Table of Contents
- 1. Drunk Elephant TLC Sukari Babyfacial Mask – Best Overall.
- 2. Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic + Retinol Wrinkle Recovery Peel – Best For Anti-Aging.
- 3. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque – Best For Oily & Acne-Prone Skin.
- 4. Ilike Organic Skin Care Botanical AHA Peel – Best Organic Formula.
- 5. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% Superficial Peeling Formulation – Best For Sensitive Skin.
- 6. The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution –Best Budget.
- 7. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad – Best For Hyperpigmentation.
- 8. Elemis Peptide4 Overnight Radiance Peel – Best Overnight.
- In Conclusion.
- Possible Questions & Answers.
You know one good thing about at-home chemical peels? They multi-task by mildly exfoliating the skin of dead skin cells, unclog pores of impurities, even the skintone, eliminate acne, shrink visible-large pores and address the issue of wrinkles and fine lines.
At-home chemical peels will definitely add a boost to the effectiveness of your skincare topicals by sloughing off congested dead skin cells sitting on the top layer of the skin which will create a passage for an easy penetration of your skincare products into the dermis to do their respective jobs.
According to Dr. Howard Sobel. A certified dermatologist, “Peels are intended to remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells, giving the face a smoother, more radiant appearance. They work to exfoliate top layers of cells and help clear up clogged pores, breakouts, dull skin, and dry skin, They are also great for minimizing pores and diminishing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.”
At-home peels a milder but relatively very effective. They are made in a concentration that is safe enough for you to use on your face without burning your face off. They contain varieties of alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids (AHAs & BHA) to deliver exfoliation and anti-aging benefits.
However, it’s highly recommended to follow up with a moisture-rich moisturizer immediately after peeling-solution treatment, to curtail over-exfoliation effect which can lead to Irritations such as burns, redness and dryness. And of course a sunscreen to protect your freshly treatment skin from the UV rays of the sun.
While chemical peels are great for every skincare routine, those with sensitive skin and also those on retinoids topical medication may likely experience some mild irritations. It’s best to consult with your board-certified dermatologist before incorporating peels into their routine to determine the best timing and ingredients to use to get the glowing results that you crave.
Having said that, after and in-depth and independent research, we’re happy to say we’ve hand-picked the best chemical peels that can be used at-home for a smoother, even-looking skin.
1. Drunk Elephant TLC Sukari Babyfacial Mask – Best Overall.
A formula with a blend of 25% AHAs. Packed with exfoliating acids (glycolic, tartaric, lactic, and citric acids) as well as 2% BHA (salicylic acid) to deliver intense exfoliation on skin’s surface and beneath the pores to slough off congested dead skin cells and eliminate pore-clogging impurities thereby leaving the skin overall-smooth, clog-free, baby-soft and even-looking appearance.
Pros
- A 25% concentration.
- Combines multiple AHAs & BHA.
- Contains no harmful chemicals.
Cons
- Quite pricey (but worths your money).
2. Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic + Retinol Wrinkle Recovery Peel – Best For Anti-Aging.
An exfoliating peel that solely targets wrinkles and fine lines. Not only does this formula slough off dead skin cells, alleviate clogged pores but also drastically minimizes anti-aging signs such as wrinkles and fine lines, resurface your complexion and stimulates collagen production all thanks to retinol.
Pros
- Contains retinol.
- Contains no harmful chemicals.
Cons
- Runs out quickly.
- Pricey (but worths your money).
3. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque – Best For Oily & Acne-Prone Skin.
Salicylic acid is known to penetrate deeply into the skin to eliminate pore-clogging impurities stucked in the pores, treat acne (pimples) and decrease redness and swelling (inflammation), which makes it very recommendable for individuals with oily and acne-prone skin.
This face mask chemical peel formula not only contain salicylic acid but also contains blend of charcoal and clay which provides an ultra-deep cleanse helping to draw out impurities from the pores to reduce the appearance of blackheads, blemishes and clogged pores. While salicylic acid exfoliates deep into the pores, minimize large pores thereby promoting a smoother, baby-soft and clearer complexion.
Pros
- Ideal for treating acne.
- Suitable for oily & acne prone skin.
- Combines salicylic acid + charcoal.
- Contains no toxic chemicals.
Cons
- A bit pricey (but worths your money).
4. Ilike Organic Skin Care Botanical AHA Peel – Best Organic Formula.
An organic at-home facial peel infused with an alpha hydroxy acid ( lactic acid) in combination with lemon oil to deliver exfoliation to the skin, unclog congested and minimize large pores and improves the tone and texture for a brighter, smoother and more youthful complexion without over-drying out the skin thanks to its hollyhock content.
Pros
- Smells lovely.
