The 12 Best Chemical Peels of 2024

If the phrase “chemical peel” conjures the horror of seeing the Sex and the City episode where Samantha’s face is practically falling off post-feel, we understand. Peels have a reputation of being aggressive, which can be true if you opt for an in-clinic treatment. The at-home options, however, are usually much more gentle—and still as effective. 

While the fear of a red, burning face is real, if you can overcome that angst, the benefits of a chemical peel are nearly endless. Stressing over spots? A peel can help even your skin tone. Worried about wrinkles? Some peels have anti-aging benefits. Battling blemishes? A peel can clear up pimples. We could go on and on. The latest formulas blend all kinds of exfoliating ingredients and acids, and are coupled with other good-for-your-skin ingredients to leave your complexion more flawless than ever.

Read on to discover our picks of the best chemical peels, with options for all skin types and issues.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: Dr. Dennis Gross Universal Dail y Peel at Amazon
• Best Budget: The Ordinary Peeling Solution at Sephora
• Best Budget: Versed The Shortcut Overnight Facial Peel at Amazon
• Best Soothing: Drunk Elephant AHA + BHA Mask at Sephora
• Best Natural: Tata Harper Resurfacing BHA Glow Mask at Amazon
• Best for Acne: Savor Beauty Yuzu Lemonade Peel at Savorbeauty
• Best for Wrinkles: Lancer Skincare Caviar Lime Acid Peel at Amazon
• Best for Oily Skin: First Aid Beauty Facial Intensive Peel at Amazon
• Best Body: StackedSkincare Multi-Acid Body Peel at Stackedskincare
• Best Tanning: M-61 PowerGlow Peel Gradual Tan at Amazon

Best Overall

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

$20 at Amazon $20 at Sephora $153 at Dermstore

What We Like: Gentle enough for daily use, two-step effectiveness, contains anti-aging ingredients.

What We Don't Like: Pricey.

There’s a reason—lots of reasons, really—why this long-loved Dr. Dennis peel has reached cult-like status among beauty editors. First of all, it’s quick and incredibly easy to use. (Way easier than visiting a clinic, that’s for sure.) This two-step treatment is even gentle enough to include in your daily skincare routine. In fact, that’s how it’s intended to be used, so you can receive serious results from its extensive list of proven, effective ingredients without changing out of your PJs.

Here’s how this treatment, an at-home take on the popular peels the celebrity derm performs in his New York City office, works: The first pad is full of five exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids, while the second pad neutralizes the acids and also delivers anti-aging ingredients. Whether you’re looking to treat uneven tone, texture, wrinkles, or enlarged pores, consider this peel perfection. The only downside? It’s pretty pricey.


Type: Normal | Active Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Witch Hazel | Size: .07 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Budget

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

$10 at Sephora $10 at Ulta $10 at Target

What We Like: Unbeatable price, treats dullness, and minimalist packaging.

What We Don't Like: Not for chemical peel novices.

“Affordable” and “chemical peels” aren’t often found in the same sentence. That is, unless you’re talking about this peeling solution from The Ordinary. Packed with 30% AHA and 2% BHA, this rinse-off treatment, which you can use up to twice a week for 10 minutes each session, targets textural irregularities while brightening dullness and taking care of congested pores. It’s small in price point, it’s mighty in terms of strength—so much so that if you’re new to chemical peels, have active blemishes, or have sensitive skin in general, you should start with a gentler product. If your skin can handle this affordable option, though (start with a small patch to make sure), you’ll be gifted with a bright, even, vibrant skin tone. 

Type: Normal | Active Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Tartaric Acid | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Budget

Versed The Shortcut Overnight Facial Peel

View On Versed $18 at Amazon $13 at Revolve

What We Like: Fights dullness, pH balanced, and dissolves dead skin cells.

What We Don't Like: Might not work on sensitive skin.

