This Cult Skincare Classic Has Been Around for Years – but the Overnight Results Still Surprised Me
Main Image – Courtesy of writer
I first heard about Pixi Glow Tonic around a decade ago when beauty expert Caroline Hirons mentioned it in her blog. She described it as a cheaper version of her favourite acid toner – the Biologique Recherche P50 Lotion – which shares similar ingredients but has a much higher price tag!
If you know anything about Hirons, you’ll know that she really knows her stuff about skincare. So, as a result of her rave review, Pixi Glow Tonic became a cult favourite.
But you may be wondering, what’s so good about it? Is it really worth the hype? And what makes it different from any other acid toners costing around the same price?
Having primarily oily skin, I love to include an acid toner in my regime, not only to prevent or treat breakouts but to swap my occasional greasy glow for a healthy one. So, when I first tried Pixi Glow Tonic, albeit a little late to the party, there was a lot riding on it.
Here’s my honest review.
AT A GLANCE
Pixi Glow Tonic
- Best for: Normal to oily skin that could do with more glow
- Our experience: It felt surprisingly gentle for an acid toner – no stinging, tingling or sticky residue, even when used twice a day
- Biggest plus: The overnight results. Our reviewer woke up to noticeably glowier, firmer-looking skin after her first use
- Biggest drawback: The 5% glycolic acid could be too much for dry or sensitive skin if used too frequently
- Our verdict: We were late to the Pixi Glow Tonic party, but now we understand the hype. It gave our reviewer the healthy glow she wanted without making her oily skin feel greasier – and those first-morning results genuinely surprised her.
- Our rating: 4.5/5
The product details
Pixi Glow Tonic is in a 250ml bottle with a screw-top lid. There is also a 100ml size available (£10 on the Boots UK website/$18 on Pixi US), as well as a ‘petite’ 40ml version (£6 from Boots UK / $8 from Pixi US).
Glow Tonic is part of the brand’s wider toner line up, which includes vitamin C-based, clarifying, and rose toners.
The one we’re focusing on today is by far the brand’s most famous and contains 5% glycolic acid – a hugely effective chemical exfoliant that helps to smooth and gently buff the skin. It also contains energising ginseng, soothing and hydrating aloe vera and brightening fructose and sucrose.
@pixibeauty Your Glow Starts Here! ?? Glow On with our iconic Glow Tonic — your daily must-have for brighter, smoother, more radiant skin in just a splash! Powered by our signature and multi-award winning formula: ? Glycolic Acid – Gently exfoliates to reveal brighter, smoother skin ? Aloe Vera – Soothes and hydrates for a refreshed, balanced complexion ? Ginseng – Revitalizes and energizes for a naturally healthy Glow Loved by skin since 1999, this #PixiPerfect favourite is more than a tonic — it’s a daily ritual for radiant results. ? @Theblooming Miss #PixiBeauty #GlowTonic #PixiGlow #GlowingSkin
This is the perfect recipe for skin in need of a pick-me-up. The packaging says it works for all skin types, however, I feel it would be more suited to those with oily skin or normal skin as glycolic acid can sometimes be a little harsh on dry or sensitive skin.
First impressions
I must say, the packaging is pretty pleasing and looks gorgeous on my dressing table but I must remember it’s what’s on the inside that counts. The liquid is an orange colour so you’d expect it to smell fruity and zesty. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered it smelt just like a really comforting night cream.
Fruity and zesty is great for the senses but it can also feel like you’re putting something quite harsh on your skin. Whereas this just smells…gentle.
Image – Courtesy of writer
Applying it for the first time was surprising. I usually find acid toners a little sticky and it’s almost as if they fight against me to easily sweep them around my face.
However, I noticed straight away that this one positively glided. It wasn’t sticky in the slightest and it felt like I was sweeping a really lightweight serum around my face. You don’t need a huge amount – just enough to cover a large circle in the middle of a cotton pad will suffice.
It didn’t tingle or sting either. A sign of good things to come.
My surprising results
The next morning, I was pretty blown away by the condition of my skin. Pixi Glow Tonic was the only new product I’d used the night before, so I knew it was responsible.
My skin really was glowing, it felt firm and the lines on my forehead – my biggest insecurity – had noticeably tightened.
My glow was a proper glow too. Not a greasy, I’ve-just-woken-up oil slick. I could tell because when I touched my face it felt balanced. Hydrated, but not over-hydrated and the morning light bounced off my newly firm forehead like it’s never bounced before.
Image – Courtesy of writer
So, I did my morning cleanse, then used Pixi Glow Tonic again and still continue to do so. I’ve discovered it’s certainly gentle enough for my skin type to be used twice a day and I haven’t experienced any irritation or redness.
If you do have dry or sensitive skin, I would still recommend using it but perhaps less frequently. Try using it three times a week in your evening regime having worked your skin up to it, to be on the safe side.
What other users are saying
As this is such a fan favourite, you’d probably expect nothing but glowing reviews (if you’ll excuse the pun). But it’s important to note that everyone’s skin is different.
Natalie on pixibeauty.co.uk agrees with me about it being suitable to certain skin types. “The famous Pixi Glow Tonic is amazing,” she says. “Keep in mind that if you have very dry, sensitive skin it can feel a little irritating. My skin felt slightly irritated after using it. However some of my friends and family use it and they all loved it, so I think it is great for oily or normal skin.”
Abigail T says, “it’s a bestseller for a reason. Leaves my skin brightened and rejuvenated while not being too harsh on my face.”
Whilst Sian T says, “my skin texture has improved with continued use and I no longer have patches of drier skin. Prior to this I have experienced skin reasons to every product I have tried to put on my face. Finally I have found something that works for me!”
Value for money
This is a no brainer. If you go for the 100ml option you’ll be spending £10/$18 on something that will not only last but hopefully make your skin feel great too. This is the price I would hope to spend on an acid toner first time around. And now that I know how much I like it, I would stretch to the £18/$29 just to get the bigger 250ml bottle.
The takeaway
I really enjoy using Pixi Glow Tonic and I love how it makes my skin look and feel. It’s hard to find anything wrong with it, except perhaps it might be sensible for dry and sensitive skin types to reign in how much they use it in case of irritation.
I know smell isn’t conducive to the performance of a product (and some might argue that no skincare needs added fragrance), but the smell of Pixi Glow Tonic definitely adds to the enjoyment of using it for me. And my firmer lines after just one use spoke volumes.
So, I guess what I’m trying to say is, yes. I wholeheartedly believe the hype.
