My Favorite Toner
This is my favorite Toner from Paula's line. I'm pretty sure I've tried them all by now. Before I found Paula's products I tested out so many toners from drugstore to department store lines. What I love about Paula's toners is that there is no alcohol or anything bad for the skin in her products. This is my favorite toner because it feels so soothing on my skin, it gives a little bit of moisture back, and it's loaded with antioxidants. It feels just as nice as the Resist Advanced Replenishing Toner but you get more product for less money with this one. Seems like a way better value to me. I will keep buying this toner as long as she keeps making it.
—Elizabeth
Love it but...
I love this toner and have used it for quite some time; however, with the last two bottles (arriving in the same shipment), the inner "stopper" popped out when I tilted the bottle to dispense the toner. I lost a large amount of toner from each bottle. This never happened before, so I'm wondering if there was a manufacturing glitch. In any case, I advise checking before you try to dispense. 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.
—SALI
Great toner!
I just recently discovered Paula's products and purchased several products to be my new skin care routine for day and night. I'm 29 and recently my skin has started breaking out like crazy. I thought this toner would be able to help with redness and irritation and it definitely has. I love the milky consistency and it does not dry out my skin. The only problem I've had so far is the cap that controls how much liquid comes out of the bottle. In just two days of using this product, that particular cap detached somehow and will not come out of the lid! Not sure if this is a defect in the packaging or in just this bottle itself, but thought I'd let you guys know. However, I still love the toner and I just have to be extra careful when pouring the toner onto a cotton pad. 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.
—Leslie
Great
Makes my dry/eczema prone skin feel great removes any excess makeup the cleanser missed(I use revlons colorstay which really "stays") doesn't dry me out, very calming!
—Becky
Just OK
This isn't really a standout to me. It did not make my face breakout like many of Paula's other toners. It didn't make my skin look shiny. But didn't feel as moisturizing as I expected. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We are sorry to hear you were not happy with this product. We will leave the purchase price of it on your account to be used on a future phone order but cannot locate it on your account. Please contact customer serivce so that we may discuss your skin care options and offer you an in house credit for the toner.
—Callee
2 thumbs up!!
I absolutely love this toner! I have rosacea and this is the only product that has ever diminished the redness almost completely!! Been using Paulas products for 2 yrs now and love how my face looks and feels.
—Kathy
LOVE it! Excellent product
LOVE this toner! I have been using it morning and night for over a year. I live in a dry climate and have dry skin. This toner is very soothing and seems to give my skin just what it needs. I use Paula cleanser and moisturizer as well and mhy skin has never been better. Thank you Paula! (Now, if you'd just bring the matte lipsticks back!!)
—JS
I Wanted to Love it, But...
I really wanted to love this toner. I'm 24, and thought it was a good time to start supplementing my routine with antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, cell-communicating, and skin-identical ingredients, and thought a toner was a good way to go. I have very sensitive, reactive skin, and am generally wary about introducing new products into my skin care regimen. However, I did my research and saw that this product was highly recommended on Beautypedia and was included on the "Best Sensitive Skin Products" list.
This serum has a nice consistency--light and slightly moisturizing--and that's where the good part ends. Immediately upon application, my skin started to sting, and my face turned bright red and got very hot.
I really wanted to love this product, and am confused about why I had such a negative reaction to it when it is color/fragrance free, and is suited for people with rosacea and easily irritated skin. I don't think I dare give it a second try, though, and will be sending this back for a refund. Customer Care Response: Thank you for taking the time to review this product. We are terribly sorry to hear about your experience and will make sure that your account is credited right away. While the response you have indicated is not typical, we understand that each consumer is distinctly different which means they may respond differently to our products (whether used alone or combined with other products). This along with everyday environmental factors can sometimes play a part in how someone will ultimately respond to a product or combination of products. Feel free to sample other options mentioned on Beautypedia in the best toner section to see how they work for you. Please contact customer care with any questions.
—Vanessa
no difference
I've never felt the need to use toner(I use all Paula's Choice products)& I've never had skin problems. I love the way Paula's products make my skin look & feel(been using them for years) On my latest order, with the offer of free samples, I asked for several samples of this toner. I have been using it & I don't see or feel a difference. It does not irritate or dry my skin, nor does it make it feel hydrated or clean or particularly 'good' in any way. I use it on a cotton pad & afterwards my pad does not have any makeup or dirt on it whatsoever. I think if you wash your face well, you will not have leftover makeup and/or dirt. I think I'll save my money and skip this one & any toner in general.
