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.
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
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Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
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Experience: 8 yearsArshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.
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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. This professional-grade natural chemical peel 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. Patch testing can help you identify if the product is suitable for your skin. If you are still confused about this acid peel, this video review might help.
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Lightweight
- Natural ingredients
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
CautionPost-peel side effects include tingling, burning, or redness, but they should go away quickly. If they don’t, speak to a dermatologist.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 4,021 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
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. It also claims to reduce the appearance of lines and helps in skin texture improvement with regular continued use. The clinically-tested peeling solution 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.
- 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
- Clinically-tested
None
Quick TipUse cold water to wash your face post-peel to help soothe the skin and control the tingling or burning sensation.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 22,475 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
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 doctor-recommended product is a combination of five acids that nourish your skin and deliver anti-aging benefits and visible results. As reviewers indicate in their reviews, these pre-soaked pads are ideal for anyone new to at-home chemical peeling.
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Suitable for all skin types
None
RememberIt is essential to use a 30+ SPF after a chemical peel. Avoid direct exposure to the sun, saunas, strenuous exercises, and steam rooms, as they increase blood circulation in the face and intensify post-peel symptoms on your skin.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 2,495 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
Yeouth Glycolic Acid 30% Gel Peel Best Lightweight Formula | The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution Best Cruelty-Free Formula | Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel Best Anti-Aging Benefits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | All | Acne Prone | Oily, Combination, Dry, Normal |
| Dimensions | 1.92 x 1.92 x 4.51 inches | 1.97 x 1.97 x 3.94 inches | 6.25 x 2.69 x 5.38 inches |
| Weight | 0.01 Ounces | 1.06 Ounces | 0.16 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 4,021 | 22,475 | 2,495 |
| Price | $9.99 | $8.0 | $88.0 |
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, the results-driven formula also moisturizes, repairs, and protects it. This chemical peel is perfect for sensitive and mature skin.
- Paraben-free
- Dermatologically tested
- No artificial colors
- SLS-free
- SLES-free
- Mineral oil-free
- DEA-free
- Clinically proven results
- 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. This clinically-proven pore-refining formula contains glycolic acid that exfoliates your skin gently. This dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested formula contains 85.7% natural origin ingredients and refines the skin texture.
- Cruelty-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Safe for all skin types
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- SLS-free
- SLES-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Vegan
- Non-toxic
- Clinically-tested
- Dermatologically tested
None
6. Best For Acne-Prone Skin:Skin Obsession JESSNER’S at HOME Chemical Peel
The JESSNER’S at HOME Chemical Peel, a 1.2pH medium-level peel, is appropriate for most skin types. Dark skin types, which ordinarily don’t respond well to peeling, benefit significantly from it. This peel’s lactic acid exfoliates the skin on the surface level. Resorcinol has antiseptic qualities that aid in luring loose dead cells and help to boost collagen production to help the skin look healthy. This acne-fighting peel also aids in the effective home skin care treatment of other dermatological conditions like eczema and acne. Salicylic acid, another active component, helps lower oil production and dissolves dirt, sebum, and debris from within your pores. It even treats superficial scarring, rosacea, milia, dull skin, fine lines, and sun-damaged skin. A patch test is recommended to see how your skin reacts.
- Easy to use
- Paraben-free
- SLS-free
- SLES-free
- No harmful chemicals
- Cruelty-free
- Suitable for all skin types
- May cause redness
- Contains aspirin
"This chemical peel exfoliates my skin and eliminates the dead skin cells. It brightens my face and refreshes its appearance. With consistent use, I have noticed fewer age spots and fine lines on my face. The product has also controlled my skin’s sebum production."
7. Best Oil-Free Formula:Glytone Rejuvenating Mini Peel Gel
This product is scientifically formulated with 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. The tester’s experience reveals that it also helps in clarifying your complexion by reducing uneven skin tone and dullness, giving you a youthful glow.
- Fragrance-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Oil-free
- 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 dermatologically-approved 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 clinically-tested 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.
- 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
None
9. Best For Skin Hydration:Kate Somerville Liquid ExfoliKate
This chemical peel is a blend of 10% AHA and fruit enzyme. The clinically-proven formula 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, delivering visible results. 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. Patch testing is essential to determine if the product is suitable for your skin type.
- Clinically-tested
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Cruelty-free
- 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. The dermatologically tested formula 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.
