Our 5 Favorite At-Home Peels For Fall

Let’s face it: Peels scare a lot of people—and rightfully so. The main ingredient in the formula is usually an acid, which on its own sounds like a one-way ticket to raw, irritated skin. But we’re here to tell you there’s nothing to be afraid of when it comes to this resurfacing treatment. Today’s at-home peel formulas can help visibly improve a bevy of skin woes from wrinkles to uneven tone, and are more gentle than ever. So gentle, in fact, some formulas can even be used daily without issue (we’re talking to you too, sensitive skin types!). How convenient is that? Now, without further ado, we’re sharing four gentle, yet powerful peels that are designed for home use. Cast your fears aside and dive in!

Refresher Course: How Acids Work in Skin Care 

As stated above, most peels—both chemical which are administered by a trained esthetician or at-home options—utilize the power of skin care acids. Acids come in many forms, but the primary two are beta-hydroxy acids (BHA) and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA). The most common BHA is salicylic acid while the most common AHAs include glycolic acid and lactic acid. These acids work by chemically exfoliating the skin’s surface, helping to remove any buildup of dead skin cells and subsequently leaving you with a smoother and more radiant-looking complexion. (Eager to learn more? We share a full comprehensive guide to the benefits of skin care acids here!) 

Now onto our favorite at-home peel options! 

L’Oreal Paris RevitaLift Bright Reveal Brightening Daily Peel Pads 

These daily peel pads—formulated with glycolic acid—help resurface dull, uneven tone and rough texture to reveal fresh-looking skin and visibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles over time. While the formula does exfoliate dead skin cells, it’s gentle enough for nightly use over cleansed skin.

L’Oreal Paris RevitaLift Bright Reveal Brightening Daily Peel Pads, $19.99

Kiehl’s Dermatologist Solutions Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate

Wake up to visibly fresher, smoother, younger-looking skin thanks to this fan-favorite nightly micro-peel concentrate that’s clinically demonstrated to help accelerate surface skin cell turnover. It’s formulated with sustainably-sourced quinoa husk extract known for its powerful exfoliating properties. Say bye-bye to dull surface skin!

Kiehl’s Dermatologist Solutions Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate, $54

Garnier Clearly Brighter Overnight Leave-On Peel

It’s during deep sleep that skin undergoes natural self-repair. By applying an overnight peel before bed, you’re just upping the ante and speeding things along. Take this leave-on peel—formulated with glycolic acid and vitamin C—for instance. It can even skin tone and visibly reduce the look of dark spots while you sleep, with results expected in just four weeks. Who wouldn’t want that? 

Garnier Clearly Brighter Overnight Leave-On Peel, $16.99

Vichy Double Glow Peel Face Mask

Formulated with volcanic rock, alpha-hydroxy fruit acids, and vitamin Cg, this double-peel mask uses both physical and chemical exfoliation to help reveal brighter-looking skin. Apply on clean skin, allow it to sit for five minutes as the AHAs get to work and then rinse with lukewarm water, massaging in gentle circular motions as you go.

Learn more about this Vichy mask and its pore-purifying and skin-hydrating mineral mask counterparts, here!

Clarisonic Pedi-Boost 

Why should your face get all the peel lovin’? Give your feet a treat with this powerful foot peel—formulated with lactic acid and glycolic acid—designed to gently slough and remove dead skin cells. Pair it with the Clarisonic Pedi Device twice weekly for smoother, softer feet at home and between professional pedicures. 

Clarisonic Pedi-Boost, $32 

Note: Anytime you use acids or peels in your skin care routine you’ll want to make sure you’re also remembering to do two important things: layer on a moisturizer at night and during the day use a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or more. Acids and peels can dehydrate skin and also make it more sensitive to sunlight.