Pixi Retinol Tonic

Pixi Retinol Tonic

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

Works for

Anti-aging
Retinol, Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate
Works well
What the product description says
“PIXI Retinol Tonic with Jasmine Flower is a multi-action toner with time-release retinol (clinically proven youth preserving ingredient) helps resurface skin for a natural healthy glow.”
Source: Ulta

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains retinol.

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.

RetinolHeroEffect: HighTwo steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating~0.4–0.65%
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphateEffect: Low, below effective doseA derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very high~1.4–1.7%
Anti-oxidation
Not advertised by the brand · Retinol, Vitis vinifera fruit extract + 1 more
Works well

This product contains antioxidants (retinol) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

RetinolKey activeEffect: HighTwo steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating~0.4–0.65%
Vitis vinifera fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin, but is less potent than the extract from the seeds~0.2–0.35%
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphateEffect: Low, below effective doseA derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very high~1.4–1.7%
Exfoliation
Side benefit the brand mentions · Retinol
Works well
What the product description says
“PIXI Retinol Tonic with Jasmine Flower is a multi-action toner with time-release retinol (clinically proven youth preserving ingredient) helps resurface skin for a natural healthy glow.”
Source: Ulta

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: retinol.

RetinolKey activeEffect: HighTwo steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating~0.4–0.65%
Evens skin tone
Side benefit the brand mentions · Retinol, Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate
Works well
What the product description says
“A derivative of vitamin A, retinol promotes skin renewal, brightens skin tone, reduces acne and boosts collagen production making Pixis Retinol Tonic the perfect powerhouse treatment.”
Source: Cultbeauty

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: retinol.

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.

RetinolHeroEffect: HighTwo steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating~0.4–0.65%
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphateEffect: Low, below effective doseA derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very high~1.4–1.7%
Anti-blemish
Side benefit the brand mentions · Retinol
Works well
What the product description says
“A derivative of vitamin A, retinol promotes skin renewal, brightens skin tone, reduces acne and boosts collagen production making Pixis Retinol Tonic the perfect powerhouse treatment.”
Source: Cultbeauty

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: retinol. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

RetinolHeroEffect: HighTwo steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating~0.4–0.65%
Moisturizing
Side benefit the brand mentions · Panthenol, Glycerin + 7 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Enriched with Jasmine Flower to soothe sensitive skin, the treatment absorbs instantly to deliver a rich combination of antioxidants and peptides, which work to plump and lift skin whilst protecting against environmental aggressors.”
Source: Lookfantastic

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

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

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~1.6–1.9%
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~3.9–4.7%
Methyl gluceth-20Key active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and soften it~2.3–2.8%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~1.2–1.4%
Vitis vinifera fruit extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin, but is less potent than the extract from the seeds~0.2–0.35%
Peg-8· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product consistency~1.9–2.4%
Lecithin· EmollientEffect: LowUsed mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~1–1.2%
Hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to stabilize product formulations and help soften the upper layer of the skin~0.55–0.8%
Caprylic/capric triglycerideUnder-dosedA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~0.5–0.75%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
6 strong irritants: Oenothera biennis flower extract, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flower extract + 4 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 17 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Oenothera biennis flower extractUsed as a fragranceHigh~0.7–1.05%est.
RetinolTwo steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritatingHigh~0.4–0.65%est.
Jasminum officinale flower/leaf extractUsed as a fragranceHigh~0.25–0.45%est.
Lavandula angustifolia flower/leaf/stem extractUsed as a fragranceHigh~0.25–0.45%est.
Eugenia caryophyllus flower extractA plant extract that is used as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.45%est.
Peg-8Used to create a nice product consistencyMedium~1.9–2.4%est.
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphateA derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very highMedium~1.4–1.7%est.
Sodium acrylates copolymerUsed to create a thicker product consistencyMedium~0.55–0.85%est.
Hydroxypropyl cyclodextrinUsed to stabilize product formulations and help soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.55–0.8%est.
Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~0.5–0.75%est.
Vitis vinifera fruit extractA plant extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin, but is less potent than the extract from the seedsMedium~0.2–0.35%est.
Sodium citrateHelps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve productsMedium~0.15–0.3%est.
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oilHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.15–0.3%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.1–0.2%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.1–0.15%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.1%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf water~7.3–9%
Formula
Glycerin~3.9–4.7%
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
Propanediol~3–3.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol
Methyl gluceth-20~2.3–2.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and soften it

More about Methyl gluceth-20
Peg-8~1.9–2.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product consistency

More about Peg-8
Panthenol~1.6–1.9%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

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

More about Panthenol
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate~1.4–1.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-oxidation

A derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very high

More about Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate
Sodium hyaluronate~1.2–1.4%
Key active
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
Lecithin~1–1.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Lecithin
Oenothera biennis flower extract~0.7–1.05%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance

More about Oenothera biennis flower extract
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flower extract~0.6–0.9%
Irritant · high
Sodium acrylates copolymer~0.55–0.85%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Sodium acrylates copolymer
Palmitoyl tripeptide-27
Not recognized
Hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin~0.55–0.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to stabilize product formulations and help soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin
Retinol~0.4–0.65%
Hero · Anti-aging, Evens skin tone, Anti-blemishIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
MattifyingEvens skin toneAnti-blemishAnti-agingExfoliationAnti-oxidation

Two steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating

More about Retinol
Phenoxyethanol~0.45–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.5–0.75%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride
Jasminum officinale flower/leaf extract~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance

More about Jasminum officinale flower/leaf extract
Lavandula angustifolia flower/leaf/stem extract~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · high
Eugenia caryophyllus flower extract~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant extract that is used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Eugenia caryophyllus flower extract
Vitis vinifera fruit extract~0.2–0.35%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin, but is less potent than the extract from the seeds

More about Vitis vinifera fruit extract
Sodium citrate~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products

More about Sodium citrate
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil
Disodium edta~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Citric acid~0.1–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

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

More about Citric acid
Polysorbate 20~0.1–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 20
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.05–0.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Ingredient list view

Water, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Methyl gluceth-20, Peg-8, Panthenol, Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, Sodium hyaluronate, Lecithin, Oenothera biennis flower extract, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flower extract, Sodium acrylates copolymer, Unknown, Hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin, Retinol, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Jasminum officinale flower/leaf extract, Lavandula angustifolia flower/leaf/stem extract, Eugenia caryophyllus flower extract, Vitis vinifera fruit extract, Sodium citrate, Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, Disodium edta, Citric acid, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexylglycerin

Compare prices

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Ulta4.2 oz
$12.60
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Amazon USPrice as of 11/5 18:25 GMT
$18.00
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Amazon USPrice as of 11/5 15:36 GMT
$18.19
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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
PixiRetinol TonicYOUR PRODUCTinnisfreeRetinol Green Tea PDRN™ Toner​ for Smoothing & FirmingAPLBRetinol Vitamin C Vitamin E Facial Toner 160mlDAYCELLDr.VITA Vitamin Multi Essence
Match—94%89%88%
Price$12.60$27.20+$14.60$11.52−$1.08$35.40+$22.80
Shared key ingredients—4 of 54 of 55 of 5
Key difference—NiacinamideVitamin CNiacinamide
Irritancy High Medium High High
Drying alcohol————
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