Customer Care Response: Thank you for sampling this product and supplying your feedback. We do understand that each customer will respond differently to products and respect your decision to skip this step. We did want to mention that aside from being an extra cleansing step, our toners in general contain a good dose of skin repairing ingredients that can reduce redness, alleviate dry patches and contribute to overall healthy skin. If you have any question about this toner or any other products in our line, please contact Customer Care, we are happy to help!
—D
Perfection in a bottle
This is an awesome toner! The ingredients list is chock-full of antioxidants and soothing conditioners, and the texture is soft and milky without being the least bit oily (although a sample packet I had was oddly slick and sticky, as though it wasn't mixed well when it was packaged--I highly recommend giving this another try if you were put off by a greasy sample). I love using this after the Skin Recovery Cleanser. The price is more than fair for the fantastic formula, but I can make a bottle stretch pretty far by pouring a little into my hand and then patting it on rather than letting a cotton pad soak it up. That way, none is wasted. This is a must-have for cold weather, and I'll be buying it again when my bottle is in its final weeks.
—Jane
Love the product, not the packaging
This product is great, it gives an extra bit of cleansing and moisturizes nicely. Or at least, it's great until you try to shake out a few drops onto a cotton pad and end up pouring half the bottle down the sink, because the stopper has come out of the neck of the bottle and adhered to the lid. Definitely transfer this to another bottle, or use at your own risk. Customer Care Response: We're sorry for your experience! This is not typical for the Skin Recovery Toner, and we will be happy to send you a replacement or process a refund for you. We will contact you directly via email with these options.
—Jessie
Bottle Size
Good product but the size of the bottle is way too small. It's very inconvenient to order so often. Please offer a 16 oz. size!! Customer Care Response: The potent ingredients are very sensitive and need to be used up within a timely manner but we will pass along your comments to the Product Development Team and Paula for consideration.
—M.H.
Feels Good on My Skin
My skin is dry and sensitive and I have great difficulty in finding products that are both moisturizing and non-irritating. Skin Recovery Toner works great for my skin! I suggest that it also comes in a refillable travel size container.
—Citron
Absolutely incredible!
Like many others, Paula's Choice products have completely revolutionized my skin. I am no longer embarrassed by red, irritated, and inflamed skin, thanks to Paula's skin recovery products! This toner is wonderful - soothing and cleansing, removes last traces of makeup, and really nourishes my skin. I definitely notice a difference with this product!
—Emily
So soothing!
A couple of months ago, I switched from the Moisture Boost Toner to the Skin Recovery Toner because the Moisture Boost Toner was causing some irritation for me. The Skin Recovery Toner feels so incredibly soothing going on, it makes me wonder why I didn't switch sooner! Now, after using it for a while, I am starting to see the benefits of using this toner. After applying it at night, when I wake up in the morning, my skin feels so soft and smooth, I can't stop touching my face. I also love the extra hydration it gives my skin and it seems to make my daytime SPF moisturizer (Moisture Boost SPF 20) work better. I will never be without this product again. Thanks Paula!
—Jennifer
bottle size
I'm a great fan of Paula's toner, but like several other products in your skin care line, the bottles are just too small. I'm constantly running out & having to re-order. Wouldn't it be more economical and earth friendly plus less hassle to just have larger bottles? Thank you. Customer Care Response: Thank you for sharing your feedback. We will pass your request along to Paula and her Product Development Team.
—Shirley
Best Toner Ever!
This toner is amazing! I have extremely sensitive skin and this toner does not irritate it whatsoever. It is very moisturizing.I absolutely love it!
—amollie
Great Toner
I have such sensitive skin and this is the only toner that my skin has not reacted to. I love the "Recovery" Skin Care Line of Paula's. I highly recommend this toner and line; it softens my skin, gives it hydration and vitamins for the skin to heal and repair itself. It is gentle, soothing and supportive for the skin, maximizing the results of the whole skin care line on the face.
—L.D.
Great hydrating
I bought the spray attachment and inserted it into the bottle. This toner has become my hydrating mist which I use at night or when I feel like I need a boost. The mist sprays on evenly. I love this toner and would recommend it to anyone!
—Katie
Toner - Normal to Dry
I love all the products I've bought here but this does not agree w/my skin. It makes my skin extremely dry, flakey, peely and red.
