These glow-boosting face peels are the next best thing to professional treatments.
Exfoliation is a key step in any skincare routine and one way to achieve it is by using a face peel. “At-home chemical peels are products made with chemical exfoliators, usually acids, that help break down and shed the outermost layer of skin cells,” explains Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler. “The acids in at-home peels loosen the bonds between the outer skin cells, allowing them to fall away.”
The results are real: “By exfoliating the outermost layer of skin, peels can make skin appear smoother and feel softer,” she says. “They can help unclog pores, making them look smaller, and reduce the appearance of dark spots.” Benefits can also include “improving skin tone and glow, as well as combatting acne breakouts, depending on the ingredients,” adds Laura Scott, M.D., a dermatologist and founder of Scott & Co. Skin in San Diego, California. The most common types of acids used in at-home peels are alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), Dr. Scott says.
The GH Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab rigorously tests at-home chemical peels in the Lab using digital imaging to track changes in skin before and after use, as well as on consumer testers, who evaluate the products on attributes such as ease of use, irritation and perceived results. In the Beauty Lab’s latest face peel test, scientists tallied 9,750 data points to find the best at-home chemical peels.
Here, everything to know about the best at-home chemical face peels you can buy as tested by the GH Beauty Lab, including picks for hyperpigmentation, glycolic acid formulas and professional brands.
1
BEST OVERALL AT-HOME CHEMICAL PEEL
Dermalogica Rapid Reveal Peel
The winner of the GH beauty Lab’s face peel test, professional spa line Dermalogica’s lactic acid peel earned the highest marks in almost every area: It was top in Lab assessment at diminishing hyperpigmentation spots, and 100% of users said it was best at evening skin tone, smoothing, brightening and reducing lines. GH Beauty Lab before-and-after digital imaging with the Visia Complexion Analyzer device showed it lessened breakout-inducing bacteria by 20% and refined skin texture by 5% after two weeks.
Every tester said they would use the product again. “My skin immediately felt so smooth and looked even and bright,” one marveled. “It never felt irritated or dry and the results were instantaneous.” This pick is also great if you travel regularly — it comes in 10 individual 0.1-ounce tubes in a travel bag, although some reported they were tricky to open.
2
BEST VALUE AT-HOME CHEMICAL PEEL
L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Bright Reveal Brightening Daily Peel Pads
No rinsing required with these foolproof L’Oréal Paris glycolic acid peel pads. Nearly every tester raved about how convenient and simple they are to use (just swipe them over clean skin!), though some didn’t like the feeling of product left behind. Our Visia Complexion Analyzer imaging revealed that it cut blemish-causing bacteria by 19%, and 71% of testers said it brightened skin. “Love how smooth it made my skin feel,” one commented. “I would definitely purchase this.”
3
BEST AT-HOME CHEMICAL PEEL FOR WRINKLES
Philosophy The Microdelivery Triple-Acid Brightening Peel
Philosophy’s individually-packed pads were the only product to show some visible wrinkle improvement in Lab Visia Complexion Analyzer tests, and it also ranked at the top for improving skin texture and not excessively irritating. Testers gave the peel the best score for brightening and 100% agreed that it smoothed their skin. “After each use, my skin looked brighter for two days,” one remarked. “It also felt softer and smoother.” One drawback: some users complained of the “strange” scent.
4
BEST HIGH STRENGTH AT-HOME CHEMICAL PEEL
Neostrata Resurface Smooth Surface Glycolic At-Home Chemical Peel
Butler recommends this at-home face peel from dermatologist brand Neostrata infused with a high 10% level of glycolic acid for its simplicity and minimal irritation, even with daily use. “I simply swipe a pad across my face and then continue with the rest of my routine, as it doesn’t have to be rinsed off,” she said. “It’s gentle enough to be used every night and didn’t irritate, aside from a slight stinging on some parts of my face upon application that subsides quickly.” The results: “My skin felt softer and my pores looked clearer when I used this regularly,” Butler revealed.
