The best at-home chemical peels target a full range of skin concerns, including dry and irritable skin, acne and enlarged pores. But skincare expert Dr Lauren Jamieson reveals that they can also help to minimise “inflammatory hyperpigmentation, sun damage, or mild melasma”. Another benefit is that by using them, your skin can more easily absorb your skincare products, including moisturisers and serums.
But how do they work? According to skincare expert Dr Lauren Jamieson: “Most at-home peels gently exfoliate the stratum corneum – the dead top surface layer of the skin – using mild acids like lactic, glycolic or salicylic acid. This improves how clear the skin is, as well as mildly stimulating the production of new skin cells in the stratum basale – the manufacturing layer.”
Thankfully, chemical peels are available at price points – and through trialling countless options, I’ve found the best options. Whether you have sensitive skin that can be irritated by traditional scrubs and exfoliators or have a specific concern you’re looking to deal with, keep scrolling to discover those that made the cut.
How I tested
For context, I have dry, textured skin, and have put together a list of favourite at-home chemical peels I’ve been using for years, as well as newer finds sampled over the past few months. Each product was tested over the course of a month. During this period, I did not introduce any other new skincare products into my routine to ensure each of the at-home chemical peels was given a fair and equal trial. Over the course of testing, I considered the following factors:
- Ease of application: I considered a range of different factors when applying each formula, including whether the formula was messy, whether it required a flannel or cotton pad to apply, and whether dosing was simple or if more guidance was required.
- Performance: I considered whether or not the peels made any real change when testing. Specifically, I looked for whether I saw a marked improvement in my skin’s texture and brightness, with a goal of a smoother, glowier complexion. In order to really see this, I took before and after photos to compare.
- Sensitivity: With AHAs and BHAs common in chemical peels, I was aware of the increased chances of irritation and redness. With this in mind, formulas that used additional ingredients to negate this sensitivity were favoured. Similarly, any that were especially harsh didn’t receive my seal of approval.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Ellis Cochrane has been reviewing products since 2023 and is well-versed in the best beauty formulas for head-to-toe smooth skin. She’s covered the best scalp scrubs and, having suffered with keratosis pilaris (keratin-prompted bumps on the skin), she was well placed to review the best chemical peels, given how they can improve skin texture with consistent use. Ellis has written about the best products for KP bumps for The Independent and spoke to experts about some of the same active ingredients used in chemical peels, namely salicylic acid and lactic acid.
The best chemical peels for 2025 are:
- Best overall – Dr Dennis Gross alpha beta universal daily peel: £21, Cultbeauty.co.uk
- Best budget buy – The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% peeling solution: £8.90, Boots.com
- Best for sensitive skin – Dermalogica liquid peelfoliant: £55.25, Johnlewis.com
- Best overnight chemical peel – Kate Somerville KateCeuticals resurfacing overnight peel: £60.20, Spacenk.com
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Dr Dennis Gross alpha beta universal daily peel
Best: Chemical peel overall
Skin type: For normal and combination skin
Key ingredients: Glycolic, lactic, malic, citric and salicylic acid, retinol and green tea extract
Size: Available in a five pack, 30 pack or 60 pack
Why we love it
- Fuss-free process
- Results from the very first use
There’s a reason why Dr Dennis Gross’s alpha beta universal daily peel is one of the best-selling at-home chemical peels. What I loved most was how simple and fuss-free the two-step process is. Either morning or night, depending on your preference, you take the step one pad and swipe it onto clean, dry skin until the wipe dries out. Then, after a minute or so, you do the same with step two.
Instantly, from the very first use, my skin looked glowing and luminous. Not only did it reduce the appearance of pores around the nose, but the first signs of wrinkles and uneven texture on the forehead were improved as well. I also didn’t encounter any irritation or stinging, despite having dry skin that has experienced redness from other at-home chemical peels in the past.
If you’re looking for a stronger formulation, Dr Dennis Gross does an extra strength option designed with experienced peelers and those looking to combat signs of ageing or frequent breakouts in mind. For those with particularly dry or sensitive skin, you may want to check out the ultra-gentle daily peel.