- 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
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 to deliver stunning visible results. This skin renewal treatment speeds up cell regeneration to make 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.
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan-friendly
- No artificial fragrances and colors
- Clinically proven results
None
12. Best Non-Comedogenic:Ebanel 30% AHA 2% BHA Chemical Peel Exfoliant Gel, Face Peel
In the Ebanel 30% AHA 2% BHA Chemical Peel Exfoliant Gel & Face Peel, you’ll find a combination of glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acid. These acids work together to exfoliate dead cells, reduce the appearance of scars, and lighten discolored areas of the skin. The peeling gel contains vitamin C to help brighten the complexion. It’s also got chamomile and green tea, two natural anti-inflammatories. Hyaluronic acid keeps the skin moisturized, which helps repair and restore the skin’s natural glow. This face peel helps remove excess sebum to treat blackheads and cystic acne. It also promotes collagen formation and hastens the skin’s natural process of cell renewal with proven efficacy. This oil-free and fragrance-free peeling gel eliminates the need for a neutralizer. Patch testing is highly recommended before initial use.
- Non-irritating
- Non-drying
- Lightweight
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- It may cause a slight burning sensation
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 with proven efficacy. 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.
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Phthalate-free
- SLS-free
- Cruelty-free
- GMP certified
- Reduces dark spots
- Professional-grade
- Clinically proven results
None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 1,798 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
14. Lactic Acid 50% Gel Peel
The cutting-edge formula of the Lactic Acid 50% Gel Peel combines lactic acid, kojic acid, pure bearberry, and licorice root extract. These ingredients have melanin-inhibiting properties that help lighten and even out skin tone. This professional-grade face peel also helps remove fine lines and wrinkles, giving you a more youthful look. It also works well to eliminate age spots and sun spots and reduce acne. Endorsed by medical professionals, this peel is a medium-strength formula and works best with a peptide serum applied after it to speed up the skin’s healing process.
- Easy to use
- Paraben-free
- Silicon-free
- Artificial fragrance-free
- No harmful chemicals
- May not suit sensitive skin
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 exfoliation skin care peel is a mild formulation with a pH of 1.5 and can be used daily to keep your skin clean and reduce breakouts.
- Paraben-free
- Manufactured in GMP and FDA approved facilities
- No fillers
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
None
"This product unclogs my pores and eliminates blackheads from my facial skin. It smoothes my skin’s texture and improves its tone. I have noticed fewer blemishes with consistent use of this chemical peel. It does not make my skin either overly dry or excessively greasy."
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. According to most reviewer’s experience, this acid-based peel also helps to reduce blemishes and makes your skin clear.
- Non-toxic
- No artificial colors
- Fragrance-free
- No fillers
- Reduces pigmentation
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.
- Paraben-free
- SLS-free
- SLES-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Phthalate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- No harmful chemicals
- Non-irritating
- Balls up on the skin.
18. Olay Vitamin C + AHA Resurfacing Peel
This is a 2-step skin resurfacing treatment proven to deliver visible results. 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. As reviewers have noted, this gentle formula can be used once or twice a week to get smooth and soft skin.
- Paraben-free
- Pleasant fragrance
- Easy to use
- 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.
- Paraben-free
- SLS-free
- SLES-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- PEG-free
- DEA/MEA/TEA-free
- Synthetic dye-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Cruelty-free
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)
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.
The Bottom Line
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. The Yeouth Glycolic Acid 30% Gel Peel is suitable for acne-prone skin type. Its natural formula unclogs large pores and leaves the skin feeling softer. The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution targets multiple skin concerns on oily and combination skin types, while the Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel is ideal for mature and sensitive skin types. 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.
How often can you do chemical peels at home?
You should only do chemical peels at home once or twice a month for the best results and fewer skin issues.
How long does it take to see results from an at-home chemical peel?
After using chemical peels for a month, you will be able to see visible improvements in your skin.
Can I use vitamin C after a chemical peel?
Yes, you can use a vitamin C serum after a chemical peel to soothe your skin.
How long will the peel last after a chemical peel?
It lasts up to 3-5 days after applying a chemical peel at home.
Is a chemical peel painful?
No, but you will experience a burning sensation on the skin that lasts up to 10 minutes.
What is the difference between a professional and an at-home chemical peel?
Professional chemical peels have a significantly stronger treatment, and it is done only once. In contrast, OTC peels are used several times to get the desired results and contain lesser-effective chemicals.
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