Works for
2 of 3 advertised claims delivered
Moisturizing20 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“This oil-free moisturiser charges the skin with its clarifying treatment, targeting areas of oiliness and shine for a calm, mattified finish.”
This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.
The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from
within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job:
arginine, betaine.
This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: arginine, cetearyl alcohol.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide np, niacinamide
Anti-blemish4 ingredients credited for this claimGood support
“Purify and balance complexions with the Pixi Clarity Lotion.”
This product might be able to help reduce blemishes and clogged pores because it contains niacinamide.
Exfoliation2 ingredients credited for this claimWeak support
“Salicylic Acid, or Willow Bark Extract, refines the look of pores for a smoother-looking surface.”
This product does not contain effective exfoliating ingredients. It might be able to deliver physical exfoliation, that is scrub off some of the dead cells on the surface of the skin. We do not recommend physical exfoliation, because it is not uniform (some bits of skin can get exfoliated too much while others not at all). It can also traumatize the skin and aggrevate acne and other skin conditions.
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · 3 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide
Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy11 flagged ingredientsMedium risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Glycerin~4.3–5.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinAloe barbadensis leaf water~4.2–5.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but data on its effectiveness is lacking. While the majority of the content is plain water, it can contain some goodies like vitamins, enzymes, minerals, and humectants that help attract water into the skin
More about Aloe barbadensis leaf waterPropanediol~3–3.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolSalix alba bark extract~2.1–2.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It contains a compound salicin that can theoretically be converted into salicylic acid that, in turn, helps reduce inflammation in skin, but the evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking and the extract is usually not used in a concentration that would enable an exfoliating effect
More about Salix alba bark extractNiacinamide~1.9–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamideArginine~1.5–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin
More about ArginineCentaurea cyanus flower extract~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might have antibacterial effect and help neutralize free radicals
More about Centaurea cyanus flower extractHyacinthus orientalis extract~1.1–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Viola tricolor extract~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that might have an anti-inflammatory effect in skin
More about Viola tricolor extractCharcoal extract~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Cucumis sativus fruit extract~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Might be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effect
More about Cucumis sativus fruit extractAllantoin~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
More about AllantoinBetaine~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about BetaineFructooligosaccharides~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about FructooligosaccharidesSodium hyaluronate~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateCeramide np~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide npGlucose~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function
More about GlucoseTocopherol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
More about TocopherolAscorbic acid~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
More about Ascorbic acidCharcoal powder~0.35–0.6%
Carbomer~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerDiheptyl succinate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and creates a nice product finish on the skin
More about Diheptyl succinatePentylene glycol~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolCetearyl alcohol~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcohol1,2-hexanediol~0.2–0.4%
Capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymerC14-22 alcohols~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that helps stabilize product formulations
More about C14-22 alcoholsArachidyl alcohol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency
More about Arachidyl alcoholSilica~0.3–0.6%
Kaolin~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of clay that consists mainly of aluminum silicate. Helps absorb oil and creates a thicker product consistency. Can be used to add a white color
More about KaolinEthylhexylglycerin~0.15–0.3%
Behenyl alcohol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient
More about Behenyl alcoholC12-20 alkyl glucoside~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about C12-20 alkyl glucosideArachidyl glucoside~0.1–0.2%
Xylose~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Caprylyl glycol~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolPhenoxyethanol~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolIngredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Aloe barbadensis leaf water, Propanediol, Salix alba bark extract, Niacinamide, Arginine, Centaurea cyanus flower extract, Hyacinthus orientalis extract, Viola tricolor extract, Charcoal extract, Cucumis sativus fruit extract, Allantoin, Betaine, Fructooligosaccharides, Sodium hyaluronate, Ceramide np, Glucose, Tocopherol, Ascorbic acid, Charcoal powder, Carbomer, Diheptyl succinate, Pentylene glycol, Cetearyl alcohol, 1,2-hexanediol, Capryloyl glycerin/sebacic acid copolymer, C14-22 alcohols, Arachidyl alcohol, Silica, Kaolin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Behenyl alcohol, C12-20 alkyl glucoside, Arachidyl glucoside, Xylose, Caprylyl glycol, Phenoxyethanol
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| PixiClarity LotionYOUR PRODUCT | CeraVePM Facial Moisturising Lotion with Ceramides for Normal to Dry Skin - UK Version | La Roche-PosayToleriane Double Repair Matte Face Moisturizer for Oily Skin | BYOMABrightening Serum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 88% | 85% | 84% |
| Price | $17.00 | $13.50−$3.50 | $19.99+$2.99 | $15.99−$1.01 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 10 | 5 of 10 | 4 of 10 |
| Key difference | — | Ceramide Eop | — | Phytosphingosine |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
Judging from the ingredient list, "Pixi - Clarity Lotion" works well for improving skin hydration To work well, any moisturizer needs to include a combination of water-binding and emollient ingredients. Pixi - Clarity Lotion ticks this box. Arginine, betaine, fructooligosaccharides, glycerin and sodium hyaluronate in this product (humectants) attract water molecules to the upper layer of the skin (the water comes from the outside air or from the deeper layers of the skin if the air is dry). Ceramide np, arginine, cetearyl alcohol, diheptyl succinate and arachidyl alcohol in this product help decrease the water evoporation from the skin, so that it stays hydrated for longer. These ingredients also soften the skin and take away the feeling of tightness and dryness.
Ingredient callouts
- We particularly like that there is a good concentration of niacinamide (niacinamide 1.90% - 2.30%) in this moisturizer. Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is a great ingredient to have in a moisturizer. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and help improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
- This product also contains vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid). It can be an effective active for anti-aging and evening out the skin tone, but in this moisturizer it is used for stabilizing other ingredients in the formulation. In this concentration (0.25% - 0.50%) it cannot have a noticeable benefit for the skin.
- Another benefit is that this moisturizer contain ceramides (ceramide np 0.45% - 0.65%). Ceramides are an important part of our natural skin barrier. The ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or come from plants. They help soften the skin and can help "fill the gaps" in the skin barrier, keeping the skin hydrated and resilient for longer.
Irritation risk
This moisturizer contains actives that can be irritating. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Pixi" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.
Price
The product retails from 7.50$ up to 24.90$ in the United States and from 14.99£ up to 24.00£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 17 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Efficacy and Safety of White Willow Bark (Salix alba) Extractonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
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