Buy now £21.00, Cultbeauty.co.uk
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% peeling solution
Best: Budget chemical peel
Skin types: For all skin types, but you may need to build somewhat of a tolerance beforehand
Key ingredients: 30% AHAs (glycolic, lactic, tartaric and citric acids) and 2% BHAs (salicylic acid)
Size: 30ml
Why we love it
- A little goes a long way
Take note
- Don’t leave it on your skin for more than 10 minutes
You’ve probably seen this viral skincare product all over social media, and for good reason. At less than £10, it is easily one of the most affordable at-home chemical peels on the market, even if the price has increased slightly – like all things – in recent years. It also has a very high concentration of acids, making it one of the most potent available. Don’t let the deep red colour put you off this lightweight serum-like peel, either. While I experienced a slight amount of tingling upon first application, this did subside. Even though you can leave it on your skin for up to 10 minutes, it might be worthwhile building up to this amount of time incrementally, particularly if you start to feel any irritation.
You only need a very thin layer of this rather watery formulation to see and feel the benefits from the very first use. As soon as I washed off the solution, I saw considerably brighter and refreshed skin, with the results lasting for several days. Whatever you do, do not use this more than twice a week or for longer than the recommended 10 minutes. Doing either would be a sure-fire way to damage your skin barrier and cause inflammation and irritation.
Buy now £8.90, Boots.com
Dermalogica liquid peelfoliant
Best: Chemical peel for sensitive skin
Skin types: All skin types
Key ingredients: Glycolic, lactic, salicylic, phytic and tranexamic acids
Size: 59ml
Why we love it
- Produced similar results to a treatment performed at a Dermalogica clinic
Dermalogica’s latest at-home peel offering is gentle enough to be used on a daily basis. Despite the formula having a relatively high concentration of acids, I experienced very minimal tingling on the first application, with none thereafter. The brand does recommend applying this for between one and three minutes, before rinsing off, making it ideal if you’re wary of chemical peels or have been put off by them in the past.
I eventually became comfortable applying this every second night and saw an immediate glow to my skin after each use. It improved skin texture and made a visible difference to fine lines on the forehead, while removing dry patches of skin to leave brighter and smoother skin behind. The pipette also made it incredibly easy to apply the liquid using my fingertips and then onto the face.
Buy now £55.25, Johnlewis.com
Kate Somerville KateCeuticals resurfacing overnight peel
Best: Overnight chemical peel
Skin types: For normal, combination and oily skin
Key ingredients: Retinol, glycolic acid, vitamin E, ceramides and niacinamide
Size: 30ml
Why we love it
- It has a moisturiser-like texture
- Includes retinol
Take note
- On the pricier side
- Apply a thin layer, to avoid a tacky finish
For those of us who like skincare to work overnight, this peel from Kate Somerville is the perfect product to finish off your nightly routine. Even though this may be one of the most expensive at-home chemical peels I've tried, the inclusion of retinol is what truly makes it stand out from the crowd.
This peel has a creamy, almost moisturiser-like texture to it, which my skin certainly appreciated. You also only need a thin layer of product for noticeable results. Even if you’re tempted to apply the peel more liberally, I would warn against this, as too much of the product can leave your skin feeling sticky or tacky for quite some time. Applying a thinner layer meant it dried down nicely after about five or 10 minutes. The blend of hydrating ingredients also added moisture back into the skin, and I woke up with smooth skin that had a clear, glass-like appearance to it.
Buy now £60.20, Spacenk.com
Drunk Elephant TLC sukari Babyfacial
Best: Chemical peel for uneven skin texture
Skin types: Not suitable for sensitive skin, unless you have built up a tolerance
Key ingredients: Glycolic, tartaric, lactic, citric and salicylic acids
Size: 50ml
Why we love it
- The 50ml size comes with a free vial of facial oil
- Resulted in a less oily T-zone
Take note
- Best to apply a fairly thick layer
It’s been a few years since I was humbled by the high percentage of acids in one of Drunk Elephant’s most popular and beloved products. Since then, it has been a staple in my skincare routine. The creamy consistency doesn’t feel similar to any other at-home chemical peel I have tried, and it is ideal for those who struggle with uneven texture. You’ll want to apply a somewhat thick layer of this all over the face, ensuring, as always with chemical peels, to stay away from the eyes and lips.
This peel sloughed away even the most stubborn texture on my forehead and around the nose, while still feeling somewhat nourishing on the skin. A reduction in oiliness on the T-zone was noticed, too. While the brand recommends a 20-minute application time, if your skin is dry or slightly sensitive, start with five minutes before working your way up. It is also likely, even if your skin is accustomed to exfoliants and acids, that you will be left with a pink tint to your skin for several minutes after using this.
