I have no idea why it’s taken me this long to share my review of the Pixi Glow Tonic. I mean, it only changed my life last year! Nothing major! Haha. This award winning acid toner deserves all the hype it’s received – and then some! It played a major role in turning my skin and skincare around in 2018 and has been a holy grail product for me. I can’t rave about it enough.
Glow Tonic is the first acid toner I have ever used and I will admit, I was a little hesitant to try it. You hear acid and face, and peeling skin comes to mind. Right? Well, Glow Tonic actually does have peeling properties because it is an acid toner, but not in the terrifying way it sounds. Basically, it’s a chemical exfoliator as well as a toner which means it sloughs off dead skin from the surface of the face (hence the peeling) and balances the skin. The main ingredient in it is Glycolic Acid which is one of the best Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) in a 5% concentration. This concentration is effective enough for Glow Tonic to be a power player and yet low enough to make sure it’s not going to be dangerous to use, especially for first timers. Or when used regularly.
Glycolic Acid’s chemical exfoliation happens when it dissolves the bonds that hold together the dead skin that give our faces texture and makes us look dull. This way the dead skin just comes off without the heavy intensity of mechanical scrubbing. It also helps to clear congested pores and comedones, works to reduce hyperpigmentation and minimizes the appearance of wrinkles. Of all the common AHAs like Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid etc, Glycolic Acid has the smallest molecule size which means it penetrates the skin deeper and might be more irritating to the skin. But this should not cause alarm because this magic elixir has a cocktail of soothing ingredients that make sure it’s gentle to use. It has Aloe Vera extract which is a known and favorite anti-inflammatory with antiseptic, healing and soothing properties that have been well proved over hundreds of years! It also contains Horse Chestnut extract which is known to soothe skin and alleviate redness and irritation. On top of that it has Ginseng root extract that fights hyperpigmentation; and Glycerin that’s an effective humectant (I explain what humectants are in this post here).
I started using Glow Tonic in April 2018 and I loved the results right off the bat. It really is a great exfoliant that had my skin feeling smooth and soft from the fist couple of uses. I never knew I had texture problems until I felt the difference after using it. It really does exfoliate! I mean, initially I was skeptical because I was used to the physical exfoliation that I could see working but after adding this to my skincare routine I have not needed to mechanically exfoliate unless absolutely necessary (occasional peeling nose skin). Do not underestimate it’s exfoliation abilities. For a beginner I advice using it a couple of times a week so as not to overwhelm your skin. Aside from the feel of my skin when using this, I enjoyed visible changes as well like brightening and radiance. I don’t know how Pixi did it but this toner just gives me a beautiful glow and I guess that’s why they decided to call it Glow Tonic. The other very amazing effect was a significant reduction in my discolouration and hyperpigmentation from acne scars and sun damage. Granted, I started using a Vitamin C serum at the same time (which I will review here soon) and that also helped my complexion get even. But Glow tonic certainly played a leading role in that.
I love that it is gentle enough for my sensitive skin to handle and isn’t the typical astringent type of toner that my dry/dehydrated skin just cannot handle. I guess the fact that it is alcohol-free plays in here. It’s such a light consistency that feels just like water and is easy to use and to get into the skin without leaving any residue. Plus the scent it has isn’t unpleasant but did take me a while to like. I use it at night right after cleansing and micellar water (my full skincare routine is here) and I find that it plays well with other products. No irritation. Since it does contain an AHA it is imperative to use a sunscreen during the day for as long as you use it because it does have photosensitizing effects. And it’s just good skincare and good sense to use sunscreen everyday anyway.
A little goes a long way with this product and this 250 ml bottle has lasted me since April last year and I still have some left. I got mine from IHanaCollection on Instagram for about KShs. 3,200 ($32) – cost based on shipping and all that stuff that comes with imports. I’ve seen other Instagram stores like Belle Lucille Beauty, Makeup Bliss Nairobi, Asmini Beauty and Sugar Punch Kenya selling them as well. It is a little on the mid-range price side but it lasts a long time and is totally worth it! I would definitely recommend it for anyone who needs a good toner, suffers from hyperpigmentation and wants to get smooth and radiant skin. So if you’re looking into trying an AHA this one is definitely one you should give a chance.
XO
