Best peels: chemical face exfoliators you can use at home
Peels (fundamentally chemical exfoliants) are nature's molecular-sized beauty warriors, able to refine, resurface and replenish the skin through acids.
Salicylic for congestion, glycolic for brightening, lactic for refining, hyaluronic for moisturising - there is literally an acid for any skin concern. However, if you have sensitive skin please consult a dermatologist before you try any of the below.
So get to know your AHA's from your BHA's and find your skincare solution from the wonder products below.
For more gentle exfoliants, click here.
Best gentle peel
Kiehl's Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate, £41, Kiehl's
A very gentle peel that accelerates cell turnover rather than resurfaces through chemical exfoliation. This peel from Kiehl's is a brilliant product for those new to peels or those who are looking to lightly refine skin texture and tone.
Most acidic facial peel
DCL Multi Action Penta Peel, £58, Face The Future
The most prolific of peels in terms of acid, this focuses on overall complexion rather than just correction. Salicylic and mandelic acids detoxify, phytic and lactic retextures while hyaluronic acid moisturises. It is quite strong so perhaps start with a slightly more gentle peel, like the below.
Best enzyme peel
Susanne Kaufmann Enzyme Peel, £49, Cult Beauty
Enzyme peels are great, purely because you can quite often feel the enzymes eating into your skin (in a good way). Ideal for those with sensitive, fragile skin that can often react to acid-heavy pads, enzyme masks draw upon natural acids (in this case, fruit) to gently remove dead skin that dulls the complexion.
Save when you shop for the best chemical peels with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Best resurfacing facial pads
Zelens PHA+ Bio-Peel Resurfacing Facial Pads, £65, Look Fantastic
Even though it is composed of AHA’s and BHA’s, it is the PHA’s (polyhydroxy acids) that contain a larger molecular size that allows for a slower topical penetration, reducing irritation and inducing a more gentle (and thorough) exfoliation. A brilliant day-to-day exfoliant as it does not strip the skin of moisture, and is super easy to apply.
Save when you shop for the best at-home chemical peels with these LookFantastic discount code.
Best facial peel with glycolic acid
Caudalie Glycolic Peel,
£22£18.70, Feel UniqueA gentle exfoliant, this glycolic is perfect for a very slight retexturing of the skin and immediate radiance boost. A nice morning peel to ensure glowing skin throughout the day.
Best facial peel with retinol
Alpha H Beauty Sleep Power Peel, £53.95, Beauty Bay
If you are worried peels might be thinning your skin, this is your out; the mix of glycolic acid dissolves dead cells while the retinol stimulates regeneration of elastin and collagen for a plump, youthful complexion. You can save money when you shop with this Beauty Bay discount code.
Best weekly mask
Erborian Milk & Peel Mask, £34, LookFantastic
This weekly mask uses sesame milk to gently yet effectively resurface the skin to restore glow, leaving skin feeling and looking refreshed and renewed.
Save when you shop for the best at-home chemical peels with these LookFantastic discount code.
Best facial peel for seasoned peelers
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Medi-Spa Peel, £89, Cult Beauty
The newest (and by far strongest) in Dr Gross’ line of peels, the medi-spa is for seasoned peelers who can really take a kick. A combination of 15 acids, use it once a week (max!) and follow with a vitamin-rich serum and hyaluronic moisturiser.
Save when you shop for the best chemical peels with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Best facial peel for multi-tasking
Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask, £57, Skin City
The ultimate multi-tasking mask - pink clay draws our impurities, beet extract hydrates, white willow extract exfoliates while aloe vera cools and repairs. Oh, and it’s 100% natural.