Buy now £72.00, Spacenk.com
Elemis pro-collagen tri-acid peel
Best: Chemical peel for combatting fine lines and wrinkles
Skin types: For all skin types
Key ingredients: Lactobionic, asiatic and mandelic acids and algae
Size: 30ml
Why we love it
- Feels incredibly cooling and calming on the skin
- A little goes a long way
If signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles, are your biggest concern, Elemis’s tri-acid peel is the one for you. A little goes a long way, and I only really needed a pea-sized amount to cover my entire face each time. From the very first application, my skin was left feeling silky soft.
What truly impressed me was the difference this formula made to the fine lines on the forehead and around the under-eyes. Despite keeping the peel from getting too close to the eye area, this had an almost tightening effect on the under-eye area, along with where you would typically see crow’s feet and laughter lines. So, if you are just starting to notice fine lines, or are looking to add more anti-ageing products into your existing routine, this could be a brilliant option for you.
Buy now £60.00, Amazon.co.uk
Institut Esthederm intensive AHA peel
Best: Chemical peel for mature or acne-prone skin
Skin types: Not suitable for very sensitive skin but ideal for oily/combination skin
Key ingredients: Glycolic, citric, lactic and salicylic acids
Size: 30ml
Why we love it
- Can be used much more infrequently than other peels
Take note
- It takes a few applications to see a difference in skin radiance
For those with more mature skin, this peel from Institut Esthederm’s intensive range is designed with balancing effectiveness and tolerance in mind. So, it is strong enough to smooth the skin without causing too much irritation. This worked nicely on my dry skin, but is most impressive on acne or blemish-prone skin and on those who struggle with excess oil.
I typically applied this leave-on serum before bed, waking up with softer skin the following morning. It did take a few applications before there was a visible difference in terms of radiance, but I could feel a difference from the very first use. This was also a peel that could be used more sparingly, with once a fortnight being the sweet spot.
Buy now £72.00, Spacenk.com
Dr Jart+ pore remedy 5% multi-acid radiance peel
Best: Chemical peel for enlarged or noticeable pores
Skin types: For all skin types
Key ingredients: Citric, lactic tartaric and salicylic acids, glycerin and algae extracts
Size: 150ml
Why we love it
- Deals with blackheads and whiteheads in a matter of minutes
As the name implies, this peel is perfect for those looking to improve the appearance of pores. Not only that, it also quickly got to work on a cluster of blackheads and whiteheads that had popped up around my nose. That area of the face is where this specific peel really comes into its own.
My pores shrank in size and looked considerably less congested. Plus, my nose and T-zone have never looked as clear, nor felt so soft, as they did after using this product. With a milky serum-like consistency, the formula felt particularly gentle and didn’t cause any irritation or redness, making this another great option for those with sensitive skin who are considering trying an at-home chemical peel.
Buy now £32.00, Spacenk.com
Perricone MD vitamin C ester daily brightening & exfoliating peel
Best: For dull skin
Skin type: For all skin types but specifically oily or combination skin
Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, vitamin C ester and fruit extracts
Size: 59ml
Why we love it
- Instant soft and glowy results
Take note
- Includes vitamin C, so store it in a cool and dark place, otherwise the product will oxidise and darken much more quickly
- Left parts of my face feeling dry and tight
If your skin is looking particularly dull, this brightening peel from Perricone MD was one of my favourites for retexturising the entire face. The no-rinse formula also made it incredibly easy to use, as you don’t need to worry about leaving it on for a specific time or remembering to wash it off.
Out of all the at-home chemical peels I tried, this did leave certain parts of my face feeling rather dry and tight, however. On the very first application, I noticed some visible flaking, which I hadn’t experienced after a peel before. So, it is important to follow up by using hydrating products to nourish the skin. That being said, my skin instantly looked and felt softer and had a glow to its appearance. Those with combination or oily skin types are less likely to experience any flaking or dryness after using this peel. If your skin is dry or dehydrated, however, you may find that other at-home chemical peels are a better fit.
