Paula's Choice vs Pixi
Paula's Choice and Pixi are skincare brands founded in 1995 and 1999, respectively, offering comprehensive ranges of serums, cleansers, moisturizers, and toners. Paula's Choice is built around hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and vitamin c, while Pixi is crafted with gentle and effective formulas. Both brands suit oily skin best, though the American brand also fits combination skin and the British brand suits sensitive skin. They differ primarily in their ownership and regional origins, alongside their specific ingredient highlights.
Paula's Choice is an American skincare brand founded in 1995 and owned by Unilever since 2021.
Pixi is a British skincare brand founded in 1999.
pixibeauty.comtracxn.compitchbook.com
This page compares some of the most popular Paula's Choice and Pixi products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Paula's Choice vs Pixi products
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Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
SAR 263.52
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1% Retinol Treatment
SAR 325.00
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10% Azelaic Acid Booster
SAR 275.52
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C15 Super Booster
SAR 50.00
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CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser
SAR 140.00
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10% Niacinamide Booster
SAR 50.00
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Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA
SAR 252.99
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Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
SAR 166.90
People Say
Glow and radiance Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “gives instant glow — Pixi Glow Tonic”
- “Skin is noticeably brighter — Pixi Glow Peel Pads”
- “healthy radiance — Pixi Glow Mist”
- “Discoloration almost gone — Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum”
Lightweight and fast absorbing Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Absorbs quickly and leaves no greasy residue behind. — Paula's Choice Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer”
- “absorbs instantly — Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster”
- “watery consistency — Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster”
- “Absorbs quickly — Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist”
Smoothes skin texture Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “skin becomes very smooth — Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment”
- “skin is insanely soft — Paula's Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA”
- “skin never been this silky — Paula's Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment”
- “Skin feels incredible, so smooth — Pixi Glow Peel Pads”
Deep hydration, plumping and soothing Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “Instant surge of hydration — Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist”
- “calms my redness instantly — Pixi Rose Tonic”
- “deeply hydrates and balances — Pixi Antioxidant Tonic”
- “skin looks plumper — Paula's Choice Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster”
Non-irritating and gentle formula Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Finally a vitamin C product I can use — Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum”
- “no stinging — Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster”
- “doesn't sting — Pixi Glow Tonic”
- “Gentle enough for regular use — Pixi Retinol Tonic”
Pleasant scent Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “smells like fresh roses — Pixi Rose Oil Blend”
- “lovely subtle rose scent — Pixi Rose Tonic”
- “refreshing rose smell — Pixi Glow Mist”
- “Doesn't smell at all — Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum”
High price and small size Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Bottle is too small — Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist”
- “Slight downside is the price — Pixi Glow Peel Pads”
- “bottle is very small — Pixi Rose Oil Blend”
- “surprisingly small bottle — Paula's Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment”
Unpleasant smell or strong fragrance Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “smells like grain — Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster”
- “smells like hot dog water — Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster”
- “smell is overpowering — Pixi Glow Tonic”
- “Scent is too strong — Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist”
Causes purging, breakouts or irritation Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “peeling and flaking — Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Treatment”
- “skin purged — Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant”
- “Massive burning sensation — Pixi Glow Peel Pads”
- “burned my face — Pixi Glow Tonic”
Paula's Choice vs Pixi routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 297.00
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Hydrating Toner
Hydrating Milky Mist
Morning
SAR 136.00
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Moisturizer
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 48.00
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SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 75.00
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
SAR 65.11
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Cleansing Toner
Glow Tonic
Evening
SAR 56.52
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Serum or Treatment
Vitamin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 167.00
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Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
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Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
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Cleanser
CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 140.00
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Hydrating Toner
Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner
Morning
SAR 223.04
- Moisturizer RESIST Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum Morning · Evening · Once a week
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SPF
Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50
Morning
SAR 261.90
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
SAR 65.11
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Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
SAR 72.64
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Serum or Treatment
RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 461.00
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Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
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Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
Buy Pixi routine · SAR 1,209.66 · 91% fit
Buy Paula's Choice routine · SAR 1,588.72 · 79% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Paula's Choice vs Pixi routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 36.33
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Hydrating Toner
Retinol Tonic
Morning · Once a week
SAR 77.55
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Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 39.70
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SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
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Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Glow Tonic
Evening
SAR 56.52
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Serum or Treatment
Vitamin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 167.00
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Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
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Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
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Cleanser
CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 140.00
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Hydrating Toner
Advanced Replenishing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 310.00
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Moisturizer
Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 202.06
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SPF
Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50
Morning
SAR 261.90
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Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
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Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
SAR 187.00
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Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 20% Treatment
Evening · Once a week
SAR 51.00
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Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
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Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
Buy Pixi routine · SAR 1,155.80 · 95% fit
Buy Paula's Choice routine · SAR 1,883.71 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Paula's Choice vs Pixi routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 191.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Retinol Tonic
Morning · Once a week
SAR 77.55
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 39.70
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Glow Tonic
Evening
SAR 56.52
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 167.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
SAR 168.77
-
Cleanser
CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 140.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Advanced Replenishing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 310.00
-
Moisturizer
Clear Oil-Free Moisturizer
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 202.06
-
SPF
Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50
Morning
SAR 261.90
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
SAR 64.80
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Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 20% Treatment
Evening · Once a week
SAR 51.00
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Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
SAR 168.77
Buy Pixi routine · SAR 1,150.95 · 94% fit
Buy Paula's Choice routine · SAR 1,601.99 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Paula's Choice or Pixi: which is better?
