13 Best At-Home Chemical Peels, Tested by Beauty Scientists
Our top-tested face peels will soften sensitive skin, wrinkles, and more.
Medically reviewed by Carmen Castilla, M.D.DermatologistTested by Sabina WizemannBeauty Lab DirectorReviewed by Danusia WnekSenior Chemist
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
Like so many other beauty treatments nowadays, you no longer have to head to the derm’s office to get a peel. When used carefully and as directed, at-home chemical face peels can be an effective way to exfoliate your skin and are an important step in any skincare routine.
“At-home chemical peels are products made with chemical exfoliators, usually acids, that help break down and shed the outermost layer of skin cells," explains Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler. "By exfoliating the outermost layer of skin, peels can make skin appear smoother and feel softer. They can help unclog pores, making them look smaller, and reduce the appearance of dark spots."
Our top picks:
- Best overall: Philosophy Microdelivery Triple-Acid Brightening Peel
- Best value: Garnier SkinActive Micellar Gentle Peeling Water
- Best for acne scars: Dr. Dennis Gross Best Chemical Peel for Acne Scars
- Best for travel: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Exfoliating Toner Pads
Additional benefits include "improving skin tone and glow, as well as combating acne breakouts, depending on the ingredients," adds Laura Scott, M.D., a dermatologist and founder of Scott & Co. Skin in San Diego, California. Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) are commonly used ingredients in these at-home peels.
Ahead, our 13 top picks for the best at-home chemical face peels as tested by the GH Beauty Lab that actually work, even to brighten up the appearance of dark spots.
Products identified in an FDA warning letter contain active ingredients that exceed the concentrations deemed safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), the FDA, or the European Union Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (EU SCCS) for use in cosmetic applications intended for consumer at-home use. Additionally, these products feature drug claims in their packaging or marketing materials and/or lack proper labeling. The use of these products presents a significant safety risk for consumers. The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab recommends that consumers choose products from well-established brands that offer these cosmetic benefits. It is advisable to consult with a medical professional about any concerns about specific ingredients or treatments.
Best Deal
Pros
- Smooths lines and wrinkles
- Brightens skin
- Non-irritating
Cons
- Aroma is unappealing to some
Philosophy's individually-packed pads were the only product to show some visible wrinkle improvement in Lab Visia Complexion Analyzer tests, and they also ranked at the top for improving skin texture and not excessively irritating. Testers gave the peel the highest score for brightening, and 100% agreed it smoothed their skin. "After each use, my skin looked brighter for two days," one remarked. "It also felt softer and smoother." One drawback: some users complained of the "strange" scent.
Pros
- Gentle enough for daily use
- Can be used around the eyes
- Smooths and clears skin
Cons
- Doesn't provide extremely strong exfoliation
GH Beauty Award winner Garnier has broken the mold with a never-before-seen combo of makeup remover, cleanser, and acid exfoliator in one. The liquid is mild enough for daily use, according to Lab evaluations (so don't expect super-strong exfoliation). It "didn't sting eyes or skin," and skin was left "smoother and clearer," testers noted.
Pros
- Contains acne-fighting active ingredient
- Reduces visible pores
- Smooths skin
Cons
- Could cause irritation
The iconic Dr. Dennis Gross two-step peel is GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek's "favorite peel of all time" for her acne-prone, oily skin, thanks to its multi-acid formulation followed by a second retinol treatment step. "I like that it comes in three different strengths, so there is something for everyone: I first started using the gentle variant, and now I use the regular one and occasionally the extra strength," she noted. "I apply this at night and when I wake up, my skin not only feels and looks smoother, but it also helps pores appear visibly smaller." Be aware that it can cause irritation, especially when you begin use, she noted.
Pros
- Doesn’t cause irritation
- Easy to use
- Pores appeared less visible after one week
- Evens skin tone
Cons
- Some testers didn’t see brightening
Ideal for on-the-go, these individually wrapped, pre-soaked peel pads can be easily tossed into your gym bag or suitcase. In just one swipe, they deliver salicylic acid and green tea to clarify, smooth, and leave skin glowing, with zero residue or irritation. Pores appeared less visible, and skin was more even after one week, which is what made it a GH Beauty Award winner.
