing eye make-up as the Skin Balancing cleanser, but I use a separate eye makeup remover anyway, so it is not a big deal for me.
—Dorota
Not for Eye Makeup Removal
I was excited to try this new face cleanser & makeup remover. It doesn't remove my water-based mascara anywhere as well as Cetaphil. I've been using Cetaphil for years at half the price. Hydralight required more rubbing & much harder to wash off the residue. I can't recommend for makeup removal. For cleansing, takes me too long to remove w. lots of water.
—Erica
Ms
Wow do I love this product!! I love all your products, but this is especially great. It removes all eye makeup without a fuss and really makes my skin look great. Thank you so much, Paula! - Debbie
—Debbie
Wonderful cleanser!
I love this cleanser! It is completely fragrance free, it never irritates my sensitive, acne-prone skin, and it removes all dirt, oil, and makeup from the face with ease.
This cleanser is a joy to use each morning and night. Each and every time I use it, I know that I am doing something wonderful for my skin.
—S.W.
Possibly Perfect
i started using this cleanser when it first came out many years ago. i like to change facial cleansers, just because i get bored and want something new, but i always come back to this one. it cleans effectively, feels fresh and light on the skin, rinses easily and leaves my face soft and hydrated. no odor, no color, no stinging eyes, no stripping (which is a big concern for me, as i have rosacea). it just might be the perfect cleanser. i wish it was cheaper, but the price is actually pretty reasonable. i can't think of any reason to give it less than five stars. oh, and one more thing: you can use a separate eye makeup remover if you feel like it, but this cleanser does remove all eye makeup. if you wear a lot of mascara (as i do), i suggest rinsing your face well before washing to loosen things up. then as you're washing, add a very gentle wiping motion with a damp cotton ball or wash cloth around the eye area. i often use makeup remover myself, just because i am frivolous that way, but i could certainly get by without it. heavy water-proof mascara will usually require a separate remover but i use waterproof on the bottom lashes, and regular mascara on the top lashes. for that, it's fine. if you have normal to oily skin and are not lured by fancy packaging, colors or perfumes, you need to try this.
—Robin H
Great first week!
I've only been using this product for about a week, but it's making my skin look amazing! After the first use it made my skin feel better than it has in a long time. I have fairly sensitive and very acne prone skin and my face is almost completely cleared up after only one week! I would give this a 5 but I'm waiting to see my results after a month of use then I will report back again! I DEFINITELY recommend this product to those with sensitive acne prone skin.
—Emily
Excellent!
I suffer from eczema and whiteheads/blackheads and wrinkles and this cleanser doesn't dry me out and cause wrinkles. It gently cleans my skin while being strong enough to remove my mascara. My eczema is not aggravated and my pores get unclogged with this cleanser and the BHA gel.
—Liezl
I'm Angry
Angry that I wasted time and money on other products all these years! This stuff is great at removing makeup and leaving skin clean. It's very gentle, too. I like this better than the Philosophy cleanser.
—Beth
Great addition!
I have been using the 'Clear' line since it came out and love it, but I was looking for something a little lighter for when my skin is a little more stressed or sensitive. This stuff is amazing. I use it with a buff puff and my skin is clear, clean, and soft. No residue but it does not leave a stripped and overly tight 'clean' feeling. I am so pleased I decided to buy this as an addition to my system.
—Amanda
THE best!
I absolutely love this cleanser even better than the Balancing because it is gentle and removes all debris and make-up and does not strip the skin. I can easily cleanse my eye area and it will not sting. Amazing cleanser have never tried anything like it. Recommend for those with oily skin who wear makeup.
—Kara B
Great Cleanser!!!
I was kinda skeptical when I saw it's written on label that it can remove makeup without harsh rubbing. But when I first used it, I really can't believe myself that it really WORKS! Thanks to Paula's Choice again, I absolutely LOVE this product and will recommend it to my friends!
