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At-home chemical peels used to give me pause. Perhaps it’s because the term conjured images of harsh treatments designed to remove literal layers of skin—and while in some cases that can be true when done by a professional—I’ve learned that there are a handful of incredible, efficacious formulas that deliver smoother, brighter skin with zero downtime. Chock full of regenerative ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, retinol, and fruit enzymes, these have the ability to transform one’s complexion in sometimes a single use. But do they work as well as their in-office counterparts? Are they actually safe to do at home?
Good news: an at-home chemical peel doesn’t have to be harsh. While professional peels can indeed work on deeper layers, a curated selection of at-home formulas offer impressive results without the downtime or irritation—gently resurfacing the complexion, to reveal smoother, brighter skin after just one use.
Vogue’s Favorite At-Home Peels
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So how do they measure up to in-office treatments? Are they a safe, effective addition to your regular skin-care routine? Are there different types of chemical peels? To answer these questions, we spoke with four dermatologists and a medical aesthetician about the benefits and precautions of superficial at-home chemical peels.
In This Story
- What is a chemical peel?
- Are chemical peels safe for skin?
- What’s the difference between an at-home chemical peel and an in-office chemical peel?
- Are at home chemical peels effective?
- Ingredients to Look for in an At-Home Chemical Peel
- How to Use a Chemical Peel
- What does aftercare look like post-peel?
- Which products don’t play well with peels?
- Meet The Experts
Best with Retinol: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel
- Why We Love It: Dr. Dennis Gross’s treatment is the glycolic acid peel that’s all the rage online, backed by the dermatologist seal of approval, including Dr. Brendan Camp’s. This peel “delivers alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids in the first step to remove dead skin cells, brighten skin, and improve the penetration of ingredients in the second step, which includes retinol to help boost collagen production and green tea extract, rich in antioxidants.” Even Vogue’s audience development associate manager Molly Barstein is a fan. “I promise that you will wake up in the morning with baby-soft skin,” she previously said. Since this pick is on the stronger side, sensitive skin types should be sure to patch-test before fully applying it across the face.
- Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, chamomille, retinol, green tea extract, resveratrol
- Best For: Hyperpigmentation, acne, dullness, uneven skin texture
- Type: Two-step pre-soaked wipes
- How To Use: Start with clean, dry skin and swipe the first pre-soaked pad across your face to exfoliate and brighten, avoiding the eye area. Follow immediately with the second pad, packed with retinol and antioxidants to boost collagen and calm the skin. No rinsing is needed—just let it absorb, follow with a gentle moisturizer.
- Size: 30 per box
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Convenient pre-soaked wipes | A pricier pick |
| Works on most skin types |
Best Drugstore: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Peel Pads
- Why We Love It: “These pads are a great beginner option for at-home exfoliation,” says Dr. Spearman. “They use a lower level of glycolic acid, so they’re gentle but still help brighten skin and even out tone with regular use. They’re also very convenient—you just swipe them on your face and you’re done!” Each pad has a webbed, slightly abrasive (yet non-scratchy) texture, giving that satisfying “deep clean” feeling after each treatment. “Because they’re lower in strength than professional-grade peels or the Peter Thomas Roth formula, they carry a lower risk of irritation, though overuse or aggressive rubbing can still disrupt the skin barrier,” Dr. Gratch adds.
- Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, glycerin, ascorbyl glucoside
- Best For: An easy-to-use glycolic acid peel, at an affordable price point
- Type: Toner pads
- How To Use: Swipe onto clean dry skin—use a gentle touch, as these pads are slightly abrasive.
- Size: 30 pads per jar
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Drugstore price point, while still smoothing skin texture | Alcohol and fragrance in the formula may be irritating to sensitive skin types |
| Convenient pre-soaked pads |
Best Gentle: Chanel Le Lift Pro Retexturizing AHA Peel
- Why We Love It: Chanel’s take on an at-home peel feels as refined as the rest of its skin-care line—luxurious in texture, yet surprisingly effective. The silky formula smooths without the sting of harsher acids, making it a treat for anyone who wants results with a side of self-care—doing so via a blend of alpha hydroxy acids and melipona enzymatic ingredient, a honey sourced from a supply network in Costa Rica that protects the melipona bees and local biodiversity.
- Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, citric acid, honey, vitamin E
- Best For: Anyone looking to refine texture, soften the look of fine lines, and restore radiance
- Type: Liquid
- How To Use: Apply a thin, even layer across the face with the included brush, avoiding the eye area and any broken or sensitive patches. Leave it on for about five minutes, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- Size: 1.7 oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| A gentler mix of AHAs blended with soothing botanical ingredients | One of the priciest options |
| Non-comedogenic formula is safe for acne-prone skin types |
Best Toner Pads: Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads
- Why We Love It: “Made with patented tri-enzyme technology and a probiotic ferment complex, these one-step peel pads reduce the appearance of dullness and promote a healthier, brighter and renewed complexion,” Dr. Camp explains. Because this is not led by a potent blend of AHAs and BHAs, this is a more gentle solution—perfect for someone looking to introduce a gentile chemical exfoliation daily or someone with sensitive skin.
- Key Ingredients: Elemis’s Tri-Enzyme Technology, probiotic ferment complex, lactic acid, shea butter
- Best For: Dullness, enlarged pores
- Type: Toner pad
- How To Use: Swipe onto clean skin, and follow with hydrating skincare.
- Size: 60 per jar
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Probiotic ingredients help to support balanced skin | May irritate sensitive or eczema prone skin |
| Convenient pre-soaked pads | Includes a few potential pore-clogging ingredients |
Best Rinse-Off: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel
- Why We Love It: Prefer a rinse-off chemical peel? Look no further than this Paula’s Choice solution. In its sleek gray tube is a rich gel mask packed with an impressive cocktail salicylic, glycolic, lactic acid, mandelic, malic, and tartaric acids to visibly improve the look of dark spots, sun damage, and enlarged pores in just one use. When Vogue’s senior beauty commerce writer Kiana Murden really started her skin-care journey, it was one of the first products that she saw instant results with. Once use per week is all you need.
- Key Ingredients: 2% salicylic acid, 8.4% glycolic acid, 7.1% lactic acid, 5% mandelic acid, 2.5% malic acid, 2% tartaric acid, chamomile, allantoin
- Best For: Enlarged pores, hyperpigmentation, sun damage,
- Type: Rinse-off peel
- How To Use: Start with clean, dry skin and apply a thin, even layer, avoiding eyes, lips, and any irritated areas. Leave it on for up to 10 minutes (though beginners should start with 3 minutes) then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- Size: 1 fl. oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Multi-acid treatment works in just 10 minutes | Intense formula strength |
Best Two-Step Peel: Shani Darden Triple Acid Signature Peel
- Why We Love It: There are few people I’d trust with a chemical peel and one of them is Shani Darden. Esthetician to the stars, she’s made a name for herself with red carpet-ready complexions; and fortunately, she’s given us a take on her in-office treatment with this Triple Acid Signature Peel. “I like this peel because it mixes three effective acids: Glycolic, lactic and mandelic which smooths, brightens and refreshes the skin.” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman. “It works well for dullness, uneven tone, and early signs of aging, and the mandelic acid makes it a good choice for sensitive skin.”
- Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, kaolin clay, bentonite clay
- Best For: Uneven texture, enlarged pores, oily skin
- Type: Two-Step Mask
- How To Use: Apply to skin, let sit for two minutes maximum, and follow with Step Two—a kaolin clay-powered mask which helps rebalance skin and remove excess surface oils. After ten minutes, rinse off to reveal a glowingly smooth face sans irritation.
- Size: Eight treatments per box
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Multi-acid product formulated by a celebrity aesthetician | The advanced formula isn’t for beginners—plus, it can feel a bit spicy. |
| Includes a soothing clay mask |
Best for Dry Skin: La Mer The Micro Peel
- Why We Love It: La Mer’s The Micro Peel is proof that an at-home chemical peel does not need to be a harsh treatment to be effective. In lieu of a mask or toner pad format, the brand dreamt up its exfoliating treatment into a bi-phase serum that sinks quickly into skin. A thin, even layer is all you need to allow La Mer’s Miracle Broth plus a blend of AHAs and BHA to go to work on your skin at night. Follow with your chosen face cream, and awaken to a softer, smoother, nearly poreless complexion.
- Key Ingredients: Miracle broth, glycolic acid, lactic acid, phytic acid, salicylic acid
- Best For: Enlarged pores, uneven texture, dry skin
- Type: Bi-phase serum
- How To Use: On clean dry skin, apply one to two droppers to your complexion. Pat into your face just as you would any serum.
