Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner Review

Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner
5.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
9.2 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.7 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
0.4Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.4 out of 10.
  • Slight anti-wrinkle effect: Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner has an anti-wrinkle rating of 0.4 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner:
 

Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 1.7 out of 10 and a very high humectancy of 9.2 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈4.0%) and Glycereth-26 (est. ≈3.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Slight Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 0.4 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈0.3%), 
 one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients. A clinical study involving 30 participants (Kawada et al.) confirmed that a cream with 4% niacinamide reduced the average depth of wrinkles around the eyes by 9% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without niacinamide).
 
Among others, Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner also contains Ascorbyl Palmitate, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Ascorbyl Palmitate provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, this ingredient does not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Borago Officinalis Seed Oil (est. ≈1.3%), Sodium Hyaluronate (est. ≈1.0%), Tocopheryl Acetate (est. ≈0.3%), and others.

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Pros & Cons of Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • Lightweight texture
  • A humectant moisturizing boost for any skincare routine
  • Provides slight anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution

Cons: 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Cyclopentasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glycereth-26
Function:
Origin:
Dimethiconol
Function:
Origin:
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Borago Officinalis Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Superoxide Dismutase
Function:
Origin:
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Function:
Origin:
Myristamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Laureth-4
Function:
Origin:
Laureth-23
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Benzoic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
9.2
4
3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
3.4
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 9.2 10
9.2
4
3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 3.4 20
1.7
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 9.2 10
9.2
All humectants
9.2
4
3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 3.4 20
1.7
All occlusives
3.4
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 0.3 0.4
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0.4
Niacinamide
0.4
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Ascorbyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 3.8 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
3.8
Borago Officinalis Seed Oil
1.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
1
Niacinamide
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Ascorbyl Palmitate
0.3
Superoxide Dismutase
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 3.7 5 No
All soothing
3.7
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Cyclopentasiloxane
Est. %6
Function
Origin
CyclopentasiloxaneA lightweight, fast-spreading emollient that leaves a very soft and silky after-feel on the skin. Supplied as a clear and colorless liquid, cyclopentasiloxane is often used as a solvent to dissolve other silicones in.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Glycereth-26
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Glycereth-26

A glycerin-based ingredient with humectant moisturizing properties. It is an excellent emulsifier and thickener.

Dimethiconol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
DimethiconolA synthetic dimethicone with rich, non-tacky emolliency. It features the typical sensorial profile of silicones, with high spreadability and a luxurious, oil-free after-feel. Dimethiconol can also serve as an antifoaming agent.
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) OilAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient fatty oil expressed from the seeds of a yellow-flowered plant which often opens its flowers in the evening (hence the name). It is light and suitable for problematic, eczematous, and inflammation-prone skin.
Borago Officinalis Seed Oil
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Borago Officinalis Seed OilA fatty emollient and occlusive oil expressed from the seeds of borage flowers. It has a uniquely high content of a rare gamma-linolenic acid and also contains squalene, phytosterols, and vitamin E.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Ascorbyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl PalmitateA form of vitamin C derived from ascorbic acid and palmitic acid. It is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. Unfortunately, Ascorbyl Palmitate lacks the studies to prove its anti-wrinkle efficacy.
Panthenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Allantoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AllantoinA fluffy, white powder that acts as a humectant due to its water-loving chemistry and as an exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells. It has also been shown to be very soothing to irritated and inflamed skin.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Hydrogenated Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated LecithinA version of plain lecithin that has been saturated with hydrogen atoms. This ingredient can be derived from plants, like soy or sunflower, from egg yolks, or made synthetically. Its major function is to emulsify water and oils.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Niacinamide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Superoxide Dismutase
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Superoxide Dismutase
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor OilA castor oil-derived ingredient often used to incorporate small amounts of oil (such as a fragrance) into a water-based product. PEG-4 HCO is a gold-standard solubilizer and can be used in low amounts due to its ability to solubilize things so well.
Myristamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Myristamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
Laureth-4
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Laureth-4A surfactant that can suspend oil droplets in a large water phase. The oils are typically fragrances or other oils added in small amounts. Laureth-4 is listed among common comedogenic ingredients by acne.org.
Laureth-23
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Laureth-23Laureth-23 is a strong emulsifier that is perfect for bringing oils into water-based products. It can be used to mix fragrance or to add to shampoos. It plays nicely with other emulsifiers and ingredients, and can show synergy when used with other emulsifiers of the same type like Laureth-7.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChlorphenesinA preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Benzoic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzoic AcidA preservative effective against fungi, yeast, and some bacteria. It is commonly paired with phenoxyethanol to create a broad spectrum preservation system. Benzoic acid can also serve as a pH adjuster, fragrance, and bulking agent.
Sorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbic AcidAn organic acid that can be naturally found in the berries of the Mountain ash, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It is used as a preservative and antimicrobial agent, protecting a skincare product from spoiling.