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One of the questions I get repeatedly is: What is the best moisturizer for oily skin? And while I have addressed the question whether or not you actually need a moisturizer if your skin is oily (see the blogpost here) or shared my picks in my skincare routines – spoiler: In the summer I skip the cream and only use a sunscreen – I figured I would answer it right in the beginning of this blog post: Yes, I think the pixi Clarity Lotion is a good moisturizer for oily skin.
Why? Let´s have a look!
The whole pixi Clarity Line focuses on Salicylic Acid as main “active”, but in case of the Clarity Lotion, there is actually none included. Instead it contains Willow Bark Extract which, while often referred to as “natural source of salicylic acid”, is not what I would rely on if I want a significant effect.
As always with pixi, the products are not tested on animals and come in their signature packaging with light blue being the determining color for this specific line.
What the pixi Clarity Lotion claims
A light-textured, water-based and oil-free formula boosts hydration of the skin while minimizing the appearance of pores and keeping complexion matte and shine-free.
Some facts about the pixi Clarity Lotion
Price and size
One tube contains 50 ml and retails for 24$ on the website here. The packaging is not exciting, but functional and hygienic, just what I like in my skincare.
Texture and scent
As you would expect from an oil-free moisturizer aimed at oily skin, it is a gel in texture and has no noticeable scent.
How to use the pixi Clarity Lotion
pixi recommends you use it morning and night, emphasizing that it will work great as priming moisturizer. I do agree here, it is kind of sticky when applied to the skin, which means that makeup is kept in place after application, but I still prefer using it in the evenings, at least during the summer time.
Mainly because I, as mentioned before, don´t really use a moisturizer, but sunscreen only in the mornings. Regarding the “mattifying” claim I do not find it takes away shine I already have on my face, I think it is more in regards to keeping the skin matte due to the added Kaolin clay that we will talk more about in a minute
pixi Clarity Lotion Ingredients
Hover the mouse over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.
When we look at the ingredients of the pixi Clarity Lotion, the first main difference to the other products from the Clarity Collection is the fact that no acids are present here. Which is great, if you ask me, as it is easy to overdo with them should you have them in your cleanser, toner AND moisturizer. It does also not include any occlusives, just humectants and emollients, which gives it the light and breathable feeling oily skins crave.
The ingredients I find most alluring in here are Niacinamide, which I adore, Ceramide NP for help in repairing the skin barrier and Kaolin, a more gentle clay that will absorb excess sebum throughout the day.
The last ingredient I want to quickly mention before we move on is the added Ascorbic Acid aka Vitamin C (more about it here). Given that it is in the second half of the ingredient list I personally don´t think it has much of an effect on your skin.
How does the pixi Clarity Lotion compare to…
the Murad Nutrient Charged Water Gel
Which is, as you might know, my favorite moisturizer to date. Other than the price point of course it is the texture that I find different. I much prefer the Murad version as it feels lighter on my skin, but I understand that it is not an affordable option for everyone and that the added fragrance may put some people off. pixis offer is fragrance-free and much more affordable.
Read my full review of the Murad Nutrient Charged Water Gel here
Does it live up to its claims?
Yes.
It is lightweight and oil-free, but hydrating enough for my skin in the summer. I don´t think it keeps the skin particularly matte though, at least not upon first application.
Which skin types do I recommend the pixi Clarity Lotion for?
I do think that the pixi Clarity Lotion is great for oily skins, but quite possibly not enough for anyone that is on the normal to dry spectrum or for more mature skins.
Will I repurchase?
No.
That doesn´t mean I don´t like it, I had it with me in France when during the hot nights anything heavier would have felt suffocation, but I personally would rather spend a little more for something with a few extras to suit my more mature skin.