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Pixi pHenomenal Gel
Pixi

Pixi pHenomenal Gel

Efficacy87/100IrritancyMedium
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Works for

2 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Moisturizing
Panthenol, Betaine + 12 more
Strong evidence
What the product description says
“The PIXI pHenomenal Gel is a pH neutralising moisturiser that helps to balance the skin and provide soothing hydration.”
Source: Lookfantastic

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": betaine, glycerin.

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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: panthenol

BetaineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~2.7–4%
TrehaloseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.45%
GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~4.5–6.8%
PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.1–0.4%
Butylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~2.1–3.1%
IsododecaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture~1.7–2.5%
Isohexadecane· EmollientEffect: LowImproves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent~0.15–0.65%
Aloe barbadensis leaf extract· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowTraditionally 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~0.45–1%
Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~0.05–0.2%
Cetyl ethylhexanoate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product texture~1.3–2%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.2–0.75%
AllantoinUnder-dosedEffect: HighHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.05–0.3%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure 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~0.15–0.5%
Cucumis sativus fruit extractEffect: Low, below effective doseMight be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effect~0.35–0.8%
Evens skin tone
Retinyl palmitate, Camellia sinensis leaf extract + 1 more
Moderate evidence
What the product description says
“Citric acid helps to brighten the appearance of discolouration.”
Source: Lookfantastic

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: retinyl palmitate.

Retinyl palmitateKey activeEffect: MediumThree steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effect~0.2–0.8%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.2–0.75%
Ascorbic acidUnder-dosedEffect: HighThe 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~0.5–1.15%
Anti-oxidation
Not advertised by the brand · Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Vaccinium angustifolium fruit extract + 5 more
Moderate evidence

This product contains antioxidants (camellia sinensis leaf extract) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

Camellia sinensis leaf extractKey activeEffect: MediumCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.2–0.75%
Vaccinium angustifolium fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract tha can have anti-oxidant properties, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking~0.15–0.6%
Tocopheryl acetateEffect: LowA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.~0.85–1.25%
TocopherolUnder-dosedEffect: HighPure 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~0.15–0.5%
Ascorbic acidUnder-dosedEffect: HighThe 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~0.5–1.15%
Cucumis sativus fruit extractEffect: Low, below effective doseMight be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effect~0.35–0.8%
Panax ginseng root extractEffect: Low, below effective doseA plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but solid evidence is lacking. It can be irritating~0.2–0.75%
Anti-aging
Not advertised by the brand · Retinyl palmitate, Camellia sinensis leaf extract + 2 more
Moderate evidence

This product contains retinyl palmitate. This ingredient might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.

Retinyl palmitateKey activeEffect: MediumThree steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effect~0.2–0.8%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.2–0.75%
Ascorbic acidUnder-dosedEffect: HighThe 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~0.5–1.15%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure 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~0.15–0.5%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
2 strong irritants: Retinyl palmitate, Hamamelis virginiana extract
Medium risk
We flagged 13 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Ascorbic acidThe 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 agingHigh~0.5–1.15%est.
Retinyl palmitateThree steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effectHigh~0.2–0.8%est.
Aesculus hippocastanum extractA plant extract. Benefits of topical application are not confirmedHigh~0.3–0.7%est.
Panax ginseng root extractA plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but solid evidence is lacking. It can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.75%est.
Hamamelis virginiana extractA plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.6%est.
Cetyl ethylhexanoateAn emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product textureMedium~1.3–2%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~1–1.5%est.
Tocopheryl acetateA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.Medium~0.85–1.25%est.
Aloe barbadensis leaf extractTraditionally 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~0.45–1%est.
Cucumis sativus fruit extractMight be somewhat helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals but its typical concentration in a product is too low for having an effectMedium~0.35–0.8%est.
Vaccinium angustifolium fruit extractA plant extract tha can have anti-oxidant properties, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lackingMedium~0.15–0.6%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.35%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.05–0.1%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged
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Alternatives
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Glycerin~4.5–6.8%
Key active
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
Glycereth-26~3.4–5.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps create a thicker product consistency

More about Glycereth-26
Betaine~2.7–4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Betaine
Butylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate~2.1–3.1%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate
Isododecane~1.7–2.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture

More about Isododecane
Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~1.3–2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer
Cetyl ethylhexanoate~1.3–2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and creates a thicker product texture

More about Cetyl ethylhexanoate
Citric acid~1–1.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

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

More about Citric acid
Tocopheryl acetate~0.85–1.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.

