Pixi Glow Tonic Q&A: Everything You Wanted To Know

When you get through your second 250ml bottle of a product and have four more bottles in stock, I think it goes without saying that said product works beautifully. Pixi Glow Tonic is one of those products I will be repurchasing for a long while.
If my skin was Asterix, Glow Tonic is the magic potion made by the Druid Pix(i). Huge high-five to fellow Asterix-fans out there.
I am not going to be reviewing it. Enough rave posts out there already. This is a Q&A post. Everything you wanted to know about Pixi Glow Tonic.

Scroll down for the lowdown about Pixi Glow Tonic - why you need it and what it does.

Affiliate Link

What is Pixi Glow Tonic?

Getafix's Magic Potion For The Skin. Alcohol-free glow-inducing gentle chemical exfoliant.

What is in it?

Ginseng, aloe vera juice, witch hazel, horse chestnut, 5% glycolic acid.

What is it meant to do?

• The 5% glycolic acid is an Alpha-Hydroxy Acid. It gently dissolves bonds between cells, in order to remove dead cells, and resurface the skin. 
• Witch hazel firms the skin.
• Aloe soothes. 
• Horse chestnut promotes circulation.
• Ginseng improves skin health.

Is it harsh and drying?

No. 5% glycolic is a gentle formulation, and there are other ingredients in there - see above - that prevent the skin from drying out.

What skin type(s) will benefit from Glow Tonic?

Everyone. That's like asking what skin type will benefit from Vitamin C.

When do I use Pixi Glow Tonic?

After cleansing, before anything else. Start with alternate nights. Then move to every night. You *can* use it even in the morning - but remember, AHAs make your skin photosensitive so ALWAYS use sunscreen while stepping outdoors. 
As for me, how do I personally use it?
Three or four nights a week.
Why not every night? Because I use Alpha-H Liquid Gold once a week, and acid peel pads - Peter Thomas Roth or Dr Dennis Gross - two nights a week.
The other days, it is Pixi. I stick to salicylic acid in the mornings.

UPDATE: I've started using prescription tretinoin from January 2019 (0.04%). Pixi - on my skin, which is used to stronger acids - is mild enough to be used, but IF I'm flaky, I move Glow Tonic to those mornings. This helps remove the flakes before makeup. On those nights, I use Pixi Rose Tonic instead. Incidentally, I've stopped using all other AHAs in my evening routine, because Liquid Gold, DDG Pads, and all those others are way too irritating on tretinoin-using skin.

Watch my updated video on how I use Pixi Glow Tonic on post-laser skin:

 

So I can use other AHA products instead?

This is your starting point. Glow Tonic has 5% glycolic and is a very gentle - yet effective - formulation. Other AHAs I have mentioned above are stronger; PTR has 20% acid. I have BUILT UP to this. Always, ALWAYS build up the acid and don't go about starting with 20% glycolic. Stick to Pixi until you are sure your skin is ready for stronger acid.

Do you need to follow with another toner?

Personal choice. I adore hydrating toners, and, after a lifetime of no moisture, my skin soaks it up, so I follow up with a mist or a hydrating toner such as Hada Labo Lotion, before proceeding with the rest of my multi-step skincare routine. 

What does it look/feel/smell like?

Pixi Glow Tonic comes in a spill-proof orange bottle. Although the bottle is orange, the product comes out as a transparent liquid on the cotton pad. It feels like any other liquid. I don't even have any tingling on the face. The smell? Stress-busting, calming mild fragrance that I love. The fragrance is especially attractive during that time of the month, when I feel pukish and want to curl up with a pillow.  

What does Pixi Glow Tonic DO for me?

Reduces pigmentation and dark marks. Evens skin tone. Smoothens texture. Fewer blackheads. Prevents acne to a large extent. Promotes the healing process after a breakout. Softens dry or flaky skin. Makes my skin glow.

Is it the Pixi alone?

Honestly? Could be a combination of the glycolic AND a 10-step skincare routine I have built up (post coming soon). I've also changed my lifestyle drastically and no longer consume dairy products, sugar or alcohol, and drink 12-14 glasses of water everyday.

How long does it take to see results?

Pigmentation began fading noticeably in a couple of weeks. All gone by eight weeks. Usually takes four months for the whole thing to go.

How much Pixi Glow Tonic do I use?

I apply enough to cover 3/4ths of a cotton pad and pat it all over the face. Once my skin is touch-dry, I follow with Thayer's Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Rose Petal Toner or hydrating mist, and the rest of my routine.

How does Pixi work on acne?

I have a multi-pronged attack regimen in place to tackle active breakouts and bring them to a head - AHA, spot treatment, salicylic acid and specific cleanser. The constant cell renewal thanks to the glycolic helps clear breakouts quickly.

Does it prevent acne?

I do get one breakout each month - even whether on the Pill or not, which, I'm sure, makes me some kind of medical anomaly. My December infection was a combination of contaminated flood water and being on a progesterone-only pill for a long while - the mini pill suppresses oestrogen, which means androgens can have a field day, causing breakouts. Who knew!

Does it affect pores, skintone and signs of ageing?

Pores appear less visible. Skintone evens out. The last one isn't applicable yet.

How long does a 250ml bottle last?

Almost two months. In fairness, I tend to oversaturate. And - BIG confession here - I lost my head the first few days, over-applied Pixi two times a day and ended up looking like a tomato until I spoke to a consultant and was put straight. I am working on using less.

Pads or liquid?

Liquid for me. You get 15ml bottles for travel. More cost-effective to buy reusable cotton pads, liquid Glow Tonic, dunk and pat.

Are there similar products?

The closest two products in terms of purpose and performance that I have used are CosRx AHA toner and First Aid Beauty Radiance Pads. These are equally mild and a good step for beginners. Everything else is stronger so build up gradually.
Alpha-H Liquid Gold and other acids (including PTR Pads) are stronger. I now have more than a dozen different AHA-based products, but only those two are as gentle as Pixi.

Do I move on to stronger acids?

I admit I have, BUT I return to Glow Tonic at least three or four nights a week, and when I need TLC and when my face feels a bit tender. I also use it diligently during that time of the month, when the smell calms me down. We are looking at a lifetime relationship here, I would say.

How much does it cost?

£18 or $30 for 250ml.

I live in A-Z country. Where do I buy it? 

Buy on Cult Beauty here. Or LookFantastic here. Or HQHair here. Costs £18 for 250ml. All three ship worldwide - free if your order is worth a minimum amount.

So, is CosmetopiaDigest a fan of Pixi Glow Tonic?

I'm forming a Pixi Brigade - if there isn't one already. Members could celebrate Glow Tonic Appreciation Week once a month where we dress in orange and mint green, share our success stories, write essays on 1,000 Reasons I Love Glow Tonic, and compose poetry and struggle for words that rhyme with orange.
As long as you get that I don't hate it.

Some tips for glowing skin with Glow Tonic:

 

 Ever tried using acid-exfoliants? How did you fare? Tell me in the Disqus comments widget below.

Shop this post:

Affiliate Links