10 Best Esthetician-Approved Chemical Peels For Sensitive Skin – 2024
Enjoy a healthy glow with these paraben-free chemical peels for sensitive skin.
Annētta McBain is a multitalented entrepreneur and influencer who isn't afraid to share her faith and her family as integral facets of her brands. She has 7 years of experience in makeup and skin care. She started her empire by becoming an esthetician, and over the years, she has now become a celebrity makeup artist, couture gown designer, speaker, the owner of multiple beauty and bridal boutiques, the owner of a luxury skin care + cosmetics brand, journalist, influencer, podcaster, and more.
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Experience: 3 yearsKirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after reading the brilliant works of Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl and has chosen a career that is driven by creativity.
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Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
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Experience: 4 yearsMonomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.
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Sensitive skin and chemical peels may not always go hand-in-hand. The thought of applying acidic solutions on sensitive skin may sound jarring, but it can do wonders for your skin. The best chemical peels for sensitive skin are gentle and work effectively on your complexion. Yes, you read it right! They are free of parabens and phthalates and help retain healthy skin, along with providing you with a radiant glow.
Most chemical peels consist of Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), including Mandelic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, etc. to remove the dead skin cells settled on your skin’s surface. They also remove excess oil and prevent clogging of the pores and maintain skin’s pH balance. Moreover, these chemical peels can improve your cell turnover, minimize the occurrence of wrinkles and fine lines, and boost collagen production. Here, we have put together a list of the best 10 chemical peels that you can use if you have sensitive skin.
In This Article
10 Best Chemical Peels That Won’t Irritate Your Sensitive Skin
1. Best Cruelty-Free Formula:Perfect Image Lactic 50% Gel Peel
Fine lines dulling your glow? Enriched with lactic acid and kojic acid, this Perfect Image Lactic 50% Gel Peel will help you achieve that youthful glow that you have always aspired for. These hydrating peels are formulated with extracts of calming agents, such as bearberry, licorice, green, cucumber, chamomile, and comfrey, this gel peel helps reduce pigmentation and gives you even skin tone. The lactic acid helps fade fine lines, freckles, and age spots, with visible results noted by many reviewers. Take a look at this video to learn more about the tester’s experience of using Perfect Image Lactic 50% Gel Peel.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Absorbs quickly
- Hydrates intensely
- Stimulates collagen production for improved texture
Cons
- Some may feel a tingling sensation on application
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has received 1,857 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
2. Best For Pore Unclogging:Yeouth Glycolic Acid 30% Gel Peel
Enriched with the goodness of cucumber, green tea, Matricaria flower, and comfrey leaves, this gel peel exfoliates dead skin cells to reveal brighter, more youthful skin. Made with 30% glycolic acid and retinol, it offers clear skin by fortifying your skin’s surface. It boosts collagen production in the skin and visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The formula also includes hyaluronic acid that locks in moisture and leaves the dry skin feeling soft and supple. Watch this Yeouth Glycolic Acid 30% Gel Peel video to better understand the product and learn more about the reviewer’s experience.
Pros
- Unclogs pores
- Offers even skin tone
- Fights breakouts and blackheads
- Reduces hyperpigmentation and dark spots
Cons
- May increase skin’s sensitivity with sun exposure
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 4,021 rave reviews on Amazon.
3. Best For Acne Inflammation:Skin Beauty Salicylic Acid Skin Peel
If you struggle with whiteheads and clogged pores because of oily skin, this Skin Beauty Salicylic Acid Skin Peel is your one true savior. Salicylic acid is oil soluble, which means it can easily penetrate your skin’s lipid barrier and remove the excess sebum in your pores. It gently exfoliates by breaking the bonds that keep dead cells together. The anti-inflammatory formula contains glycol, which cleans the skin’s surface while helping with moisture retention. Multiple reviewers have noticed visible results after using this peel and highly recommend it.
Pros
- Dissolves warts
- Treats uneven skin tone
- Reduces acne inflammation
- Lightens scars and blemishes
Cons
- May not be suitable if you are pregnant or lactating
"This salicylic acid peel is a gentler option for those easing back into regular skin treatments. It's effective in reducing blackheads and managing acne and also shows good results on oily skin and enlarged pores. Just remember to introduce it slowly to your skin care regimen, especially if you have sensitive skin, and always follow usage instructions closely for safe outcomes."
| Perfect Image Lactic 50% Gel Peel Best Cruelty-Free Formula | Yeouth Glycolic Acid 30% Gel Peel Best For Pore Unclogging | Skin Beauty Salicylic Acid Skin Peel Best For Acne Inflammation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Dry | All | Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Normal |
| Dimensions | - | 1.92 x 1.92 x 4.51 inches | - |
| Weight | - | 0.01 Ounces | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 1,857 | 4,021 | 1,639 |
| Price | $29.95 | $9.99 | $34.0 |
4. Best Lightweight Formula:Organys Glycolic Acid Peel
This 20% glycolic acid face peel gently and efficiently exfoliates dead skin cells, offering you clean and clear skin. It penetrates the layers of skin and eliminates dead skin cells, improving your skin’s texture and tone. Unlike regular chemical peels, this will not irritate your reactive skin. Made with a simple blend of sodium hydroxide, water, and glycolic acid, it strengthens your skin and delivers a velvety smooth finish.
