These Brightening At-Home Peels Are The Ultimate Self-Care Moment

In-office peels still use concentrated alpha and beta hydroxy acids, gauged to penetrate the skin at a depth that at-home peels don’t reach in order to eat up dead cells that sit on the surface of the skin, de-gunk and tighten pores, even out skin tone, and stimulate collagen production. But unlike a beloved fictional character’s fictional results, actual outcomes are nothing like the charred faces that many of us have come to fear.

Skin pros have become masters at using a cocktail of acids to resurface the face without the burn. And options abound: Even those with sensitive skin can book an irritation-free peel as part of a HydraFacial, which produces very little tingling, if any, thanks to a wand that delivers the glycolic and salicylic acids to the skin, then lifts the gunk via a vortex-like vacuum that also deposits nutrients like antioxidants and hyaluronic acid at the same time. After an in-office peel done right, skin might be a bit pink, just like with some facials — or show no signs of irritation at all.

Dermatologist Annie Chiu, MD, notes that in-office peels administered by a pro who knows how to control intensity will produce the best results (i.e. brighter, more evenly-toned skin). But for those looking to maintain those results, or simply try a starter peel, at-home versions offer an easy way to get a healthy glow, particularly in the summertime. “Oil glands in general are more active in warmer weather, and with increased outdoor activity and sweating, this combination can lead to dull skin or clogged pores,” Dr. Chiu says. "At-home peels are a quick and easy way to give yourself a little glowing pick-me-up.”

Just like with in-office options, at-home peels vary in intensity. Newer formulations range from 25% AHA/BHA overnight masks that can be used up to twice a week (for oily and acne-prone skin) to spray-on liquids that act as a light chemical exfoliating treatment, with zero tingle (a perfect option for sensitive skin). See how to get in on the action at any intensity, ahead. But first, a word to the wise: No matter what option you try, be sure not to slack on sunscreen. Because a post-peel face without SPF is a surefire way to cop Samantha’s beet-red hue.

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Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

Repairing uneven skin tone, texture, and signs of aging isn't an overnight miracle, but it can you can make it happen gradually by adding a daily peel into your regimen. These two-step cloths are soaked in alpha-hydroxy acids that promote brighter, smoother skin with every use. You can use them daily — or space them out if your skin is dry — to reveal a radiant complexion without irritation, burning, or harsh physical peeling.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel, $, available at Sephora

Olga Lorencin Red Carpet Facial in a Box

This multistep system is not only effective for smoothing and brightening, it makes you feel like a skin insider. From renowned celebrity aesthetician Olga Lorencin (her clients include Jessica Biel, Emma Stone, Halle Berry, and more), the first portion of this treatment calls upon lactic and malic acids that you paint onto the skin in timed-out steps. You might experience a quick sting when adding the second liquid (which neutralizes the peel), but it only lasts a second or two and is fully soothed with a deeply-hydrating cream mask. Each box comes with enough product for up to 15 treatments and it works for any skin type, except those with eczema, rosacea, or are extremely sensitive.

Olga Lorencin Skin Care Red Carpet Facial in a Box, $, available at DermStore

M-61 PowerGlow Peel

Got a minute? That's all you need to swipe on this glycolic acid, vitamin K, and chamomile-infused peel pad for instantly brighter, smoother skin.

m-61 PowerGlow Peel, $, available at Bluemercury

Retrouvé Skin Brilliance Priming Pads

These exfoliating pads (from Kiehl's heiress Jami Morse Heidegger's brand) are one of the quickest, most painless ways to get your peel on — particularly for those with sensitive skin. Unlike some daily peel pads, their texture isn’t at all abrasive, and though AHAs are included (via sugar cane, bilberry, lemon, and other extracts), the exfoliating solution doesn’t make skin tingle upon contact.

Retrouvé Skin Brilliance Priming Pads, $, available at Bluemercury

O.R.G Skincare Mineral Peel Face

This super gentle, mineral water-based peel contains hyaluronic acid and aloe extract, and is like nothing we’ve seen before. Spray it onto skin, then massage: You’ll see dead skin cells ball up and slough away thanks to fruit extracts in the formula — all without tingle, irritation, or having to rinse.

