Pixi Glow Tonic

There was a time when the Pixi Glow Tonic Exfoliating Toner was so incredibly popular it was out of stock all of the time. I remember walking into the Pixi store in Carnaby London in 2012-2013 back when it still had a more bulky packaging which looked like it was DIY-ed. As it so happened to be the store had just fully restocked on its bestseller and I passed on the opportunity.  There’s hype and there’s too.much.hype. The latter can be quite off-putting, which was the case for me at the time. Today it’s still one of the more popular affordable toners out there which is why I gave the Pixi Glow Tonic a second chance during my last visit to London, where I picked up a bottle of this cult favourite.

So what is it exactly? The Pixi Glow Tonic Exfoliating Toner is like the packaging says, a toner. You can use it AM and PM after cleansing your face by putting some on a cotton pad and sweep it over your face (avoid the eye area). This particular toner is an exfoliating toner, which means it helps get rid of dead skin cells that are built up and can lead to clogged pores. The result of using an exfoliating toner is a brighter and more even skin tone, plus it helps prep the skin for your moisturizer. In time exfoliating helps stimulate collagen production and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Ingredients: Aqua, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Seed Extract, Glycolic Acid, Ammonium Glycolate, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Fructose, Glucose, Sucrose, Urea, Dextrin, Alanine, Glutamic Acid, Aspartic Acid, Hexyl Nicotinate, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Biotin, Polysorbate 20, Fragrance.

I think it’s safe to say the effectiveness of this toner has its no-nonsense ingredients to thank. The Pixi Glow Tonic is a chemical exfoliator that draws most of its exfoliating abilities from Glycolic Acid, which is categorized as a common AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid). Glycolic Acid is known to penetrate the skin quickly so it can cause irritation, but since the percentage is only 5%, I found it to be quite gentle on the skin. The lack of alcohol and the heavy presence of aloe vera helps too.

This toner was originally marketed towards the more drier skin types, but as a person with combination skin, I say this is one everyone will enjoy. I use it every other day and I have to say it does have a positive effect on my skin. It looks brighter, more even and glowy. My acne hasn’t improved yet (still looking for the source of this evil that has been haunting my face lately), but overall I’d say this was a pretty darn good purchase!

Also available in travel-friendly 100ml size and ‘Glow Tonic To-Go’ exfoliating toner pads (60 pcs).

Do you have any good toners you’d like to recommend? Hit me up in the comments!

Pixi Glow Tonic ( 250 ml) – $ 29 / £ 18
Available at Pixi, Marks & Spencer, Cult Beauty, Look Fantastic, Target,..

Disclaimer: The product mentioned was purchased.