19 Best At-Home Chemical Peels For Glowing And Smooth Skin
Exfoliate dead skin cells and achieve a healthy glow with affordable skin care peels.
Are you stressing about those wrinkles, worrying about your spots, can’t get those pimples to stop? Don’t worry. The answer to all your troubles is the best at-home chemical peels. Known for being harsh on the skin and only done by licensed dermatologists, several brands have come up with chemical peels that are gentler on your skin. They contain ingredients that exfoliate dead cells and remove the dirt from your skin, leaving you with glowing and smooth skin. Here is our list of at-home chemical peels you can try from the comfort of your own home.
In This Article
19 Best At-Home Chemical Peels For A Glowing Skin
1. Best Lightweight Formula:Yeouth Glycolic Acid 30% Gel Peel
The Yeouth Glycolic Acid 30% Gel Peel contains 30% glycolic acid, retinol, green tea, and hyaluronic acid. It reduces the appearance of pores, fine lines, dark spots, acne scars, and leaves the skin feeling nourished and soft. It gently exfoliates the skin and hydrates it deeply, revealing a clear and healthy complexion. It also decongests pores, fights blackheads, breakouts, and evens the skin tone. It is made of natural ingredients and is free from toxins. If you are still confused about the product, this video might help.
Pros
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Lightweight
- Natural ingredients
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
2. Best Cruelty-Free Formula:The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
This is a cult favorite and a holy grail for all those who swear by chemical peels. This 30% AHA and 2% BHA formula combines three acids – lactic, salicylic, and glycolic acids. It is a 10-minute exfoliating peel that reduces spots and blemishes and the appearance of lines and improves your skin texture with continued use. It is suitable for normal, oily, and combination skin types. Watch the honest video on the Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution review and decide if you want to give it a try.
Note: This product does not come with any safety seal or plastic wrap. None of The Ordinary products have any safety seal.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- No formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing chemicals
- Mineral oil-free
- Phthalate-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- No harmful chemicals
- Safe for the skin
Cons
None
3. Best Anti-Aging Benefits:Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel
This daily peel formula targets three signs of aging – uneven texture and skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles, and open skin pores. This product is a combination of five acids that nourish your skin and deliver anti-aging benefits. These are pre-soaked pads and ideal for anyone new to at-home chemical peeling.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
None
4. Best For Sensitive Skin:Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel
This gentle cream exfoliator is enriched with natural fruit enzymes extracted from papaya and pineapple. Papaya enzymes exfoliate the skin, and pineapple enzymes calm your skin. These ingredients clarify your skin and keep it smooth. This rinse-off exfoliating cream also contains vitamin E, milk protein, and marine algae. Apart from exfoliating the skin, it also moisturizes, repairs, and protects it. It is perfect for sensitive and mature skin.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Dermatologically tested
- No artificial colors
- SLS-free
- SLES-free
- Mineral oil-free
- DEA-free
Cons
- Contains phenoxyethanol
5. Best For Refining Skin Texture:Caudalie Glycolic Peel
Want radiant skin in just 10 minutes? Try the Caudalie Glycolic Peel. It claims to brighten your skin and make it smooth and glowing in 10 minutes. It contains glycolic acid that exfoliates your skin gently and refines its texture. This dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested formula contains 85.7% natural origin ingredients and refines the skin texture.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Safe for all skin types
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- SLS-free
- SLES-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Vegan
- Non-toxic
Cons
None
6. Best Hypoallergenic:Murad Rapid Resurfacing Peel
This is an extra-strength 10% glycolic acid anti-aging skin resurfacing peel. It is a towelette containing the peeling solution. It claims to rapidly exfoliate the dead skin cells and impurities from your skin and promote resurfacing. It gives you smoother, softer, and more youthful skin. This resurfacing peel contains licorice root extract that makes your skin bright and soothes it to minimize irritation. Vitamin C helps fight free radicals and prevent skin damage caused by environmental aggressors.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Gluten-free
- Sulfate-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Oxybenzone-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Formaldehyde-free
Cons
- Contains alcohol denat
- Contains PEG
7. Best Oil-Free Formula:Glytone Rejuvenating Mini Peel Gel
This product contains 10.8 Free Acid Value (PFAV) glycolic acid. The PFAV system shows you the amount of bioavailable glycolic acid. This amount of glycolic acid causes significant improvement in the cell turnover rate and helps to exfoliate your skin, improve its texture, and make it smoother. It also helps in clarifying your complexion by reducing uneven skin tone and dullness, giving you a youthful glow.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Oil-free
Cons
- Contains alcohol denat
- Expensive
8. Best Non-Drying Formula:DERMAdoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
This is not just a peel but a skin treatment. These skin pads deliver a powerful dose of vitamin C extracted from kakadu plum, which is one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C. This intensive formula also features seven AHAs and BHAs, along with ferulic acid, vitamin E, and Australian lime caviar. These treatment pads help to brighten your skin and make it smooth, firm, and even.
