Since they are a convenient product to use at home, many prefer this over other methods to fade acne scars. However, you should know which peel is best suited for your skin. Do not worry! We can help you choose the best product for your skin. Scroll down to check out the list of the best 11 chemical peels that can do wonders for your skin and fade away the stubborn scars.

11 Best Chemical Peels For Acne Scars – Our Top Picks

1. Best Cruelty-Free:Divine Pro Skincare Alpha Hydroxy Acid Skin Rejuvenation Therapy Glycolic Acid Peel

The Divine at home OTC chemical peel for acne scars is the holy grail you need for skin that acts up every chance it gets. It contains 40% glycolic acid, which effectively rids the skin of acne scars, reduces fine line, pore size, and tightens the skin to restore its youth. You simply need to carve out 5 minutes of your busy schedule if you don’t have the time and energy for beauty treatments. It is suitable for all skin types, saving you the hassle of finding a product that doesn’t make your face feel too dry or too greasy. Pros

Improves skin tone Stimulates collagen production Reduces pore size and fine lines Repairs skin damage from UV rays Cruelty-free

Cons

May take time to deliver results

2. Best Paraben-Free:Yeouth Glycolic Acid 30% Gel Peel

The Yeouth glycolic acid gel peel is a blend of 30% glycolic acid, green tea, and retinol. These potent ingredients work their magic to boost skin collagen production to save you from early aging signs. This acne scars chemical peel pulls away blackheads and whiteheads with regular use, revealing cleaner skin. If you have complaints of hyperpigmentation and sun damage, count on this gel peel to fade them away with time. Check out this YouTube video for more information on the Yeouth Glycolic Acid 30% Gel Peel. Pros

Fights blackheads and whiteheads Fades hyperpigmentation Nourishing Paraben-free Cruelty-free Vegan

Cons

Contains alcohol

3. Best Deep Cleansing:QRxLabs Glycolic Acid 50% Gel Peel

If you’re looking for some serious acne scar-fading benefits, you need a high concentration glycolic acid gel peel like this one. Containing 50% glycolic acid content, this peel is among the best chemical peels for scarring and acne that deep cleans pores and reduces active acne while fading acne marks. It also gives an even skin tone with its hyperpigmentation removal properties. Additional ingredients like chamomile and green tea extracts infuse antioxidants in the peel, so the skin cells are free of toxic radicals that cause early aging. Apply it to a clean face, let it sit for a couple of minutes, and peel it off to reveal well-hydrated, healthy skin. The QRxLabs Glycolic Acid 50% Gel Peel will work wonders for your skin. For a detailed review, have a look at this video. Pros

Reduces acne Evens out skin tone Deep cleans pores Fades hyperpigmentation

Cons

May not be suitable for sensitive skin

4. Best Anti-Aging:Voibella Beauty Advanced Anti-Aging Glycolic Acid Peel

The Voibella Beauty chemical peel packs the goodness of anti-aging perks on top of its acne scar-clearing properties. This triple action peel is a concoction of glycolic acid, pyruvic acid, and lactic acid, which are among the most remarkable AHAs for the skin. This peel comes off in the form of small particles to prevent pulling of the skin and irritation as a result. It provides gentle chemical exfoliation for acne while also acting on aging signs like wrinkles, and dull skin from the accumulation of dead cells. This is the best chemical peel for acne scars if your requisite is a paraben and sulfate-free peeling gel. Pros

Eliminates dead skin cells Brightens skin Reduces the appearance of wrinkles Boost collagen production Made with natural ingredients Cruelty-free

Cons

May not be suitable for severe acne

5. Best Exfoliating:ASDM Beverly Hills 10% Glycolic Acid Chemical Peel

Hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, or dead skin cells— put your finger on any of the skin issues and this deep chemical peel for acne scars will solve it for you. It contains 10% glycolic acid that helps loosen the bond between dead cells to peel them off easily. With a low pH level and a pure unbuffered formula, you can count on this peel if you have sensitive skin. If you’re switching to natural skincare, this one is worth considering as the ingredients in this at-home chemical peel for acne scars are naturally sourced from sugar cane. Leave this peel on for 5 minutes and follow it up with a moisturizer for best results. Pros

Smoothen skin Evens the skin tone Exfoliates Low pH level

Cons

Some may find the consistency runny.

