“I’ve had some pretty rough experiences with at-home chemical peels, so I leave it to the professionals. But I know exfoliation is key for a smooth complexion, and after testing this Dermalogica exfoliating serum, I’ve decided to bring it into my skin care routine. It’s great for those with sensitive skin because it’s a liquid serum and only needs three minutes on your face. After I washed it off, there wasn’t any tightness or sensitivity. The next day my face was glowing and my makeup applied so smoothly, even my boyfriend said my skin looked good,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle.
4. Best Chemical Peel for Face and Body: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
This exfoliating peel is great for addressing acne and revving up collagen production, while glycolic and lactic acids work to brighten and even out skin tone—perfect for anyone dealing with hyperpigmentation. Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at NYC’s MDCS Dermatology, says it’s a favorite of hers and praises the brand’s ingredient transparency and affordability. Plus, you can apply it to a reusable cotton pad and use it on your arms and legs, so it’s great for treating the body.
“This toner is a game changer if you have oily or aging skin,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary. “I’ve noticed such a massive difference since using it. It helps clarify fine lines and does an excellent job of shrinking pimples, to the point where it helped calm a huge breakout on my chin in just two uses—seriously, it was flattened and red-free within 48 hours.”
5. Best Chemical Peel for Hyperpigmentation: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel Pads
This potent peel might not be your first choice if you’re new to at-home acid peels, but the before-and-afters don’t lie. Glamour’s senior beauty editor, Ariana Yaptangco, has exclusively used this two-step exfoliator from Dr. Dennis Gross for most of her adult life. “As a wee beauty intern, I was influenced by my first boss, who swore by these pads,” she says. “I was still in college and had no money, but I shelled out to try the DDG magic for myself and have been hooked ever since. The pads instantly smooth my skin, thanks to the exfoliating AHAs and BHAs, and my blemishes are noticeably smaller after each use. As an acne treatment, it’s just as effective at fading dark spots (or hyperpigmentation)—you just need to be patient with it.”
6. Best Lactic Acid Treatment: Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Exfoliating Face Treatment Serum
Lactic acid is much more mild compared to glycolic or salicylic acid. Plus, it’s naturally moisturizing, making the ingredient a stellar choice for those with dry skin. Honkus found that most exfoliators were too harsh for her complexion, until she started using this Sunday Riley treatment. “I’ve never experienced any adverse reactions, and it’s one of those rare skin care products that works instantly. If I apply this at night, I wake up looking like I came from a professional facial—my face is so smooth, plump, and glowing.” Dermatologists are also big fans. Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Birmingham, Alabama, recommends this for his patients with sensitive skin who need an exfoliating boost.
7. Best K-Beauty Chemical Peel: Mediheal Phyto Enzyme Peeling Pad
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Original photo from Mary Honkus testing Mediheal Phyto Enzyme Peeling Pad
Korean skin care products have been driving the glass-skin trend. To get your skin to look as smooth and crystal clear as a pane of glass, exfoliation is key—and these easy-to-use peel pads can help you achieve the look in seconds. Honkus says the gleaming effects are simply a bonus on top of these pads’ pore-clearing abilities. “These effective pads finally got rid of stubborn blackheads on my nose and completely decongested my chin, which is prone to breakouts,” says Honkus. Each pad is infused with all-natural papaya enzymes that remove dirt, oil, and minimize pores. All you have to do is swipe one across your face, then discard. Plus, they’re mild enough to use in the morning and evening.
8. Best Chemical Peel for Dark Spots: Shani Darden Skincare Triple Action Peel
If you’re trying to achieve that fresh-from-the-spa glow from the comfort of your home, Shani Darden’s Triple Action Peel is worth trying. Darden has clients come in for a professional-grade peel before big events, including celebrities like Shay Mitchell, Jessica Alba, and Rosie Huntington-Whitley. This version was created so that everyone can get that same experience on their couch. “One of my favorite things about this two-step peel is that the acids do a great job at resurfacing without overly sensitizing my skin, and the kaolin-clay neutralizing mask gives my pores a deep clean too,” says Darden.
Best Exfoliating Toner: Glossier Solution Skin-Perfecting Daily Chemical Exfoliator
If you’re looking for a face toner that doubles as an exfoliator, this Glossier pick might be right up your alley. “I never really stuck to incorporating toner-like products into my routine, but I was excited to give this chemical exfoliator a try,” says Wilson. “While it’s touted as a daily-use product, I found that I had my best results when I limited it to about three times a week. I love how easy it is to use—just apply some to a cotton round and swipe it across my face—and the fact that in a few short weeks, I noticed significant improvements in skin texture and melasma.”
Can you do an at-home chemical peel?
Although peels might seem scary because of the high acid concentrations and formulas that are known to irritate skin, they are some of the most effective exfoliating treatments. Plus, we promise they’re not as scary as they sound! Skin experts swear by chemical peels, especially if you want to treat hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, or acne. If your main goal is to boost radiance and reduce dark spots, Fatma Shaheen, aesthetician and founder of Skin Design London, says at-home peels are worth a try.
When choosing a peel, it’s important to understand what the featured active ingredient will do for your skin. “Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic acid tend to treat the top layer, so you can use them quite consistently, and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid are for going a little bit deeper and cleaning pores,” says Shaheen. She likes to combine AHAs and BHAs for acne-prone skin. For those with drier or more sensitive skin, stick with a formula that just features AHAs, which are a bit gentler on their own.