Buy now £65.00, Harrods.com
Beauty Pie Dr glycolic multi-acid (6.5%) micropeeling glycolic acid pads
Best: Chemical peel for travel
Skin type: For all skin types
Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, niacinamide, natural fruit AHAs
Size: 50 pads
Why we love it
- The pads work well around the nose and T-zone
- Uneven skin texture was reduced with repeated use
It can be easy to neglect your skincare routine when travelling, but these micro peeling pads from Beauty Pie enable you to keep on top of chemical exfoliation even when you’re away from home. I found these particularly handy to have when taking hand luggage only on a recent trip and noted they really revitalised dull and dehydrated skin following a nine-hour flight.
The pre-soaked pads can be used nightly on oily or acne-prone skin, while those with normal, combination or dry skin will benefit most from using the pads twice a week. They worked particularly well around the nose and T-zone, which is where I often experience enlarged and congested pores – as you can really get into every crevice with the pad. I also noticed the uneven skin texture on my forehead was visibly reduced after continually using the pads over the duration of two weeks.
Beauty Pie members can bag this product for the bargain price of £16.50.
Buy now £28.00, Beautypie.com
Beauty of Joseon apricot blossom peeling gel
Best: K-beauty chemical peel
Skin type: Sensitive skin
Key ingredients: 19% prunus mume flower water, 8% plant-derived cellulose
Size: 100ml
Why we love it
- Great for sensitive skin or those who find other chemical exfoliants too strong for their skin
Although there are several Korean or K-beauty products you should have on your radar, you might have heard of Beauty of Joseon and its coveted SPF. Well, the brand’s apricot blossom peeling gel is equally impressive. Thanks to its gel consistency, it felt incredibly refreshing on the skin and caused zero irritation even on the most sensitive parts of my face. Essentially, if other chemical exfoliants or peels have been a bit too strong, or you’re looking for a beginner-friendly peel to try, I would definitely recommend picking up this one.
While some of the other at-home chemical peels can tingle or sting a little, this formula didn’t at all, and I was pleasantly surprised by how soft and nourished my skin felt after using this product just once. It works best on completely dry skin, with you physically being able to feel the dead skin cells dissolving as you massage it in. At less than £15 for 100ml, this is also one of the most affordable chemical peels I have found.
Buy now £14.45, Amazon.co.uk
Clinique clarifying do-over peel
Best: Chemical peel for combination skin
Skin type: Combination, oily and dry skin
Key ingredients: Salicylic, glycolic and lactic acid
Size: 30ml
Why we love it
- Leaves the skin feeling incredibly smooth
- Great for dealing with several different concerns at the same time
If you happen to have combination skin – which means part of your face might be oily, while other sections are on the drier side – Clinique’s peel is a great one to try. With a blend of seven acids, including a mixture of PHA, BHA and AHAs, I was able to see a noticeable difference in how soft and smooth my skin was when using this product twice a week, as directed.
What makes this one of the most impressive options I tried is the fact that it worked equally well on drier parts of my face as it did on the oilier T-zone area, and it even helped with some under-the-skin blemishes that were threatening to break through to the surface. I also really appreciated the dropper dispenser, which made it easy and mess-free to apply the product directly onto a cotton pad or fingers, to then apply to the face.
Buy now £24.80, Sephora.co.uk
Dermalogica powerbright dark spot peel
Best: Chemical peel for dark spots
Skin type: All skin types
Key ingredients: Mandelic and tranexamic acid and niacinamide
Size: 50ml
Why we love it
- This can be applied all over the face or used as more of a targeted treatment
Take note
- This isn’t a quick fix for dark spots but can improve them with time
Unfortunately, there is no overnight fix for dark spots, but you can utilise certain chemical peels to improve such hyperpigmentation. You will most likely need to use this peel continually for a number of months before you see significant results, though, so don’t expect any miracle quick fixes. Using this product in combination with an SPF during the day, I did notice an improvement in the amount of dark spots around my jaw and cheeks, where dark spots are most noticeable.
My skin also looked and felt noticeably softer, with it having a glow to it when this formula was applied all over. However, as this is one of the more expensive chemical peels on test, you could potentially use it in a more targeted way if you only want to fade the appearance of dark spots, in turn giving you a bit more bang for your buck.
Buy now £67.15, Johnlewis.com
Sephora collection resurfacing peel mask
Best: Chemical peeling mask
Skin type: All skin types
Key ingredients: Lactic, citric, salicylic and gluconolactone acids
Size: 50ml
Why we love it
- Good value for money
Take note
- While it is suitable for all skin types, you might experience some tingling during your first application
If you’re looking to try out a resurfacing peel mask, the Sephora collection option is easily my favourite. If you haven’t yet tried Sephora’s own brand skincare range, you truly have been missing out. In terms of this product, not only does it work on all skin types – including those with sensitive skin – it also helps with everything from dullness and blemishes to dehydration lines and texture.
