Pixi Retinol Tonic for oily skin
Superior
- SuperiorOily Skin Fit
- HighEffectiveness
- ExcellentSafety
One of the best toners for oily skin.
- Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
- American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. 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 oily skin is provided by retinol and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, which offer retinoid and antioxidant activity, respectively, alongside humectant action from glycerin and sodium hyaluronate to hydrate and plump your skin.
- Moderate benefits for oily shine are offered due to the concentrations of retinol and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate promoting skin renewal and oil control.
- The safety profile is excellent for your oily skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the presence of soothing agents like Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Water and Panthenol.
How to apply
- Use your hydrating toner in your AM and PM routine every day to keep skin fresh.
- Apply this product after cleansing and before your moisturizer or SPF.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the hydrating toner into your skin and let it absorb.
- Apply the hydrating toner on slightly damp skin to help it absorb better.
- Avoid the eye area and do a patch test before your very first use.
People Say
★4.6Overall rating based on 600+ reviewsUsers 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 oily skin?
Pixi Retinol Tonic is one of the best fits for oily skin because retinol and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate help renew your skin and control oil, while glycerin and sodium hyaluronate hydrate and plump it. This toner is very safe for your oily skin because it lacks harsh ingredients and includes soothing agents like rosemary leaf water and panthenol.
Which ingredients make this toner a good fit for oily skin?
This toner is a great fit for oily skin because retinol and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate help manage oil and smooth the skin, while glycerin and sodium hyaluronate add lightweight moisture without feeling heavy. Soothing plant waters and panthenol keep your skin calm and comfortable.
What does Retinol do for oily skin?
Retinol helps oily skin by keeping pores clear and balancing sebum production, which may reduce shine and breakouts. Because it can sometimes cause dryness or peeling in the beginning, starting slowly is recommended.
What does Jasmine Flower do for oily skin?
Jasmine Flower helps calm oily skin while keeping it balanced and smooth without feeling heavy. Plant extracts of this type are generally lightweight and unlikely to clog pores, making them a great fit for daily use.
Where does this toner go in a skincare routine for oily skin?
This hydrating toner is used after cleansing in your morning routine. It helps hydrate and plump your skin while supporting oil control without irritation.
Can I use this toner with AHA, and in what order?
You can use this toner with AHA by applying the AHA first and following with this hydrating toner to replenish moisture. Because both ingredients promote skin renewal, using them together may occasionally lead to irritation, so it is best to start slowly and watch how your skin reacts.
How often should I use this toner?
You can use this hydrating toner daily in your morning routine to help hydrate and plump your oily skin while keeping shine under control. It is unlikely to cause irritation thanks to its soothing ingredients.
Can this toner clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?
This toner is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for oily skin, as it has an excellent safety profile with soothing ingredients and no harsh components. However, because it contains retinol, it may occasionally cause mild initial purging as it helps promote skin renewal.
Is this toner fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
What the research says
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, 2017Topical 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, 2002A 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, 2017Topical 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, 2017Topical 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, 2019Silicone 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, 2018Fermented 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, 2021Jasminum 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, 2022Topical 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, 2013The 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, 2020Ten 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, 2001Niacinamide/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, 2012Topical 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, 2011Topical 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, 2022Treatment 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, 2019Topical 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, 2003Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation.
Journal of Periodontology, 2009Topical 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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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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