Pros
- Tightens skin
- Lightweight formula
- Fights wrinkles and fine lines
- Reduces appearance of dark spots and blemishes
Cons
- May not be suitable for dry skin
"This glycolic acid peel is now a regular part of my exfoliation sessions and weekly skin care routine. It gives smoother skin and fades hyperpigmentation. It's a patient process, but the results do come. It’s a cost-effective alternative to pricier serums."
5. Best Anti-Aging Benefits:Voibella Advanced Anti-Aging Glycolic Acid Peel
This 3-in-1 chemical peel sloughs off dirt and dead skin cells, revealing smoother and younger-looking skin. It contains the 3 natural AHAs that promote skin cell regeneration and reduce the appearance of fine lines, deep wrinkles, dark spots, blemishes, and pores, giving you an even-toned, clearer skin complexion. Here is the personal review of the Voibella Advanced Anti-Aging Glycolic Acid Peel that is suitable for mature skin.
Pros
- Promotes cell regeneration
- Reduces wrinkles, fine lines
- Removes dirt, excess oil, and dead skin cells
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- May be mild for some people
6. Best For Hormonal Acne:Medpeel Glycolic Acid 70% Maximum Strength Peel
Formulated with deionized water, xanthan gum, potassium sorbate and glycolic acid, this medical grade peel will gently exfoliate dead skin cells and offer a smooth texture to your face. If your skin has faced significant sun damage, this peel will help reduce dark spots and blemishes caused by sun exposure. By shedding dead skin cells, this Medpeel Glycolic Acid 70% Maximum Strength Peel revitalizes your skin and stimulates production of new, healthy skin cells. This formula has also been well received by reviewers as it provides them with a brighter skin tone.
Pros
- Tightens skin
- Reduces pore size
- Offers radiant glow
- Fights hormonal acne
- Eliminates blackheads and hyperpigmentation
- Reduces appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
Cons
- May require a patch test for sensitive skin type
Caution7. Best Vegan-Friendly:Open Formula Glycolic Acid Peel
Brighten your dull skin instantly with this Open Formula Glycolic Acid Peel. Infused with sodium hydroxide, it gently exfoliates dead skin cells and exposes the healthy skin cells, offering you an even skin tone and radiant complexion. Formulated with 20% glycolic acid, this peel works really well with oily and acne-prone skin. This Open Formula Glycolic Acid Peel reduces hyperpigmentation and fades dark spots and blemishes. Multiple reviewers online have noticed visible results after using this effective treatment.
Pros
- Vegan
- Nut-free
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Free from oils and silicones
Cons
- May have an overpowering scent
"This exfoliating formula is a staple in my weekly care routine. It helps in diminishing fine lines and dark spots, especially with consistent use. It may have a slightly tingling sensation that is temporary, but it gives smoother, brighter skin overall. Always remember to pair it with sunscreen, as the skin becomes more sensitive."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 1,054 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
8. Best Gluten-Free Formula:[re]fresh Skin Therapy Lactic Acid 10% Peel
Turn back time and achieve youthful and glowing skin with this [re]fresh Skin Therapy Lactic Acid 10% Peel that boosts the skin’s collagen production to erase plump fine lines, fade age spots and wrinkles. The formula contains active ingredients like kojic acid which promotes an even skin tone and lactic acid which tightens skin. It also contains glycolic acid that speeds up skin cell turnover and pyruvic acid, which unclogs pores, to offer you smooth and clean skin. The product has also received positive reviews from multiple customers.
Pros
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Prevents breakouts
- No artificial colors, fragrance, preservatives, alcohol, parabens and phthalates
Cons
- May not be suitable for oily skin
9. Best For Skin Texture Improvement:Nature’s Skin And Body Food Biozyme – Professional Strength Skin Peel
This biochemical peel removes dead skin cells using active fruit enzymes and fruit acids extracted from organic sources. These enzymatic peels are formulated with portions of fresh spring water, grapefruit, and apple cider, which help in exfoliating the skin and improving the skin texture. Other naturally soothing ingredients like pineapple, papaya, asparagus, bamboo, and mushroom, improve the skin’s ability to repair, leaving behind flawless, smooth skin.
Pros
- Unclogs pores
- Fights breakouts and acne
- Fades dark spots and blemishes
- Reduces appearance of wrinkles, age spots and fine lines
Cons
- May need a double application for dry skin
"This enzyme peel offers a deep exfoliation and has a fruity scent that makes the application process a pleasant experience. The comfortable, quick application makes it a good fit for a regular skin care routine. It's gentle enough for damaged or sensitive areas and also refines the rough texture. It's a good option to revitalize the skin without harshness."