More about Tocopheryl acetate
Ascorbic acid~0.5–1.15%
Under-dosedIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidationEvens skin toneAnti-aging

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 acid
Aloe barbadensis leaf extract~0.45–1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

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 extract
Cucumis sativus fruit extract~0.35–0.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

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 extract
Retinyl palmitate~0.2–0.8%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-blemishExfoliation

Three steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effect

More about Retinyl palmitate
Aesculus hippocastanum extract~0.3–0.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant extract. Benefits of topical application are not confirmed

More about Aesculus hippocastanum extract
Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.2–0.75%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAntibacterialAnti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizing

Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation

More about Camellia sinensis leaf extract
Panax ginseng root extract~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but solid evidence is lacking. It can be irritating

More about Panax ginseng root extract
Vaccinium angustifolium fruit extract~0.15–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract tha can have anti-oxidant properties, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking

More about Vaccinium angustifolium fruit extract
Hamamelis virginiana extract~0.15–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating

More about Hamamelis virginiana extract
Tocopherol~0.15–0.5%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

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 Tocopherol
Isohexadecane~0.15–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Improves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent

More about Isohexadecane
Trehalose~0.1–0.45%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Trehalose
Panthenol~0.1–0.4%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingReduces rednessReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol
Polysorbate 80~0.1–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polysorbate 80
Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions

More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer
Phenoxyethanol~0.1–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Allantoin~0.05–0.3%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizingReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-blemishExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Xanthan gum~0.05–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Butylene glycol~0.05–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol
Disodium edta~0.05–0.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Glycereth-26, Betaine, Butylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, Isododecane, Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Cetyl ethylhexanoate, Citric acid, Tocopheryl acetate, Ascorbic acid, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Cucumis sativus fruit extract, Retinyl palmitate, Aesculus hippocastanum extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Panax ginseng root extract, Vaccinium angustifolium fruit extract, Hamamelis virginiana extract, Tocopherol, Isohexadecane, Trehalose, Panthenol, Polysorbate 80, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Allantoin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan gum, Butylene glycol, Disodium edta

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Amazon USPrice as of 10/30/2026 09:01 GMT
$17.00
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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
PixipHenomenal GelYOUR PRODUCTYouth To The PeopleAdaptogen Deep Moisture Cream PacketNiveaQ10 Energy Fresh Look Eye Cream with Vitamin CSkinCeuticalsAnti-Aging System
Match—76%74%68%
Price$17.00$52.00+$35.00$11.97−$5.03$391.00+$374.00
Shared key ingredients—3 of 83 of 83 of 8
Key difference—Vitamin ECaprylic/Capric TriglycerideNiacinamide
Irritancy Medium Medium Low High
Drying alcohol——— Contains drying alcohol
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Product summary

Judging from the ingredient list, "Pixi - pHenomenal Gel" works well for improving skin hydration As we expect from a proper moisturizer, the formula includes a combo of effective humectants and emollients. These are the two different types of ingredients that are essential for improving the skin hydration and supporting a healthy skin barrier. Humectants in this product (panthenol, betaine, glycerin, trehalose and butylene glycol) help to increase the water content in the upper layer of the skin. (These ingredients do so by "capturing" water molecules from the outside air or from within the deeper layers of the skin). Butylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, isododecane, cetyl ethylhexanoate and isohexadecane 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

  • 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 (0.30% - 0.70%) it cannot have a noticeable benefit for the skin.
  • This moisturizer includes a form of retinoids (vitamin A) - retinyl palmitate 0.15% - 0.70%, but this type of vitamin A is not very effective. It could in theory help with fine lines and wrinkles, but the effect is most likely minimal.
  • This formulation also includes panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) at about 1.00% - 1.50% concentration. In this concentration, panthenol works effectively to improve the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.
  • In addition, this moisturizer contains Allantoin (0.50% - 1.20%). Allantoin is helpful in wound-healing and can help restore the skin barrier faster. It might also be able to improve scars, but the evidence is not very strong for this.

Irritation risk

This formulation includes some common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide a benefit for the skin. 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 8.49$ up to 24.00$ in the United States, for 16.97CA$ in Canada, from 19.99£ up to 24.00£ in the United Kingdom, for 46.00A$ in Australia, for 220.00HK$ in Hong Kong and for 53.00NZ$ in New Zealand.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 14 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Safety Assessment of Glycerin Ethoxylates as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
  3. 3
    Contact dermatitis to extract of horse chestnut (esculin)pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Ginseng in Dermatology: A Reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    Antiaging effects of the mixture of Panax ginseng and Crataegus pinnatifida in human dermal fibroblasts and healthy human skinncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Anti-Inflammatory and Neuroactive Properties of Selected Fruit Extractsliebertpub.com
Pixi pHenomenal Gel
PixipHenomenal Gel
Buy on Amazon$17.00 · as of 10/30 09:01 GMT

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy on Amazon$17.00 · as of 10/30 09:01 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.