- Size: 30 mL / 1oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| The bi-phase formula is safe for nightly use | Comes at a premium price point |
| Lightweight, liquid serum absorbs quickly |
Best Strong Peel: Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Instant Reveal Facial Peel
- Why We Love It: Dr. Gratch suggests that this is a good choice for anyone who has built up a tolerance to acids—beginners, however, should scroll on. “This peel is built around a high 30% glycolic acid concentration, which places it at the upper end of what’s generally considered safe for at-home use. Glycolic acid at this strength can produce rapid improvements in texture, tone, and brightness,” says Dr. Gratch, noting that sensitive skin types or deeper complexions should proceed with caution. “While the addition of niacinamide and hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid may help buffer irritation, this is still a strong peel that requires careful adherence to instructions, short contact times, and infrequent use.”
- Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed collagen, aloe leaf extract
- Best For: Dull, uneven skin tone, texture refinement, visible pores, and anyone looking for a quick, professional-level glow at home
- Type: Single-use pre-soaked swab
- How To Use: Start with clean, dry skin and gently swipe a pre-soaked swab across your face, avoiding eyes, lips, and any irritated areas. Leave it on for about five minutes (or less!), and then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- Size: 8 individually wrapped swabs per box
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Individually wrapped cotton swabs make applying easy and hygienic | Formula might be too potent for those with sensitive skin |
| Includes soothing ingredients to calm skin while exfoliating | This has a spicy, tingly feeling while using |
Best Intensive: U Beauty Resurfacing Flash Peel
- Why We Love It: U Beauty managed to bottle the quick resurfacing treatment, making it especially nifty if you don’t have time to book an appointment with your go-to esthetician.“It’s a more intensive at-home option that can be used periodically alongside routine care,” board-certified Dr. Julie Russak previously told Vogue. Because the formula lists the AHA glycolic acid as its second ingredient (meaning it’s the second-most-concentrated ingredient in the bottle), it’s safe to say this pick is a powerhouse. Though it’s joined by additional exfoliating AHAs and BHA, along with hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and fatty acids to calm things down.
- Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, aloe vera, aventramide, fruit alpha hydroxy acids, betaine, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, stabilized vitamin C E, essential fatty acids, jojoba, sunflower, and mimosa waxes
- Best For: Enlarged pores, brightening
- Type: Serum
- How To Use: After applying it to clean, dry skin, you can leave it on for as few as five minutes or as long as ten before rinsing to reveal your newfound radiance.
- Size: 3 mL
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Great for daily use, uses a mix of chemical and physical exfoliants | Might be irritating for some |
Everything You Need To Know
What is a chemical peel?
“Chemical peels contain one or more alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids that acidify the outermost layers of the skin causing superficial exfoliation and increased cell turnover,” Murphy-Rose details. “The process removes dead skin cells to reveal a fresher and brighter complexion, prevent acne, lighten dark spots, minimize the appearance of pores and generally improve tone and texture. By removing the dead skin cells, many people will find that skincare products tend to work better and more efficiently.”
Gunn adds that there are different depths (or extremes) of peels: light peels offer light exfoliation, whereas a deeper peel would require seven to ten days of downtime. Generally, at-home chemical peels are more gentle than in-office treatments which need to be completed under the care of an experienced provider.
Are chemical peels safe for skin?
“When used properly, many chemical peels are considered safe,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose, emphasizing following product instructions closely for proper use. “Chemical peels are not without side effects, and it is important to be aware of potential adverse effects including skin irritation, chemical burns, hyper- or hypo-pigmentation, scarring and infection.”
What’s the difference between an at-home chemical peel and an in-office chemical peel?
Camp explains that at-home chemical peels are usually formulated at lower concentrations than in-office peels. “This is to limit potential side effects when used by consumers,” he says. “In-office peels are formulated with higher concentrations of active ingredients to deliver more robust results, but need to be applied by trained professionals to ensure safety.”
Are at-home chemical peels effective?
At-home chemical peels may offer less dramatic results than a professional treatment, but Gunn believes they are still beneficial as they typically require no downtime, while “improving the look of texture, fine lines, pigmentation, skin tone, and even acne” with consistent use.
Ingredients to Look for in an At-Home Chemical Peel
In-office or at-home, there are a few ingredients to look for in a chemical peel—a look at each below.
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Glycolic, lactic, and mandelic are all examples of alpha hydroxy acids often found in chemical peels. These, per Murphy-Rose, are excellent exfoliators which help improve skin texture. “Glycolic acid penetrates deeply, promoting cell turnover and brightening the skin, reducing hyperpigmentation, while lactic acid offers gentler exfoliation, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin,” she notes.
