Pixi Overnight Retinol Oil Review

Pixi Overnight Retinol Oil
5.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
1.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Ingredients

Pixi Overnight Retinol Oil Ingredients

Hover to see details. On mobile? Tap for ingredient stories!

Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Retinyl Palmitate, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower/Leaf Extract, Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Retinol, Polysorbate 20, Laureth-23, Cetyl Palmitate, Trideceth-6 Phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Ceramide NP, Squalane, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Sorbitan Laurate, C18-36 Acid Glycol Ester, C18-36 Acid Triglyceride, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil
Review

Does Pixi Overnight Retinol Oil Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Pixi Overnight Retinol Oil has to offer:
 
✅ Strong occlusive moisturizing. This exceptionally occlusive moisturizer, ideal for dry and very dry skin, has a moderate moisturizing rating of 5.8 out of 10, impaired by the lack of humectants.
✅ Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: Pixi Overnight Retinol Oil has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.5 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.

  

Key Benefits of Pixi Overnight Retinol Oil

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Pixi Overnight Retinol Oil:
 

🔵🔵🔵 Exceptionally Rich Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Very Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Pixi Overnight Retinol Oil is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more occlusive. It has a low Humectancy of 1.6 out of 10 and a maximum Occlusivity of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil (est. ≈85.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, can deliver an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin. The occlusive profile of Pixi Overnight Retinol Oil suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

🟣 Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Pixi Overnight Retinol Oil has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 2.5 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Retinol (est. ≈0.1%),
 the most effective non-prescription anti-wrinkle ingredient. Numerous clinical studies have shown its positive effects at concentrations as low as 0.1%. A study with 36 participants (Kafi et al.) confirmed that a lotion containing 0.4% retinol reduced wrinkle severity by 21% after 24 weeks of use, compared to the same formulation without retinol (vehicle).
 
Among others, Pixi Overnight Retinol Oil contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Retinyl Palmitate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.
 
Therefore, these ingredients do not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 
📌 Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some additional anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Pixi Overnight Retinol Oil

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Pixi Overnight Retinol Oil to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ May Increase Skin Photosensitivity Due to Retinol

This product contains retinol, which offers powerful anti-wrinkle benefits. The mechanism behind retinol’s action is boosting cell turnover. This process exposes new, more delicate skin, making it more vulnerable to sun damage.

As a result, using products with retinol may increase the skin's sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays.

To protect the skin, dermatologists recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 throughout the duration of retinol treatment, along with avoiding direct sun exposure. Retinol should be used at night, as it is sensitive to sunlight and can lose its potency when exposed to UV rays.

📌 Please always check the manufacturer's instructions for using the retinol-containing products, either on their website or product label.

⚠️ Best for Very Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With exceptional occlusivity, this product is optimal for moisturizing dry and very dry skin but may be too thick for other skin types, including normal, and especially combination and oily skin.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

⚠️ Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Pixi Overnight Retinol Oil contains a low level of humectants.

People with dry skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

Pros & Cons of Pixi Overnight Retinol Oil

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Pixi Overnight Retinol Oil to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Exceptionally rich moisturizer with the right level of occlusivity to moisturize dry to very dry skin
Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May increase skin photosensitivity due to retinol
⚠️ May feel too rich and thick on skin types other than dry
⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
   

Summary: Pixi Overnight Retinol Oil

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Pixi Overnight Retinol Oil
, as a moisturizer, provides an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin, delivered in a rich, thick texture.
 
Pixi Overnight Retinol Oil contains ingredients with proven evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy that may provide a modest anti-wrinkle effect. As a result, you can expect a positive, though not very significant, impact on wrinkles.
 
That said, there are some things about Pixi Overnight Retinol Oil worth noting.
 
With its high occlusivity, Pixi Overnight Retinol Oil is ideal for dry skin but may feel too thick on other skin types. If you have oily, combination, or normal skin, it’s a good idea to try a sample before purchasing.
 
If you use this product as your only moisturizer in a routine, please note that it contains only a small amount of humectants. Regardless of your skin type, adding extra humectants can enhance optimal moisturizing efficacy. Therefore, it may be worth pairing Pixi Overnight Retinol Oil with a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.
 