“I liked how easy it was to use, and that I didn't need any cotton pads to use it,” a tester said. “It also gave me the exact amount I needed, and I didn't need to guess if I was using too much or too little. They were super easy to use while traveling! However, some testers said it didn’t live up to its brightening claims.
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Salicylic acid, green tea |
Pros
- Offers both physical and chemical exfoliation
- Smooths skin
- Blurs pores
Cons
- Doesn’t dramatically reduce blackheads
The OG Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips are practically a cult classic, and it’s fair to consider these the next-gen version. In five minutes, the AHA serum bubbles up to clear congestion from pores, minimize oil, and refine skin.
“I find these so fun,” Wnek says of the GH Beauty Award winner. “This dual treatment has two sides to the mask: a white smoother side and a green scrubber side. The smooth side is used as a chemical exfoliator treatment with glycolic acid, which is left on the skin for three to five minutes. During this treatment, it starts to bubble a little, which is a fun sensorial experience. Then flip it over and gently massage the scrubby side for a bit of physical exfoliation before rinsing. I didn’t notice a significant improvement in my pores or blackheads immediately after use, but I thought it left my nose feeling so smooth, and there was a little blurring effect for pores.”
Pros
- Works overnight while you sleep
- Minimizes appearance of dark spots, sun spots, and hyperpigmentation
- Leaves skin brighter and plumper
Cons
- Some reviewers found it too drying
Get your beauty sleep with this overnight peel treatment that earned the GH Seal for simultaneously hydrating and exfoliating skin, leaving it brighter, plumper, and more even-toned. Lactic acid, a gentle alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), boosts cell turnover, while glycerin moisturizes. Testers agreed it helped improve skin tone, texture, discoloration, and dull skin. Some testers even said skin looked brighter in just one day, as it helps minimize the appearance of dark spots, sun spots, and hyperpigmentation. After eight weeks, testers said it made fine lines and wrinkles disappear as well as pores less visible and gave skin a natural radiance. Note that some reviewers found it too drying, though.
Pros
- Measurably reduces visible pores and breakout-causing bacteria
- Smooths skin texture
- Doesn't make skin red
Cons
- Can leave skin feeling tight
Made with a high concentration of glycolic acid, Good Housekeeping Seal star Mary Kay earned the highest score in GH Beauty Lab tests for minimizing pores and smoothing texture without redness. Visia digital imaging found an 11% reduction in visible pores, an 8% improvement in texture, and a 13% decrease in acne-causing bacteria. Despite strong results, it earned a perfect score for not leaving skin red, was the least likely to sting, and testers didn't report any real downsides. "My skin was tighter and more toned after even the first use," one raved. However, some reviewers said it can leave skin feeling tight.
| Key ingredients | Glycolic acid |
Pros
- Boosts radiance
- Reduces blemish-causing bacteria
- Won't cause skin peeling or flaking
Cons
- Expensive
- May be hard to remove
Although it contains a potent blend of lactic, glycolic, and salicylic acids, La Prairie's splurge-worthy peel was both effective and super-gentle on skin. It scored highest in Lab digital-imaging evaluations for improving radiance and tied for first at reducing acne-promoting bacteria (by 20%). An impressive 100% of testers noted no peeling or flaking after application. Lab experts also like that it comes with a convenient and hygienic application brush, but some users found the formula difficult to rinse off.
"My skin looked smoother and brighter as soon as I washed it off—my family even noticed!" one tester revealed, "yet there was zero stinging." A tester agrees: "It doesn't make my skin peel or feel irritated at all, but I notice my skin is glowier immediately after use."
| Key ingredients | Lactic, glycolic, and salicylic acids |
Pros
- Made with naturally-derived exfoliants
- Non-drying formulation
- Clarifies skin
Cons
- May not be strong enough for some
A blend of naturally derived ingredients, including tartaric and malic acids, plus exfoliating enzymes from fruit, gently sloughs skin in this Naturopathica peel. "It has a pleasant sweet scent and leaves skin looking clear without dehydrating," GH's Beauty Director reported. Note: The milder formula may not be the best choice for those seeking strong peel effects.
