The different pixi Tonics – which one is best for your skin? | Doctor Anne

ADVERTISEMENT INFO: THIS BLOG POST USES AFFILIATE LINKS AND PR-SAMPLES. I RECEIVED NO MONEY TO WRITE IT. PLEASE READ DISCLAIMER

 

One of the most common questions I get in my comments is: Which of the many different pixi Tonics is the one that is best for my skin? And I get where that comes from, after all at the time of me writing this blogpost, there are seven different options available. I have tried and reviewed all but one (somehow the pixi Collagen Tonic never really came to my attention), so today I will provide you with a short summary for each pixi Tonic available and link to the more in-depth reviews (and videos, should I have filmed one) for more information.

 

Which of the pixi Tonic is right for your skin type?
Only a few of the different pixi Tonic options there are

 

Just to get that out of the way – no, a Tonic (or Toner or Essence, you can read more about the difference of these three here) is not an essential part of your skincare routine. As I mention in the video I am going to link below, they usually contain less “actives” than a serum would and their main purpose is adding an extra layer of hydration. I do however very much enjoy them in my personal routine and think that if you want to test the waters with certain actives or prefer to use lower concentrations daily rather than as a treatment once a weeek, they can be an amazing option.

 

 

pixi Glow Tonic (250 ml/ 29 $)

What the pixi Glow Tonic claims and what it actually does

The Pixi Glow Tonic™ is a highly concentrated, invigorating facial toner that deeply cleans pores by sweeping away excess oil and impurities.

First of all, it is not “highly concentrated”. It contains 5% Glycolic Acid, which is not much, if you compare it to The Ordinary Peeling Solution with an AHA content of 30% or the Drunk Elephant TLC Sukary Babyfacial, which is at 25% AHAs. This is however the main advantage I see, as you can use it several times a week withou risking irritation.

 

pixi Glow Tonic Ingredients

Hover the mouse over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.

Other than Glycolic Acid we have humectants for hydration and a few soothing ingredients, one of the reasons why this is an exfoliating tonic that rarely leads to irritation.

 

Which skin type is the pixi Glow Tonic best for?

If you have texture issues or hyperpigmentation, but your skin reacts easily to strong exfoliants, this is a great one to try. I often recommend it to people that are not that much into skincare and just have some problems they would like to improve, as it is gentle, almost impossible to overdo, yet gives great results over time.

You can read my full review here.

 

 

pixi Clarity Tonic (250 ml/ 29 $)

What the pixi Clarity Tonic claims and what it actually does

Clarifying tonic with potent AHAs, Antioxidants and balancing Probiotics helps to clear skin and minimize the appearance of pores.

While this indeed contains both Glycolic and Lactic Acid, the main selling point here is in my opinion the added salicylic acid, which does the main job when it comes to clarifying the skin.

 

Ingredients of the pixi Clarity Tonic

Hover the mouse over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.

Again some humectants to hydrate as well as Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate Filtrate, actually a post- not a probiotic (More info: What are pre-, pro- and postbiotics?), Licorice Root Extract and a Vitamin C derivative, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (More Info: Everything you need to know about Vitamin C), both of which can help in fading hyperpigmentation. Other than the pixi Glow Tonic the pixi Clarity Tonic does not contain perfume or colorants.

 

Which skin type is the pixi Clarity Tonic best for?

Despite the low concentration of acids present (pixi does not share the exact percentage sadly), I find this one to be more drying than the Glow Tonic with daily use, so I think it is best for teenage skin that struggles with excess oil production and clogged pores. I with my more mature skin reach for it when either frequent mask wearing or hormones give me congestion. (More info: The best skincare routine for teenage skin)

 

pixi Retinol Tonic
pixi Retinol Tonic

 

pixi Retinol Tonic (250 ml/29 $)

What the pixi Retinol Tonic claims and what it actually does

This potent youth-preserving tonic features a unique time-release Retinol to help rejuvenate the skin for a natural glow. Powerful Antioxidants and Botanicals replenish the skin for a smoother, softer appearance while soothing sensitive skin.”