This product contains retinol, the most powerful and well-researched non-prescription anti-wrinkle ingredient. However, retinol can make your skin more prone to sun damage and increase sensitivity, so it’s recommended to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 throughout the duration of retinol treatment.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
85
2
1.9
1.8
1.7
1.6
0.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Retinyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower/Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Laureth-23
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Trideceth-6 Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NP
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Function:
Origin:
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Laurate
Function:
Origin:
C18-36 Acid Glycol Ester
Function:
Origin:
C18-36 Acid Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Function:
Origin:
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Borago Officinalis Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
1.6
1.6
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
89.1
85.0
1.7
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 1.6 10
1.6
1.6
Occlusivity All occlusives 89.1 20
10.0
85.0
1.7
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
1.6
All humectants 1.6 10
1.6
All humectants
1.6
1.6
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
85
1.7
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 89.1 20
10.0
All occlusives
89.1
85.0
1.7
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
10 /10 0.4 0.1 2.5
n/a
- 2 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
2.5
Retinol
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Retinyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
2
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 1.5 3 No
All antioxidants
1.5
Tocopherol
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
0.3
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil
0.3
Borago Officinalis Seed Oil
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1.9
0.3
All soothing 2.2 5 No
All soothing
2.2
1.9
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
Est. %85
Function
Origin
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) OilAn emollient and occlusive oil derived from sweet almonds. It has a favorable fatty acid composition (mainly oleic and linoleic acids), and a high content of vitamin E. Almond oil is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Retinyl Palmitate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Retinyl Palmitate

An esterified form of retinol – it combines retinol and palmitic acid into one molecule. Retinyl palmitate is less irritating than retinol but lacks clinical proves of its anti-aging and acne-reducing efficacy.

Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower/Leaf Extract
Est. %1.9
Function
Origin
Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower/Leaf ExtractObtained from the leaves and fragrant flowers of jasmine, this soothing and occlusive moisturizing extract has a beautiful heavy, sweet, jasmine scent.
Water
Est. %1.8
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %1.7
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Glycerin
Est. %1.6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Retinol
Est. %0.1
Function
Origin
Retinol

One of the most famous and well-researched anti-aging ingredients with a maximum anti-wrinkle power of 10 out of 10. It is proven to decrease wrinkles and help the skin regain its thickness, firmness, and texture. Retinol is also effective in treating pigmentation issues such as dark spots and acne.

Polysorbate 20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 20A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.
Laureth-23
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Laureth-23Laureth-23 is a strong emulsifier that is perfect for bringing oils into water-based products. It can be used to mix fragrance or to add to shampoos. It plays nicely with other emulsifiers and ingredients, and can show synergy when used with other emulsifiers of the same type like Laureth-7.
Cetyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl PalmitateA moisturizing occlusive and emollient wax ester that consists of cetyl alcohol and palmitic acid. In nature, cetyl palmitate is found, and was first identified, in spermaceti, a waxy substance from inside the skull of the sperm whale.
Trideceth-6 Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Trideceth-6 Phosphate
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Ceramide NP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide NPAlso known as ceramide 3, it is the most common ceramide in our skin. It helps to restore the skin’s lipid barrier and alleviate the symptoms of dry and cracked skin. Research has shown that skin suffering from conditions such as AD lacks ceramides.
Squalane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed OilA liquid plant wax, also known as Jojoba oil, pressed from the seeds of Simmondsia chinensis. These seeds can contain up to 50% of liquid wax. It is used as an occlusive moisturizer, emollient, and emulsifier.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from sunflower seeds and one of the most commonly used oils in skincare. It has great emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Sunflower oil is one of the richest sources of vitamin E – an important skin antioxidant.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tetrahexyldecyl AscorbateA lipid-soluble form of vitamin C that is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. According to a recent clinical study, THDA has all the capabilities of regular vitamin C, including anti-wrinkle and anti-pigment activity.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateA synthetic emollient ester. It works to improve the appearance of the skin by filling in the microcracks on the surface, thereby making the skin appear softer and smoother. It imparts a lightweight, velvety feel.
Sorbitan Laurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan LaurateSorbitan laurate is a sugar-based emulsifier similar to sucrose palmitate. It keeps oil broken into small droplets throughout water because of its chemical shape and nature (this is how most oil-in-water emulsifiers work by the way). These kinds of emulsifiers are mild enough to even be used in food preparations.
C18-36 Acid Glycol Ester
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
C18-36 Acid Glycol Ester
C18-36 Acid Triglyceride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
C18-36 Acid Triglyceride
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

A small peptide consisting of three amino acids with anti-wrinkle effects. Together with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, it is a part of the popular anti-wrinkle complex called Matrixyl™ 3000.

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

A synthetic peptide that mimics the activity of immunoglobulin G and signals to the skin to stop the inflammation. It has been shown in studies to reduce wrinkles and enhance collagen content.

Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed OilDerived from cranberry seeds, this rich-in-antioxidants oil contains a combination of emollient and occlusive moisturizing omega-3,-6, and -9 fatty acids.
Borago Officinalis Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Borago Officinalis Seed OilA fatty emollient and occlusive oil expressed from the seeds of borage flowers. It has a uniquely high content of a rare gamma-linolenic acid and also contains squalene, phytosterols, and vitamin E.