Having problem acne prone skin, I am always on the look out for products that will help reduce, diminish and *hopefully* prevent break-outs from occurring. When a product from Paula's Choice popped up in May's 2012 Lust Have it box, I thought it would be the chance to try out a product from this brand that I had heard of, but never tried. I believe Wayne Goss sometimes uses their products, so I felt like I was in safe hands trialling something that wouldn't make my skin worse.
Claims:
From Paula's Choice Website:
"
- Effective For: Acne Breakouts, Blackheads, Enlarged Pores, Rosacea
- New look, same great formula!
- This product was previously called CLEAR Regular Strength Targeted Acne Relief Toner
- Prevents breakouts & fades red marks
- Unclogs & shrinks pores almost overnight
- Non-drying, light-as-water texture
- Significantly reduces inflammation and redness from acne
- Greatly improves skin tone
- Salicylic acid exerts a mild antibacterial action against acne-causing bacteria
- Water-light formula leaves skin refreshed, smoothed, and clarified
- Clinically proven non-irritating
- 100% fragrance free. No added dyes.
- No animal testing"
Ingredients:
Active: Salicylic Acid 2% Inactive: Water, Dipropylene Glycol (slip agent/penetration enhancer), Pentylene Glycol (slip agent), Polysorbate 20 (emulsifier), Butylene Glycol (slip agent), Glycerin (skin-identical ingredient), Sodium Hyaluronate (water-binding agent), Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Allantoin (anti-irritants), Panthenol (skin-conditioning agent), PEG/PPG-17/6/Copolymer (solvent), Methyl Gluceth-20 (skin-conditioning agent), Glycereth-26 (thickener), Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane (skin-conditioning agent), Sodium Hydroxide (pH adjuster), Sodium Metabisulfite (stabilizer), Tetrasodium EDTA (chelating agent).
So here's the run down:
Price: You can purchase it directly from the Paula's Choice website for $38.00, or sign up to be a VIP and receive 30% off which brings it down to $26.60
Weight: 118ml
Packaging: I haven't *yet* purchased the full size product, but the sample size of 30ml is a small cylindrical container with a pop cap and small nozzle to dispense product.
Consistency: Fluid with water-like consistency
Fragrance: Smells kind of acidy or pharmaceutical, which I don't particularly mind and doesn't linger on the skin. You can only really smell it as you are applying it.
Application: I soak a section of my cotton pad with the solution and wipe it over my face, paying particular attention to problem areas, where I press the cotton pad on and leave it for a few seconds.
Finish: Doesn't leave my skin feeling tight or red, but rather cleansed and prepped for moisturiser or serum.
Overall impressions: Overall I have enjoyed this product. Ever since using it in combination with my Michael Todds Charcoal Detox Cleanser or Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser and following up with Trilogy's Vital Moisturising Cream, I have not had one break-out *hope this isn't a jinx!*, but so far, so good. It's the only thing I have changed or added to my routine, so I figure it must be the culpit! I do, however find that Salicylic Acid treatments (this contains 2% of the stuff) works well for my skin, but if you are one who finds it stripping or too harsh I would steer clear. In saying that however, I do have sensitive skin and I have no issues with this product.
Have you tried products by Paula's Choice? Did you get along with them?
Ellen Rozalia xx
*Disclaimer: All products mentioned were purchased with my own money and all opinions are my own