—Stephanie
loves Paula hates toner
Too drying for my skin but I've tried tons of toners and all they do is dry my skin and cause it to burn. I thought Paula's would be different, definitely returning and getting money back.
—Jennifer
Toner feels wonderful
This toner feels so nice on my skin; hydrating but leaves no residue. Very gentle and has not irritated my sensitive skin at all.
—Sarah
Wow!!!
I have terribly dry skin and had been using other supposedly "dry skin" toners, which stung like crazy. Your toner is sleek, smoothing and gentle. Another reason to love your skin care products!
—R. W.S.
Amazing Product for Redness Relief
Your product has done more for my red skin, red acne marks, and dry skin in days what took tetracycline years. Thanks!
—Nate Holmes
A Must
Since I've been using this toner my skin looks very healthy. I honestly didn't think I needed to use toner, but it's been key in keeping my skin clear and well balanced. The first 3 days using this, I couldn't believe what was left on the cotton ball after washing my face. Since then, the cotton balls have been coming out clean, but all the products I use afterwards seem to work 10 times better.
—Kerry
Skin Recovery Toner
Really like this product. Does not dry my skin out but leaves skin feeling very clean. Good prep before using a treatment.
—Amy
Bigger size
Yes, please, a bigger size!
—Sue Gleason
Finally...
All I have to say after years of throwing money out the window on MAC Fix +..I found the perfect alternative without the itching MAC left me with. Also this actually sets your makeup. Will buy again and again!
—Arianna
Great for dirt removal!
This is the most gentle toner I've ever used on my ultra sensitive skin! Even though I wash my face regularly with a very gentle cleanser, I could not believe the dirt that was on the pad after using this toner! This is a great cleansing addition to your regimen!
—Victoria
another use for this toner
After the dry oil body spray was discontinued, I decided to try this moisturizing toner as an after-shower light body spray. I love to do this in the heat of summer, when sometimes lotions and creams just feel too cloying. I use the spray-top, just rub it in all over, add sunscreen to the appropriate places when it dries, and I'm all set for the hottest weather.
Customer Care Response: Thank you for the review! Many of here at Paula's Choice like the Skin Recovery Toner for this purpose as well!
—Lynn
Outstanding...BUT
Left face feeling soothed/hydrated. Did not cause breakouts. The high content(it seems high) silicone left my aging eye area 'looking' slightly dry/dull. Not suggesting changing at all. This is the only high content silicone product that does not leave my face feeling &/or looking terribly dry &/or dull. Much prefer two other of PC's toners.
—Therese
thank you Paula!
I never write reviews too soon. I give products at least 2 months before deciding on a rating. I have combination acne-prone skin, but during the winter it tends to dry out. I needed a toner that prepared my skin for acne treatments, yet kept it soft and supple. I'VE FOUND IT! I love how wonderful this makes my skin feel. Like another user wrote, I could bathe myself in this. I hope this product never gets discontinued!
—Laura
FABULOUS TONER
I absolutely love this toner. It's very gentle, and leaves my dry skin feeling refreshed, soft, and supple. Using this everyday is a little treat to myself that I won't give up.
—Sharon
My skin looks amazing!
Ever since I started using this product my skin looks gorgeous! Does not irritate! I have very sensitive skin! I recommend this product to everyone. Leaves skin feeling silky smooth and clean!
—Paula
5-star formula, 3-star packaging
I should never have waited so long to try this toner! Now I can't imagine going without it. When I see the traces of makeup it removes, I shudder to think that stuff used to stay on my skin! I am not as enthusiastic about the bottle. It doesn't require squeezing, so I usually waste a bit of product when I tip the bottle to pour some onto a cotton ball. It just starts coming out, so I have to make sure my cotton ball is right near the hole. Perhaps a squeezable bottle or spray would be better.
—Jessica
Nice!
This product was quite nice! It didn't cause irritation and left my skin smooth before putting on makeup. I had some flakiness before using this but now it's gone.
—Shiri
Great Product/Poor Packaging
Yes, this product makes my skin feel wonderful, however, as I was dripping it on the cotton ball the top came off and I poured most of it down the sink. Please improve the packaging!!! Customer Care Response - We are sorry to hear about the trouble you experienced with this product. Please contact our customer service team via phone, Live Chat or email so we can make arrangements to have a replacement sent.
—Angela
Wondertful toner except...