O.R.G Skincare Mineral Peel Face, $, available at Amazon

Natura Bissé Diamond Instant Glow

We love the idea of getting a brightening skin treatment that makes skin glow and makeup glide on before big events, but who has the time... or the money? This three-step system is our new go-to. After applying individual ampules of an exfoliator, gentle peel (which contains a cocktail of glycolic, citric, tartaric, malic, and lactic acids), and tightening serum, our skin looks bright, smooth, and selfie-ready.

Natura Bisse Diamond Instant Glow, $, available at SkinStore

Omorovicza Acid Fix AHA BHA Treatment

You name an ingredient known for its potent exfoliating power, this treatment has it. Glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids, along with Australian caviar lime extract, make up the gentle peel component, and the Hungarian brand's patented mineral-water healing complex plumps, soothes, and restores balance. Just smooth a couple drops over skin two or three times a week after cleansing before applying moisturizer, and revel in your newly bright, clear complexion.

Omorovicza Acid Fix AHA BHA Treatment, $, available at Sephora

Angela Caglia Dream Exfoliant Mask

Some people hate the scent or texture of a traditional acid peel — and Bel Air-based celebrity facialist Angela Caglia gets that. So she created this glycolic-rich liquid-gel mask, which is naturally colored with purple sweet potato extract and scented with distilled rose petals, to give clients a way to deeply exfoliate and come out smelling like roses.

Angela Caglia Skincare Dream Exfoliant Mask, $, available at DermStore

Arcona Raspberry Clarifying Pads

For those with acne-prone and sensitive skin, daily peel pads can feel too harsh. These pink-tinted pads are gentle enough to be used daily (they contain just 1% salicylic acid and raspberry fruit extract to exfoliate) and are witch hazel-based to help control excess oil.

Arcona Raspberry Clarifying Pads, $, available at DermStore

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial

Drunk Elephant is known for its potent products that’s gentle on skin and its newest release is no different. This peel is applied once a week, like an overnight mask. It contains 25% AHAs (comprised of glycolic, tartaric, lactic and citric acids) and 2% BHA (salicylic acid), but only tingled every so slightly when we applied to our skin.

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial 25% AHA + 2% BHA Mask, $, available at Sephora

The Body Shop Drops of Youth Youth Liquid Peel

This gel-to-peel resurfacer also exfoliates by collecting dead skin cells into balls that are easily brushed away. It boasts stem cells from edelweiss, sea holly, and criste marine, and is excellent for sensitive skin types.

The Body Shop Drops of Youth Youth Liquid Peel, $, available at The Body Shop

Murad Replenishing Multi-Acid Peel

You're probably used to seeing bi-phase formulas in things like eye makeup removers and face mists, making this exfoliating peel a unique sensorial experience. AHA, BHA and TXA (tranexamic acid, a powerful ingredient that addresses discoloration) comprise one liquid layer, while a second phase of antioxidant- and omega-rich oils balance it out.

Murad Replenishing Multi-Acid Peel, $, available at Murad

Activated charcoal and volcanic sand tag team to deeply clean skin and slough off rough, dry, dead cells. And you can see its brightening action work: After applying the gel, dead cells ball up before your very eyes.

Boscia Charcoal Deep-Pore Exfoliating Peel Gel, $, available at Sephora

Don’t want to pony up for an in-office peel? This three-step at-home system is a riff on the brand’s most popular in-spa treatment. Start by exfoliating skin with the included facial scrub, then apply the lemon facial peel (which contains AHA and BHAs), then finish with a soothing chamomile mask.

Ole Henriksen Power Peel Transforming Facial System, $, available at Sephora

Diligent with your nighttime beauty routine? Then this overnight peel is for you. The dual-chamber bottle contains two formulas: Phase one, a gentle liquid formula, is designed to be used continually for 14 nights and contains 5% AHAs and phytic acid; phase two, used during the following two weeks, is a stronger solution with 9.5% glycolic acid and salicylic acid to help slough off dead skin and boost cell turnover.

Lancôme Visionnaire Crescendo Progressive Night Peel, $, available at Nordstrom

from refinery29