—Annie
Salicylate Sensitive People Use with Care
I used to use and evangelize so much about Paula's Choice products, but the salicylates and benzoates are making it impossible. This contains benzoates, which many salicylate-sensitive asthmatics are sensitive to.
Disappointing!!
Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear about your experience with this product. Please contact our Customer Care team for assistance in selecting an alternate product.
—Trenna
Doesn't remove oil and makeup
Last time I ordered cleanser got a 16oz bottle for the same price! This one didn't work for me had to use another cleanser to remove Paula's makeup and it's really easy to remove. Will not order this product again.
Customer Care Response: We will send you samples of our Skin Balancing Cleanser to try which is a bit more concentrated and of our Gentle Touch Makeup Remover to try and see how you like them. Please contact customer care with any questions.
—Jeanette
Amazing
It is great to remove makeup. I have combination skin type but it removes the oily part. I will buy this product for the next time again.
—Hoim
One Step Cleanser
This cleanser needs to have more of a foaming action. It leaves a lot of makeup on my face, even when I use a wash cloth.
—Gail Hemenway
Great cleanser!
I love this in the winter for my combo skin. I take a dollop and gently massage it around my face, take a baby washcloth and gently exfoliate. My skin is so soft and smooth! No dryness at all!!
—Katie
Good cleanser but...
This is a good cleanser, if you are not wearing makeup, it does not remove my makeup. Other than that, it cleans my face well. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your feedback. We will certainly pass along your comments and feedback regarding this product to Paula. We will credit you for this cleanser since you were not happy with it. A great way to get makeup off with any cleanser is by using a soft wash cloth when cleansing your face which you may consider trying. Please contact customer care with any questions or concerns.
—Myra
It's alright.
This is a great, non-irritating cleanser that leaves your face feeling smooth and soft. However, I don't feel that it is one-step; instead I think a toner is absolutely necessary afterward because I always find that there's still a lot of residual makeup on the toner cotton pad after I've used this cleanser. I probably won't buy this again. The Healthy Skin toner, on the other hand, is fantastic!
—Cristina
Paula's Choice Rocks!!!
Nice and light cleanser. I have purchased the whole system and love it!! I have always battles blackheads and pimples, but thanks to Paula's Choice, my skin is finally clear and soft. Thanks Paula!!
—Tanya
R. A.
This is hands down the BEST facial cleanser I have ever used. Even though it doesn't lather (and it doesn't need to), my naturally oily and sensitive face feels fresh and clean without feeling dry. It doesn't sting my allergy-prone eyes while I'm removing my mascara, nor does it irritate my skin. I love to try out new products, but I won't stop using this.
—R. A.
Not a cleanser
I don't know who this will cleanse for but it did not do so for me. It doesn't lather or foam up enough at all. I tried using a little more to see if it would and it still did not. This just seems like rubbing a gel over your face with no results. I have used other cleansers that lathered or foamed up a lot more nicely than this that cost less than this. So I am sending this one back. Some of Paula's other products (the moisturizers and skin treatments) are much better. For the cleansers I would go elsewhere.
—Suzanne
Cannot Thank Paula Enough!!
I'm pushing 40 with extremely sensitive skin, i've had rosacea since my mid 20's. this cleanser is the perfect product for me! Never drying and always takes off all of my makeup with put any stinging! what a relief!!
—Karyn
good cleanser
It's so hard for me to find a good cleanser that does not make me break out - this cleanser is great, but I only gave it a 4 b/c the balancing cleanser is AMAZING for me! That is the HG cleanser for me, but this is my 2nd favorite!
—Sung Jang
Too strong for my skin
This cleanser in combination with the other products in this system were too drying for my Normal/Combination Skin.
Customer Care: Please call our Customer Service for assistance with finding a product that will work for you. Also, please note that we have a 60-day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee return policy.