Due to the fact that this is a tonic, you can´t expect to see a strong retinol effect when using it, but that makes it ideal for sensitive skins that want to ease their way into retinoids.

 

Ingredients of the pixi Retinol Tonic

Aqua/Water/Eau solv, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Water, Glycerin sii|h 0 0, Propanediol solv|h, Methyl Gluceth-20 h, Peg-8 h|solv, Panthenol so|h 0 0, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate sb|aox, Sodium Hyaluronate sii|h 0 0, Lecithin emo|emu, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract, Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis Flower Extract h, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer vc, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-27, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin , Retinol cci, Phenoxyethanol pres, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride emo, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower/Leaf Extract h|perf|so, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract perf, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract so|aox|h, Sodium Citrate chel|buff, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil emu|surf, Disodium Edta chel|vc, Citric Acid buff, Polysorbate 20 emu|surf 0 0, Ethylhexylglycerin pres

Hover the mouse over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.

Soothing ingredients like Panthenol, Humectants and a few plant extracts that might irritate sensitive skin. The star of the show is the encapsulated retinol (which is what they mean by “time-released”) and the Palmitoyl-Tripeptide-27, which is a peptide that I assume belongs to the Matrixyl family, but that I have no further information about. (More info: What are peptides and what do they do in skincare?)

 

Which skin type is the pixi Retinol Tonic best for?

If you want to venture into retinoids, but are afraid of side effects, if your skin is sensitive and you need the gentlest retinoid ever, then this is the product for you. I gave it to my sister, who has sensitive skin, to ease into retinoids after her pregnancy and she really liked it. (More info: Your comprehensive guide to retinoids)

Read my full review here.

 

 

pixi Milky Tonic (250 ml/ 29 $)

What the pixi Milky Tonic claims and what it actually does

Calm and soothe your complexion with the balancing and skin-soothing formula of Pixi’s Milky Tonic facial toner.

Like most pixi Tonics this one contains quite a few plant extracts especially from the citrus family that, depending on how your skin reacts to them, could counteract the soothing claims.

 

Ingredients of the pixi Milky Tonic

Aqua/Water/Eau solv, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Water, Propanediol solv|h, Glycerin sii|h 0 0, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil emo 0 02, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride emo, Sodium PCA sii|h 0 0, Avena Strigosa Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Barley Protein, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract aox|so, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract so|aox 0 0, Euterpe Oleracea Sterols, Linoleic Acid sii|emo|surf, Oleic Acid emo|emu, Linolenic Acid sii|emo|surf|perf, Sodium Hyaluronate sii|h 0 0, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract perf|vc, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Fruit Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract so|aox|h, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract emo, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract perf, Phospholipids sii|emo, Lecithin emo|emu, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil emu|surf, Phenoxyethanol pres, Potassium Sorbate pres, Disodium EDTA chel|vc, Citric Acid buff, Sodium Benzoate pres, Benzyl Alcohol pres|perf|solv|vc, Sodium Citrate chel|buff, Xanthan Gum vc, Ethylhexylglycerin pres

Hover the mouse over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.

Apart from the mentioned plant extracts there are many humectants as well as Linoleic and Oleic Acid and Phospholipids, all of which are important for the skin barrier and thus help with soothing irritated skin. Worth mentioning are also the Green Tea Extract many love and the Oat Extract that reminds of the beneficial effects Colloidal Oat Meal has in skincare (More info: The benefits of Colloidal Oatmeal for your skin).

 

Which skin types is the pixi Milky Tonic best for?

It is indeed best for those looking for gentle hydration (and are not sensitive to any of the added extracts). I liked it a lot in the winter, whereas I preferred the pixi Rose Tonc for summer.

Read my full review here.

