Pixi Peel & Polish Review
While I am diligent when it comes to regular skin exfoliation, there are times when you can barely double cleanse, let alone perform an entire skincare routine. We all have those times when you continue to neglect your skin and end up with a crusty face. One of those moments is exactly when I tried the Pixi Peel & Polish for the first time.
The results were instant and I immediately included it in my regular skincare routine. Check out the review to know how the peel & polish performs and whether it’s an ideal choice for you.
Product Description
This radiance revealing enzyme peel resurfaces for smoother, softer skin and a healthy-looking glow.
Price: INR 2,400 (USD 24) for 80ml
Availability: You can buy it from Nykaa (India), ULTA (USA), and Cult Beauty (UK & globally)
Key Ingredients & Benefits
Lactic Acid (6%) – A gentler AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) that sloughs away dead skin cells, speeds up cell turnover and stimulates cell renewal. Basically what you’ll get is a brighter complexion, as well as smoother and softer skin.
Papaya Fruit Extract – A protein-digesting enzyme that breaks the bonds holding the dead skin cells together to improve skin texture.
Cellulose Peels & Sugar Extracts – Physical exfoliants that polish the skin and lift away dullness.
My Thoughts On Pixi Peel & Polish
If I had to summarize my experience with peel & polish then I’d say it is a gentle exfoliator and is amazing for people who aren’t ready to invest a lot of time daily when it comes to skincare.
However, if you’re used to potent acids, feel free to invest your money in stronger treatments something like The Ordinary AHA + BHA Peeling Solution or Drunk Elephant Baby Facial.
Packaging
The peel & polish comes in a classic, very pixi-like pastel green cap and deep peach coloured tube packaging. The opening of the tube is small so you have control over the amount of product dispensed through it.
The back of the tube mentions product details, and directions to use and you can get the ingredients list and similar details on the outer cardboard box.
Texture & Smell
The Pixi Peel & Polish has an easy-to-spread, gritty texture and is peach in colour. The tiny granules are physical exfoliants that will help slough off the dead skin cells.
I’m not a big fan of the smell and it’s very difficult for me to describe it – the only words I have are “weirdly fruity”, like those fruit facials you get at a salon. However, it’s not a deal-breaker for me. I love the performance and that’s what matters the most. And I’ve gotten used to to the smell.
How to use Pixi Peel & Polish?
As per the directions, take the required amount of product and apply it to dry and cleansed face & neck. Leave it on for 2 minutes to let the enzymes activate and rinse off. For a more intense polish effect using your fingertips, gently massage face and neck in a circular motion.
The formula of Peel & Polish is quite gentle for someone like me who has a good experience with potent exfoliants. So instead for leaving it on for 2 minutes, I extend the time till 5-7 minutes and it gives me better results.
While the sugar granules aren’t supposed to be too harsh, it feels like it’s lightly pricking my cheeks so I do not massage my entire face while rinsing. I very, very gently massage my nose sometimes to get rid of the texture but mostly, I just rinse off. You can use it upto twice a week.
Then, I follow up with a good hydrating & calming serum like the By Wishtrend Propolis Drops and a lightweight moisturizer. On days, I use the peel & polish, I avoid any other exfoliants or retinol in my routine to avoid the risk of over-exfoliation/ skin irritation.
If you’ve just started to use this product, try with 2 minutes till your skin builds resistance and then gradually increase the time up to 5 minutes. And since the product contains an AHA which increases photosensitivity, make sure you don’t forget SPF.
Does the Pixi Peel & Polish Work?
Pixi Peel & Polish is gentle yet effective stay-at-home peel that combines chemical exfoliation (lactic acid) with physical scrubs (sugar extracts) & enzymatic action (papaya extracts) to give you a smoother, refreshed and glowing skin.
Whenever I use the peel & polish, it gives me smoother and softer skin but is it something that I haven’t experienced with other products? Hear me out.
I have tried quite a few instant-fix exfoliators (like The Ordinary Peeling Solution), some are more affordable than Pixi and some aren’t, but those are all quite potent (with a high concentration of acids up to 32%) and not for everyone. And this is why I consider Peel & Polish to be a more universal, might-suit-every type of product for those who are looking for a quick fix for their face. It instantly gives soft, smooth, and bright skin.
Please keep in mind that you don’t use it or at least scrub it over the areas where you have acne. If you’re constantly struggling with acne, going for a BHA exfoliant might be more beneficial for you.
I still swear by The Ordinary one and you can read my review on The Ordinary 2% Salicylic Acid Solution to know how it worked on me.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an exfoliating mask that would give you a softer & brighter complexion instantaneously then you should definitely give Pixi Peel & Polish a try. The brand is cruelty-free and makes some amazing skincare and makeup products. This product is a quick skin-fix that’s not too potent/ strong and would work for almost all skin types.
Why You Should Buy Pixi Peel & Polish?
- Cruelty-free
- Sleek, Travel-friendly packaging
- Gives softer & smoother skin
- Makes skin look brighter
- Amazing combination of physical & chemical exfoliants
- Suitable for all skin types
- Exfoliates the skin
Why You Should Avoid Pixi Peel & Polish?
- Added fragrance (but suited my sensitive skin very well)
- Scrubs prick my skin while massaging
- Smells weird
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Angie Wilson says
I’ve been using this for two weeks now and unfortunately I now have a break out of acne. I’m going to keep going but not scrub when I rinse off and see if that helps. I love everything about the product. It really does smooth and brighten my skin. Just a shame about the spots.
Rifat Yaseen says
🙁 let me know if it worked on your acne. I absolutely love this product, years after i wrote the review 🙂
Shreeya says
I really wish i had your knowledge of skincare! It’s all too much for me ? but i absolutely loved this review. Idk why but peels kinda freak me out so i might try the ordinary AHA BHA Peeling solution soon. ?
Rifat Yaseen says
That’s soo sweet! I wish I had your makeup skills, tbh. The ordinary one is too strong so it’s better to start with the Pixi peel & polish 🙂