I love this toner, it gives my skin the "drink" it needs after washing since my skin is so dry.The only thing is that the bottle is so small, I run out way before the rest of the recovery line :(
—Ever
SO SMOOTH!!!!
I don't have dry skin, but it just works wonderful! especially in cold dry winter months.
the best toner i've tried!
—Allayna
Bottle/packaging
Dear Paula,
This wonderful toner is a life-saver. I truly appreciate your skincare line. However, as with all your other toners I wish that it came in a spray bottle...the consistency of the toner(s) is very thin and runny and must be applied with cotton pads, which I find wastes a lot of product because the toner gets soaked into the cotton pads. Because I love this toner so much, I have been pouring it into my own spray bottle. Wish that it came in a spray bottle to begin with - now that would be heaven!
—Nikki
Dull looking
My skin looks dull after applying this toner. I'll stick with the Skin Balancing Toner.
Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear that this toner did not meet with your expectations. Please contact Customer Service for return assistance.
—CP
Amazing!!
HG product! I fell in love with this toner! I have combination skin which is oily/dry. I tried the Skin Balancing Toner since it is recommended for my skin type, but it didn't work well with my skin, and I actually didn't feel that it did much. (I use the Skin Balancing Cleanser though and it works great) So I tried some samples from the Skin Recovery Toner. Since I have acne-prone skin, I was scared that I would breakout, but after applying it on my skin, it was amazing and no breakout whatsoever! Instead, it helped my skin look better! It's like my skin just drank some "vitamins". It was smooth, radiant and looked really healthy. I was amazed at the result. I ordered the bigger size after that and right now I am still using it and loving it! I guess sometimes products for combination skin doesn't always work for combination skin, I didn't know that I could use a product for dry skin. It is a must in my skin care routine along with my other Paula's Choice products! Thank you Paula!!
—Mimi
Rescued my skin
I have been using this product for about a year and am very pleased with the results. If I go 3 nights without applying it to my chest, bumps and redness of rosacea return. As long as I am using it, I am symptom free. The Skin Recovery cleanser and toner have calmed my skin so that I can use anti-aging products in the Resist line that I would never have considered in the past. My skin is clear, soft and beautiful. Thank you, Paula!
—Tracy
Simply the best!
This toner has made a huge difference in my skin. It's smoother, the tone is more even (instead of red cheeks), and just looks healthy. Thank you for this product!!
—Jessica
Skin Recovery Toner
I am 67 years old. Tried the toner to see if there was a makeup residue after cleansing with One Step and then the toner. The cotton ball was spotless! I love the feel of the toner, didn't sting!
—Willa Cunningham
Another great product!
I use this toner, and sometimes the Skin Balancing Toner, and both of these really make my skin feel refreshed. They have also helped lot with the dryness and redness I've experienced recently since I've started using a retinoid. Applying this toner also leaves my skin without flakes, which is great, since the retinoid makes me peel.
—Sara
Wonderful Product
Using this toner on my dry, sensitive skin is like giving it a "vitamin" or a "nutritious meal." I love it! Like others w/comments, would love to see this packaged in a larger size so don't have to order as often. Best toner I've ever used.
—Virginia Wallerstedt
Great toner
I really like this toner. I grew up with Sea Breeze astringent and laughingly thought that's what toner was (and I wasn't impressed). This really does soften the skin and get every last trace of dirt.
—Liz
The best toner out there
Just wanted to add my voice to the chorus: please make this toner in a larger size. I waited until your free shipping offer, and just ordered four bottles because I don't want to run out again. I am addicted to this step in my skin-care regimen, and hate to be without. No other toner (even those you've positively reviewed) will do. This is my favorite Paula's Choice product.
—Maureen F
Didn't agree with me
This toner caused my rosacea zone to turn bright pink. :(
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.
—Janice
Tried 2 Toners
I LOVE all the PC products I've tried--except this and Final Touch Toner--just didn't agree with my skin. Burned! My face turned red, scaled, and peeled--twice! After 1 week, couldn't stand it anymore.
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.
—Lynda
please offer a larger size
I love this toner, but cant afford it any longer. It is offered in such a small size, and with shipping costs as well I need to order a bottle every 3 weeks. Unfortunately will have to switch back to my old toner even though its nowhere as good. please consider selling it in a large size!