—Cheryl
great for mature ,oily skin
I am 57 y.o.I have oily t-zone with some sun damage and wrinkles. Have been using this cleanser for about a year. I gets rid of the oil and makeup,and leaves my skin feeling soft and comfortable. I did try skin balancing cleanser; it did not clean well enough. I also use and love the skin refreshing toner. I tried the skin balancing toner; it left my skin feeling too oily.I almost forgot to add that I have acne.Since I started using the the 2% b.h.a. liquid ;breakouts are a thing of the past. Thank, You Paula ,for your no nonsense approach to skin care. I subscribe to BEAUTYPEDIA;this has helped me understand what is in the products before I invest my money in them.I now look up a cosmetic item (on BEAUTYPEDIA) before I buy.
—sally
Top Notch Cleanser
Started off using this when I was younger and oilier. Despite the lack of
suds, it's incredibly thorough, yet gentle. LOVE that it's fragrance free!!!
—K.M. Duncan
Thank you for a product that works
I have spent an embarrassing amount of money trying to get my skin clear. Nothing was working, and my dermatologist had become useless (even detrimental). However... with a combination of this cleanser, one of Paula's toners, the 1% BHA gel (and an internal regimen of apple cider vinegar and vitamin B5)... my skin is not only clearing up, it is glowing (I use lotion after the BHA, an Olay product with sunscreen). I never thought I'd be able to look in the mirror and like my skin ever again. So yes, my acne did need an extra boot out the door with ACV, but what a difference the PH in this cleanser makes. Redness has been significantly reduced and my skin looks healthy instead of worn out and dull. This worked for me.
—Alisyn
Great Cleanser for Oily Skin!
I have very oily skin, but most cleansers for my skin-type leave my face stripped and tight feeling. This cleanser takes off every trace of makeup, and leaves my skin balanced and clean. I even use it to remove eye makeup! Glad I got the larger bottle!
—Andrea
Excellent cleanser for oily sensitive skin
Ive tried many cleanser of all different prices but none like OSFC. It cleans, softens, and reduced reddness around the nose and cheek area. Not the biggest fan of Paulas products, but this one and healthy restore skin toner are ideal.
—Anthony P
Utterly incredible
This gel cleanser feels so refreshing on my combination skin (with very very oily T-zone). It's miraculous how it can remove all of my makeup without making my skin feel tight afterwards. In the long-term I've also noticed a better texture and tone to my complexion. Forever Holy Grail product!
—Kira
Love it!
I love this cleanser! I have used it for years. It always leaves my face feeling soft and comfortable!
—Monique
Best Skin Care Line
I am in my 30's & was often mistaken for someone in her 20's. After a lengthy battle with cancer 2 years ago,it really aged me.Thanks to Paula's Choice, my youthful appearance is back & my skin glows! I am once again being mistaken as a twenty-something woman!
—Josie
A+
Great cleanser! Gets rid of oil, softens skin, removes makeup, and rinses easily without making your skin feel tight or completely striped of moisture. Best one I've seen yet (nice price too). A+ Paula!
—Evelyn
Great cleanser
real nice cleanser, feels like nothing and doesnt leave my skin feeling tight or dry. and it doesnt sting my eyes!!! which is really nice because all my other cleansers stung my eyes. makes my face feel heaps clean and washes away that oily feeling. plus keeps in felling clean for ages, even after sweat and sunscreen and makeup - great job!
—annika
The Best
I have been using this face cleanser for a few years now and would never dream of changing. It is absolutely the best. It's very light and refreshing and makes my face feel clean and soft. I would recommend this to anyone! Thanks Paula!
—Jenny
wonderful cleanser!
My skin is combintation oily, some areas are dry and I really like this cleanser, it made my skin smoother and hydrated! I will keep using this!!
—ana
bloody gr8!
cant believe it, my skin is so good now not as oily and less breakouts nothing has ever helped this much! cheers
—megan
wow oh wow
ok i am hooked..i have tried so many brands and will never wander again..best thing about this cleanser, my eyes never water or burn..i just love paula's products and have been recommending to friends...thanks paula
—donna
Best Cleanser Ever!!!
