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The 17 Best At-Home Chemical Face Peels for Baby-Soft Skin
Including best sellers from The Ordinary, Paula's Choice, and Kiehl's.
For super-soft skin and clear pores, it’s important to have one of the best exfoliants in your skincare routine. And one surefire way to get the softest, smoothest, clearest skin in a flash is with an at-home chemical peel. Essentially a toned-down version of the peels used at spas and dermatologist offices, at-home peels offer serious exfoliation benefits in just a few minutes.
"While it’s definitely best to leave the pro-strength peels to the professionals, the beauty of using an at-home peel is it can deliver dramatic benefits without the downtime and discomfort, and in the comfort and convenience of your own home," Tammy Yaiser, the VP of product development at Algenist, says.
There are a few things to know before you try a peel, however. First, following instructions and starting off slow is key. (These are, after all, still chemical solutions we're dealing with.) You may also want to take a step back and look at your entire skincare routine to eliminate or skin-cycle products that might react with an at-home peel. For example, if you're using retinol as part of your daily regimen, peels powered by glycolic acid—especially in higher concentrations—can cause chemical burns, leaving behind hyperpigmentation, especially on darker skin tones. Not sure if you can use products together? Check with your derm or esthetician.
Ahead, we compiled 17 of the very best at-home chemical peels, selected by experts and editors alike. Plus, read on for expert tips from Azadeh Shirazi, a board-certified dermatologist at La Jolla Dermatology in La Jolla, California.
The Best At-Home Chemical Peels
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Exfoliating Peeling Solution
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Exfoliating Peeling Solution
Pros
- Amazing Price
Cons
Thousands of Sephora customers agree: This formula from The Ordinary really delivers. It features a blend of AHAs and BHAs that target dull, uneven texture, and because it's also oil free, it's especially ideal for acne-prone and combination skin.
Customer Review:
"So far the best product that helped me with old face scars and leaves my face so radiant the next day. Love it !!!!" -GabrielaM04
| Size | 1.0 oz |
|---|
Dr. Dennis Gross Clinical Grade Resurfacing Liquid Peel
Dr. Dennis Gross Clinical Grade Resurfacing Liquid Peel
Pros
- Includes Ingredients for Barrier Protection
Cons
Shirazi often recommends this professional-grade peel from Dr. Dennis Gross to her clients, since it uses a blend of powerful ingredients like lactic and glycolic acids to reveal younger skin, plus calming ingredients like green tea, glycerin, and colloidal oatmeal to soothe afterward.
Customer Review:
"My new favorite acid formula for my skin. I used to use P50v but I find this better for a skin cycling routine. It definitely feels like a peel but hasn’t caused me sensitivity or redness. Huge fan." -DaisysDiary
Saturday Skin Rub-a-Dub Refining Peel Gel
Pros
- Great for Oily Skin
Cons
Papaya and pineapple extracts power this gel, which is rubbed into dry skin. The exfoliation is impressive (and so satisfying), but it’s gentle enough to use once or twice a week, depending on your skin’s needs.
Customer Review:
"I love this product! And when it was on Black Friday sale, I couldn’t help myself! It’s great to use 2-3x a week and is a gentle AHA after cleanse. It does not cause irritation or redness. Just really clean feeling skin." -Jenny Honnens
| Formulation | Lightweight Gel |
|---|---|
| Skin Type | Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily |
Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Pros
- Great for Unclogging Pores
Cons
You don’t have to be on skincare TikTok to hear about this beloved exfoliant, which has a cult following. And the hype is real: Two percent salicylic acid gets deep into pores, while green tea helps prevent irritation.
Customer Review:
"I've only been using this for a few days and I already Love it. I've always struggled with finding products that are right for my oily skin. I love how lightweight this feels yet it still moisturizes. How it also softens is an added bonus! I look forward to trying more of Paula's products and I will definitely be using this one again and again." -Misty Bolding
Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C Dark Spot Correcting Peel
Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C Dark Spot Correcting Peel
Pros
- Antioxidant Rich
Cons
Hyperpigmentation, spots, and wrinkles are no match for Algenist's at-home vitamin C peel.
