I bought these Pixi Glow Tonic To-Go Exfoliating Pads for one purpose, and one purpose only.
Travel.
While I don’t use exfoliating toners (acid toners) as much today as I used to, I always make sure that they form part of my travel skincare routine. I’ll tell you why! 😉
Pixi Glow Tonic – Why I like it!
While I am sure I can safely assume that most of you who are reading this are familiar with the Pixi Glow Tonic, I can’t take that for granted LOL!
Basically, the Glow Tonic is what is known as an “exfoliating toner” or also commonly referred to as an “acid toner”. The reason behind this is because it contains glycolic acid (a type of AHA – Alpha-Hydroxy Acid), which helps to chemically loosen and lift off the top layer of your dermis.
This promotes quicker skin cell turnover, which leads to smoother, potentially brighter skin, as the skin cells renew. I find that the chemical exfoliation also helps to ‘unclog’ pores, so if you are prone to breakouts, or have some clogged pores or even blackheads, regular use can help unclog and smoothen your skin.
I like the Pixi Glow Tonic (my old review is here) because it does the job well without irritating the skin very much, and is fairly affordable. That is not to say however, that it is perfect for everyone.
I have been told by any number of people that they react adversely to the Pixi Glow Tonic, for which I commiserate. But there are many more who find it beneficial, which pretty much sums up how skincare works 😛
Be warned however, that you can always risk over-exfoliation, so it is recommended to go slow, and possibly even not use exfoliating toners too often, or even daily as many ‘gurus’ have recommended before this.
RELATED READING: What are acid toners? Should you use them daily or should you beware? READ HERE
What are the Pixi Glow To-Go Exfoliating Pads?
Essentially, the Pixi Glow Tonic To-Go Exfoliating Pads are a portable version of the ever popular Glow Tonic!
In a tub, you will get 60 pre-moistened pads, which makes it a very practical travel item for fans of Glow Tonic. It saves you the hassle of bringing the bottle, and any potential accidents.
The pads are fairly thin, and there’s a faint orange tint to them. Glow Tonic is orange, so that might explain why it is so.
The pads are also textured on one side, and smoother on the other. I find that the textured side can feel a little more abrasive on my skin than I like, so I am sure to use the smooth side on my skin.
I like that the pads do feel quite moist, so you can run it quickly over your skin without tugging. It doesn’t dry as quickly too, which is a good thing.
There is no real technique behind it. Use it as you will your regular Glow Tonic, except it is now far more portable.
I find that it functions the same way too. My skin feels soft and clean after using it, and it doesn’t feel dry like how some other acid toners make it feel. There are a good amount of aloe vera and glycerin, and other hydrating ingredients to prevent this feeling of dryness, which is of course, a good thing.
What’s not so great about the Pixi Glow Tonic To-Go Exfoliating Pads?
I love that they are portable, despite the rather bulky packaging. Personally, I’d prefer if the pads came in packs of 30 pads instead of 60. This will allow for a slimmer tub, and less potential waste, if the pads dry up before you are done using them.
For this reason, my recommendation is NOT to remove the protective layer covering the tub.
I lift off and open it only halfway, and make sure that I don’t leave it open for too long. I also ensure that I screw the cap on tightly immediately after picking out one piece of moistened pad.
It is normal that it will dry out over time, so slowing down this process is the only way to deal with it.
The other thing I’m not keen on is the scent. For some reason, there is an odd sweetish scent, which I don’t remember being present in the lotion.
The final thing is the waste. You will use and discard the pads as you go, for hygiene reasons as well as for practicality. This will add to waste, which isn’t quite politically correct right now 😛 However, it is counter-balanced by convenience 😛
The Pixi Glow Tonic To-Go Exfoliating Pads are perfect travel partners!
I previously bought exfoliating pads by First Aid Beauty, and found them a little wanting. It didn’t seem to do much for my skin, so one day, I threw them into my travel pouch, and took them on a holiday.
What I realized after I returned, was that my skin did not break out or clog up as much as it used to. This tends to happen when I travel somewhere hot, where I get sweaty and oily, and to cities, which can be polluted.
Using an exfoliating toner or acid toner practically daily, helped my skin retain its balance, remain clog and breakout-free. Since then, I never ever travel without an acid toner! It is truly my secret to returning from a holiday without breakouts! 😀
That was the reason I bought the Pixi Glow Tonic To-Go Exfoliating Pads. I wasn’t terribly impressed with the First Aid Beauty ones, so when I saw that one of my favourite acid toners came in a convenient travel-friendly form, I sprung for it! If you’re wondering, these are stronger than the First Aid Beauty ones, which is why I prefer it.
My problem therefore is this. I don’t travel as much as people think I do LOL! 😛 When I do travel, I don’t go off for months on end. So, I’d prefer if Pixi could make smaller tubs of 15-30 pads, drop the price, and just make it a more portable, more practical item.
I cannot see why anyone would want to use the Pixi Glow Tonic To-Go pads in lieu of the lotion, when at home. The lotion is cheaper, more practical, and kinder to the environment. Pixi should therefore position these To-Go pads for what they are – travel-friendly, portable Glow Tonic.
IN A NUTSHELL
The Pixi Glow Tonic To-Go Exfoliating Pads are a tub of 60 pads pre-moistened with Pixi’s iconic Glow Tonic. The thin pads are dual-sided, with a textured side, and a smoother side. I find the textured side a little harsh for me, so I prefer to use the smoother side. If you travel often, then this will be a mainstay in your travel pouch. But if you don’t, I cannot quite see why you’d need this instead of the Glow Tonic lotion instead.