- Salicylic Acid (BHA): “Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that penetrates pores to unclog them by removing excess oil and plugs of dead skin,” according to Camp. Murphy-Rose adds that this is great for preventing breakouts and smoothing skin. “This is the acid that due to its molecular size is capable of traveling into pores to dissolve oil and debris, minimizing the appearance of pores and preventing acne,” she says.
- Retinol: Retinol can also be useful in a chemical peel as it helps with breakouts, scarring, and discoloration. “This is often added as a pass at the end of another acid or combo of acids to kick start the peeling process,” Gunn details.
- Botanical Extracts Fruit Enzymes: Those interested in a more clean, natural approach to skin rejuvenation can benefit from botanical extracts and fruit enzymes in their chemical peel. “These are awesome after a facial because they are light, melt away the dead skin cells and give you a nice glow,” says Gunn. “They work well at reducing pore size.” Popular botanicals include papain (derived from papaya) and bromelain (derived from pineapple).
How to Use a Chemical Peel
The best advice to using a chemical peel without damaging skin is to follow the directions carefully, but, here’s a bit more guidance from our experts.
- Apply to Clean Skin: Applying your peel to clean, dry skin is essential. “Wash your skin thoroughly to remove dirt and debris, and any makeup or skin-care products,” Murphy-Rose instructs.
- Follow Instructions Closely: “Follow directions on the peel, and pay attention to the recommended duration of time to leave the peel on your skin,” Murphy-Rose continues. “You will want to set a timer after applying the peel. A mild stinging or tingling sensation is common with chemical peels. If your skin feels more uncomfortable than that, it may be a good idea to stop your peel early.”
- Keep Skin Hydrated: “Make sure to apply a moisturizer after using a peel to help restore the integrity of the skin barrier,” Camp notes. Some peels can make skin feel dry, so this step is key to lock in hydration.
- Wear Sunscreen: Following your treatment, sun protection is key. “Exfoliated skin is more susceptible to sunburn and sun damage,” Murphy-Rose explains. “It is essential to apply sunscreen daily (I recommend an SPF 30 or higher that contains zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide) and avoid excess sun exposure.”
- Don’t Over-Use Chemical Peels: “Even peels marketed for daily use should be used less often at first to test your skin’s tolerability,” Murphy-Rose explains. “I would recommend using a daily peel no more than twice a week initially to see how your skin responds, and then increase the frequency as tolerated. Always avoid contact with your eyes.”
What does aftercare look like post-peel?
The experts agree, after an at-home peel, your skin not only deserves gentle care and protection—but requires it, especially during the first 24–48 hours. “As with any exfoliating treatment, pairing peels with a gentle skin-care routine and daily sunscreen is essential for maintaining long-term skin health,” says Dr. Gratch.
Below are the doctor’s orders for how to care for your complexion post-peel:
- No More Active Ingredients: Vitamin C’s, retinols, AHAs, and BHAS all must be avoided while your skin is in a delicate, renewed state.
- Don’t Skip Sunscreen: Post-pone your sunbathing for a later date and avoid direct sunlight—but if you’re stepping out (or even sitting near windows), never forget your daily SPF application.
- Keep Your Routine Gentle: So what products can you use on your face post-peel? Simple formulas with hydrating ingredients. Think: glycerin, squalane, and ceramides. When in doubt, go for the classics—for example, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dhaval G Bhanusali previously told Vogue he loves Cetaphil’s gentle cleanser.
“If you experience persistent redness, burning, or worsening of your skin after using any peel, discontinue use immediately and seek professional advice,” he adds.
Which products (and skin types) don’t play well with peels?
Dr. Gratch advises that individuals with sensitive skin, darker skin tones prone to hyperpigmentation, active acne, eczema, or other dermatologic conditions should exercise caution.
All additional active ingredients are a no-go before and after peels. So you’ll have to put certain products on hold. Skip retinol, vitamin C, other exfoliating acids (AHAs, BHAs, or enzymatic peels), and any strong actives like benzoyl peroxide. Also steer clear of harsh scrubs or abrasive masks. The goal is to let your skin recover, stay calm, and let the peel’s results shine.
Meet The Experts
- Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York.
- Kristin Gunn is a licensed medical aesthetician and the owner of Beaux MedSpa in Austin, TX.
- Dr. Noah Gratch, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in treatments for acne, eczema, hyperhidrosis, rosacea, psoriasis, and skin cancer.
- Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist seeing patients in New York and the Hamptons; she’s also the founder of Skincare Junkie.
- Dr. Dara Spearman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in Fort Wayne, Indiana, who specializes in melanoma and skin-cancer care.
