It’s no secret that I am quite a fan of most Pixi Beauty skincare products. They are generally fairly affordable, and effective. That’s pretty much what we seek in most skincare don’t we?
And there is one specific Pixi product I get asked about a lot – the Pixi Double Cleanse, created with the popular skincare guru Caroline Hirons. There has been much I’ve learned from Ms. Hirons (and some that I disagree with) but if there’s one thing I can agree on, it’s the importance of a double cleanse.
I’d talked about double cleansing way back when I started this blog in 2007. It was a cleansing concept I’d picked up from using Japanese skincare, and it’s stuck with me since. People used to roll their eyes at me back in the day, because it seems like so much work; but now, it’s become an established norm, and touted by big names in skincare. So I’m now feeling somewhat vindicated for being a pioneer in this area :P
The Pixi Double Cleanse gets a lot of raves, so naturally, I had to see what the hype was about.
I almost instantly regretted it :P
Pixi Double Cleanse – Pixi + Caroline Hirons collaboration
I don’t usually buy into blogger/influencer collaborations, but I held Ms. Hirons and Pixi Beauty in high enough esteem to trust the product.
The concept is sound. A 2-in-1 tub of cleansing products, which makes your evening double cleanse routine a breeze. It also serves as a starter point for those who might be new to the concept of double-cleansing.
What is a double cleanse routine?
Basically what it says on the tin – you cleanse your skin twice.
The first time, usually with a cleansing oil or cleansing balm, to remove your makeup and any grease and grime of the day.
Second, with a foam, gel or cream cleanser, to ensure that your skin is thoroughly cleansed and ready for the rest of your skincare.
RELATED READING: Should you use a cleansing oil or cleansing cream/balm? Which is more effective? READ HERE
Double cleansing is done usually in the evening, to remove the grime of the day. You do not need to double cleanse in your morning routine.
The Pixi Double Cleanse comes with half a tub of solid cleansing oil, and the other half, a cleansing cream. It is clearly labelled on the cover, and you can tell from the textures inside what they are.
But I ran into multiple snags that made me put this aside under a week of use.
Packaging is impractical
First off, the packaging is impractical. The tub is divided into half on the inside.
Please note that it does not come with a spatula.
The problem is that both products are meant to be used with dry hands on dry face. This would make sense, if you wash your face by your bathroom sink, and dry your face after the first cleanse, before moving on to your second.
This does not make sense if you wash your face in the shower as I do. I usually massage in my first cleanse with dry hands on a dry face, then emulsify and flannel off in the shower. I do my second step thereafter, in the shower.
The packaging of the Pixi Double Cleanse does not allow for this. I didn’t want to dip wet hands into the tub for fear of it spoiling (some readers told me theirs went moldy!) so I had to consciously step out of the shower, dry myself, before washing my face again.
Solid Cleansing Oil does not emulsify well
It being called a cleansing oil, albeit in solid form, I expected it to emulsify. It did not. That didn’t bug me very much, as I usually use a face cloth, or flannel to remove my cleansing oils/balms anyway.
But it is something to consider, if you are used to the concept of a cleansing oil.
The Solid Cleansing Oil does melt on contact with the skin, and to its credit, does remove light makeup, dirt and grime. I did not find it drying either, which is a good thing.
I must say here that I thought the cleansing oil side would be similar in texture, if not formula, to the Pixi Nourishing Cleansing Balm (which I’m told may already be discontinued). I enjoyed using the Nourishing Cleansing Balm and thought I would enjoy using this Solid Cleansing Oil.
Long story short, I don’t. So if this replaces the Nourishing Cleansing Balm, I’m definitely not buying into it :P
Cleansing Cream is hard to remove without a flannel
I found that the cleansing cream side MUST be used on dry skin. It is absolutely useless on wet skin, as it will slip right off.
I mention this, because my second cleanse usually features a cleansing milk or cream, and every one I’ve used so far can be used on wet or damp skin. Not this one. It’s utter crap for me.
When I used it on dry skin, it was more pleasant, but I did not like the texture. I found it very heavy and greasy, almost like a cold cream.
Like a cold cream, it does not wash off. You must use a flannel to remove it. Again, because I already use a flannel to wash my face, this wouldn’t be a problem for me. But I do prefer that my cleansing creams rinse off.
RELATED READING: Using a face cloth or flannel is good practice. Here’s why READ HERE
I do note also that I enjoyed using the Pixi Rose Cream Cleanser. It cleanses well, without drying the skin and rinses off easily. Not so this Cleansing Cream in the Pixi Double Cleanse.
I’m just surprised at why Pixi has formulated such different products for their Double Cleanse, when they already have good products in their line up to draw from.
It is said that it was created by Caroline Hirons, and perhaps this is the type of formula/texture that she prefers? I don’t know, but I personally do not like either side one bit.
Breakouts!
The straw that broke the camel’s back was when I noticed 2 spots appear on my cheek. I don’t really break out anymore. If I do these days, it is usually attributed to a product.