Pros
- Contains multiple exfoliating acids
- Comes with a neutralizing face mask and applicator brush
- Brightens and smooths skin
Cons
- Pricey
Dr. Scott recommends this luxurious face peel kit created by celebrity aesthetician Shani Darden for brightening and smoothing skin. "I love the combination of lactic, mandelic, and glycolic acids and the neutralizing mask to apply afterward," she says. It comes with eight sachets of the exfoliating peel solution, so it is on the pricier side per use, although the set also includes the clay mask and an applicator brush.
Pros
- Clears pores
- Softens skin
- Easy to apply
- High level of glycolic acid
Cons
- Could sting slightly when applied
Butler recommends this at-home face peel from dermatologist brand Neostrata, infused with a high 10% level of glycolic acid for its simplicity and minimal irritation, even with daily use. “I simply swipe a pad across my face and then continue with the rest of my routine, as it doesn’t have to be rinsed off,” she said. “It’s gentle enough to be used every night and didn’t irritate, aside from a slight stinging on some parts of my face upon application that subsides quickly.” The results: “My skin felt softer, and my pores looked clearer when I used this regularly,” Butler revealed.
| Key ingredients | Glycolic acid |
Pros
- Noticeable results after first use
- Clarifies skin and increases radiance
- Aromatherapy scent
Cons
- Small size
Boost skin's clarity and radiance fast by smoothing on Suki Skincare's peel, a mix of glycolic and salicylic acids with fruit extracts like apple, grapefruit, and papaya. "I like to apply this when I get in the shower and rinse it off at the end for a mini spa treatment at home," GH's Beauty Director says, thanks to its relaxing herbal scent from lavender oil. The bottle size is small, however, so it may not last as long as others.
| Key ingredients | Salicylic and glycolic acids, fruit extracts |
Pros
- Contains several exfoliating acids
- Appealing texture and scent
- Leaves skin smooth and radiant
Cons
- Fruit pieces in the formula are polarizing
A delicious jam-like texture and a long list of effective exfoliating acids (glycolic, lactic, malic, mandelic, phytic, tartaric) combine in this peel from famed aesthetician Renée Rouleau to lightly resurface skin bumps and uneven texture. While some users felt the berry pieces in the formula made it tricky to apply and rinse off, others raved about the skin benefits. "This leaves my face feeling smoother and looking brighter, great for when my complexion is dull or tired," GH's Beauty Director said.
How we test the best at-home chemical peels
The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty & Personal Care Lab has a history of rigorously testing at-home chemical peels in the Lab as well as on consumer testers. In the Lab, our scientists' extensive testing protocols include using digital imaging to track changes in skin before and after use. Then, consumer testers evaluate the products based on attributes like ease of use, irritation, and perceived results. In the Beauty Lab's latest face peel test, scientists tallied nearly 10,000 data points to find the best at-home chemical peels, so you can feel confident you're buying the best ones on the market.
The GH Beauty Lab evaluated over 100 at-home face peels, narrowed them down to the top contenders, label-masked them to eliminate brand bias, and distributed them to 72 testers. GH Beauty Lab scientists analyzed testers' skin in the Lab with the Visia Complexion Analyzer device (below) to measure pores, skin texture, visible spots, and wrinkles before and after 2 weeks of using their assigned at-home face peel.
Consumer testers reported their feedback on factors including ease of use, irritation, and the look and feel of their skin (smoothness, line and pore reduction, brightness, and even tone). Finally, Lab experts tabulated 1,560 Visia data points and 8,190 consumer evaluation responses to identify the best at-home face peels on the market.
What to look for when shopping for the best at-home chemical peels
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-loving (alpha) or oil-loving (beta) properties.
- Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic, lactic, mandelic, malic, tartaric, and citric acids have been proven effective exfoliators.
- Beta hydroxy acids, the most ubiquitous of which is salicylic acid, have exfoliating properties. Salicylic acid uses its oil-attracting properties to remove dirt and oil from pores, making it ideal for 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, Butler and Dr. Scott both recommend shopping from well-known skincare brands and retailers that cater to at-home consumers.
✔️ 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."
How do I use a chemical peel at home?
In general, you can apply an at-home chemical peel once per week for sensitive or dry skin, and two or three times max for other skin types. Read the package instructions before using any new product and follow the directions for usage frequency, advises GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Sabina Wizemann. Know that more (often) doesn't mean better when it comes to face peels: "The biggest danger of any at-home peel is that many think using it more means faster and better results, but that couldn't be farther from the truth," Dr. Scott says. "I've seen many destroyed skin barriers and even chemical burns and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from at-home peels because someone used them too frequently."