- Botanical formula.
- Contains no toxic chemicals.
Cons
- None.
5. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% Superficial Peeling Formulation – Best For Sensitive Skin.
Of all the Alpha hydroxy acids, Lactic acid is considered milder which makes it very ideal for individuals with sensitive skin. This 10% lactic acid formula + 2% HA (hyaluronic acid) offers mild exfoliation by stripping off dead skin cells and unclog congested pores of pore-clogging impurities. This mild exfoliating-formula is supported with purified tasmanian pepperberry known to reduce signs of inflammation and sensitivity that is often associated with exfoliation alongside hyaluronic acid to deliver hydration and prevents excessive skin dry out. Read full review here.
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin.
- Suitable for mild exfoliation.
- Contains no harmful substances.
Cons
- Slight stickiness.
6. The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution –Best Budget.
One of the most popular peeling solution that has been making raves in the beauty industry. Remarkable inexpensive and wallet-friendly. With 30% alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic/lactic/tartaric/citric), 2% beta hydroxy acid (salicylic acid) to deliver a deeper exfoliation, helps to fight visible blemishes, wrinkles, fine lines and for improved skin radiance. It’s just like having all AHAs and BHA in one formula and paying less for more value. Read full review here.
Pros
- Wallet-friendly.
- Combines AHAs & BHA.
- Contains no harmful substances.
Cons
- None.
7. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad – Best For Hyperpigmentation.
A peel-pad formula with the powder house of AHAs and BHA to strip off dead skin cells for brighter and healthier skin beneath. You know the fun path? This formula also contains kakadu plum a extreme-rich source of vitamin C. Which of course doesn’t need introduction. Vitamin C target and fades hyperpigmentations such as dark spots, brown spots, acne scars, sun spots, brightens skin complexion and protect skin against free radical damage.
Pros
- Contains Vitamin C.
- Fades hyperpigmentations.
- Contains no harmful substances.
Cons
- Expensive (but worths your money).
8. Elemis Peptide4 Overnight Radiance Peel – Best Overnight.
You know that feeling when you wake up with a gorgeous and glowing looking-skin? Wow, best feeling ever. You’re about the experience this feeling with this overnight-miracle, creamy formula.
Contains lactic acid (AHA) and nourishing botanical oils to gently strip off the dead skin cells sitting on the top layer of your skin, shrink large pores, minimizes the looks of fine lines and enhances skin renewal process while you sleep. Wake up with a smooth, glowing, baby-soft and ravishing looking skin.
Pros
- Overnight peel formula.
- Lightweight creamy formula.
- Contains no harmful substances.
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin.
- Expensive (but worths your money)
In Conclusion.
While acid peels are remarkable for exfoliating and sloughing off dead skin cells, minimizing large-visible pores and aging signs it’s best to be used at night only and only suitable for experienced users of acid exfoliation. Therefore if you’re not an experienced user of exfoliating acids or you’ve not used acid peels before please consider having a talk with your board-certified dermatologist to guide you properly on how to get it done.
Possible Questions & Answers.
Q: How often should I use acid peels?.
A: At-home peeling solution are formulated in a lower concentration that won’t burn your face. Mostly this acid peels are capped at 10 – 20% which is ok to use at home without complications. But nevertheless using too often can still cause dryness, redness and slight tingling and burning sensation.
Start out by using at-home acid peels once or twice weekly, then work your way up to using every other day. This is to allow your skin build tolerance towards acid peels. Remember to follow up with a moisture-rich moisturizer to restore lost moisture and keep the skin hydrated. Don’t forget to use sunscreen to protect your freshly treatment skin from the wicked UV rays of the sun.
Q: How long should I leave at-home peels on my face?.
A: At-home peeling solutions should be left on the face for 10 minutes before washing off. However, there are also overnight acid peels which are to be left on the skin overnight. Always read the product user-guidelines before commencing treatment.
Q: Can at-home acid peels irritate sensitive skin?.
A: These peels are formulated in lower concentration which makes it suitable to use at home and on all skin types. However, individuals with sensitive skin should take caution while using acid peels. We advice you should start out once or twice weekly, gradually you can work your way up to using every other day (if your skin can take it).
For those with skin conditions like psoriasis, rosacea, eczema, it’s highly recommended to speak with your board-certified dermatologist prior to commencing any acid peel treatment.
Q: Can acid peels be used during pregnancy?.
A: If you must use acid peels during pregnancy then you should be extra cautious about the ingredients contained in the product. AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) such as glycolic acid is considered safe to use during pregnancy at the concentration of 10%. Lactic acid which is considered more milder is also safe to use during pregnancy but salicylic acid should be avoided at all cost. You can read on ingredients to be avoided during pregnancy.
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