Paula's Choice • One Step Face Cleanser-Normal to Dry Skin • Cleansers

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*TOP REVIEWER* joy2uandme on 12/28/2012 1:32:00 PM more reviews by joy2uandme

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

I just bought this again after not using for awhile. It doesn't dry my skin and I didn't experience any breakouts so big pluses there but what I realized is that it didn't remove my makeup.

I cleansed with an oil cleanser. Then I used the One Step Cleanser Normal Dry on my Clarisonic finishing with another round of the One Step. My face should have been pristine as this is my usual method sometimes minus the second wash after my clarisonic. I did not have on anything but tinted moisturizer and concealer so I was not trying to get off long wearing foundation either.

Well the next morning I used a washcloth with the One Step Normal Dry and I found the washcloth full of makeup still on my face!

Bottom line I guess you have to use a washcloth with this cleanser to fully remove your makeup. And for me that's a deal breaker. I already use a precleanse with a washcloth so prefer not to have to use a washcloth with my cleanser all of the time, and if I remember correctly this used to be her spiel--that a cleanser SHOULD rinse clean.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Safin on 2/15/2011 1:50:00 PM more reviews by Safin

Age: 44-55   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

I have used 3 samples of this cleanser, so I cannot judge this by it's performance for a longer period, but what I can say is that it is very very drying. I have oily sensitive skin and this cleanser made my seb. derm much worse in only a few days. Normally I like the Paula's Choice cleansers, but this is absolutely not suitable for normal to dry skin as she claims. I also tried the Clear cleanser, which was much more gentle!
I think the problem is the SLES very high on the ingredient list and the Cocomidapropyl Betaine which is a mild cleansing agent, but is an irritant for some people.

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Jamima on 1/10/2011 5:46:00 AM more reviews by Jamima

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

Fabulous cleanser. My skin is combination and it gets the makeup off, doesn't feel greasy and doesn't dry out my skin. As I have oily skin in the T-zone and large pores I need to use a grainy scrub a couple of times a week and Paula's Choice 2%BHA which keeps that area smooth and unblocked. For years I've been using Clarins cleansers because I love the foam up feel however believe that for the results and price, this product is a keeper. Note: I do use a makeup remover to remove eye makeup.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Kirstie on 1/8/2011 10:53:00 PM more reviews by Kirstie

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I have been using Cetaphil for years, but I wanted to try this Paula's Choice product when I heard that it can also be used to remove eye makeup, and that it is more effective at removing makeup from the skin than Cetaphil. I love it! I had been experiencing some dryness, even from the gently, non-foaming Cetaphil, due to the fact that I use Retin-A to keep my acne at bay. No more flaky spots around my mouth after switching to this cleanser. You only need to use a small amount (less than with Cetpahil, as this is a more dense, richer product, so you get more "coverage"), so it seems like it will be very cost effective. It also is truly effective at removing makeup, from foundation to waterproof mascara, and feels really gentle. As long as this keeps working for me, I won't be going back to Cetpahil.

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alohahawaii on 12/5/2010 12:53:00 AM more reviews by alohahawaii

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

My new HG! I was using the Skin Balancing Cleanser, however, I found it to be a little drying. I saw a review on youtube about this One Step Cleanser for Normal to Dry skin and I took the risk. I even bought the huge 16 oz. bottle. I use this with my Clarisonic and it is perfect! It has a slight lather and it rinses cleanly, plus it doesn't dry out my face. For a product that does not have any scent, I feel pampered when I use this cleanser. I think the 16 oz. bottle will last me quite a while. I will be purchasing again. Yes, there are cheaper cleansers out there and some work wonderfully, but I chose to pamper myself and my complexion couldn't thank me more. I get compliments on my skin everyday and I used to have really bad skin. Thank you Paula!

EDIT: I would love this to be my HG, but unfortunately I have returned to my Purpose/ Clean and Clear Foaming Face Wash Sensitive Skin. It is all about budget. I would rather afford PC's other items that actually stay on my face.