It’s also best to add one type of exfoliator into your routine at a time to avoid skin irritation and damage. For instance, if you’re trying a peel one week, avoid using a face scrub, a cleansing brush, or a retinol treatment.
What is the strongest peel you can do at home?
The strength of a face peel depends on the percentage of acid in the formula. "The FDA over-the-counter monograph on topical acne drug products sets a maximum of 2% salicylic acid for OTC acne drugs, so that is generally what you will see in at-home peels (though the peels are not necessarily acne-treating drugs)," Butler explains. "The FDA cites that products containing AHAs like lactic and glycolic acid are safe for use by consumers if the AHA concentration is 10 percent or less."
That said, "some well-known brands sell peels with AHAs in concentrations over 10%, though the high percentage is a blend of many AHAs including glycolic, lactic, tartaric, and citric acids," she says. "Peels from higher-end and dermatologist-backed brands do not always state what percentage of acid they contain, and it is very easy to order products claiming incredibly high percentages of acids (30% pure glycolic acid and up) online, including kits meant to be used by professionals."
Your best bet: "Avoid those and shop from reputable retailers and well-known brands that carry products for at-home use," Butler suggests. Visit a board-certified dermatologist or professional medical spa for stronger peels with higher concentrations of acids to achieve optimal results and prevent skin damage.
What's the difference between an at-home chemical peel versus a professional one?
Professional medical-grade chemical peels can contain higher levels of exfoliating acids than at-home peels to produce more visible results in less time and are administered by a dermatologist or aesthetician to ensure safety. "At-home chemical peels can be more affordable and convenient than professional peels, though their results will be less dramatic," Butler says. "They also usually don’t require recovery time or cause visible skin shedding, unlike professional peels."
Because at-home chemical peels work on the very superficial (top) layer of skin, the benefits are limited, Dr. Scott says. Visit a dermatologist for chemical peels or other treatments that can help improve more challenging skin concerns, such as wrinkles, sagging, and scars, including those from acne.
Are there side effects from at-home chemical peels?
Most likely, no—as long as you are buying from a reputable seller. The majority of the at-home face peels in the GH Beauty Lab's test did not cause peeling or flaking. But you might feel some tingling when you apply the peel—71% of our testers reported feeling it when using their product, so it's totally normal. Apply a hydrating facial moisturizer immediately after using any exfoliant to nourish your skin and a daily face sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, since exfoliating can make skin more sensitive to the sun.
Carmen Castilla, M.D., is a Manhattan-based, board-certified dermatologist specializing in personalized, patient-centered treatment plans in cosmetic and medical dermatology. She graduated cum laude from New York University before going on to attend Rutgers New Jersey Medical School where she was a member of the highest honor society—Alpha Omega Alpha. She then completed her internship in internal medicine at the renowned Brigham and Women’s Hospital-Harvard Medical School in Boston and her dermatology training at New York University Langone Hospital, one of the top-ranked programs in the country. As an internationally-recognized thought leader in skincare and holistic medicine, she has published numerous papers and textbook chapters, is an expert source for media, and has a passion for sharing her evidence-based knowledge. She sees patients at New York Dermatology Group and is a clinical instructor at Mount Sinai Hospital.
Sabina (she/her) is the director of the Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she has overseen skincare, haircare and makeup testing since 2012. She also reviews applications, substantiates claims and evaluates products for the GH Seal and the Beauty Awards and Sustainability Awards programs. She has a B.S. in chemistry from Ithaca College and more than 16 years of experience working in the pharmaceutical and personal care industries.
Danusia (she/her) is a senior chemist in the Beauty and Personal Care Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she evaluates haircare, skincare, cosmetics and beauty tools. She holds a B.S. in chemistry from St. John’s University and a M.S. in pharmaceutical sciences with concentration in cosmetic science from the University of Cincinnati. Danusia has over 15 years of experience in the personal care industry including formulation, product development, claim evaluation and performance testing. The number one skincare rule she lives by: never go to bed with makeup on.
The Best Red Light Therapy Masks
7 Best Overnight Masks
17 Best Eye Creams, Tested by Beauty Scientists
The 9 Best Face Creams