Pros
- Allergy tested
- No animal testing
- Dermatologist tested
- Non-drying
- Non-irritating
- Formaldehyde-free
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- SLS-free
- SLES-free
- Phthalate-free
- No synthetic fragrances
- Oxybenzone-free
- Triclosan-free
- Triclocarban-free
Cons
None
9. Best For Skin Hydration:Kate Somerville Liquid ExfoliKate
This chemical peel is a blend of 10% AHA and fruit enzyme. It contains glycolic, malic, and lactic acids that remove dead skin cells, improve surface dullness, and hydrate your skin. It also evens out the skin tone. Phytic acid, pumpkin, papaya, and pineapple enzymes in the product brighten your skin, and the peptides, honey, and tea extracts prevent irritation and soothe the skin.
Pros
- Clinically tested
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Might feel sticky.
10. Best pH-Balanced Formula:Versed The Shortcut Overnight Facial Peel
This overnight facial peel can be your “shortcut” to glowing skin. It helps to resurface and renew your skin. It contains a blend of lactic and glycolic acids and vitamin A (a powerful anti-aging ingredient). These ingredients exfoliate, brighten, and hydrate your skin. It also contains allantoin, rosehip seed oil, and vitamin E that condition and calm your skin. This product is also pH-balanced and will not dry your skin.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- pH-balanced
- Non-irritating
- Non-drying
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- SLS-free
- SLES-free
- Talcum-free
- Petroleum-free
- Dye-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Nonylphenol ethoxylate-free
- No added fragrance
Cons
None
11. Dermalogica Rapid Reveal Peel
This professional-grade, maximum-strength chemical peel contains a complex of phytoactive AHA extracts, lactic acid, and fermented plant enzymes. This speeds up the cell renewal process to make your skin firm and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It contains pumpkin fruit enzyme and rice bran extract that help even out the skin tone by skin resurfacing. The Australian caviar lime extract brightens your skin and makes it radiant.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan-friendly
- No artificial fragrances and colors
Cons
None
12. First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance AHA Intensive Peel
This intensive, at-home chemical peel contains a combination of lactic and salicylic acids and Mucor Miehei extracts (mushroom enzyme). These ingredients exfoliate your skin and improve its texture. This product also contains kaolin clay and activated charcoal that absorb dirt, oil, and impurities and further clarify your skin. This is a non-abrasive and extra-strength exfoliating peel.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- SLS-free
- SLES-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Mineral oil-free
- No synthetic fragrances
- Phthalate-free
- Triclocarban-free
- Triclosan-free
- Oxybenzone-free
- Alcohol-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Gluten-free
- Nut-free
- Vegan
- Nano-free
Cons
- Contains phenoxyethanol
13. Perfect Image Glycolic 30% Gel Peel
This professionally formulated chemical peel contains glycolic acid, an AHA that exfoliates and brightens the skin. It also helps to diminish wrinkles and fine lines and promotes collagen production. It improves the skin texture and makes your skin appear rejuvenated and even-toned. This chemical peel also contains green tea, cucumber, and chamomile extracts that have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Phthalate-free
- SLS-free
- Cruelty-free
- GMP certified
- Reduces dark spots
Cons
None
14. ASDM Beverly Hills 90% Lactic Acid Chemical Peel
This 90%Lactic Acid Chemical Peel is suitable for sensitive and dry skin types as it is a moisturizing formula that smoothes dull and rough skin. It boosts the production of collagen and elastin fibers to reveal firmer skin. It gently exfoliates the skin, detoxifies it for an even skin tone and a clearer complexion. In addition, it stimulates cell turnover and cell removal and treats aging signs for youthful skin. It effectively treats hyperpigmentation, melasma, sun spots, age spots, and discoloration.