So, when I noticed that 2 spots had appeared on my cheek, I knew I had to stop using this Pixi Double Cleanse. My instincts were right, for the moment I stopped using it, the spots went away within a few days.
I would posit that the Pixi Double Cleanse is not tailored for those with oily or combination skin types. It is just too heavy. However, I have dry skin, and my skin hates it as well, so I’m not sure who I’d recommend this one for :P
I shared briefly on Instagram that I did not like this Pixi Double Cleanse one bit, and it was evenly divided as to whether I should write a full review, or just share it on Instagram. I chose to write about it, because I felt I could tell a better story here, than I ever can on Instagram.
2 is better than a 2-in-1
I know the Pixi Double Cleanse gets a lot of love, but I personally do not love it one bit. I’d even go so far as to say that you are far better off using 2 separate products.
Pixi makes a Cleansing Oil and a Cleansing Balm, which can operate as your first cleanse. They also make a good Cleansing Cream, that you can use as your second cleanse.
Granted, it is more pricey to get 2 products than just 1, but it will last you far longer, and is probably better value for money in the end, as you can pick and choose which products suit your skin best.
I’m ditching mine :P
IN A NUTSHELL
The Pixi Double Cleanse was created in collaboration with skincare guru Caroline Hirons and features a double-sided tub of a solid cleansing oil first cleanse, and a cleansing cream second cleanse. You must use both products with dry hands on dry skin for best results. This makes it impractical for use in the shower. You must also use a face cloth to remove, as the textures do not emulsify with water and are thick and greasy on skin. I personally broke out after about a week’s use, so I’m not going back. I prefer using 2 products separately, of my choosing, that work with my skin. I don’t recommend this.
PROS:
Portable and flight friendly
Cleansing Oil removes light makeup, grease and grime
Not dryingCONS:
Solid Cleansing Oil does not emulsify
Cleansing Cream feels heavy and greasy on skin
Cleansing Cream does not rinse off easily
Must be used on dry face with dry hands
Must use a face cloth to remove productWHO WILL LIKE THIS: Fans of Caroline Hirons :P
PRICE: RM109 | £24 | US$24 for 100ml
WHERE TO BUY: Sephora, Pixi Beauty website, Look Fantastic, Asos, Target, iHerb
For those interested, this is the ingredients list for both products in the Pixi Double Cleanse.
Solid Cleansing Oil
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, PEG-8 Isostearate, Polyethylene, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylgylcerin, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
Cleansing Cream
Water/Aqua/Eau, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Dipropylene Glycol, Sorbitan Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 80, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearic Acid, PEG-100 Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-40 Stearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Arginine, Carbomer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ascorbic Acid, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Maltodextrin, Butylene Glycol, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, sh-Decapeptide-7, sh-Octapeptide-4, sh-Oligopeptide-9
Have you tried the Pixi + Caroline Hirons Double Cleanse? Are you a fan?
I honestly felt quite disappointed with this product. But I suppose every brand has its duds. This was it for me. How was it for you? :P
Paris B
I thought it emulsified fairly well, never use face cloths to remove (frankly, I’m too lazy to do so much laundry…). I quite liked it, but it’s joyless. :-)
Do you know Oskia Perfect Cleanser and Renaissance Cleanser? They are lovely. :-) and Clinique’s Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm is joyless, but excellent (Angie (Hot & Flashy) compared several cleansing balms and this won hands down!).
Oh yes, I love Oskia’s Renaissance cleanser! A perfect joy to use! I bought the Oskia Perfect Cleanser, but haven’t broken it out yet. I think the Pixi one is just too troublesome. Putting 2 different products together sounds like a good idea in theory, but in practice, it’s just a mess :P Clinique’s is good value and does the job. Cannot complain about that one at all!
I’m sure it is formulated to her preferences. She’s a big fan of balm cleansers and I do appreciate her advice and perspective (even if I don’t agree with it all), but I found I just don’t get on with the textures she most likes, so I’ve never tried this as a result.
I’m quite sure that is the case too. It is named after her after all! :D
So are both products in that 1 tub meant for 1st and 2nd cleanse? The description of their textures seems to indicate otherwise. I don’t have to try to know I won’t like it, thanks for the review! Have you tried the Pixi collagen plumping mask? I must say that is quite a good product – I have dry and mature skin and on 1st try, I could see my skin plumped and hydrated the morning after. Fingers crossed that it continues to work!
Yup, first cleanse and 2nd cleanse in one tub. I guess it’s formulated to Caroline Hirons’ preference, but it unfortunately did not work for me, both as a product and in terms of the packaging. I haven’t tried the Pixi Collagen mask, but thanks for putting it on my radar! :)
Oh, I disagree! My skin was so soft and glowing after using this. I actually used the second cleanse on wet skin and thought the two different formulas really softened my skin, making my other products sink right in. I have combination skin, but it is quite sensitive.