5
BEST GLYCOLIC ACID AT-HOME CHEMICAL PEEL
Mary Kay TimeWise Repair Revealing Radiance Facial Peel
Made with a high concentration of glycolic acid, Good Housekeeping Seal star Mary Kay earned the highest score in GH Beauty Lab tests for minimizing pores and smoothing texture without redness. Visia digital imaging found an 11% reduction in the number of visible pores, an 8% improvement in texture and a 13% decrease in acne-causing bacteria. Despite strong results, it earned a perfect score for not leaving skin red, was the least likely to sting and testers didn’t report any real downsides. “My skin was tighter and more toned after even the first use,” one raved.
6
BEST PROFESSIONAL-QUALITY AT-HOME CHEMICAL PEEL
Shani Darden Skin Care Triple Acid Signature Peel
Dr. Scott recommends this luxurious face peel kit created by celebrity aesthetician Shani Darden for brightening and smoothing skin. “I love the combination of lactic, mandelic and glycolic acids and the neutralizing mask to apply afterwards,” she says. It comes with eight sachets of the exfoliating peel solution, so it is on the pricier side per use, although the set also includes the clay mask and an applicator brush.
7
BEST NATURAL AT-HOME CHEMICAL PEEL
Naturopathica Sweet Cherry Brightening Enzyme Peel
A blend of naturally-derived ingredients, including tartaric and malic acids plus exfoliating enzymes from fruit, works to gently slough skin in this Naturopathica peel. “It has a pleasant sweet scent and leaves skin looking clear without dehydrating,” GH’s Beauty Director reported. Note: The milder formula may not be the best choice for those looking for strong effects from a peel.
8
BEST AT-HOME CHEMICAL PEEL FOR GLOWING SKIN
La Prairie Cellular 3-Minute Peel
Although it contains a potent blend of lactic, glycolic and salicylic acids, La Prairie’s splurge-worthy peel was both effective and super-gentle on skin. It scored highest in Lab digital-imaging evaluations for improving radiance and tied for first at reducing acne-promoting bacteria (by 20%). An impressive 100% of testers noted no peeling or flaking after application. Lab experts also like that it comes with a convenient and hygienic application brush, but some users found the formula difficult to rinse off.
“My skin looked smoother and brighter as soon as I washed it off — my family even noticed!” one tester revealed, “yet there was zero stinging.” GH Beauty Assistant Catharine Malzahn agrees: “It doesn’t make my skin peel or feel irritated at all, but I notice my skin is glowier after use.”
9
BEST FAST-ACTING AT-HOME CHEMICAL PEEL
Suki Skincare Resurfacing Enzyme Peel
Boost skin’s clarity and radiance fast by smoothing on Suki Skincare’s peel, a mix of glycolic and salicylic acids with fruit extracts like apple, grapefruit and papaya. “I like to apply this when I get in the shower and rinse it off at the end for a mini spa treatment at home,” GH’s Beauty Director says, thanks to its relaxing herbal scent from lavender oil. The bottle size is small, however, so it may not last as long as others.
10
BEST AT-HOME CHEMICAL PEEL FOR OILY SKIN
Neutrogena Skin Perfecting Daily Liquid Exfoliant Oily Skin
Splash on this Neutrogena exfoliating liquid, a GH Beauty Award winner, with 7% glycolic and citric acids to combat skin congestion, dullness and clogged pores. The easy-to-use formula doesn’t require rinsing (though a few users noticed a slight sticky feeling after application) and helps even out skin tone over four weeks of daily use, GH Beauty Lab data evaluation found.
11
BEST AT-HOME CHEMICAL PEEL FOR DRY SKIN
Alpyn Beauty Wild Huckleberry 8-Acid Polishing Peel Mask
Alpyn Beauty’s peel mask based on exfoliating acids like glycolic and malic as well as fruit extracts was created to be mild enough even for dry or sensitive skin types. “My complexion can be very reactive to peels and any product with acids, but I had zero stinging, dryness or irritation from this,” GH’s Beauty Director commented. “The formula felt pampering, unlike other peels, which can be medicinal, and I like that it’s rinsed off to avoid any reactions from prolonged contact.” Afterward, “my face looked a bit more vibrant and felt softer,” she said, although it may not be strong enough to produce the desired results on oily or combination skin types.
