If you follow any British beauty bloggers, you’ve probably seen this product mentioned dozens, or even hundreds of times in individual reviews and favorite roundups. Yes, i’m talking about none other than PIXI Glow Tonic, which is touted as a must have for any skin type and concern. Until very recently this brightening toner was only available overseas and online, but starting August can now purchase the 3.4 fl. oz travel size at your local Target.
What is Glow Tonic?
Formulated with 5% glycolic acid, Glow Tonic exfoliates, brightens and smoothes the skintone and texture. Aloe vera, ginseng, and botanical extracts work together to nourish and treat your skin revealing an improved complexion.
Ingredients – CosDNA: Aqua, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Seed Extract, Glycolic Acid, Ammonium Glycolate, Glycerin, Glucose, Fructose, Sucrose, Urea, Dextrin, Alanine, Glutamic Acid, Hexyl Nicotinate, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Biotin, Polysorbate 20, Fragrance.
A few years ago Caroline Hirons wrote a review comparing PIXI Glow Tonic to a cult French beauty product called Lotion P50 by Biologique Recherche [$61 USD for 5.1 oz.]. It’s called a lotion, but it’s actually more like a toner, and just like the UK bloggers are obsessing over Glow Tonic, French beauties are head over heels in love with P50. However, after comparing the ingredients, it appears that the current formulation of PIXI Glow Tonic is not a dupe for P50, because the latter contains more than just AHAs for exfoliating. Still, there’s no reason to discredit a perfectly good product!
First of all, Glow Tonic would make a good starter chemical exfoliant for people whose skin is not used to AHAs yet. If you would like to build up the tolerance to Glycolic Acid [and you should, because it’s one of the best anti-aging ingredients], 3%-5% formulations like this one are a good place to start.
Secondly, since it doesn’t contain alcohol, and includes plenty of aloe vera juice, Glow Tonic is ideal for all skin types, because it won’t overdry the top layer or clog the pores.
And finally, it just plain smells good! The fragrance is fresh, grassy, and a little fruity; it doesn’t feel even a little bit chemical. It’s like wiping your face with a freshly-squeezed green juice kind of feeling. Doesn’t induce my migraines either!
Do you need this? I don’t. Since my skin is already used to higher AHA formulations, incorporating Glow Tonic in my routine was actually a downgrade; I just don’t see the same results as I do with my current products. However, if you’re new to chemical exfoliants, this toner might become your gateway drug into the wonderful world of glycolic acid!
WHERE TO BUY: $29 USD for 8.5 fl. oz, $15 USD for 3.4 fl. oz. Available at PIXI Beauty, Target.
Have you spotted PIXI Glow Tonic at your local Target? What’s your favorite AHA exfoliant? Have you tried PIXI skincare? Let me know in the comments below!
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What do you currently use?
Hi Tiffany! I use a combination of Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid and Mizon 8% Peeling Serum. I actually do use the PIXI Glow Tonic To Go pads occasionally, but I feel like they don’t do much for my skin, now that it’s used to stronger formulations 🙂 Hope that helps!