Pixi Vitamin C Tonic

The Pixi Vitamin C Tonic claims to use the potent antioxidant power of Vitamin C to promote healthy collagen production and boost skin luminosity.
 

 

Vitamin C boasts the ability to decrease sun damage and dehydration plus reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It’s easily absorbed into the skin, assisting to decrease water loss and boost moisture retention making it a great hydrating agent for dry skin. Furthermore, it enhances the skin’s ability to repair itself, speeding up cell turnover with an increased ability to remove accumulated dead and damaged skin cells. As a result, hyperpigmentation and acne scarring concerns are eased by breaking up dark spots and rejuvenating dull skin for a brighter complexion and improved texture. However, one major disadvantage of ascorbic acid is its instability, oxidising with air exposure, heat and light.
 
Ascorbic acid is considered the most potent form of Vitamin C, highly effective at concentrations over 20%. In a tonic like this, the concentration would be significantly below this potent amount. Unfortunately, Pixi has not disclosed the concentration in any of their products from this line. Together with regular water, Vitamin C rich Grapefruit Water makes up the bulk of the formulation.
 
The toner also contains a series of citric extracts including those from Lemon Peel, Grapefruit, Mandarin, Orange Peel, Yuzu and three Australian Wild Lime species. Lime and Lemon are highly acidic with strong aromas, often added to skin care for the natural fragrance they impart contributed by bergapten and limonene. However, these coincidentally also make them sensitizing. Similarly fragrant, Orange, Grapefruit, Yuzu and Mandarin extracts contribute further Vitamin C to boost antioxidant protection and also help to reduce acne.
 
Other antioxidant sources include Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Beta-Carotene, Green Tea Extract, Carrot Root Extract and Ferulic Acid while hydration is enhanced by Propanediol, Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate.
 
As well as acting as a humectant, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice displays excellent anti-inflammatory properties. It is 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.
 
There are also ingredients that can increase skin repair and healing. Tea Tree Extract displays antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antifungal properties, making it an ideal treatment for acne and skin infections. It’s able to remove excess oils from skin by pushing out stale sebum deep within pores to prevent blackheads and acne forming. Peppermint Extract enhances soothing with a cooling sensation while antiseptic qualities help it fight acne causing bacteria. Also helping with this function is Tamanu Oil which exhibits anti-inflammatory and antibacterial behaviour. It’s composed of lipids, neutral lipids, glycolipids and phospholipids which are natural constituents of healthy skin and good hydrating agents.
 
Anti-inflammatory properties of Caffeine together with its ability to constrict small blood vessels makes it effective at reducing the appearance of dark circles, redness and puffiness. It is a strong antioxidant which helps to eliminate free radicals that can cause premature ageing. Finally, Soybean Oil is said to moisturise dry skin while simultaneously decreasing oiliness for a smoothing and softening effect while evening out skin tone. It also encourages collagen production and elastin fibre repair to help keep skin firm and prevent sagging.
 

Aqua/Water/Eau, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Ascorbic Acid, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Beta-Carotene, Ferulic Acid, Tocopherol, Calophyllum Inophyllum (Tamanu) Seed Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Extract, Microcitrus Australis (Australian Rainforest Lime) Fruit Extract, Microcitrus Australasica (Australian Caviar Lime) Fruit Extract, Citrus Glauca (Australian Desert Lime) Fruit Extract, Caffeine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Citrus Junos (Yuzu) Peel Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Phospholipids, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide
 

Consistent with all of the toners from this brand, the Pixi Vitamin C Tonic is presented in a plastic cylindrical bottle with screw top lid. When brand new, it’s cling wrapped to prevent spillage and allow detection of tampering. The dispensing mechanism comprises a dropper opening.
 

 

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

 

Apply to the face after cleansing.
 

The Pixi Vitamin C Tonic has a distinct citrus scent.
 

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

 

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

The toner must be used within 12 months of opening.
 

 

The Glow Tonic is the only other Pixi toner that I have used to date, one that I really enjoyed. As with all from the brand, they are presented similarly in terms of style, function and general aesthetic. Each line is represented by different colours, otherwise, packaging is identical. 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 (100ml) are great for portability and more specifically, travel.
 
