CLAY+essence
hydrating toner,  Pixi

Pixi Rose Tonic

the claim

The Pixi Rose Tonic claims to naturally soothe and nourish. It helps to tone, balance pH, minimize redness and calm skin while rehydrating, replenishing and refreshing.
 
Pixi Rose Tonic⁣⁣
 

the science

Following regular water in concentration, Damask Rose Flower Water which brings antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-ageing qualities to the product, giving it soothing and healing properties in addition to protecting it from free radical damage. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory properties give Rose Extract the capability to help minimize redness and soothe irritation. The ideal rose pH (almost identical to human skin) assures skin balancing and an intact acid mantle. Citric Acid is also added to control product pH.
 
Additional soothing ingredients include Propanediol. With emollient properties, it is able to soften and calm by forming an occlusive film on the surface to prevent water loss. It also boasts humectant behaviour by attracting and retaining moisture from the air. Similarly, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice displays excellent anti-inflammatory properties. It’s able to soothe the skin and protect it from free radicals whilst enzymes act to rejuvenate aged tissues and promote healthy skin. It’s also a great detoxifier, able to remove dead cells and purify the pores. It seems to be a staple ingredient within the Pixi toner range.
 
There are also several plant extracts in the Pixi Rose Tonic formulation, many included for their soothing and healing effects. Rosehip Extract is high concentration of fatty acids, lipids that are vital for maintaining a healthy skin barrier. They assist to moisturise, improve softness and elasticity as well as accelerate the repair rate of skin suffering sun damage or oxidative stress. Chamomile Extract contains α-bisabolol, a key anti-inflammatory component that delivers excellent healing and soothing properties for irritated and reddened skin. Also imparting anti-inflammatory benefits are Elderflower and Green Tea Leaf Extracts which additionally happen to be potent antioxidants also adding protection against free radical damage.
 
Hydration is further enhanced by Glycerin, Betaine and Sodium Hyaluronate.
 
Pixi Rose Tonic
 

the ingredients

Water/Aqua/Eau, Rosa Damascena (Damask Rose) Flower Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium PCA, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Triethyl Citrate (Citric Acid), Rose Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Sambucus Nigra Flower (Elder Flower) Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Betaine, Sodium Citrate, Montmorillonite, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
 
Pixi Rose Tonic Ingredients
 

the packaging

The Pixi Rose Tonic is presented in a clear plastic cylindrical bottle with screw top lid. The dispensing mechanism comprises a dropper opening. I purchased mine as part of a Rose Infused travel set.
 
Pixi Rose Tonic Packaging
Pixi Rose Tonic Dropper Dispenser
 

the analysis

The assessments returned from both the CosDNA and EWG resources rate the Pixi Rose Tonic a low-moderate hazard with warning flags primarily raised against potentially sensitizing preservatives.
 
Pixi Rose Tonic CosDNA Analysis
 

the application

Apply Pixi Rose Tonic to the face after cleansing in both morning and evening routines.
 

the scent

The Pixi Rose Tonic has a distinct rose scent.
 

the cost

As with all toners from Pixi, this one comes in several sizes including the 100ml (USD$15.00) and 250ml bottle for USD$29.00. A 40ml mini is included in a Rose sample pack with minis of the lotion and balm from the same line, the three collectively priced at USD$22.00.
Pixi Rose Tonic Size Range

the availability

Pixi products are widely available on line and in-store in Australia.
 

the expiry

The Pixi Rose Tonic must be used within 12 months of opening.
 
Pixi Rose Tonic Expiry
 

the performance

Pixi toners are all packaged in the same way, using a different colour tint to identify the range from which they belong. The dropper opening is hygienic and effective, allowing me to release the appropriate amount of product each time. The screw top lid makes it spill proof and the plastic packaging and compact size are great for portability. I used up this 40ml travel bottle prior to preparing this review. Primarily composed of EWG green ingredients, warning flags are raised against the preservatives used and their potential to sensitize. I always believe it’s more beneficial to include ingredients to stabilise and increase shelf life rather than deal with the dangers of preservative free products and the bacteria they can harbour. Personally, I didn’t have any adverse reaction to the components included to address this function.
 
Pixi Rose Tonic
A very watery texture lacking any sort of viscosity or weight is typical of all Pixi toners. It’s exactly how I prefer my first layer following cleansing. It’s instantly absorbed leaving the slightest tackiness which dissipates within a few minutes. The solution is clear but has a natural pink tinge. There is no sensation on the skin upon application, no tingling or cooling, it feels much like water. As the name and the INCI suggest, the toner smells like rose. It’s incredibly pleasant to me as it’s subtle. Strong rose scents aren’t my favourite. The scent fades as the tonic absorbs into the skin. It offers pH balance which is a typical toner function. For the record, I always use pH balanced cleansers so normally don’t rely on my toner to achieve this.
 
When I initially started using this product, I have to admit, I thought nothing of it as it didn’t seem to offer my skin any benefits. Firstly, soothing is not something my skin generally needs, so the ingredients didn’t get the chance to shine. Secondly, I didn’t feel any enhancement in hydration level. I soon realised that 2-3 drops was just not enough to offer me those benefits. I enoy this toner when I apply it liberally. I dispense a good splash into my palms, rub them together and dab it all over my face and neck, patting to aid absorption. One generous layer is good but two or three are even better. So, liberal use certainly gives me the result I’m seeking from such a product.
 
Pixi Rose Tonic
The 40ml travel bottle took me around 3 weeks to finish with day and night liberal use, applying 2-3 layers per routine. I love the scent and level of hydration it imparts with multiple layers. I don’t normally need soothing but I did notice a single pimple form and heal quickly over a period of just 2-3 days. Hard to say whether the toner sped up recovery since this is an uncharacteristic occurrence for my skin. I also don’t suffer redness and inflammation so my skin type is probably not the best to judge this toner on these behaviours.
 
Reflecting back on those claims, this toner helped to tone, balance pH, rehydrate, replenish and refresh my skin. I can’t confirm redness and calming benefits but that doesn’t mean that this toner doesn’t achieve them. The INCI suggests it will. As such, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this tonic to anyone with the exception of those highly sensitive to the botanical extracts. The formulation suggests it’s particularly suitable to those suffering redness, inflammation and dryness.
 

the conclusion

This is my third toner from Pixi and I have to admit, they really know how to put a tonic together. It was a real joy to use, pleasurable in texture, absorption, scent and hydration. I look forward to trying the next one!
 
Pixi Rose Tonic
 

the summary

Pros Cons
Light, fast absorbing with minimal tackiness Some potentially sensitizing ingredients
Suitable for most skin types Need multiple layers to achieve product claims
Practical, hygienic presentation
Liberal application delivers good hydration
Beautiful natural, subtle rose scent
Potential to minimise redness and inflammation

 
Pixi Rose Tonic
 

the references

Pixi website
The Beautiful Benefits of Roses for Skin Herbal Dynamics Beauty
Propanediol The Derm Review
Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juicen Radiant RG-Cell Cosmeceuticals
Citric Acid Paula’s Choice Skincare Ingredient Dictionary
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Truth In Aging
Elderflower Benefits for your Skin Raw Beauty Naturally
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract The Skincare Chemist

 


the disclaimer

Please read in context with my disclaimer.
 


 

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