Chemical Exfoliators have grown leaps and bounds in the Indian market. This is great and all but can be confusing and if you use it wrong you can ruin your skin. In this post, I’ll be covering the various kinds of Chemical Peels that are available in the Indian market. This post will be categorized from beginner-friendly to advanced level for all skin types. Also adding points on how to use a Chemical peel and its don’ts in the end.
I constantly get asked questions like
- Which chemical peel should I buy since I have sensitive skin?
- I have pigmentation will AHA work?
- Should I try BHA or Chemical peel if I have oily skin?
- What percentage of AHA & BHA is safe for my skin?
- Does chemical peel burn and how do we know if it’s working or just burning my skin?
- Will regular exfoliation help with my acne-prone skin?
- The major one being I’m a beginner so which chemical exfoliator should I buy?
I have covered a lot related to chemical exfoliation. Also the difference between AHA & BHA and what it does for your skin. Plus done some product reviews too.
To know more check out these post by: CLICKING HERE
For beginners:
Those who have never used any chemical ingredient before but want to start.
Let’s start with Cleansers:
These don’t come exactly in the chemical peel category but recently brands have come out with different cleansers with AHA & BHA both making them perfect chemical exfoliators for beginners. Especially because the percentage is low, it can be used by young adults.
Now when I am talking cleansers I’m not counting a single ingredient or natural-based AHA or just BHA (salicylic acid). I’m only specifying proper AHA & BHA-based cleansers that act as exfoliators.
The results will be slow & may not work in extreme cases. But at the same time since the percentage is low, it can be used more often compared to a regular chemical peel formulation.
Dr.Sheth’s ABC Cleanser Gel:
It has 2.5% glycolic acid & 2.5% lactic acid (AHA) plus has salicylic acid (BHA). The bonus part is that it has Cica also known as Centella/ Gotu Kola which is great for irritated sensitive skin.
Price: Rs 499/- for 50 ml and it does last a good 2 months if used regularly. Use it 3 to 4 times but only at night. Since it is mild and has no added fragrance it can be used by everyone. It gives good results quite comparable to any strong chemical peel. Check out my full review: CLICK HERE
Skin Type: All skin types especially sensitive skin
SHOP NOW on Vanity Wagon’s Website or SHOP NOW on Sublimelife website or SHOP NOW on their website.
Code: MERCHANTPOST for some discount works on all site
Daughter Earth AHA, BHA, PHA Exfoliating Cleanser
The ingredient list is super promising. It has algae too which deep cleans your skin. This formula is made for everyone. Daughter Earth does put a lot of research into products before launching so definitely worth checking out. Price: Rs 875/- for 100 ml.
Skin Type: Dry to normal skin, especially sensitive skin
SHOP NOW on Vanity Wagon‘s Website or SHOP NOW on Sublimelife website (Code: MERCHANTPOST for discounts)
Earth Rhythm:
I don’t feel as this qualifies since the AHA is natural but still it does a good job. Plus it’s something you can actually use every night. Great for oily acne-prone skin. Dry skin may not be able to use without combining with something hydrating. Rs 699/- for 100g
Skin type: Oily to acne-prone
SHOP NOW on Vanity Wagon‘s Website (Code: MERCHANTPOST for 20% off)
Other suggestions that you can check out are:
- The Derma Co exfoliating foaming cleanser SHOP LINK
- Murad Rs 3400/- for 200 ml
Toners:
Next in line comes Toners but I’m not going into detail on this topic since most toners are single-based products. Either they are AHA-based or BHA-based. Even though Gylcolic toners work like peels they still don’t do as much as a chemical peel would in terms of results. But if you are someone who is looking for toner specific I’ll add some recommendations. If you have pigmentation or dull skin Glycolic toners are great. but if you have acne-prone skin or clogged pores a mixed version works better.
Recommendations
AHA based toners:
- Dr.Sheths Gulab & Glycolic Toner: SHOP LINK
- Pixie Glow Tonic: SHOP LINK
- Conscious Chemist Porology Toner: SHOP LINK
AHA & BHA Toners
- Cosrx AHA/BHA clarifying toner (rs 1090/-) Shop Now from Sublimelife (Code: MERCHANTPOST for 10% off )
- Some by Mi, AHA, BHA, PHA 30 days miracle toner
For Mid-level
These are basically proper chemical peels for people who have already used some kind of chemical ingredients. Most of these are mild so can be used by sensitive skin people without any issue.
Dot & Key Hydro Peel Glow Potion
It has 10% AHA + 2% BHA. In the Indian market, this is the only chemical peel with this low percentage. But the major problem is the added fragrance which reacts badly with super sensitive skin. (update: new launches are in and are specified below) Also, the results of this one are super slow. Single-use won’t give you glowing skin like most peels.
Rs 1095/- for 30 ml. If you have normal skin with no major issues then you can try this one out. It didn’t give me any irritation when I used it. Plus this doesn’t harm your skin barrier since the % is less for a chemical peel. I have reviewed this in full detail: CLICK HERE
Skin Type: Normal skin.
SHOP NOW on their website (Code: FATIMA10 for 10% off)
SHOP NOW on Vanity Wagon‘s Website (Code: MERCHANTPOST for 20% off)
Also SHOP NOW on Sublimelife (code: MERCHANTPOST for 10% off)
Plum Goodness Exfoliating Peel
It has 10% AHA + 5% PHA & 0.5% BHA
Dr.Sheth’s Medium Strength Peel
It has 15% AHA & 2% BHA
Deconstruct Exfoliating Serum
It has 18% AHA + 2% BHA. Price: Rs 399/- for 15 ml
This brand is new and not a lot of people or bloggers talk about it. But the product really surprised me. It works really well. From the ingredient list to how it works it is quite a promising product. (will do a detailed review soon)
It not only has glycolic acid & lactic acid but also Tartaric & Malic acid in AHA. They have described & specified all ingredients on their website which is very thorough. The serum is also free of fragrance.
