🇦🇪United Arab Emirates

Pixi Retinol Tonic for combination skin

Superior

  • SuperiorCombination Skin Fit
  • HighEffectiveness
  • ExcellentSafety

One of the best toners for combination skin.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.

Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works

Lovi Assistant explains

  • Excellent suitability for your combination skin is achieved through retinol and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, which regulate desquamation and provide antioxidant activity to address oily shine.
  • The tonic offers excellent hydration with sodium hyaluronate and glycerin, while Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Water and Panthenol ensure a soothing experience.
  • The safety profile is excellent, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the presence of calming components.

How to apply

  • Use this hydrating toner in your AM and PM routines. Start 3 times a week and move to daily use if your skin likes it.
  • Apply this hydrating toner after your cleanser and before your moisturizer or SPF. This keeps your skin balanced and ready.
  • Gently press 2-3 drops of the hydrating toner into your skin with your hands. Let it ⏳absorb for a minute before the next step.
  • Apply the hydrating toner on slightly damp skin to help it absorb better. Clean skin gives the best results for your oily shine goal.
  • Avoid the eye area when using your hydrating toner. Always do a quick patch test before your first use.

People Say

★4.6Overall rating based on 600+ reviews

Users frequently find this retinol tonic to be a gentle and effective option for beginners, improving skin texture and radiance without causing irritation. However, more experienced users may find it lacks potency for significant anti-aging effects, and the strong jasmine fragrance is divisive, with some finding it pleasant and others too overpowering or sensitizing.

Highlights

  • Gentle, non-irritating Often Mentioned
    • “Gentle enough for regular use”
    • “No dryness or irritation”
    • “Great for sensitive skin”
    • “Zero stinging or redness”
  • Improves texture, glow Often Mentioned
    • “Skin feels smoother”
    • “Leaves a healthy glow”
    • “Face looks plump/clear”
    • “Refines pores over time”
  • Hydrating formula Sometimes Noted
    • “Leaves skin feeling hydrated”
    • “Doesn't dry out skin”
    • “Moisturizing unlike other retinols”
    • “Feels soothing and refreshing”
  • Lightweight absorption Sometimes Noted
    • “Absorbs quickly into skin”
    • “Sinks in instantly”
    • “Non-sticky, lightweight texture”
    • “Layers well under moisturizer”
  • Pleasant scent Sometimes Noted
    • “Smells amazing and relaxing”
    • “Lovely subtle jasmine scent”
    • “Refreshing herbal fragrance”
    • “Enjoy the spa-like smell”
  • Overpowering fragrance Sometimes Noted
    • “Scent is too strong”
    • “Fragrance irritated my skin”
    • “Smell is overpowering/lingers”
    • “Dislike the jasmine perfume”
  • Weak for advanced Sometimes Noted
    • “Not strong enough”
    • “No dramatic anti-aging changes”
    • “Results are very minor”
    • “Better for maintenance, not repair”
  • Caused breakouts Rarely Noted
    • “Caused bad breakouts”
    • “Experienced skin purging”
    • “More spots than before”
    • “Congested my skin initially”
  • Packaging issues Rarely Noted
    • “Wastes product on cotton pad”
    • “Wish it had a pump”
    • “Hard to control amount”
    • “Bottle leaks if traveling”
  • Price concerns Rarely Noted
    • “Expensive for a toner”
    • “Not worth the price tag”
    • “Better results from cheaper serums”
    • “Pricey for low retinol %”

Sources: lovi.care, pixibeauty.com, target.com, boots.com, ulta.com, sephora.sg, and more

Questions and answers

What makes Pixi Retinol Tonic one of the best fits for combination skin?

This tonic is one of the best fits for your skin because retinol and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate help manage oily shine while sodium hyaluronate and glycerin keep skin hydrated. It also features panthenol and soothing flower extracts to calm your face, and it has an excellent safety profile with virtually no risk of irritation.

American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

Which ingredients make this toner a good fit for combination skin?

Retinol and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate help manage oily shine by regulating skin shedding and providing antioxidant benefits. Sodium hyaluronate and glycerin deliver deep hydration, while rosemary water and panthenol help keep your skin calm and smooth.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2012

What does Retinol do for combination skin?

Retinol helps smooth fine lines, even out skin tone, and improve firmness in combination skin. It works by encouraging faster skin renewal and boosting collagen, though it may occasionally cause mild dryness or scaling while your skin adjusts.

Archives of Dermatology, 2007The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019

What does Jasmine Flower do for combination skin?

