These At-Home Chemical Peels Rival Professional Treatments

Here’s what to know when looking for effective at-home face peels, according to GH Beauty Lab and dermatologist experts:

✔️ I.D. the right ingredients. The most common (and most effective) at-home chemical peel ingredients are alpha and beta hydroxy acids. These are naturally found in foods and plants, and can have either water- (alpha) or oil- (beta) loving properties.

– Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic, lactic, mandelic, malic tartaric and citric acids have all been proven effective exfoliators.

– Beta hydroxy acids, the most ubiquitous of which is salicylic acid. Besides its exfoliating properties, salicylic acid uses its oil-attracting properties to remove dirt and oil from pores, making it ideal acne-prone and oily skin.

– Enzymes derived from fruits (like pineapple or papaya) are also used in peels for gentle exfoliation.

✔️ Check the label. “Make sure the peel you’re purchasing is meant for at-home use and is not a professional product,” Butler advises, as professional formulas can be stronger and potentially damage skin if applied incorrectly.

✔️ Know your brands. To better ensure safety, shop from well-known skincare brands and retailers that cater to at-home consumers, both Butler and Dr. Scott recommend.

✔️ Proceed with caution. “Those with extremely sensitive skin, rosacea, eczema or psoriasis should avoid at-home chemical peels as they can trigger flares,” Dr. Scott advises.

✔️ Don’t try TCA peels at home. You may see them mentioned online, but “never try a trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel at home,” Butler warns. “TCA is a very powerful acid and should be used by professionals only.”