REN Glow Tonic vs Pixi 2024 (The Definitive Guide)

So, you've decided you want to try a best-selling exfoliating toner, but you can't quite decide which one would work best for your skin? We've all been there, don't worry!

Come with us as we compare the REN Glow Tonic vs Pixi Glow Tonic side-by-side to help you decide which is right for you. Enjoy!

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REN Glow Tonic vs Pixi Glow Tonic

Depending on your skincare needs, there's toners available for loadsss of different concerns: exfoliation, calming redness, moisturizing, balancing, etc. When applying it to your face - after cleansing, and before everything else - it may just give your complexion that little something extra.

Two of our favorites, REN Clear Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic and Pixi Glow Tonic, are ideal for those who’d like to add an exfoliator to their routine in addition to their moisturizers. But this begs the question: which one is right for you and your skin? Let’s take a closer look at both.

2024 update: REN's Ready Steady Glow Tonic has a new look! The formula appears to have remained the same, but it's worth noting that packaging may vary from retailer to retailer.

REN’s toner relies on a combination of AHAs and BHAs—specifically azelaic acid, lactic acid and salicin—to clear away dead skin and excess sebum. The results? Hydrated, brighter, smoother skin with smaller pores and less visible fine lines and pigmentation. (Sheesh, talk about a formula that does it all.) And given that this tonic is powerful, yet gentle enough for daily use, even those with sensitive skin can use this (if it’s diluted with some water first). Those with dry or acne-prone skin may also see improvements in their dermal conditions within a few weeks.

Pixi’s tonic credits a concentration of 5% glycolic acid for kickstarting exfoliation and cell renewal upon application. Additionally, aloe and red ginseng soothe, nourish, and balance your skin tone. Like REN’s toner, pixi’s also claims to reduce the appearance of pores for a glowy, more airbrushed finish. It doesn’t appear to be on par with REN’s anti-aging benefits, but they do state that this formula is suitable for all skin types.

Anti-aging differences aside, both toners have sparkling, 5-star reviews on their respective websites, so each is undeniably effective (as we discovered for ourselves in practice). However, there’s a sizable difference in price between the two, with REN’s toner costing $36 for a 250ml bottle while pixi’s is $27 for the same amount.

Between effectiveness, results, and cost, this comparison still feels neck and neck. Perhaps shedding some light on each company’s business ethics will allow us all some clarity…

REN’s toner is vegan and cruelty-free, and the packaging for this item is made from 100% recycled plastic. Further, REN made the Zero Waste Pledge in 2018 “to only produce packaging designed to be recyclable, containing recycled materials, or being reusable by the end of 2021.” As an aside, though, we’d like to note that not all their products are vegan.

On the other hand, pixi is also cruelty-free, but not entirely vegan. In terms of sustainability, there isn’t anything on pixi’s website that explicitly states that they’re committed to cleaner policies. (And even after some digging elsewhere, we were unable to find additional information on this matter.)

Although REN’s formula is more expensive, it appears you’ll reap more benefits, and their brand is better for the Earth. Case closed!

This article was originally published on November 6th 2022, but it has been reviewed and updated with the latest available information on February 14th 2024 by Sara Mckay, MA.