Jasmine Flower helps balance combination skin by giving light moisture to dry spots while keeping oily areas calm and clear. It is unlikely to feel heavy, helping your skin stay smooth and comfortable throughout the day.

Where does this toner go in a skincare routine for combination skin?

This hydrating toner fits in the morning routine right after your cleanser and before your moisturizer and SPF. In weekly routines, it can also be used as a refreshing step after a cleansing mask.

The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

Can I use it with AHA, and in what order?

You can use this toner with AHA by applying the AHA first and following with this hydrating tonic once it absorbs. Because this tonic contains calming ingredients and lacks harsh components, it is unlikely to cause irritation when layered into your routine.

How often should I use it?

You can use this hydrating toner daily in your morning routine after cleansing and before moisturizing. It is well-suited for combination skin, providing deep hydration and helping to balance oily shine without causing irritation.

The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

Can it clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?

This tonic is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on combination skin because it has a very safe formula with calming ingredients and no harsh components.

Is it fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

What the research says

  • Cosmetic formulations containing a liposomal dispersion of magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, alpha-lipoic acid, and kinetin provided photoprotection against UV damage in hairless mouse skin and enhanced stratum corneum and deeper layer skin moisture in human volunteers after four weeks of daily applications.

    Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2012
  • Topical dexpanthenol acts as a moisturizer, improves stratum corneum hydration, accelerates wound healing and epidermal regeneration, reduces erythema, and improves symptoms of skin irritation compared to vehicle or no pretreatment.

    American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
  • A panthenol-enriched mask significantly decreased erythema and hyperpigmentation, increased sebum and stratum corneum moisture, and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to a saline dressing in 60 subjects undergoing facial laser treatment.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
  • A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women.

    Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
  • A new topical panthenol-containing emollient significantly improved transepidermal water loss reduction, stratum corneum hydration, and intercellular lipid lamellae length compared with control in healthy subjects without negatively impacting bacterial viability.

    The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017
  • Topical 0.4% retinol significantly increased epidermal thickness, dermal vascularity, and extracellular matrix production by stimulating keratinocyte proliferation, endothelial cell proliferation, and fibroblast activation in naturally aged human skin compared to vehicle.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2017
  • Topical bakuchiol 0.5% applied twice daily compared with retinol 0.5% applied daily significantly decreased wrinkle surface area and hyperpigmentation with no statistical difference between the compounds in 44 patients over 12 weeks, while retinol users reported more facial skin scaling and stinging.

    The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019
  • Silicone particles encapsulating retinol increased its half-life by 9-fold and yielded 12-23% lower skin irritation in human subjects compared to Microsponge particles while maintaining biological activity.

    Journal of Controlled Release, 2018
  • Fermented flower extracts of Jasminum sambac enhance cell viability and attenuate UVB- and H2O2-induced reactive oxygen species production, collagen degradation, MAPK activation, and premature senescence in human dermal fibroblasts compared to untreated damaged cells.

    Environmental Toxicology, 2021
  • Jasminum sambac cell extract reduces cytosolic reactive oxygen species, decreases AGE formation, increases collagen type I production, activates the Nrf2/ARE pathway, and decreases NO levels in LPS-stimulated macrophages.

    Antioxidants, 2022
  • Topical application of Jasminum grandiflorum leaf extract ointment accelerated cutaneous wound healing by enhancing collagen synthesis, increasing tissue growth, improving antioxidant status, and reducing lipid peroxidation in rats.

    International Wound Journal, 2013
  • The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
  • Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001
  • Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects.

    Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012
  • Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control.

    Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011
  • Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction.

    Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022
  • Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days.

    BMC Oral Health, 2019
  • Topical application of 5% vitamin C cream significantly improved global clinical scores, increased skin microrelief density, and induced elastic tissue repair in photoaged skin compared to excipient control in healthy female volunteers.

    Experimental Dermatology, 2003
  • Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation.

    Journal of Periodontology, 2009
  • Topical application of VC-IP cream twice daily for 8 weeks reduces periorbital wrinkles in female subjects compared to a placebo cream.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022

Ingredients

Water, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Water Rosemary Leaf Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Methyl Gluceth-20, Peg-8, Panthenol, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lecithin, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Hibiscus Flower Extract, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-27, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Retinol, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Jasmine Leaf Extract Flower, Lavandula Angustifolia Stem Extract Flower Leaf Lavender Stem Extract Flower Leaf, Clove Flower Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract Grape Fruit Extract, Sodium Citrate, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Disodium Edta, Citric Acid, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexylglycerin

Behind this fit score

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.

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Prices checked 5 Nov 2026

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the United Arab Emirates.

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