Customer Review:
"This product was very effective for me. It gave me a brighter, more even complexion yet it did not dry-out or irritate my skin. I use this product once a week for a skin pick-me-up. Highly recommend!" -BridgetKath
| Highlighted Ingredients | - Alguronic Acid: Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and fights environmental assaults that cause visible signs of aging. - Blue Algae Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) and Phycocynanin: Reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. - Triple Acid Complex (T.A.C.â¢): Visibly enhances spot-reducing power without drying skin out or any downtime. |
|---|---|
| Formulation | Gel |
| Skin Type | Normal and Combination |
Bliss That’s Incredi-peel Glycolic Resurfacing Pads
Pros
- Great Intro to Glycolic Acid
Cons
For moments when you're on the go, consider packing a few of these top-rated 10 percent glycolic acid peel pads in your carry-on, which more than 2,800 Amazon shoppers swear by.
Customer Review:
"Love the results the next morning- brings the spa home :) skin feels smoother and looks fresher." -Julie
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial
Pros
- Strong Formula
Cons
Don't let the word baby fool you; this peel isn't child's play. Made up of 25 percent AHAs and 2 percent salicylic acid, this peel leaves no pore unturned. Apply it once a week for luxurious and, yes, baby-soft skin.
Customer Review:
"This is magic. I've been using it for about 5 weeks and I see a major difference. My skin is even and my pores are a lot less clogged. I'm really bad with poking my skin all the time, but now I have nothing to poke at! My skin is flawless. (Well, almost. Ha.)" -EmilyJadec
| Formulation | Lightweight Mask |
|---|---|
| Skin Type | Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily |
Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Peel Mask
Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Peel Mask
Pros
- Clears Dark Spots
Cons
If one of your main skin concerns centers around dark spots, we suggest using this glycolic acid-based mask that also features Viniferine, a brightening ingredient that's said to be up to 62 times more potent than vitamin C.
Customer Review:
"This isn’t a peel, you have to wash it off your face. Every time I use it, even if I took a break from my skincare routine, it leaves me with the best skin ever! Super soft, moisturized and no texture." -JackeyAguila
| Skin Type | Normal and Combination |
|---|---|
| Skincare Concerns | Dark Spots, Dullness, and Uneven Texture |
Murad Replenishing Multi-Acid Peel
Pros
- Gentle Formula
Cons
- Needs to be shaken to properly activate
If you have sensitive skin, Shirazi suggests using this dual-phase toner. The top-rated formula removes dull surface cells and boosts skin's overall brightness while unclogging pores in the process.
Customer Review:
"I can see and feel a difference in my skin in just two uses." -Candy A.
Kate Somerville Liquid ExfoliKate Triple Acid Resurfacing Treatment
Kate Somerville Liquid ExfoliKate Triple Acid Resurfacing Treatment
Pros
- Calms Skin
Cons
Here's a popular exfoliator that uses a blend of glycolic, lactic, and malic acids, plus fruit enzymes, to deeply exfoliate skin. It also contains a blend of peptides, honey, and tea extract that expertly calms even the slightest inflammation.
Customer Review:
"Love it! Really gentle with my skin, also it helps reduce the oiliness." -Narelys
| Skincare Concerns | Pores, Dullness, and Uneven Skin Texture |
|---|---|
| Size | 1 oz/ 30 mL |
Kiehl's Since 1851 Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate
Kiehl's Since 1851 Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate
Pros
- Gentle for Sensitive Skin
Cons
Adding just a few drops of this dermatologist-tested refining peel from Kiehl's to your night time skin care routine gently exfoliates an otherwise dull complexion as you sleep.
Customer Review:
"It transforms your skin in just a few weeks. I had sunspots and dull skin that is now clear and glowing. I love this product!" -Victoria F.
| Size | 1.0 oz |
|---|
U Beauty Resurfacing Compound
U Beauty Resurfacing Compound
Pros
- Versatile
Cons
Not quite a toner, and not exactly a peel, this versatile resurfacing compound is designed to streamline your routine. Apply it after cleansing and let the blend of hardworking ingredients—including AHAs, peptides, and hyaluronic acid—minimize fine lines and dark spots with ease.
Customer Review:
"I started using this product a few weeks ago and it has left my skin so smooth and clear. I am so surprised every time I wake up and am very happy with the results so far!" -Leena
Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel
Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel
Pros
- Creamy Texture
Cons
Instead of the usual chemical peel suspects, like glycolic and lactic acids, this peel relies on a papaya enzyme called papain, which breaks down proteins that keep complexion-dulling dead skin cells hanging on.
Customer Review:
"Amazing exfoliation makes my skin look younger plumper and more youthful." -Lisa Carey
| Size | 1.7 oz |
|---|
Glossier Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector
Glossier Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector
Pros
- Easy to Use Packaging
Cons
This skincare cocktail from the experts at Glossier contains a blend of salicylic, glycolic, and lactic acids, along with ingredients like niacinamide and aloe to soothe skin.