10. Best For Collagen Production: Skin Obsession Jessner’s Chemical Peel
The Skin Obsession Jessner’s Chemical Peel is infused with 14% salicylic acid, 14% lactic acid, and 14% resorcinol. The salicylic acid in the formula dissolves the upper layer of the skin by breaking the keratin. It penetrates the pores and eliminates dirt, grime, and pollutants that cause blackheads. Salicylic acid also controls oil production. The lactic acid in the formula stimulates collagen production, encourages cell turnover, and improves skin tone and texture whereas the resorcinol fills your pores with antiseptic properties and soothes the irritated skin. Additionally, this chemical peel is highly effective in treating and eliminating fine lines, acne, sun damage, rosacea, age spots, and artificial scars. It is suitable for oily, dry, sensitive, and combination skin types. Multiple reviewers have seen visible results after using this product, making it a staple in their skin care routine.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Comes in a glass amber bottle
- Reduces aging signs
- Treats sun damage
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
Now that you’re caught up with the best chemical peels available in the market right now, here is a look at how you can pick one for yourself.
How To Choose Chemical Peel For Sensitive Skin
Here are a few parameters you must consider before making a purchase.
- Your needs:
If your skin is acne-prone, select a peel that is a blend of glycolic and lactic acids, such as the [re]fresh Skin Therapy Lactic Acid 10% Peel. If your main worry is hyperpigmentation, opt for a glycolic acid peel such as the Yeouth Glycolic Acid 30% Gel Peel, Medpeel Glycolic Acid 70% Maximum Strength Peel and Open Formula Glycolic Acid Peel.
- Toxin-free:
You must use high-quality skincare products free of toxins so that they don’t deteriorate your skin’s texture or lead to breakouts. You can opt for chemical peels that do not contain parabens, artificial fragrances, such as the [re]fresh Skin Therapy Lactic Acid 10% Peel and ASDM Beverly Hills 25% Lactic Acid Chemical Peel.
- Consult your doctor:
If you have sensitive skin, it is important that you check with an experienced doctor before you make a purchase and always go with dermatologist-recommended hypoallergenic organic peels with all-natural ingredients. It helps to get your skin tested by a dermatologist to understand what would work and what would not work for you.
Infographic: How To Apply A Chemical Peel On Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin always needs extra care as it is prone to allergies and irritation. So, when using chemical peels, you must be doubly careful not to aggravate the condition. Check out the infographic below to learn the step-by-step process of applying a chemical peel on sensitive skin. These steps will allow you to get the best results out of your chemical peel without harming your skin.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Accumulated dirt, impurities, and dead skin cells make your skin and complexion dull. Sometimes even the aging signs that are visible excessively, make you appear old. This is where your skin needs chemical peels. These peels are used to minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other imperfections and brighten your skin complexion. Unlike regular chemical peels, the types of chemical peels listed in our article are non-irritating. For instance, peels like the Perfect Image Lactic 50% Gel Peel improves the appearance of skin tone and texture, the Yeouth Glycolic Acid 30% Gel Peel reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and the Skin Beauty Salicylic Acid Skin Peel unclogs pores and reduces acne breakouts. In addition, some chemical peels combat blackheads and breakouts as well. Consider investing in the peels formulated with clinically verified ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or lactic acid to provide clear skin. And avoid chemical peels that are not suitable for your skin as they can not provide the desired results. Remember to do a patch test before application to check for allergies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age should you start chemical peels?
Although teens with extreme acne can undergo dermatologist-assisted chemical peeling, the ideal age to start this procedure is in your 20s.
How long do chemical peel results last?
The result of chemical peels depends on the strength of the product. While a strong peel’s results may last for four months, a moderate peel lasts for one.
What type of peel is the mildest chemical peel?
Superficial or light pH-neutral peels, including a chemical peel and a lactic peel of low concentration are two of the mildest chemical peels.
How often should you do a chemical peel?
A non-abrasive moderate strength peel can be used once a month, and a strong peel can be done every six months. At-home gentle exfoliation with mild peels can be done once or twice a week.
What should you not do before a chemical peel?
Avoid exfoliating or applying retinoids, anti-aging creams, or bleaching products before a chemical peel for redness reduction or to have an irritation-free experience..
Can you wear makeup after a chemical peel?
You can wear makeup the next day if you have undergone a light peel. But for moderate to strong peels, it is advised to wait 7-10 days.
What are the DOs and DON’Ts after a chemical peel?
The DOs after a chemical peel include using proper skin protection. In contrast, the DON’Ts includes avoiding the sun, harsh lights and temperatures, pollution, waxing or threading, picking at the skin, or using any products with acid.
Is facial or chemical peel better?
Chemical peels offer in-depth exfoliation and offer brighter, healthier skin, while facials do the same but at a more superficial level.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Kirtana Divakar is a skin and hair care aficionado who is passionate about researching the best products. She utilizes her research skills and knowledge to find the most reliable and safe products for her readers. She has thus compiled this list of the most effective chemical peels for sensitive skin. These peels help eliminate skin debris, thereby enhancing your glow. Kirtana has also included a buying guide to help you select the right product.
Read full bio of Annētta McBain
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Read full bio of Monomita Chakraborty
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