PROS:
All the goodness of Glow Tonic in a portable form
Easy to carry when you travel
Pads are well saturated and feel moist
Leaves skin feeling clean, smooth and clear without dryingCONS:
May dry out before you are done using all
Tub is rather bulky
Weird sweetish scentWHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who likes the regular Pixi Glow Tonic lotion and wants a more portable alternative
PRICE: RM86 | £20 | US$18 for 60 pads
WHERE TO BUY: Sephora MY, Target, Cult Beauty, Pixi Beauty website, iHerb, LookFantastic, Selfridges
Here’s the ingredient list for the Pixi Glow Tonic To-Go Exfoliating Pads.
Aqua, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Seed Extract, Glycolic Acid, Ammonium Glycolate, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Hexylene Glycol (and) Fructose (and) Glucose (and) Sucrose (and) Urea (and) Dextrin (and) Alanine (and) Glutamic Acid (and) Aspartic Acid (and) Hexyl Nicotinate, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Biotin, Polysorbate 20, Fragrance.
Are you a fan of Pixi Glow Tonic? Do you find these pads practical?
I personally find these great for when I travel, but not when I’m at home and can use the lotion. So please Pixi, make smaller tubs? 😛 Have you tried these?
Paris B
Currently I’m using the Pixi Glow tonic and have a back up of the travel pads for when my lotion finishes. And I also am using First Aid Beauty interchangebly when I’m too malas to use the Glow tonic. My skin loves FAB but found the Pixi one a little wanting which is weird since the acid in Pixi is stronger than FAB. But maybe because I use the textured side in the FAB acid but only using my Watsons round cotton which is a bit gentler on the skin. And now you make me want to open up my Pixi Glow pads and see if I like this version better!
The pad does play a part, I agree. The textured side of these pre-soaked pads tend to be a little more exfoliating. That said however, I have found that Pixi Glow Tonic divides people’s opinions. Some, like me, enjoy using it. But there are those who don’t get the hype or worse, break out. So if FAB works better for you, it’s worth sticking with it 🙂
My sentiments exactly about the amount of pads! I usually DIY it by soaking cotton pads and putting them in a container for whenever I travel, making it portable and easier on the wallet!
I might try that next time Jess. My concern is that it may dry out more quickly. I have tried packing pre-soaked micellar water pads, but not for days at a time, just a day or two, and it works.
Fully agree on making sure glycolic acid is part of the travel routine. I swear it keeps breakout at bay. I’m using two products now, alternatively at night with Vitamin C serum; Marini Bioclear Cream – glycolic, salicylic and azelaic acid as well as Glowbiotics Brightening + Refining Layering Solution.
Yes! I am so diligent with AHA lotions when I’m holiday and it does help a lot. Skin also feels better at the end of the day, especially after a whole day out. I haven’t yet come across the brands you mentioned, but hey, as long as you have something that works for you, that’s best of all 🙂
Someday, if I’m brave enough, maybe I will give the smallest bottle of the glow tonic a chance again, or maybe not 😛
Waiting for your review of the other Pixi mists (Rose mist or glow mist or something haha)
LOL! I remember you broke out so don’t risk it! These days, there are other options out there, and perhaps if you want something portable, you can try the First Aid Beauty pads. There are less in a tub, and the formula is milder 🙂 And I’ll be starting to use the Pixi Rose mist soon! So will report once I’ve formed a view 😉
Oh thanks I’ll read up more about the First Aid Beauty Pads.
I’ve been eyeing Cosrx products (like the AHA/BHA toner) and been sifting through the raves LOL 😛
This is a fantastic tip! I never thought of using this for travel. I have the Glow Tonic and the Cosrx cotton pad things (similar to your Pixi one) and I alternate between the two. I can’t use this type of exfoliators often though, probably once or twice (at most) a week. I think I’ll transfer some of the cotton pads into the First Beauty container (mine is a smaller, travel size version) for travel in the future.
With very sensitive skin, these things definitely shouldn’t be used daily! At home, I don’t even use it daily, and my skin is pretty toughened up by now. But when I travel, I make the extra effort. These pads and a mask – travel must haves!
I’ve never tried the tonic. Wanted to since so many raved about it but saw the pad version and bought it instead. I don’t use it on a daily basis, maybe once in 5 days to exfoliate in the evening so a tub lasts me months! And the last pad was still good without drying out. Unlike you I don’t travel with mine cos, like you said, it’s bulky. Secondly travelling means holidaying means staying out in the sun for long hours so it’s not v safe even if I do use sunscreen. I just make sure I use it immediately when I get home. By the way, I use one side of the pad on my face and the other on the back of my hands which are exposed to the UV rays. Noticed that part of our body gets plenty exposure esp if you drive.
Thanks for confirming that it doesn’t dry out so quickly, Tessa. At least now I know not to worry too much about it 😀 Good call on using it on the back of your hands as well. Yes, our hands definitely do not get the skincare love they deserve!
I’ve had the 20% glycolic pads version of this for an embarrassingly long amount of time, same as you, only partially opened. It still hasn’t dried out on me yet! It’s so strong that I can’t really use it too often.
Thanks for confirming it doesn’t dry out quickly! 🙂 I have the 20% one too but haven’t tried that, because it seems a little more involved haha! And at that strength, you can’t use it that often anyhow! Makes sense to package it in smaller tubs eh?