I have a combination skin which is easily to have blemish if it hadn't been cleaned good enough. So my most important part of skincare is 'clean' and I've tried them all!! In all price range, I mean it. Some makes my skin too dry, some doesn't clean enough but this one, I have one word "PERFECT"! Thank you very much Paula :)
—Yoshi Pangnakon
LOVE LOVE LOVE
I can't even remember when I started using this cleanser; its been years. I will never be without this product. I takes off every bit of makeup for never irritates my sensitive skin, or makes my face feel tight. Thank you Paula!
—Diane
Wonderful Cleanser and Makeup Remover
I started using this cleanser about 2 months ago and I must say that it's really nice. My face feels clean but not irritated at all. The best part, though, is that is removes all of my eye makeup without any harsh rubbing. I always hated wearing eye makeup before because it was hell on my eyes to take it off but now I can wear it whenever I want and it just washes right off! My eyes thank you, Paula, for this great product.
—Brandy
Dear Paula, I have been using your skin-care products now for about 10 days and what a difference! I have always had super oily, acne-prone skin. I ordered your One Step Face Cleanser and 2% Beta Hydroxy Acid Liquid to work with the Tazorac I'm on. In just this short time, my face is smoother, softer and less oily during the day! Thank you, thank you, thank you! You have earned another loyal fan and lover of your great product. Thanks again and keep up the good work!
—Kim B.
I bought this cleanser and was surprised to read the back of the bottle that said it would remove makeup. I was skeptical, to say the least, but I've tried it several times now and I'll be damned if it doesn't remove makeup BETTER than the strictly-labeled "makeup removers" I've used. And there's NO pain whatsoever, to my eyes or skin. I'm happily in shock, and am going to stock up on this gem of a cleanser for all my makeup-removal needs! I don't know how you did it, but I'm oh-so glad you did...
—Jessica S.
I started using just your facial cleaners a few years ago and now use almost all of your products...LOVE THEM ALL.
—Jill R.
After two days of using samples of One Step Face Cleanser for Dry skin I was astonished to be able to go to work without foundation! I have EXCEEDINGLY sensitive skin, and didn't know it was possible to apply something without irritation and redness resulting. Yesterday a friend asked if I was pregnant because my skin was glowing. I did not think it was possible for my skin to look so good, and am so thankful! I'm telling friends and family. I 2-day shipped more products because when the samples ran out my skin became irritated again by my old products. I'll only use Paula's Choice from now on.
—Sara
What makes this product unique?
Hydralight One Step Face Cleanser is a wonderful gel cleanser for those who desire a fresh, clean sensation without a hint of residue. This gentle, yet effective cleanser easily removes excess oil and makeup (including eye makeup) without drying or stripping the skin. Even the most sensitive skin can use this cleanser.
This product is 100% fragrance- and colorant-free with a PH of 5.5
Who is this product for?
Hydralight One Step Face Cleanser is ideal for those whose skin has minimal to visibly oily areas anywhere on the face. It is also ideal for those struggling with an oily T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) yet dry skin everywhere else.
How should this product be used?
Hydralight One Step Face Cleanser can be used once or twice daily, as needed.
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. For stubborn makeup, repeat this process or use a soft washcloth.
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 Hydralight One Step Face Cleanser:
Biochemistry and Pharmacology, June 2007, pages 1,786-1,795; Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, June 2007, pages 124-135; Contact Dermatitis, June 2006, pages 303-312; Skin Research and Technology, February 2005, pages 53–60; 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.
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. Repeat to remove heavy makeup.
Do I still need to use an eye or face makeup remover?
Only if you are wearing waterproof mascara or waterproof makeup. Otherwise, this cleanser is effective at gently removing all other types of eye makeup. If an eye makeup remover becomes necessary for tenacious makeup, be as gentle as possible, or you can try going over the eye area again with your face cleanser.
I have normal to dry skin that gets oilier in the summer - would Hydralight One Step Face Cleanser be a good seasonal choice?
Yes! The lightweight, refreshing gel texture of Hydralight One Step Face Cleanser is ideal for use during the humid summer months if you have normal to dry skin.