The peel doesn’t even sting or burn but that could be because I am already used to higher %. But this is a great beginner-friendly option available in the Indian skincare market. The results it shows are also better. It can be used 2 times a week.
Skin Type: All skin types including sensitive skin
SHOP NOW on Sublimelife website (Code: MERCHANTPOST for 10% off) or SHOP NOW on Amazon.
You can also check out Neemli Naturals Glycolic & Salicylic acid serum. Price: rs 1950/-. It is a leave overnight serum specific to acne-prone skin. You need to follow this with a moisturizer and use it 3 to 4 times a week. SHOP NOW on Sublimelife (code: MERCHANTPOST)
For Advance Level:
Basically, you have already used a strong % of AHA & BHA. Almost all skin types can use it unless very sensitive. If you have major skin concerns these are better in terms of results. These are used only once a week and never overuse them.
Tvakh Facial Peel
Their website says it doesn’t cause redness, irritation & peeling but for me, it did all 3 & worst. It burned my skin like hell. My skin peeled for 3 days after using this peel. But at the same time, it worked beautifully on my cousin who has normal skin. It gave her glowy soft skin without any peeling. But it did sting her for 2 to 3 mins after application.
It has 25% AHA with citric acid + 1% BHA. This has copper peptide. Now according to research I did I found that peptide reduces the efficiency of AHA. But don’t quote me on it. Also, their website specifies not to use this if you have never used a chemical peel so it’s not meant for beginners. Plus it has fragrance.
They also tell you to avoid areas like under the eyes (obviously) nose folds dude for me that’s the worst congested part. Chin too (which has the most blackhead & whiteheads). Plus around lip area (again most pigmentation is around there). So what should we do with the product is my question. Rs 880/- for 60 ml.
Skin Type: Only Normal skin, definitely not if you have low skin barrier
SHOP NOW on Vanity Wagon‘s Website (Code: MERCHANTPOST for 20% off)
Minimalist Peeling solution:
It has 30% AHA + 2% BHA + 5% PHA. Rs 689/- for 30 ml. Now I have used their first edition which did not say it has PHA so I can’t say how the new formula is. PHA is gluconolactone polyhydroxy acid. It works as a humectant & moisturizer plus makes the formula less irritating and more conditioning. Plus has aloe juice & turmeric which are anti-inflammatory. Also has Mandelic as in the AHA component.
This promises to exfoliate your skin without causing micro-tears or harming your skin’s natural barrier. Can be used by very sensitive skin too. Now when I used it I did not get any irritation or redness. It did sting a little for 2 mins. This gave me soft smooth skin for the next 2 days. Overall I liked using Minimalist chemical peel but if you are comparing this to the Ordinary one I don’t think it’s a dupe. Would suggest using this only once a week.
Skin Type: All skin types except very sensitive, if you are prone to constant acne I really think you would like this a tad more.
SHOP NOW on Amazon.
Dot&Key Glow Accelerator
It has 30% AHA & 2% BHA
The Derma Co Peeling solution:
I haven’t used this but I have heard good things about it so adding it here. It has 30% AHA (10% glycolic, 10% lactic, 10% mandelic) + 2% BHA. Other ingredients are green tea, aloe vera & chamomile to help buffer irritation. Rs 599/- for 30 ml the price is quite affordable. This sounds more like the Ordinary peeling solution dupe for me.
It is supposed to be used only once a week I would say once in 10 days is fine since the % is high. It does have added fragrance.
Skin Type: The website says it’s for all skin types except sensitive ones.
SHOP NOW on Amazon.
The Ordinary Chemical Peel:
This is the OG chemical peel that started the whole chemical trend. I have already reviewed this and it’s still one of my favorites. Do check out the full review by CLICKING HERE
Skin Type: All especially if you have a lot of pigmentation and old acne marks. Not meant for very sensitive skin.
How to use Chemical Exfoliators?
1: Clean your face with a mild face wash
2: Let your skin dry then apply the serum (do not massage)
3: Keep it for 10 mins but if first time keep for 5 mins only (It will burn or tingle but if it burns too much wash it off immediately)
4: Wash it off with cold water (don’t use hot water)
5: Apply some hydrating & soothing toner & follow up with a moisturizer (ceramide based are the best) (do not use retinoid)
6: Repeat this once or twice every week depending on the percentage of the peel and how your skin takes it.
Things to keep in mind while using Chemical Exfoliators:
- Please do not over-exfoliate
- Use it only once max twice a week.
- Adjust it according to your skin needs and other products that you are using in your routine
- Always use it at night
- Don’t apply on wet skin always dry skin
- Never ever skip sunscreen the next day
- Don’t apply chemical exfoliators on broken or inflamed skin
- Never mix it with Vitamin C & retinoid or any other acid-based serum. (exception hyaluronic acid)
- Don’t keep it for more than 10 mins
- Start with less percentage then gradually increase
- Keep in mind every skin is different.
I have only talked about products that have both AHA & BHA that can be used by all for a variety of skin concerns. If you are looking for specific BHA or AHA-based products let me know I’ll do a post on that. Hope this post helps you in deciding which one is meant for you. There are obviously more chemical peels in the market but I am one person. As and when I try out more or see a promising product I’ll add it to this list so do come back to check that out.
** Some of The links I attached are affiliated.
*P.S: As always all opinions are my own and honest.
What worked for me may or may not work for you. A patch test is recommended.