—brodie
excellent product
This is an excellent product (I have a dry/combination skin prone to redness). Refreshes, hydrates, and tones my skin. (I feel the opposite about some other toners from Paula's Choice). I just bought another double set so I won't run out.
—M. P.
love it!!!
thank you, Paula, for creating this amazing toner! it's the best I've ever tried. my skin loves it! I buy it for my Mom too, she lives abroad.
—Oxsana
Terrific!
I'm really surprised at how positively my skin responds to a toner. My rosacea prone skin is in love with it, soothing and calming while imparting light moisture. Terrific!
—Pat
great oily combo in winter
Winter is around the corner and my oil combination skin can became dry. I tried this toner and was amazed of how nicely it absorbed into my skin. For oily comb skin in the winter, this product is not one to pass up.
—Kelly
This is amazing!!!
I absolutely love this toner! I have the most sensitive skin and feel nothing but relief with this product as well as the rest of the recovery line. None of these products made my skin burn as even the Clinique extra gentle cleanser did. I woke up with the best looking and feeling skin imaginable the first night I used these products! I love this toner so much! My skin feels soft and protected after using it! Thank you!
—Kelly
Great
I am 51 - dry skin. I had never used toner because of the alcohol. I have used this toner or 2 months and it r makes my skin feel so smooth and silky - my make up looks better and I just realized my skin doesn't feel tight and dry anymore. I will be a customer for life. A larger size would be great because I basically bathe my face in it two-three times a day.
—Janie
Fantastic product
I used your products for months before I finally tried the skin recovery toner (I was remembering my teen years and toners that burned my face). This is so gentle and makes my skin feel so clean and soft, it's now a must have for me. In the summer, I've found that I don't even need any moisturizer when I use this toner.
—Chris
Great Ingredients!
With the whole paraben scare alive and well, thank you for making your products without those paraben preservatives.
—Liezl
Love it
I really like this toner. I'm 55 and it has a smooth and comforting feel to my skin when I use it. Since I use it every day, I would really like to see it offered in a larger size, like the cleanser is, as I end up having to order it too often!
—Kaye
a
After using Paula's Choice skin care products for years, I recently reordered and tried the new Skin Recovery line with amazing results. Having sensitive and dry skin, these products are fabulous for me. I especially like the toner in this line. It is mild and effective, and toners have been irritating for me in the past. Thank you for these wonderful products!
—Charlotte S.
If I could bathe my entire body in the Skin Recovery Toner I would. The formulation is so elegant and refreshing, my skin absolutely craves it! Thank You thank you for creating it!
—Marin T.
What makes this product unique?
Skin Recovery Toner has a richer consistency than any other toner you may have tried. Its milky texture is loaded with skin-protecting antioxidants, essential lipids, cell-communicating ingredients and restorative skin-identical ingredients to leave your skin feeling silky-smooth and better able to recover from damage. Skin Recovery Toner delivers key ingredients which are vital to reviving skin's intercellular matrix to help eliminate dry, flaky skin as it soothes redness and sensitivity. When used after cleansing, it helps skin restore and repair itself. It also works to remove last traces of makeup.
This product is 100% fragrance- and colorant-free.
Who is this product for?
Skin Recovery Toner is best for dry to very dry skin, extremely sun damaged skin, or those dealing with eczema or rosacea.
How should this product be used?
Skin Recovery Toner can be used once or twice daily, as needed.
Shake well. After cleansing, soak a large cotton ball or pad with Skin Recovery Toner and gently stroke over the face. Do not rinse off. Follow with the appropriate Paula's Choice moisturizer, sunscreen, exfoliant and/or specialty product. Can be used as a repair treatment after peels or microdermabrasion.
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 Skin Recovery Toner:
FEBS Letters, December 2009, Epbulication; Dermato-Endocrinology, March 2009, pages 72–76; International Journal of Molecular Medicine, August 2008, pages 229–236; 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; Exogenous Dermatology, June 2004, pages 154–160; American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, May 2004, pages 327–337; Dermatologic Therapy, January 2004, pages 16–25; Archives of Pharmacal Research, December 2002, pages 747–758; Toxicology Letters, December 2003, pages 65–73Skin Research and Technology, November 2001, pages 227–237; and Contact Dermatitis, November 1998, pages 231–239; and www.naturaldatabase.com.
Directions: Shake well. After cleansing, soak a large cotton ball or pad with Skin Recovery Toner and gently stroke over the face. Do not rinse off. Follow with moisturizer 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.