12
BEST AT-HOME CHEMICAL PEEL FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel
The iconic Dr. Dennis Gross two-step peel is GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek’s “favorite peel of all time” for her acne-prone, oily skin thanks to its multi-acid formulation (glycolic, salicylic) followed by a second retinol and vitamin C treatment step. “I like that it comes in three different strengths so there is something for everyone: I first started using the gentle variant and now I use the regular one and occasionally the extra strength,” she noted. “I apply this at night and when I wake up, my skin not only feels and looks smoother but it also helps pores appear visibly smaller.” Be aware that it can cause irritation, especially when you begin use, she said.
13
BEST SMOOTHING AT-HOME CHEMICAL PEEL
Renée Rouleau Triple Berry Smoothing Peel
A delicious jam-like texture and a long list of effective exfoliating acids (glycolic, lactic, malic, mandelic, phytic, tartaric) combine in this peel from famed aesthetician Renée Rouleau to lightly resurface skin bumps and uneven texture. While some users felt the berry pieces in the formula made it tricky to apply and rinse off, others raved about the skin benefits. “This leaves my face feeling smoother and looking brighter, great for when my complexion is dull or tired,” GH’s Beauty Director said.
14
BEST OVERNIGHT AT-HOME CHEMICAL PEEL
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant
This Paula’s Choice exfoliating liquid made with clarifying 2% salicylic acid is one of Wnek’s go-to formulas for overnight use. “I like that you apply this like a toner at night and when you wake up skin feels so smooth!” she enthused. (A potential drawback: Some users noted that it irritated their skin upon application, so it may not be the best choice for sensitive or dry skin types.)
15
BEST AT-HOME CHEMICAL PEEL FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads
Swipe one of these no-rinse pads soaked in skin-sloughing glycolic and lactic acids over your face to exfoliate without irritation thanks to soothing aloe juice and cucumber water in the formula. “They are safe for sensitive skin and gentle enough for daily use, but still give me a nice glow,” says GH Contributing Beauty Editor Dori Price. (Note that some users reported breakouts after using these.)
How we test the best at-home chemical peels
The GH Beauty Lab evaluated over 100 at-home face peels and narrowed them down to the top contenders, which were label-masked to eliminate brand bias and distributed to 72 testers. GH Beauty Lab scientists analyzed testers’ skin in the Lab with the Visia Complexion Analyzer device (below) to measure pores, skin texture, visible spots and wrinkles before and after two weeks of use of their assigned at-home face peel.
Consumer testers reported their feedback on factors including ease of use, irritation and the look and feel of their skin (smoothness, line and pore reduction, brightness, and even tone). Finally, Lab experts tabulated 1,560 Visia data points and 8,190 consumer evaluation responses to identify the best at-home face peels on the market.
What to look for when shopping for the best at-home chemical peels
Here’s what to know when looking for effective at-home face peels, according to GH Beauty Lab and dermatologist experts:
✔️ I.D. the right ingredients. The most common (and most effective) at-home chemical peel ingredients are alpha and beta hydroxy acids. These are naturally found in foods and plants, and can have either water- (alpha) or oil- (beta) loving properties.
- Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic, lactic, mandelic, malic tartaric and citric acids have all been proven effective exfoliators.
- Beta hydroxy acids, the most ubiquitous of which is salicylic acid. Besides its exfoliating properties, salicylic acid uses its oil-attracting properties to remove dirt and oil from pores, making it ideal acne-prone and oily skin.
- Enzymes derived from fruits (like pineapple or papaya) are also used in peels for gentle exfoliation.
✔️ Check the label. “Make sure the peel you’re purchasing is meant for at-home use and is not a professional product,” Butler advises, as professional formulas can be stronger and potentially damage skin if applied incorrectly.
✔️ Know your brands. To better ensure safety, shop from well-known skincare brands and retailers that cater to at-home consumers, both Butler and Dr. Scott recommend.
