The 19 Best Chemical Peels for Instantly Brighter Skin

Using one of the best chemical peels at home might seem a little scary at first, especially if you're loyal to a pro-level spa facial. Thankfully, there are a number of tried-and-true at-home peel formulas available that are not only editor and expert approved, but also work quickly to deliver visible results. "While it’s definitely best to leave the pro-strength peels to the professionals, the beauty of using an at-home peel is it can deliver dramatic benefits without the downtime and discomfort, and in the comfort and convenience of your own home," Tammy Yaiser, the VP of product development at Algenist, says.

Before stocking up on your new skin smoothing at-home peels, there are a few things to keep in mind. Following instructions and starting off slow is key. These are, after all, still chemical solutions we're dealing with. It's also worth taking a look at your entire skincare routine to eliminate or skin-cycle products that might react with an at-home peel. For example, if you're using retinol as part of your daily regimen, peels powered by glycolic acid—especially in higher concentrations—can cause chemical burns, leaving behind hyperpigmentation, especially on darker skin tones.

If you find that your skin is on the sensitive side, Azadeh Shirazi, a board-certified dermatologist at La Jolla Dermatology in La Jolla, California, suggests reaching for a moisturizer containing calming ingredients like glycerin and ceramides, which help restore barrier function and maintain hydration. She also recommends using products containing allantoin, an ingredient that helps calm inflammation and irritation, and phytosphingosine, a natural lipid that not only strengthens the skin barrier, but also contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties—especially when combined with glycerin.

Here are 19 of the very best at-home chemical peels worth adding to your weekly—or monthly—skin care rotation.