While you may experience a bit of tingling if you haven’t used a chemical exfoliant before, it has an almost cooling effect on the skin after a few minutes, which is rather pleasant, particularly in the warmer months. After just one use, my skin looked visibly brighter and glowier, and the uneven texture they have on my forehead and around my nose was sloughed away.
Buy now £17.99, Sephora.co.uk
Your chemical peel questions answered
What is the best chemical peel?
The Dr Dennis Gross alpha beta universal daily peel is the best chemical peel thanks to its ease of use and unbeatable results. Another five-star product was the Dr Jart+ pore remedy 5% multi-acid radiance peel, as its gentle formulation delivered impressive results on pores, whiteheads and blackheads. Finally, those on a budget should certainly consider The Ordinary’s AHA 30% + BHA 2% peeling solution for its potency and affordable price point.
Are the results from at-home chemical peels permanent?
Speaking to The Independent, Dr Lauren Jamieson, medical doctor and founder of Scotland-based clinic, Dr Lauren medical aesthetics, confirmed that, “No, the results from at-home chemical peels are not permanent – they’re temporary and cumulative, meaning they require regular, ongoing use to maintain improvements.”
She added: “They act on the outermost layer of the skin – the stratum corneum – which stimulates some turnover of skin cells, but don’t penetrate to a depth that would cause permanent tissue remodelling.”
Can chemical peels be used on sensitive skin?
Just like any other skincare product you buy, the type of at-home chemical peel that will work best for you will depend on your skin type. Those with sensitive skin who often suffer from irritation or redness will want to steer clear of particularly strong peels with high percentages of acids, for example.
Can at-home chemical peels remove dark spots?
“Yes, at-home chemical peels can help fade dark spots,” notes Dr Jamieson. She caveats, “the effect is gradual and results depend on several key factors,” including the depth of pigmentation, consistency of treatments, and consistency of SPF application – “given that the sun is the main cause of dark spots.”
Can at-home chemical peels remove scarring?
No, at-home chemical peels cannot remove scars. This is because “they do not penetrate beyond the top layer of the skin so they cannot make changes in the dermis, where most scarring occurs”, says Dr Jamieson. That said, she notes that they can improve the appearance of some scarring, in particular “mild post-acne marks and surface-level textural irregularities.”
Is it safe to do at-home chemical peels?
There’s no reason to let the word chemical put you off, as the majority of at-home chemical peels aren’t as strong as salon treatments, yet they are able to provide similarly impressive results.
As Dr Jaimeson puts it, “When safe formulations are used appropriately over a period of time, there can be cumulative clinical benefit from the use of at-home peels, especially when used with a wider skincare regime.” I
f you are completely new to chemical exfoliants, it may be worth doing a patch test on an area of skin before you proceed to apply it all over your face. You may also experience a mild tingling or warmth on your skin if you haven’t dabbled with acids and exfoliants in your skincare routine before. However, over time, your skin will start to build up a tolerance, which will even allow you to increase the concentration of acids, if desired.
Ingredients to look for
While your skin doesn’t literally peel off when you use a chemical peel, the formula will remove dead skin cells. There are a few key ingredients you’ll want to look out for when you shop for an at-home chemical peel – namely AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids). These chemicals help with skin cell renewal and turnover, leaving you with significantly smoother and softer skin. By sloughing away dead skin cells, they are especially effective at improving everything from dry, flaky skin to fine lines, wrinkles and blemishes.
Other ingredients you’ll want to keep an eye out for include Vitamin C, niacinamide and retinol, which also work to brighten and improve skin texture.
How to care for your skin after an at-home chemical peel
Regardless of which at-home chemical peel you use, it is incredibly important that you protect what is essentially a brand-new layer of skin by following up your chosen peel with a facial SPF. Whether you have sensitive skin or not, I’d recommend you don’t use any other skincare products with actives in them on the days or evenings when you apply your at-home chemical peel, either. Doing so could lead to increased sensitivity and even skin damage. All you really need is a nourishing or hydrating moisturiser afterwards.
For more anti-ageing actives, read our guide to the best retinol creams and serums
