Pixi Glow Mud Cleanser

Pixi Glow Mud Cleanser

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium

Works for

Exfoliation
Glycolic acid, Urea
Works well
What the product description says
“Deeply cleanse and gently exfoliate with the PIXI Glow Mud Cleanser; an active yet gentle cleanser with 5% Glycolic Acid that reveals a glowing, healthy-looking complexion.”
Source: Lookfantastic

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: glycolic acid.

Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid~1.5–2.2%
UreaKey activeEffect: MediumNaturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations~0.35–0.8%
Cleansing
Glyceryl stearate, Cetyl alcohol + 3 more
Cleanses gently
What the product description says
“Glow Mud Cleanser”
Source: Lookfantastic

This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (cetyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate, hexylene glycol, sodium trideceth sulfate, xanthan gum) and should be able to cleanse the skin gently. Still keep in mind that any cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, and most people do not need to cleanse their skin more than once per day.

Glyceryl stearateEffect: HighAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~3.5–5.2%
Cetyl alcoholEffect: HighA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~3.3–4.9%
Sodium trideceth sulfateEffect: High~1.3–1.9%
Hexylene glycolEffect: HighHelps create a more spreadable product texture~0.4–0.95%
Xanthan gumEffect: HighUsed to create a thicker product consistency~0.15–0.65%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
2 strong irritants: Hexyl nicotinate, Parfum
Medium risk
We flagged 11 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Glycolic acidAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acidHigh~1.5–2.2%est.
Anthemis nobilis flower extractA plant extract that one one hand, can contain compounds that can help calm down skin irritation, but, on the other hand, its other compounds (especially fragrant ones) can themselves be irritatingHigh~0.55–1.25%est.
Hexyl nicotinateMight be able to enhance blood flow in the skin. Can be irritating and result in skin rednessHigh~0.3–0.75%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.1–0.5%est.
Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~23–34%est.
Hexylene glycolHelps create a more spreadable product textureMedium~0.4–0.95%est.
Persea gratissima oilAn emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier functionMedium~0.3–0.75%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.3–0.7%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.65%est.
ChlorphenesinA preservativeMedium~0.16–0.32%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.1–0.3%est.
Comedogenic
1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
1 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Triticum vulgare germ oilA good emoillient. Contains vitamin E which can help neutralise free radicals, however the oil is unstable. Avoid if you have gluten or wheat sensitivity (including food allergies).3/5~0.3–0.7%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~23–34%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingReduces rednessReduces irritationAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishAnti-aging

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juice
Carthamus tinctorius seed oil~5–7.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the skin and might help calm down inflammation

More about Carthamus tinctorius seed oil
Cetyl alcohol~3.3–4.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol
Glyceryl stearate~3.5–5.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate
Diatomaceous earth~2.9–4.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Diatomaceous earth
Glycerin~2–3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 Glycerin
Glycolic acid~1.5–2.2%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
ExfoliationEvens skin toneAnti-agingAnti-blemish

An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid

More about Glycolic acid
Sodium glycolate~1.2–1.8%
Formula
Lauroamphocarboxyglycinate
Not recognized
Sodium trideceth sulfate~1.3–1.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Sodium trideceth sulfate
Squalane~1–1.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.

More about Squalane
Anthemis nobilis flower extract~0.55–1.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Reduces irritationAnti-inflammatory

A plant extract that one one hand, can contain compounds that can help calm down skin irritation, but, on the other hand, its other compounds (especially fragrant ones) can themselves be irritating

More about Anthemis nobilis flower extract
Saponaria officinalis leaf/root extract~0.45–1.1%
Formula
Hexylene glycol~0.4–0.95%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps create a more spreadable product texture

More about Hexylene glycol
Fructose~0.4–0.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Fructose
Glucose~0.35–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function

More about Glucose
Sucrose~0.35–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In crystal form, it can work as a gentle exfoliant, gentler than the salt scrub. Helps stabilize the emulsion

More about Sucrose
Urea~0.35–0.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingExfoliation

Naturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations

More about Urea
Dextrin~0.35–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A sugar that is used to stabilize the product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Dextrin
Alanine~0.2–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingEvens skin tone

An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking

More about Alanine
Glutamic acid~0.2–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An amino-acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Glutamic acid
Aspartic acid~0.2–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

An amino-acid that helps increase skin hydration and might help to slightly improve skin firmness, potentially reducing lines and wrinkles

More about Aspartic acid
Hexyl nicotinate~0.3–0.75%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
De-puffing

Might be able to enhance blood flow in the skin. Can be irritating and result in skin redness

More about Hexyl nicotinate
Persea gratissima oil~0.3–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier function

More about Persea gratissima oil
Triticum vulgare germ oil~0.3–0.7%
Comedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A good emoillient. Contains vitamin E which can help neutralise free radicals, however the oil is unstable. Avoid if you have gluten or wheat sensitivity (including food allergies).

More about Triticum vulgare germ oil
Corylus avellana seed oil~0.15–0.65%
Formula
Sesamum indicum seed oil~0.3–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A good moisturizing plant oil. Due to the high linoleic acid content, it helps soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss and support skin barrier function

More about Sesamum indicum seed oil
Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Caprylyl glycol~0.3–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.15–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Xanthan gum~0.15–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Parfum~0.1–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Chlorphenesin~0.16–0.32%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Chlorphenesin
Cyamopsis tetragonoloba gum~0.15–0.6%
Formula
Sodium hyaluronate~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate
Citric acid~0.1–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Ingredient list view

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Carthamus tinctorius seed oil, Cetyl alcohol, Glyceryl stearate, Diatomaceous earth, Glycerin, Glycolic acid, Sodium glycolate, Unknown, Sodium trideceth sulfate, Squalane, Anthemis nobilis flower extract, Saponaria officinalis leaf/root extract, Hexylene glycol, Fructose, Glucose, Sucrose, Urea, Dextrin, Alanine, Glutamic acid, Aspartic acid, Hexyl nicotinate, Persea gratissima oil, Triticum vulgare germ oil, Corylus avellana seed oil, Sesamum indicum seed oil, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan gum, Parfum, Chlorphenesin, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba gum, Sodium hyaluronate, Citric acid

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Amazon USPrice as of 11/6 12:32 GMT
$18.00
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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.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
PixiGlow Mud CleanserYOUR PRODUCTNassifMD DermaceuticalsSkin Perfecting Dual Action Face & Body Scrub with 10% Glycolic AcidNeutrogenaAcne Stress Control Power-Clear ScrubSkinCeuticalsGentle Cleanser
Match—43%42%41%
Price$18.00—$9.57−$8.43$39.00+$21.00
Shared key ingredients—5 of 204 of 204 of 20
Key difference—3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic AcidSalicylic AcidAllantoin
Irritancy Medium Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 17 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
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  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
    Topical urea in skincare: A reviewpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.