✔️ Proceed with caution. “Those with extremely sensitive skin, rosacea, eczema or psoriasis should avoid at-home chemical peels as they can trigger flares,” Dr. Scott advises.
✔️ Don’t try TCA peels at home. You may see them mentioned online, but “never try a trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel at home,” Butler warns. “TCA is a very powerful acid and should be used by professionals only.”
How do I use a chemical peel at home?
In general, you can apply an at-home chemical peel once per week for sensitive or dry skin, and two or three times max for other skin types. Read the package instructions before using any new product and follow the directions for usage frequency, advises GH Beauty Lab senior chemist Sabina Wizemann. Know that more (often) doesn’t mean better when it comes to face peels: “The biggest danger of any at-home peel is that many think using it more means faster and better results, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth,” Dr. Scott says. “I’ve seen many destroyed skin barriers and even chemical burns and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from at-home peels because someone used them too frequently.”
It’s also best to add one type of exfoliator into your routine at a time to avoid skin irritation and damage. For instance, if you’re trying a peel one week, avoid using a face scrub, cleansing brush or retinol treatment.
What is the strongest peel you can do at home?
The strength of a face peel depends on the percentage of acid in the formula. “The FDA over-the-counter monograph on topical acne drug products sets a maximum of 2% salicylic acid for OTC acne drugs, so that is generally what you will see in at-home peels (though the peels are not necessarily acne-treating drugs),” Butler explains. “The FDA cites that products containing AHAs like lactic and glycolic acid are safe for use by consumers if the AHA concentration is 10 percent or less.”
That said, “some well-known brands sell peels with AHAs in concentrations over 10%, though the high percentage is a blend of many AHAs including glycolic, lactic, tartaric and citric acids,” she says. “Peels from higher-end and dermatologist-backed brands do not always state what percentage of acid they contain, and it is very easy to order products claiming incredibly high percentages of acids (30% pure glycolic acid and up) online, including kits meant to be used by professionals.”
Your best bet: “Avoid those and shop from reputable retailers and well-known brands that carry products for at-home use,” Butler suggests. Visit a board-certified dermatologist or professional medical spa for stronger peels with higher concentrations of acids to achieve optimal results and prevent skin damage.
What’s the difference between an at-home chemical peel versus a professional one?
Professional medical-grade chemical peels can contain higher levels of exfoliating acids than at-home peels to produce more visible results in less time and are administered by a dermatologist or aesthetician to ensure safety. “At-home chemical peels can be more affordable and convenient than professional peels, though their results will be less dramatic,” Butler says. “They also usually don’t require recovery time or cause visible skin shedding, unlike professional peels.”
Because at-home chemical peels work on the very superficial (top) layer of skin, the benefits are limited, Dr. Scott says. Visit a dermatologist for chemical peels or other treatments that can help improve more challenging skin concerns like wrinkles, sagging and scars, including those from acne.
Are there side effects from at-home chemical peels?
Most likely, no. The majority of the at-home face peels in the GH Beauty Lab’s test did not cause peeling or flaking. But you might feel some tingling when you apply the peel — 71% of our testers agreed that they did when using their product, so it’s totally normal. Apply a hydrating facial moisturizer immediately after using any exfoliant to nourish your skin and a daily face sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, since exfoliating can make skin more sensitive to the sun.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
April Franzino, GH Beauty Director, has over 15 years of experience researching, writing and editing skincare-related content. For this piece, April worked closely with the GH Beauty Lab to report on the Lab’s best-tested at-home face peel products, as well as testing protocols and usage advice. She also interviewed dermatologist experts for their tips on at-home face peels.
Sabina Wizemann, GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist, leads testing of all types of skincare products, including at-home chemical peels, and provided expert insight into the category for this article. She conducted the GH Beauty Lab’s most recent at-home face peel test.
Chiara Butler, GH Beauty Lab Reviews Analyst, has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Columbia University, worked as a cosmetic chemist, formulating skincare products for a variety of beauty brands, before joining GH. She reviewed and provided expert commentary for this story.
