Pixcell Biom 2 Billion/mL
Pixcell Biom 2 Billion/mL
Product Description
Purcell Pixcell Biom 2 Billion/mL is a minimalist 5-ingredient probiotic ampoule that packs a 90% concentration of two postbiotic ferments (Bifida + Lactobacillus) and roughly 2 billion probiotic cells per millilitre. This watery, fragrance-free first-step treatment is designed to rebuild a compromised moisture barrier, calm reactivity and balance the skin microbiome for stressed, sensitive and acne-prone skin.
โจ Texture & Feel
2 Billion Cells/mL
Each drop is densely packed with around 2 billion probiotic cells per millilitre to fortify the skin's natural defences.
Clinically Tested
A 29.68% improvement in skin barrier strength was recorded after just 3 days of consistent use (3x daily) in the brand's clinical trial.
Minimalist Formula
Only 5 ingredients with no fragrance, essential oils, silicones or common allergens โ ideal for reactive, easily-overwhelmed skin.
Microbiome Balance
Bifida and Lactobacillus postbiotics work together to calm inflammation, support resilience and keep the acid mantle balanced.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
No retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical UV filters. The formula is widely considered low-risk, but confirm with your doctor.
No oils, esters, fatty acids or polysorbates, but the two ferments are a debated category โ patch test if you are folliculitis-prone.
Pairs well with vitamin C, niacinamide, AHA/BHA and retinol, where it helps cushion and support barrier recovery.
Fragrance-free, allergen-free and soothing โ a strong choice for reactive, redness-prone or over-exfoliated skin.
Contains no ingredients flagged as harmful to coral reefs or marine ecosystems.
A small number of people are reactive to bacterial ferments. Introduce slowly and monitor for any irritation or congestion.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ฆ Bifida Ferment Lysate 45% Proven
A postbiotic derived from the fermentation of Bifida bacteria. It strengthens the skin microbiome, helps skin stay hydrated and is one of the most studied barrier-supporting ferments in skincare โ the same hero ingredient behind several luxury essences.
- Microbiome: Reinforces the skin's natural flora so it is less sensitive to environmental aggressors.
- Soothing: Studies show it to be a promising calming ingredient for sensitive skin.
- Hydration: Helps optimise and lock in skin moisture levels.
๐งซ Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate 45% Promising
A postbiotic made of inactive molecules produced by Lactobacillus bacteria. It helps balance the natural microbiome, supports the skin against infection and has skin-calming properties.
- Calming: May help reduce visible redness and reactivity.
- Photoaging: Early studies suggest it may help with signs of photoaging, though evidence is still inconclusive.
- Defence: Helps prevent harmful microbes from taking hold on the skin surface.
๐ง Butylene Glycol Support Proven
A well-rounded humectant and solvent that draws moisture into the skin, improves spreadability and helps other ingredients absorb. Safe and compatible with most skin types.
- Humectant: Attracts and holds water in the skin.
- Texture: Contributes to the lightweight, non-sticky feel.
๐งด 1,2-Hexanediol Support Proven
A multi-functional synthetic liquid acting as a humectant, emollient, solvent and preservative booster. It softens skin while keeping the minimalist formula stable.
- Hydration: Draws moisture into the skin and softens texture.
- Preservation: Boosts the antimicrobial activity of the formula without traditional preservatives.
๐ก๏ธ Ethylhexylglycerin Support Proven
A glyceryl-derived skin softener and preservative booster. It conditions the skin and enhances the effectiveness of the formula's preservative system.
- Conditioning: Leaves skin feeling soft and smooth.
- Stability: Improves the antimicrobial efficacy of the overall formula.
5 ingredients
Bifida Ferment Lysate (45%), Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate (45%), Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Purcell positions this as a first-step essence applied to bare skin right after cleansing, before your toner. You can also mix a few drops into your moisturiser for an extra probiotic boost.
๐ How to Use
Cleanse
Wash your face and gently pat it until slightly damp, morning and evening.
Apply 1โ2 Drops
Dispense 1โ2 drops onto each area of the face (forehead, cheeks, chin) using the applicator provided.
Pat to Absorb
Pat gently with fingertips to encourage absorption โ the watery texture sinks in almost instantly.
Continue Routine
Follow with your toner, serum and moisturiser. For best results, the brand recommends consistent daily use.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have a damaged, weakened or over-exfoliated skin barrier.
- Your skin is sensitive, reactive or easily red.
- You prefer minimalist, fragrance-free formulas.
- You use actives (retinol, acids) and want a cushioning support step.
- You want a lightweight first-step essence that layers under everything.
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You have active fungal acne and react to ferments.
- You want a single-product anti-aging or brightening treatment.
- You have very dry skin and need rich occlusive nourishment on its own.
- You dislike applying products with a dropper applicator.
- You specifically avoid all bacterial ferment ingredients.