 

 

pixi Vitamin C Tonic (250 ml/ 29$)

What the pixi Vitamin C Tonic claims and what it actually does

Pixi Beauty Vitamin-C Tonic is a daily facial toner that contains Vitamin-C, a potent Antioxidant that is known to boost skin luminosity.

Interestingly enough there aren´t really many claims regarding the tonic here, other than the fact that it contains Vitamin C (both in form of Ascorbic Acid and in form of Citrus Extracts and Waters).

 

Ingredients of the pixi Vitamin-C Tonic

Aqua/Water/Eau solv, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Water, Propanediol solv|h, Glycerin sii|h 0 0, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice so|h, Ascorbic Acid aox|sb|buff, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract emo, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract perf, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract perf|vc, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract aox|so, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract aox|emo, Beta- Carotene, Ferulic Acid aox|amic, Tocopherol aox 03 03, Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil aox|emo|amic, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Extract surf, Microcitrus Australis Fruit Extract, Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract exf, Citrus Glauca Fruit Extract h, Caffeine aox|perf, Sodium Hyaluronate sii|h 0 0, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate amic|pres, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Citrus Junos Peel Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride emo, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil emo|perf 0 3, Phospholipids sii|emo, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil emu|surf, Sodium Benzoate pres, Potassium Sorbate pres, Citric Acid buff, Disodium EDTA chel|vc, Phenoxyethanol pres, Ethylhexylglycerin pres, Sodium Citrate chel|buff, Sodium Hydroxide buff

Hover the mouse over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.

Ascorbic Acid alongside a lot of Citrus Extracts and Citrus Waters as well as Ferulic Acid and Vitamin E as antioxidants, some humectants and some Caffeine – basically a hydrating antioxidant cocktail. The sheer amount of different plant extracts might be too much for sensitive skin though.

 

Which skin type is the pixi Vitamin-C Tonic best for?

If hyperpigmentation is your main concern, the Vitamin C Tonic is a great addition to your routine, as it helps fight oxidative stress and lessen pigmentation. As with all the tonics it is important to keep in mind though that the low concentrations here are not as effective as the ones in a serum for example. (More info: What is a serum?) That can be a good thing though if your skin doesn’t tolerate higher concentrations of Ascorbic Acid.

Read my full review here.

 

pixi skincare review
Pixi Rose Tonic

 

pixi Rose Tonic (250 ml/ 29$)

What the pixi Rose Tonic claims and what it actually does

Naturally soothing and rich in nutrients, this tonic helps to tone, balance pH, minimize redness and calm skin. Rehydrates, replenishes and refreshes.

Just like claimed, I found this Tonic to be very lightweight, refreshing and calming. Compared to the Milky Tonic I preferred the Rose version for the summer, as it is just a tiny bit lighter.

 

Ingredients of the pixi Rose Tonic

Hover the mouse over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.

A little bit of hydration, a little bit of antioxidants, this is nothing that promises visible results like the pixi Glow Tonic, but amazing if you want a lightweight layer for a summer morning. Or evening of course – it is just that I gravitate towards it more to start my day.

 

Which skin types is the pixi Rose Tonic best suited for?

Every skin type with the exception of those sensitive to any of the ingredients could use this one, but I think it is best suited for those that don’t have a specific concern they want to address, but just refreshment and a lovely scent.

Read my full review of the pixi Rose Tonic here.

 

Bottom line

pixi really has a Tonic for every skin concern, but in the end I wouldn’t stress out too much on picking the “right” one. Due to their nature they won’t have a huge effect, but are more of a supporting crew with other products doing the heavy lifting.

You will probably get the most visible results out of the pixi Glow Tonic, especially if you haven’t used any exfoliants before, but other than that experiment and see which ones you like the best.

If you want to get a vote in the next Ask Doctor Anne Topic, Ingredient Spotlight or product I review, don’t forget you can head over to my Patreon account to get more involved!

 

Which pixi Tonic is the best for your skin? Click to find out!
Pin me!

 

Shop the post

(Visited 23.528 times, 1 visits today)