When it comes to sparing your budget, drugstore brands always come to the rescue. Take the Versed peel, for instance. This overnight treatment’s affordable price tag packs the same powerful and proven active ingredients as many other pricier peels. Some of the standout ingredients include lactic and glycolic acid, which help dissolve dead skin cells, and hydrating vitamin A, which fights dullness.

Since the formula is also balanced with skin conditioning allantoin1 and vitamin E, and is pH balanced, you don’t have to worry about irritation. (Though, if you have particularly sensitive skin, test it on a small, inconspicuous spot of skin before slathering it over your entire face.) This peel is meant to be left on overnight and rinsed off in the morning, but no need to worry about it leaving weird stains on your pillowcases—it soaks into your skin fast.

Type: Mature | Active Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Vitamin A | Size: .5 or 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best Soothing

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial AHA + BHA Mask

$80 at Sephora $80 at Ulta View on Drunkelephant.com

What We Like: Gives a smooth, elastic feel, gently exfoliating, and adds radiance.

What We Don't Like: Pricey and the pump functionality could be better.

Check out these numbers: This exfoliating mask packs a whopping 25% alpha hydroxy and 2% beta hydroxy combo into this petite (and pink!) bottle, so you know it means business. It's powerful, there’s no doubt about that, but it also boasts a skin-calming antioxidant blend, so you’ll be left with an undeniable radiance. Plus, it comes with the brand’s virgin marula oil, meant to be applied immediately after, for even more soothing and hydrating benefits. Smoother, exfoliated skin, here you come! 

Apply this peel once weekly for up to 20 minutes, though start with 10 minutes to make sure your skin can handle it. To make the most of this pricey product, be sure to use the pump functionality carefully, so you don’t waste a single drop.

Type: Normal, Oily, Combination, Dry | Active Ingredients: 25% Alpha Hydroxy Acids, 2% BHA/Salicylic Acid | Size: 1.69 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Natural

Tata Harper Resurfacing BHA Glow Mask

$68 at Amazon $68 at Sephora $68 at Nordstrom

What We Like: Adds radiance and brightness, 100% natural, and tackles blocked pores and rough skin.

What We Don't Like: Small pot for the price.

This isn’t the first accolade we’ve given Tata Harper’s Glow Mask; it was also a winner in our 2019 Eco Beauty Awards. This all-natural resurfacing mask is that good. The key ingredients include beta hydroxy acid from white willow bark and pomegranate enzymes, along with plenty of other plant-based ingredients—no fillers, synthetics, fragrances, or artificial colors. In fact, 82 percent of the ingredients are products of organic farming, and each works hard to help refine pores and brighten dull skin.

The classic way to use this mask is to apply a thick layer for 20 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water. With that method, you can use it three times a week, or you could layer it with the brand’s regenerating cleanser for five minutes for a speedier solution. The one-ounce pot is on the small side, though, especially given the price. 

Type: All | Active Ingredients: BHA from White Willow Bark and Pomegranate Enzymes | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: TK

Best for Acne

Savor Beauty Yuzu Lemonade Peel

View on Amazon View on Savorbeauty.com

What We Like: Works in 30 seconds, breaks down pore-clogging oil, and fades blemishes.

What We Don't Like: Pricey.

Salicylic acid has long been heralded as one of the best blemish-busting ingredients out there, thanks to its ability to break down pore-clogging oil.4 It’s the star of the show in this peel, making it a must-have skincare item if you’re acne-prone. Along with salicylic acid, this formula also features lactic acid, plus brightening elements such as vitamin C and lycopene. What does that mean? If you have any dark marks as a result of old blemishes, that combo of esteemed ingredients will help fade the appearance of those. 

The bright, citrusy scent evokes lemon Italian ice, which is a refreshing touch, and perhaps best of all, it works in only—get this—30 seconds. It’s not cheap, but considering it exfoliates, unclogs, brightens, tones, and promotes cell turnover in less than a minute, we think it’s worth your time and money.