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Watery, oil-free texture absorbs instantly without adding shine or heaviness.
Hydrates and supports the barrier, but dry skin will want a richer moisturiser on top.
Balances and hydrates across zones without overwhelming the t-zone.
Fragrance-free, allergen-free and microbiome-soothing โ built for reactive skin.
Low comedogenic risk and calming, though those with fungal acne should patch test the ferments.
๐ Results Timeline
Immediate Comfort & Hydration
Skin feels calmer, softer and more cushioned. The brand's clinical trial recorded a 29.68% barrier improvement after 3 days of 3x-daily use.
~70% noticedReduced Reactivity
Redness and sensitivity flare-ups become less frequent; skin tolerates actives more comfortably.
~60% noticedStronger, Smoother Barrier
Texture looks more even, skin feels more resilient and bounces back faster from daily stressors.
~55% noticedLasting Resilience & Glow
With consistent use, skin appears plumper and more luminous, with a noticeably more stable barrier over time.
~50% noticedโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Very high 90% probiotic concentration in a tiny ingredient list.
- Visibly calms sensitive, reactive and acne-prone skin.
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing and fragrance-free.
- Clinical data supports fast barrier improvement.
- Best-seller in Korea with a high repurchase rate.
โ Criticized
- Small bottle empties quickly with frequent use.
- Premium price compared with simple ferment essences.
- Ferments aren't guaranteed fungal-acne safe.
- Dropper applicator can dispense more than needed.
- Limited long-term Western review data.
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Also built around bifida ferment with added prebiotics and postbiotics. A longer ingredient list and lower ferment percentage, but a close microbiome-focused alternative at a friendlier price.
A 95% ferment essence, but uses galactomyces rather than bifida/lactobacillus. Leans more toward brightening and tone than dedicated barrier repair.
An ultra-minimalist single-ferment essence at a fraction of the price. Great value for a ferment hit, but lacks the dual-probiotic, barrier-targeted positioning of Pixcell Biom.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Purcell Pixcell Biom 2 Billion/mL (Featured)
$33.00Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence 5X
~$32.00Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence
~$22.00ma:nyo Bifida Biome Complex Ampoule
~$30.00๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
Approximately 12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; refrigeration is optional but can feel extra soothing.
Glass bottle with a dropper-style applicator
Yes โ 20ml and 30ml sizes are well under the 100ml cabin limit
โ Frequently Asked Questions
The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical UV filters โ the ingredients usually flagged during pregnancy. Its five ingredients are ferments, humectants and a mild preservative booster, so it is generally considered low-risk. As always, confirm any product with your doctor or midwife during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
It contains no oils, esters, fatty acids or polysorbates that typically feed malassezia. However, the two bacterial ferments (Bifida and Lactobacillus) fall into a debated grey area for fungal acne. Most people tolerate ferments well, but if you are prone to malassezia folliculitis, patch test first and monitor your skin.
Yes. This probiotic ampoule pairs well with actives and is often used specifically to cushion and support the barrier when using retinol, vitamin C or exfoliating acids. Apply it as a first step on clean skin, then layer your active afterward. If using strong actives, introduce everything gradually.
It suits all skin types but shines on sensitive, reactive, acne-prone and barrier-compromised skin. Oily and combination skin love the watery, oil-free texture, while dry skin benefits from the hydration but should layer a richer moisturiser on top.
Many users feel calmer, softer skin within the first few days โ the brand's clinical trial recorded a 29.68% barrier improvement after 3 days of 3x-daily use. Reduced reactivity tends to appear over 1โ2 weeks, with smoother texture and lasting resilience building over 4โ8 weeks of consistent use.
Use it as a first-step essence on bare, clean skin immediately after cleansing and before your toner, morning and evening. Pat 1โ2 drops into the skin, let it absorb, then continue with toner, serum, moisturiser and (in the morning) sunscreen. You can also mix a few drops into your moisturiser.
It has a very low comedogenic rating (around 1/5). The ingredients are lightweight humectants and ferments with no heavy oils or pore-clogging emollients, so it is unlikely to cause congestion for most people.
Plan to use it within about 12 months of opening. Keep the bottle tightly closed, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and avoid touching the applicator to your skin to keep the formula fresh.
Verdict: Purcell Pixcell Biom 2 Billion/mL is a standout for anyone focused on barrier repair and microbiome balance. The 90% dual-probiotic concentration in just five ingredients is unusually high, the texture is featherlight, and it has earned a loyal, repurchase-heavy following in Korea backed by fast clinical barrier results. The main trade-offs are the small bottle size relative to price and the fact that, like all ferment-rich products, it isn't a guaranteed match for fungal-acne-prone skin. For sensitive, reactive or over-exfoliated complexions, it's an easy recommendation.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinโs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging ยซpromisesยป it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Bifida Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
Irritation
|
|
| 1 |
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
1,2-Hexanediol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning, Deodorant
|
|