Customer Review:
"After less than a week of use, I saw improvement - I thought it was my brain tricking me like a placebo, until my roommate said my skin already looked better (the tone was more even and I wasn’t breaking out as much). I use this after washing my face at night, and follow with Glossier moisturizer. I’m excited to try other Glossier products, as this is the first time using this brand."
| Size | 4.4 fl oz / 130 ml |
|---|
Tata Harper Resurfacing BHA Glow Mask
Pros
- Great for Dry Skin
Cons
This popular mask contains a natural derivative of BHA found in white willow bark extract, plus pomegranate enzymes to slough away dead skin cells. One Sephora customer writes that the mask made their skin feel "softer and smoother. My skin was also brighter and more radiant than before, which shocked me. I love the clean ingredients and packaging. This was a very gentle exfoliant and didn't burn, so I definitely recommend it."
Customer Review:
"It’s a must have for random breakouts. Works every time." -CRU13
| Ingredient Callouts | Free of toxins, fillers, artificials, synthetics, and GMOs. This product is vegan, cruelty-free, and comes in recyclable packaging. |
|---|---|
| Skincare Concerns | Dullness, Uneven Texture, and Pores |
boscia Exfoliating Peel Gel
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
Here's a lightweight gel exfoliator that smooths your complexion using gentle fruit enzymes, which are ideal for most skin types.
Customer Review:
"I have bad acne and this stuff is magic. Use it on dry skin and it removes all black and white heads and congestion under the skin. Greatly improves acne." -Natalie
| Size | 5 oz |
|---|
Lancer Skincare Caviar Lime Acid Peel
Lancer Skincare Caviar Lime Acid Peel
Pros
- Includes Acids, Enzymes, and Retinol
Cons
This weekly peel uses extracts from naturally AHA-rich caviar limes—finger-shaped citrus fruit filled with tiny caviar-esque pearls of juice—along with glycolic acid and retinol to seriously smooth skin.
Customer Review:
"Love the acid lime peel! It takes all of the hold skin off and leaves your skin so refreshed. Definitely a go-to." -Blayr
How do at-home chemical peels work?
A literal chemical solution, peels are topically applied to remove the very top layer of the skin, revealing the newer—and younger—skin underneath over the course of one to three weeks. As chemical peels feature varying concentrations, each formula is designed to penetrate the skin differently. When it comes to using any type of peel at home, professionals advise starting slowly. Try doing a test spot with a peel of a lower concentration peel (aim for between five and 10 percent glycolic acid) before treating the entire face.
Which ingredients should you look for in an at-home peel?
The best at-home peel formulas include a blend of active ingredients, like alpha hydroxy acids (including glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids), beta hydroxy acid (like acne-fighting salicylic acid), plus a gentle exfoliant, like fruit enzymes. In addition to these staple ingredients, experts suggest keeping an eye out for other skin care essentials in your chemical peel for more specific skin care needs."It’s so important to read the label when it comes to at-home peels, otherwise you will be shedding like a snake or develop an unwanted or unforeseen reaction," Shirazi tells us, adding that skin type is also crucial when considering formulations. "If you have normal skin and want to improve tone and pigment, then go for a glycolic acid," Shirazi says. "And if you have acne, a peel that features a combination of glycolic and salicylic is most effective. For dry or sensitive skin, formulations with mandelic or lactic acid are most suitable."
What indicates sensitivity to a chemical peel?
While many peels are created for a wide range of skin types, there are a few signs that make it clear your skin may be experiencing irritation from one. "A slight tingling or sunburn-like sensation may occur, but it should resolve pretty quickly," Shirazi says. "If it worsens and doesn’t go away, then it’s always best to seek professional help. Any itchiness or swollen skin may indicate an allergic reaction to the ingredients."
For those with sensitive skin, the derm also suggests reaching for a moisturizer containing calming ingredients like glycerin and ceramides, which help restore barrier function and maintain hydration. Other ingredients to look for are allantoin, an ingredient that helps calm inflammation and irritation, and phytosphingosine, a natural lipid that not only strengthens the skin barrier, but also contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties—especially when combined with glycerin.
Lindy Segal is a beauty writer and editor. In addition to regularly contributing to BAZAAR.COM, she also writes for Glamour, People, WhoWhatWear, and Fashionista, among other publications. She lives in New York City with her Chihuahua mix, Barney.
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