Type: Oily to Normal | Active Ingredients: 2% Salicylic Acid, PHA, Yuzu Oil, Kakadu Plum | Size: .07 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best for Wrinkles

Lancer Skincare Caviar Lime Acid Peel

$66 at Amazon $99 at Dermstore $99 at Walmart

What We Like: Brightens dull skin, smooths skin, and adds a glow.

What We Don't Like: Pricey.

If easing lines and wrinkles is your top skin priority, consider this high-end acid peel. It contains a 10% concentration of glycolic acid, which earns top anti-aging marks for a few reasons. Not only is it lauded for its exfoliating capabilities, which brightens dull skin, but also for stimulating collagen production,5 the protein responsible for firm, youthful skin. Caviar lime (an Australian fruit) acts as another good source of other AHAs, and there’s also retinol in the formula for even more wrinkle-fighting benefits. The smooth glow you’ll receive after routinely applying this once or twice a week makes it worthy of its high price tag.

Type: Normal | Active Ingredients: 10% Glycolic Acid, 10% Phytic Acid, Retinol | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Best for Oily Skin

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance AHA Intensive Peel

$22 at Amazon View on Sephora View on Dermstore

What We Like: Affordable, gentle enough for sensitive skin, and contains natural exfoliants.

What We Don't Like: The smell.

If you have oily skin, you’re likely well aware of the winning combo of exfoliating lactic acid and oil-busting salicylic acid. They’re exfoliating superstars known for breaking down dead skin cells and oil. This affordable peel features both, along with enzymes from mushrooms. We also love that it includes kaolin, a top ingredient for helping to pull out impurities (goodbye, excess oil) from the skin. Use it one to three times weekly, leaving it on for anywhere from 30 seconds to three minutes, based on what works best for your skin. The natural exfoliants are gentle enough even on sensitive skin, but if we had to name a gripe, the smell isn’t our favorite.

Type: All | Active Ingredients: Lactic Acid, Willow Bark Extract, Shea Nut Shell Powder | Size: 3.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Body

StackedSkincare TCA Multi-Acid Body Peel

$109 at stackedskincare.com

What We Like: Lightweight, eradicates acne-causing bacteria, doesn't have to be washed off, and is fragrance-free.

What We Don't Like: Pricey.

Breaking news: Peels aren’t just meant for your face. To address any trouble spots on the skin below your chin, invest in this body peel. (And yes, it is an investment. The price is no joke.) It’s pumped with five different exfoliating acids that dissolve dead skin, soften bumps, and eliminates bacteria that cause acne—all after just one application! It’s also self-neutralizing, so it doesn’t have to be rinsed off. This lightweight, fragrance-free formula is effective but still super gentle—you can even use it if you have eczema—so it’s perfect for smoothing out any unwanted bumps and spots and knocking out body acne. Simply apply a thin layer wherever it’s needed once or twice per week, then bask in flawless skin from head to toe.

Type: Normal | Active Ingredients: Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Trichloroacetic Acid, Glycerin, Propanediol, Salicylic Acid, Phytic Acid | Size: .5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Tanning

M-61 PowerGlow Peel Gradual Tan

$36 at Amazon $36 at bluemercury.com View on M61labs.com

What We Like: Full of natural ingredients, tans while peeling, 60-second application, and fragrance-free.

What We Don't Like: Pricey, the smell, and tan could use a better color.

We love a two-in-one product, especially one that leaves you with a glow reminiscent of spending a week on the beach. These super speedy (60-second!) peel pads are packed with glycolic and salicylic acids that work to exfoliate your skin and dissolve dead cells. Then the self-tanner kicks in, giving you a subtle, sun-kissed glow. Want more color? Use these pads up to three times a week to build up to the tan you want. Not only are these incredibly easy to use, but the results are pretty impressive too. 

