I’ve been using the PIXI Glow Tonic for over a year and felt that it is time I made a switch to The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7%. The main reason being it has a higher concentration of glycolic acid and also it is more than 1/2 the price of Pixi’s Glow Tonic. It was a bit of a no-brainer switching.

I have to say when I first switched to The Ordinary’s version, my skin did feel a slight sensitivity. I guess it is because of the potency of the product.

The best method of application is first to damped your cotton pads and then add a few drops of the toner onto the cotton pad. That way, the water helps dilute the concentration of the glycolic acid.

After about two weeks, my sensitive skin finally re-adjusted and I no longer needed to dilute the toner prior to application.

Here is my quick comparison review between the two products:

Brands	The Ordinary	PIXI
Glycolic Acid Concentration	7%	5%
Note-worthy ingredients	Aloe Vera + Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract * + Ginseng	Aloe Vera + Ginseng
Questionable Ingredients that may cause sensitisation	–	Fragrance (Parfum), Caramel, Red 4 (CI 14700)
Usage	Exfoliation	Exfoliation
Routine	PM	AM/PM
ml	240ml	100/ 250ml
Price	£6.80	£10/£18

Note: Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract * skin benefits

The primary one is called polygodial that has potent anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and antimicrobial activity. According to the manufacturers in-vivo (made on real people) tests, Tasmanian Pepper Extract can relieve itching and burning sensation to a great extent (79% and 58% decrease) almost instantly (after only 5 mins).

It also contains anthocyanins, that are well-known antioxidants. The berries are claimed to have an antioxidant power 3x greater than blueberries. A third active in the berries is called rutin, an anti-inflammatory agent that can strengthen capillaries. Thanks to this, Tasmanian Pepper might be able to help reduce dark undereye circles.

Hope this helps you make an informed decision.

X,

RNF