6. Best For Dark Spots:Organys Glycolic Peel 20% Glycolic Acid

If you’re losing hope because of the stubborn acne scars that just won’t fade, you need this 20% glycolic acid-based acne scar chemical peel from Organys. It goes deep into the pores and cleans them of acne-causing agents while ridding the skin of visible scars. It is formulated with sodium hydroxide to make it suitable for sensitive skin. If you have an uneven skin tone due to exposure to UV rays, this peel will also work to brighten your complexion while clearing away excess dirt and pigmentation. When you’re using a chemical peel primarily for deep exfoliation, this is the best chemical peel for acne scars that you can invest in. Pros

Minimizes acne scars Exfoliates dead skin Reduces appearance of dark spots Improves texture of the skin

Cons

May peel only a little

7. Best Pore-Minimizing:Skin Beauty Solutions Lactic Acid Skin Peel

If you’re up for change from glycolic acid, set your hands on this lactic acid chemical peel from Skin Beauty Solutions. It brushes away excess oil and dirt and adds a burst of refreshment to your dull skin. We love this chemical peel for hyperpigmentation and acne scars because it blesses aging skin with its wrinkle and fine-line fading properties. This acne scarring chemical peel can be your go-to skincare solution for uneven skin tone, sun spots, blackheads and whiteheads. Pros

Slows the aging process Fades acne scars Removes blackheads and whiteheads Reduces pore size

Cons

Some may find it strong.

8. Best Cruelty-Free:OZNaturals Glycolic Acid 30% Medium Strength Mirco Peel

Flawless complexion and brighter skin are no more a dream too far-fetched if you’re using the OZNaturals micro peel. The key ingredient in this chemical peel is 30% glycolic acid that helps clear and smooth skin while lightening dark spots. It hyper exfoliates without irritating the skin— all you need is 4 minutes out of your busy day to witness the benefits of this chemical peel. Add it to your skincare regime and the results will be worth the investment and wait. Pros

Adds glow to the skin Non-GMO formula Higher potency Cruelty-free

Cons

Slightly expensive

9. Best Alcohol-Free:Instaderm Anti-Aging Exfoliating Peel Pads

These anti-aging exfoliating peel pads are all you need for a no-mess, hassle-free peeling experience if that’s your style. Formulated specifically to address aging skin issues, this peel is enriched with salicylic acid and glycolic acid— a potent combination for reducing fine lines, dark spots, acne scars, wrinkles for enhanced skin texture. It is an alcohol, paraben, and sulfate-free formula so your skin stays safe from harsh chemicals. It is dermatologist-recommended so you can rest easy when using these effective pads for chemical peeling at home. Pros

Reverses signs of aging Dermatologist-recommended Offers gentle exfoliation Free of alcohol Paraben Sulfate-free Cruelty-free

Cons

May have a tingling sensation

10. Best Brightening:Open Formula Glycolic Acid Peel

This 3-ingredient acne scars chemical peel instantly brightens the skin by exfoliating dead skin cells to reveal healthy, glowing skin. It contains water, 20% glycolic acid, and sodium hydroxide, which makes it suitable for sensitive skin. It reduces the appearance of acne scars and dark spots within several days of use. It is also nut-free, which takes care of those who have nut allergies. If you make it a point to shop cruelty-free skincare products, you’d totally want to use this chemical peel as it is leaping bunny certified. If you want to know more about the Open Formula Glycolic Acid Peel, click on this video. Pros

Exfoliates Brightens Improves uneven skin tone Suitable for all skin types Silicone and paraben-free Cruelty-free

Cons

May not have a very thick consistency

11. Best Moisturizing:Profounda Pineapple Peel Jo Collection Daily Chemical Peel

This chemical peel from Profounda’s Jo Collections transforms the skin to youthful, glowing, and flawless-looking by conveniently replacing expensive skin treatments. It is infused with AHA and BHA that reduce the size of pores and fade away stubborn acne scars while keeping your skin hydrated. Some of the key natural ingredients that make it potent are lactic acid, glycol acid, salicylic acid, and pineapple enzymes. Let the peel stay for 2 minutes before peeling it off and washing it away to reveal a fresh and dewy face. Pros

Moisturizes Nourishing formula Reduces sun damage Fades hyperpigmentation

Cons

Contains artificial fragrance

Types Of Chemical Peels For Acne Scars

Superficial peels

Superficial chemical peels are generally formulated with milder acids like AHA that aid in gentle exfoliation. Since superficial chemical peels only penetrate the outermost layer of the skin, you can use them when your acne results from agents like excessively oily skin, dirt, and environmental aggressors that settle on your face.