There are a few downsides, though. While they’re technically fragrance-free, that doesn’t mean these pads don’t come with an odor. Also, if you prefer a darker color, you’ll run through these pads pretty quickly, so they aren’t the best value. And, like all self-tanners, beware of streaks.

Type: All | Active Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid | Size: Kit | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Overnight

goop Beauty Glycolic Acid Overnight Peel

$45 at Amazon $112 at goop.com

What We Like: Full of radiating, moisturizing fruit extracts, smooth application, and intense overnight exfoliation.

What We Don't Like: Pricey and not for sensitive skin.

To make the most of your beauty sleep, simply swipe this pad over your face one night a week. Its potent level of glycolic acid plus fruit extracts get to work while you rest, so you’ll wake up with smoother, brighter, exfoliated skin. Just wash your face as usual when you wake up. The application barely adds any effort to your bedtime routine too. For this price, you’ll receive four pads—pretty expensive if you intend to use them once a week as recommended. Sensitive skin types should skip this one too.

Type: Normal, Oily, Combination, Dry | Active Ingredients: 15% Glycolic Acid, Fruit Extracts | Size: Kit | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Best Overnight, Runner-Up

Bliss That's Incredi-Peel Glycolic Resurfacing Pads

$15 at Amazon $25 at Ulta $23 at Walmart

What We Like: Convenient and easy to use, gentle on all skin types, and travel-friendly.

What We Don't Like: Each box contains only 15 pads.

When it comes to chemical peels, it doesn’t get easier than these resurfacing pads from Bliss. Simply add these to your bedtime skincare routine two or three nights a week, gently swiping a pad over clean, dry skin. (No need to rinse.) Then sleep soundly knowing the formula, which is packed with 10% glycolic acid to attack excess skin cell buildup, will gradually release overnight, leaving your skin ultra soft by the time your alarm blares. Additional ingredients include vitamin E, an antioxidant to help protect skin from environmental factors, and licorice root extract, another antioxidant that pumps up hydration and soothes irritated skin. You can’t knock the convenience of these individually wrapped pads, which make them ideal for traveling, but if you do use them multiple times a week, you’ll likely blow through a box every month or so.

Type: All | Active Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Vitamin E, Licorice Root Extract | Size: Kit | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Final Verdict

At-home chemical peels can be daunting since they’re an investment and can conjure fears of a red face. While pricey, the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel is a long-time favorite of beauty editors for its gentle and effective treatment that couldn’t be easier to use. For a more budget-friendly option, consider The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Exfoliating Peeling Solution (unless you have sensitive skin, in which case skip this one) or the Versed The Shortcut Overnight Facial Peel, which both include hard-working ingredients to fight dullness.

How We Researched

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.

What to Look for in At-Home Chemical Peels

Type of Peel

Glycolic, salicylic, and TCA are three basic at-home chemical peels. Glycolic peels are mild and ideal for treating acne, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage. Salicylic peels are ideal for people with oily, acne-prone skin. Finally, TCA peels penetrate the deepest and are effective at treating scarring or pigmentation issues.

Side Effects

You should consider side effects when you’re shopping for an at-home chemical peel. Some universal side effects of chemical peels include persistent redness, hyperpigmentation, skin discoloration, and scarring. This is important to prioritize if you have sensitive skin since different at-home chemical peels have different formulas, and therefore, different potential side effects.

Timing

At-home chemical peels can be designed to be worn overnight and rinsed the following morning or to be left on your face for as little as 30 seconds. Read the instructions of every at-home chemical peel you’re looking at if the thought of having a peel on your face for hours on end is unappealing (or vice versa).

Why Trust Byrdie

Full-time freelance writer Megan McCarty has been writing about the best of the best of fashion and beauty for over 15 years, and her work can be seen in InStyle, Domino, Architectural Digest, Bustle, and more. As a long-time skincare fanatic, she’s well-versed in all kinds of resurfacing, soothing, and brightening products, including at-home chemical peels.