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amberw22 on 10/15/2010 10:20:00 AM more reviews by amberw22

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Fair, Warm   Hair: Other   Eyes: Blue    

PC Cleansers are my HG! They don't strip your skin and leave it dry yet they leave it super clean and take all your make up off. I barely need eye makeup remover anymore.

I've tried three of hers and I actually like the one for Normal to Very Dry better (Skin Recovery Cleanser). The reason is just for consistency. This Skin Recovery Cleanser has a milky texture like Purity by Philosophy. This one has a silky lotion texture which I don't love as much. Don't get me wrong, I still love this stuff, but just prefer milky.

In the summer I switch to the Hydrolight Cleanser b/c my skin gets less dry.

My hubby's razor burn cleared up and he admitted to me that he started using my cleanser. He traded his harsh stuff for this delicate formula. Paula really knows her stuff.

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*TOP REVIEWER* agibeault on 6/29/2010 6:09:00 PM more reviews by agibeault

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

This stuff is good, but a smidge more than I would pay for a cleanser, when you factor in the shipping and duty. I think it cleaned sufficiently but didn't knock my socks off. It also left my face feeling tight after.......which isnt a huge deal because I load up the moisturizer, but should be noted. I *would* but this again, but probably won't ..unless they have a sale.

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chakalakakhan on 5/20/2010 2:41:00 AM more reviews by chakalakakhan

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

Best cleanser ever. After trying some samples of this product, I really wanted to purchase the full bottle, but I still have to use up my Cerave cleanser.

This actually feels like the Cerave cleanser but has better skin nourishing ingredients and takes off all my makeup!!

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*TOP REVIEWER* agl112 on 4/18/2010 10:46:00 AM more reviews by agl112

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I love this cleanser because it is very kind and gentle to my combination, sensitive skin. When I first started using Paula's Choice products almost 10 years ago, I used her One Step Cleanser For Normal To Oily/Combination Skin. Since my skin has been changing during my 40's, I no longer can use that since it's too drying now and have switched to this and the Skin Recovery Cleanser, both of which have soothed and cleansed my skin effectively. I prefer to use Josie Maran Bear Naked Wipes to remove makeup first and then follow with a gentle wash of either of these 2 cleansers. The result is cleansed, soft skin with no redness or irritation. Highly recommend!

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*TOP REVIEWER* mapn on 3/13/2010 4:01:00 PM more reviews by mapn

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Cool   Hair: Red, Straight, Coarse   Eyes: Green    

I tried a sample and thank goodness it was only a sample. Horrible stuff. Made my skin red and aggravated instantly. Let's just face the facts, my skin can't tolerate Sodium Laureth Sulfate in high concentrations at all. All in all, I just don’t seem to have much luck with most PC products... still experimenting with samples though.

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MaggieBen on 2/5/2010 7:49:00 PM more reviews by MaggieBen

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

This has become my HG cleanser... I swore by Purity or Cetiphil for years, but when I started using this regularly (along with several other Paula products) my sensitive, flaky, combo skin has turned into the skin I always wanted. I use prescription Retin A and had flaky skin all the time... Since I stopped Purity, started using this... my skin has really evened out, and seems more balanced and I have been able to increase my use and strength of the Retin A... I am thrilled! .This does not remove eye makeup as well as Purity... and I wear heavy duty waterproof, eye shadow, liner and mascara...so I use a eye make up remover by Clinique and then cleanse with this. I couldn't recommend this higher... especially if you have sensitive, easily irritated skin like me.

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sharonbethd on 1/31/2010 10:01:00 AM more reviews by sharonbethd

Age: 44-55   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

Love this stuff!!! I read the reviews and was surprised some said it was like Cetaphil. they are similar but Cetaphil doesn't remove eye and face makeup....this one does. No more using additional products (unless you use waterproof mascara etc.). I also like the way Philosophy Purity made Simple works but had trouble with the smell and Dr. Denese Hydrating Cleanser but that was way more expensive (although I love her products...especially the serum).

I may try the normal to oily for summertime.

this with my Clarisonic is the best.

