Some people are blessed with good skin and they can get away with not caring about their skin at all. BUT as in my opinion you should never ignore your skin. I have read at many places, late 20’s is when you should start incorporating some sort of anti-ageing skincare. So I started using over the counter creams from brands Olay, Pond’s etc after 28, which worked well. I am in my early 30’s now and I wanted to learn and focus more on active ingredients. I have studied about retinol and learnt that it can irritate sensitive skin in slightest quantity as well. So I have decided to start with the easiest product to incorporate as less potent active which is a tonic/toner. So today’s review is about PIXI Retinol Tonic.
Price, Quantity & Buy Online:
Netherlands: Buy at lookfantastic €12,45 for 100ml & €23,95 for 250ml.
India: Available with Instagram sellers.
About Pixi Retinol Tonic:
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.
- This multi-action treatment with time release Retinol also replenishes skin with potent antioxidants.
- Time-release Retinol reduces fine lines & smoothes complexion.
- Peptides firm skin & boost collagen production.
- Jasmine Flower heals & balances.
- Alcohol-free
- Suitable for all skin types
- Paraben-free
- Not tested on animals
How to use:
- Use: Either in the AM and PM or when needed.
- 1: Cleanse your face.
- 2: Saturate a cotton pad with the Retinol Tonic and sweep across face, neck and décolletage (avoiding the eye area).
- 3: Follow with a serum or moisturiser.
Ingredients:
Aqua/Water/Eau, Rosemarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Methyl Gluceth-20, PEG-8, Panthenol, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lecithin, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract, Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis Flower Extract, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-27, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Retinol, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower/Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Sodium Citrate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexylglycerin.
My Experience with Pixi Retinol Tonic:
Over the counter creams most of the time do not have pure retinol, most of the time they have other derivatives of vitamin A such as retinoids, retin-A or retinyl propionate. That is why they are easy to incorporate in your daily routine. But Retinol in itself can be irritating for skin. So if you are new to retinol, it is best to start slow and see how your skin reacts and then slowly build up the tolerance. All kinds of vitamin A derivatives can make skin sun sensitive so using sun-protection is also a must. I already have super sensitive combination skin, so I decided to start with Pixi retinol tonic.
Packaging:
Pixi Retinol tonic comes in a clear lavender colored bottle with green cap. Many studies suggest that retinols should not be kept in clear packaging as it reduces their potency and effectiveness. Just wanted to point it out.
Packaging does mention a warning to check with he doctor if you are pregnant.
Consistency & Fragrance:
Pixi retinol tonic is clear liquid with water like consistency. It smells of lavender and rosemary, however scent does not linger for long.
Performance:
I do not like to use my toners with cotton pad, still i gave this a try that way also. Normally I take my toner on palm and then pat it on my clean towel-dried damp skin and let it get absorbed into skin. This tonic gets absorbed into skin nicely without leaving any kind of film on skin. I did a patch test and then started initially with once a day then slowly started using twice a day every alternate day. When i felt my skin is responding nicely I started using it twice a day.
I noticed that it subsides any kind of skin irritation, skin bumps and redness. It feels quite soothing on skin. It does not sting or tingle on skin. I also noticed it takes care of milia or watery tiny bumps which I get sometimes. I felt my skin looks plump and supple while using it. My overall skin looked healthier and evened-out. I have finished my 250ml bottle but I do not feel it has any effect on smile lines or fine lines. May be retinol in this is too mild for that since it is in middle of the ingredient list. This is free from alcohol and parabens.
Final Verdict: 4/5
Pixi retinol tonic is good option for those who wants to start with retinol in their skincare regime. This is a good option to make your skin accustomed to small concentrations of retinol and build the tolerance. If you have sensitive skin and any kinds of retinols have been irritating your skin, you can give this one a try first. There is no parfum in the ingredients list but it contains some fragrance responsible flower extracts.
Do I think it is a must have? No!. Is it good for retinol beginners? absolutely yes! It does what it says. It did not irritate my skin at all and this bottle lasted me for about 8 months. There is an option of smaller packaging, so try it if you really want it. This is definitely milder than glow tonic.
That is all I have to say about Pixi Retinol Tonic. Since I am pregnant, I am not repurchasing this anytime soon. May be in future if i want to start retinol in my skincare, i might repurchase the smaller version.
Have you used Pixi retinol tonic? share your thoughts about it in comment section.
Till next time…take care…xoxo.
I havent used pixie yet but this looks good to start with.
Yes the concentration is low so it is good for beginners..
OMG! You are pregnant, Anu? Congratulations sweety Loved the review! I was planning to try a retinol based product, this one seems good ☺ Take good care of yourself
Thank you Ana… :* This is good option to start with retinol..
I haven’t tried any pixi product yet. And congratulations take care ❤️
I have also just started exploring pixi.. i have heard really good things about their skin tonics..
Thank you :*