At-home chemical peels used to give me pause. Perhaps it’s because the term conjured images of harsh treatments designed to remove literal layers of skin—and while in some cases that can be true when done by a professional—I’ve learned that there are a handful of incredible, efficacious formulas that deliver smoother, brighter skin with zero downtime. Chock full of regenerative ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, retinol, and fruit enzymes, these have the ability to transform one’s complexion in sometimes a single use. But do they work as well as their in-office counterparts? Are they actually safe to do at home?

Good news: an at-home chemical peel doesn’t have to be harsh. While professional peels can indeed work on deeper layers, a curated selection of at-home formulas offer impressive results without the downtime or irritation—gently resurfacing the complexion, to reveal smoother, brighter skin after just one use.

Vogue’s Favorite At-Home Peels

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Best Drugstore

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Brightening Peel Pads

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Best with Retinol

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

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So how do they measure up to in-office treatments? Are they a safe, effective addition to your regular skin-care routine? Are there different types of chemical peels? To answer these questions, we spoke with four dermatologists and a medical aesthetician about the benefits and precautions of superficial at-home chemical peels.

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Best with Retinol: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

• Why We Love It: Dr. Dennis Gross’s treatment is the glycolic acid peel that’s all the rage online, backed by the dermatologist seal of approval, including Dr. Brendan Camp’s. This peel “delivers alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids in the first step to remove dead skin cells, brighten skin, and improve the penetration of ingredients in the second step, which includes retinol to help boost collagen production and green tea extract, rich in antioxidants.” Even Vogue’s audience development associate manager Molly Barstein is a fan. “I promise that you will wake up in the morning with baby-soft skin,” she previously said. Since this pick is on the stronger side, sensitive skin types should be sure to patch-test before fully applying it across the face.
• Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, chamomille, retinol, green tea extract, resveratrol
• Best For: Hyperpigmentation, acne, dullness, uneven skin texture
• Type: Two-step pre-soaked wipes
• How To Use: Start with clean, dry skin and swipe the first pre-soaked pad across your face to exfoliate and brighten, avoiding the eye area. Follow immediately with the second pad, packed with retinol and antioxidants to boost collagen and calm the skin. No rinsing is needed—just let it absorb, follow with a gentle moisturizer.
• Size: 30 per box

Best Drugstore: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Peel Pads

• Why We Love It: “These pads are a great beginner option for at-home exfoliation,” says Dr. Spearman. “They use a lower level of glycolic acid, so they’re gentle but still help brighten skin and even out tone with regular use. They’re also very convenient—you just swipe them on your face and you’re done!” Each pad has a webbed, slightly abrasive (yet non-scratchy) texture, giving that satisfying “deep clean” feeling after each treatment. “Because they’re lower in strength than professional-grade peels or the Peter Thomas Roth formula, they carry a lower risk of irritation, though overuse or aggressive rubbing can still disrupt the skin barrier,” Dr. Gratch adds.
• Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, glycerin, ascorbyl glucoside
• Best For: An easy-to-use glycolic acid peel, at an affordable price point
• Type: Toner pads
• How To Use: Swipe onto clean dry skin—use a gentle touch, as these pads are slightly abrasive.
• Size: 30 pads per jar