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lesley123 on 10/26/2009 12:20:00 AM more reviews by lesley123

Age: 30-35   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I love this cleanser. I am so sensitive sometimes, even Cetaphil irritates me sometimes (But I think my skin doesn't like something in it). This is one of the best cleansers I have found in years. Takes off all my makeup, leaves my face clean, but not dry. No fragrance. Very milky textured, but unlike most cleansers with that texture, this cleans everything right off, and leave no residue, I have tried soooo many cleansers, and there is nothing like this on the market. I am dry and sensitive, but breakout as well, so I need something gentle, yet cleasing. Would recommend for anyone on any serious acne medication or anything irritating like differin or Retin A, Would also recommend if you need gentle and clean!!! Unlike most "gentle" milky cleansers that leave a film. If you are going to order it, get the big bottle, it lasts for 2 months, and is very reasonably priced if you compare to drug store/makeup counter prices for facial cleansers. The packaging is plain, but who cares if it works!!!!

EDIT: Well I found the last 6 months my face has been raw and dry, and I stopped using this and went back to Dove, and some La Roche Posay cleasers....and my skin feels so much better. I liked this for a while, but I think it has something a little harsh in it. Not sure. Going to stay clear for a while.

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Mollybad on 10/20/2009 12:48:00 AM more reviews by Mollybad

Age: 44-55   Skin: Normal   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Hazel    

Yuck. While I LOVE the consistency of this cleanser and how well it rinses off, it DRIES out my face terribly. It also makes me BREAK OUT, more than with any other cleanser I've tried. Very, very disappointed. I can't believe how many people like this cleanser and haven't been dried out/breaking out.

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bluelegend on 10/16/2009 3:34:00 PM more reviews by bluelegend

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Definitely the BEST Facial Cleanser I've ever used. VERY Smooth and you only need a tiny amount to cover your WHOLE face. Goes onto your skin smooth and removes all the dirt. Washes off easily without a trace but leaving the skin moisturized. Perfect Cleanser.

PS: I would recommend people who uses heavy makeup or strong sunscreen to use a "OIL CLEANSER" beforehand because this cleanser may not be sufficient. A good one would be "MAC Cleanse off oil"

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*TOP REVIEWER* coriforia on 10/9/2009 7:59:00 PM more reviews by coriforia

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

This was my go-to cleanser when I had dry skin. My skin has become oily so had to switch to Boscia's Purifying Gel Cleanser (HG for oily/acne skin!), but if my skin decides to turn dry again I'm going right back to this! Takes off makeup and leaves skin clean feeling without a film and without being super tight. If you have dry, sensitive skin, you should definitely try this!

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Momeramas on 9/26/2009 5:54:00 PM more reviews by Momeramas

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I have tried a lot of cleansers out there, and I find myself coming back to Paula's Choice. It leaves my skin feeling soft and clean, there is no funky scent, and it is reasonably priced. Pay the buck extra and buy the pump. I was surprised to see that people here thought this cleanser does not remove makeup. Perhaps I am not caking it on, but my regular foundation comes off nicely with this product. Of course, I use a regular eye makeup remover before washing my face.

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furby623 on 9/5/2009 2:58:00 PM more reviews by furby623

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I've been using this cleanser for 3+ years. It leaves my skin soft and doesn't have the tight feeling at all. It doesn't remove makeup well so I always use makeup remover first and always use a Q-tip w/ eye cream to remove the last traces of makeup. I use two pumps each time so the bottle last for a long time. Good value!

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nostradamus on 7/10/2009 6:11:00 PM more reviews by nostradamus

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

I didn't like the soapy consistency and scent of this cleanser. It felt too much like I was putting hand soap on my face... Furthermore, I did not appreciate the presence of parabens in a product I would be using on my face each day.

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lizebath on 7/4/2009 12:18:00 PM more reviews by lizebath

Age: 19-24   Skin: Very Dry, Fair   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

As a male with sensitive skin, I've tried quite a few cleansers out there and I find almost all to be over-drying. This is one of the first cleansers that actually calm my skin - definitely sticking with it!

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