The formula is made up of primarily EWG green ingredients although a few preservatives and extracts raise a warning flag due to their potential to sensitize. Personally, I didn’t have any adverse reaction to it.
 
The consistency of this toner is much like that of the Glow Tonic, retaining a very watery texture lacking any sort of viscocity or weight. It’s exactly how I prefer my first layer following cleansing. The solution is clear but has a natural yellow tinge. The pH comes in at the ideal measure of around 5 representing that of the skin, ensuring that as a minimum, the tonic will bring the skin back to optimum acidity should the preceding cleanser fail to retain it.
 

The toner has an obvious sweet citrus scent. The first few times I used it, I found it overwhelming as I’m not accustomed to toners having such an aroma. After applying it consistently for a week, I started not noticing it anymore. The smell comes from the citric extracts which target acne control and not from artificial additives or anything included to simply enhance the sensation of smell. Some will find it refreshing, others might think it’s too strong. Regardless, it’s important to persevere as the scent becomes less noticeable with continued use.
 
In application, only a few drops are needed. I apply it with my fingers (cotton pads simply soak up and waste the product) in two layers straight after cleansing in the morning and follow up with a hydrating toner and/or essence afterwards such as those from Klairs or Pyunkang Yul. I don’t use it in my evening routine as after acids I like to layer a more nourishing toner focused on hydration. However, what it lacks in this capacity, it makes up for in other ways. After all, the main objective of this Pixi tonic is brightening and antioxidant protection, not water attraction and retention.
 
Its watery consistency is soaked up by my skin instantly. Although absorption is quick, there is a slightly tacky residue left behind which dissipates after only a couple of minutes. So all up, it’s a comfortable start to my morning routine.
 

So, to the results… I have been using this consistently for a month now. I didn’t really see much in terms of visible enhancement for the first three weeks. Now at the conclusion of my fourth, I can honestly say that my skin looks brighter and fresher. This could also be because I introduced the brand’s Vitamin C serum at the same time which imparts similar benefits from a like formulation with more concentrated actives. Perhaps incorporating both simultaneously, observed outcomes are more apparent than those which may have resulted by using the toner alone.
 
The broad, long term health benefits of Vitamin C and antioxidants for the skin cannot be assessed or measured in a skincare trial like this, particularly when executed under non-lab conditions. However, their inclusion is definitely comforting. As for all those citric extracts, those with acne might appreciate the antibacterial effects they impart while those with sensitivities might find this cause to reject this tonic. All up, I see this product as one to suit people in two camps. Firstly, those seeking a gentle introduction to Vitamin C in their skincare routine and secondly, those wanting to boost their effects in an established regimen already focusing on such actives. So, mature, acne prone and dull skin types are likely to get the most out of this one.
 

This is another solid performer from Pixi. A lovely formulation that absorbs well and adds antioxidants for long term benefit while imparting a more immediate brightening effect. Other than those sensitive to any of the ingredients, particularly citric extracts or to their scent, it’s likely to please.
 

 

Pros	Cons
Light, fast absorbing with minimal tackiness	Strong sweet citrus scent
Suitable for most skin types	Not for those sensitive to citric extracts
Practical, hygienic presentation
Visibly brightens the skin
Likely to reduce the signs of ageing over the long term

 

Pixi website
What Are Vitamin C’s Benefits For Skin? Into the Gloss
How does Vitamin C help my skin Paula’s Choice Skincare
The incredible skincare benefits of Vitamin C! Nourished Life
Revitalize Aging Skin with Topical Vitamin C Gary Goldfaden, MD
Why is grapefruit so good for you? Megan Ware RDN LD
Fruit Extracts in Skin Care The Derm Review
Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juicen Radiant RG-Cell Cosmeceuticals
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract Truth In Aging
The Tea Tree Skin “Miracle” – The 7 Benefits of Tea Tree Oil Body Ecology
Tea Tree Oil Paula’s Choice Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary
Benefits of Tamanu Oil Doctor Mahers
Caffeine for Skin Care Stephanie Crumley Hill

 

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Please read in context with my disclaimer.
 
This product was provided to me free of charge by Pixi. This post only includes my honest opinion and experience of this product and is in no way influenced by Pixi, any of its representatives or any other third party.
 

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