Pros
- Ideal for dry and sensitive skin
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
- Plant-based
Cons
- May give a tingling sensation on application
15. Voibella Glycolic Acid Peel
This chemical peel helps to remove excess oil and dead skin cells. It resurfaces your skin and reduces wrinkles, fine lines, blemishes, and acne scars. This pure 7.5% AHA chemical peel contains a blend of glycolic, lactic, and pyruvic acids. The peel is a mild formulation with a pH of 1.5 and can be used daily to keep your skin clean and reduce breakouts.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Manufactured in GMP and FDA approved facilities
- No fillers
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
None
16. Skin Beauty Lactic Acid Skin Peel 90%
Lactic acid is the mildest of all AHAs. This at-home chemical peel comes in four different strengths, and you can choose as per your skin tolerance levels. It removes the outer layer of your skin gently and reduces excess oil. It goes deep into your skin pores to unclog them, breaks down the cellular bond between the dead skin cells, and pushes the blackheads out. It also helps to reduce blemishes and makes your skin clear.
Pros
- Non-toxic
- No artificial colors
- Fragrance-free
- No fillers
- Reduces pigmentation
Cons
None
17. Boscia Exfoliating Peel Gel
This at-home chemical peel by Boscia works in three ways – as a physical peel to slough off the dead skin cells, as a chemical peel that penetrates deep into your skin and provides deep exfoliation, and as a skin treatment to make your skin healthy. It is a lightweight peel with multi-fruit AHAs and pomegranate enzymes that make the skin bright, firm, and youthful. It also contains jojoba extracts to prevent free radical damage and willowherb to calm inflammation.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- SLS-free
- SLES-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Phthalate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- No harmful chemicals
- Non-irritating
Cons
- Balls up on the skin.
18. Olay Vitamin C + AHA Resurfacing Peel
This is a 2-step skin resurfacing treatment. The kit contains a vitamin C skin resurfacing mask that helps to renew your skin and an AHA peel activator that removes dead skin cells, clears impurities, and brightens the skin. It contains hydrated silica that removes and dissolves excess oil production so that you don’t have to scrub your skin. This gentle formula can be used once or twice a week to get smooth and soft skin.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Pleasant fragrance
- Easy to use
Cons
- Contains artificial fragrance and color.
19. Insta Natural 30% Glycolic Acid AHA Chemical Peel
This at-home chemical peel is a blend of glycolic acid, lactic acid, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients boost the cell turnover rate, exfoliate the skin, and keep it hydrated to prevent irritation. It improves skin texture and reduces hyperpigmentation, acne spots, and scars. Vitamin C helps to tighten the skin pores and brightens the skin.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- SLS-free
- SLES-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- PEG-free
- DEA/MEA/TEA-free
- Synthetic dye-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
Wondering which at-home chemical peel is the best for you? When it comes to picking a chemical peel for your skin, consider the ingredients as they have different functions, and not all peels will suit every skin type. Stick to these ingredients while choosing one, depending on your skin issue.
How To Pick The Right Chemical Peel For Your Skin
1. Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHA)
Glycolic and lactic acids are the most common AHAs available. These two AHAs are gentler than BHAs and help to remove dead skin cells without irritating the skin. They are commonly derived from sugary fruits and are beneficial for mild hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, fine lines, and enlarged pores.
You may also check out Trichloroacetic Acid TCA) peels. TCA is related to acetic acid and helps improve your skin texture.
2. Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA)
Salicylic acid is the most common BHA. Unlike AHAs, it goes deep into your skin pores and clears dead skin cells, sebum, and dirt. It helps to clear acne and is most suitable for combination and oily skin types.
3. Fruit Enzymes
Fruit enzyme peels help to slough off dead skin cells. They contain fruit enzymes derived from pumpkin, pineapple, and papaya.
Chemical peels can exfoliate dead skin cells to remove excess dirt and impurities from your skin. They help you achieve glowing skin devoid of dryness, itch, or irritation. There are many chemical peels that you can use from the comfort of your home. They reduce premature signs of aging, including dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and excessive acne scars. These peels keep your skin hydrated, moisturized, and well-nourished. While purchasing the right chemical peels, opt for the ones that are free of harmful chemicals and toxins. The best chemical peels are devoid of parabens, phthalates, and sulfates.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach with a knack for unearthing effective products that cater to your skin’s needs. If you have frequent breakouts or spots, she suggests using these chemical peels to get glowing skin. She went through many product reviews on multiple platforms to vet out the best from the mediocre. These peels have been selected because of the ingredients, their skin-care benefits, skin-friendliness, and efficacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is suitable for a chemical peel?
Those with skin issues like pigmentation, freckles, fine lines, and sun damage can try chemical peeling.
Are at-home chemical peels effective?
They are less intense than in-office chemical peels but very effective.
Which chemical peel is the strongest?
Phenol peel is the strongest chemical peel and is meant for deep, severe wrinkles and photo-aging.
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