Both brands offer solid options, but Paula's Choice is often preferred for lightweight, fast-absorbing formulas that smooth skin texture, while Pixi is better known for giving a noticeable glow and deep hydration.
What is the difference between Paula's Choice and Pixi?
Paula's Choice is owned by Unilever and offers fragrance-free products on this page that help smooth skin texture and provide lightweight formulas, whereas Pixi is independently owned and often features deep hydration with radiance, though some of its products may contain fragrance and a sticky residue.
Paula's Choice or Pixi for dry skin?
For dry skin, Lovi routine fit is Superior with Pixi and High with Paula's Choice. Pixi delivers deep hydration and radiance, while Paula's Choice offers lightweight formulas and smooths skin texture.
Paula's Choice or Pixi: which moisturizer is better?
Both brands offer moisturizers that help address specific skin needs, with Paula's Choice focusing on targeted treatments and Pixi emphasizing deep hydration. For dry skin, Pixi achieves a Superior routine fit while Paula's Choice achieves a High fit.
Which is more affordable, Paula's Choice or Pixi?
Pixi is noted for having a high price and small size, making Paula's Choice the more affordable option between the two brands on this page.
Between Paula's Choice and Pixi, which brand does better for glow and radiance?
Pixi does better for glow and radiance.
Do Paula's Choice and Pixi products contain any added fragrance?
Every product on the Paula's Choice page lists no added fragrance in its ingredients, whereas 3 of the 10 Pixi products on this page contain fragrance.
Which brand offers better deep hydration and plumping according to review themes?
Pixi offers better deep hydration, plumping and soothing according to review themes. Reviewers mostly mention deep hydration and radiance as key benefits of the brand.
Paula's Choice or Pixi for sensitive skin?
Both Paula's Choice and Pixi achieve a High Lovi fit level for sensitive skin, while Pixi also offers a Superior routine fit for sensitive skin. Paula's Choice features fragrance-free formulas across the products on this page, whereas Pixi provides popular options like Hydrating Milky Mist that help deliver deep hydration.
Paula's Choice or Pixi for acne-prone skin?
Both Paula's Choice and Pixi achieve a Superior Lovi routine fit for acne-prone skin, with Paula's Choice standing out for lightweight and fast-absorbing formulas while Pixi is noted for glow and radiance.
Research behind their key ingredients
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine
Topical glutathione amino acid precursors protect skin against environmental and oxidative stress
Tocotrienol-rich fraction attenuates UV-induced inflammaging: A bench to bedside study
Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
A Rose Extract Protects the Skin against Stress Mediators: A Potential Role of Olfactory Receptors
The impacts of sodium lauroyl sarcosinate in facial cleanser on facial skin microbiome and lipidome
Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Topical Application of N-Acetyl Glucosamine
Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
Novel beads made of alpha-cyclodextrin and oil for topical delivery of a lipophilic drug
Design and in vivo evaluation of emulgel formulations including green tea extract and rose oil
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Clinical study of a spray containing birch juice for repairing sensitive skin
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Behind this comparison
Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated 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
-

Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-

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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