Medium peels

Medium chemical peels reach both the outermost and middle layer of the skin. A medium peel can cleanse your pores; thus, eliminating the oils and dirt trapped in the pores that might cause acne. Medium peels contain glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid in different concentrations such as 10%, 20%, and 30% based on how potent you would like your chemical peel for acne to be.

Deep peels

Deep peels are game changers for people who have dull skin as they fully penetrate the middle layer and get rid of dead skin cells that may cause dullness, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. These peels often contain trichloroacetic acid or phenol. When you set out to buy a chemical peel for your acne problem, you have to consider a few factors. Here’s a segment on how you should choose a chemical peel that does your skin right.

How To Choose The Best Chemical Peel For Acne Scars?

Skin type

If you have dry, oily, combination, or sensitive skin, make it a point to read the label and ensure that the chemical peel is crafted for your skin type. Some chemical peels may make the skin feel too dry. However, you can always follow it up with a moisturizer. For those with sensitive skin, chemical peels with sodium hydroxide are best suited. Ensure that the label reads hypoallergenic and the acid percentage is fairly low.

Skin problem

Are you trying to solve acne and scarring problems or do you need a chemical peel for other skin issues as well? Identify your skin issues to make the most out of your peel. Chemical peels can help fade hyperpigmentation, eliminate blackheads and whiteheads, reduce pore size and fine lines. So, understand your skin problem and find a peel that helps improve your skin.

Ingredients

The most common ingredients you’ll find in a chemical peel are glycolic acid, AHA, salicylic acid, and phenol. The percentage of acids also varies from one peel to another. Glycolic acid in higher doses and phenol are suitable for severe acne. You can settle on a peel with salicylic acid if you have mild to moderate acne.

Potential irritants

It is best to keep away from potential irritants and harsh chemicals, especially when you’re trying to remediate acne, such as parabens, sulfates, alcohol, and silicones because you’re letting the peel sit on your face for a while. You can also avoid gluten and nuts if you have allergies.

How Do Chemical Peels Help With Acne Scars?

Chemical peels contain acids that either offer deep cleansing or penetrate the skin surface to get rid of dead cells and promote the growth of new skin cells. They also cleanse the pores and eliminate the clogged substances. This helps in preventing you from breaking out and also lessens the appearance of acne scars over time.

How Often Should You Use A Chemical Peel?

Chemical peels are not your regular exfoliators as they contain acids. While these acids are completely skin-friendly, you shouldn’t use chemical peels frequently. The ideal interval to leave between 2 chemical peel treatments is anywhere between 4 to 6 weeks. If the chemical peel for acne scars is too mild, you can increase the frequency of use, but limit it to twice a month. We hope that our list of the 11 best chemical peels for acne scars help you find what’s right for your skin type. While skin type is one factor to consider when picking the right peel, it would be useful to first identify what you expect your chemical peel to do for you. This will help you settle for either a superficial, deep, or medium peel. If you’re still confused, do refer to our buying guide to steer clear of any confusion and make the right decision. Do chemical peels work for acne scars? Yes, when formulated with the right ingredients, chemical peels work for acne scars. Can chemical peels make acne worse? If there are certain ingredients in the peel that don’t suit your skin type or you’re allergic to, it may worsen the acne. Do chemical peels brighten the skin? If your skin looks dull or dark from hyperpigmentation, many chemical peels help fade the hyperpigmentation to reveal brighter skin. Can chemical peels damage your skin? If a chemical peel has an irritant or it’s formulated with an ingredient that you’re allergic to, it may damage your skin. Sometimes, chemical peels can also damage sensitive skin if they’re not formulated for such a skin type. Is a chemical peel or microdermabrasion better for acne scars? Chemical peels are a better alternative for active acne as microdermabrasion can irritate the skin or cause other issues like reddening of the skin. Do chemical peels remove dark spots? Yes, most chemical peels that contain glycolic acid can remove dark spots. However, it depends on the concentration and potency of the formula to decide how much time it might take and how evident the outcomes would turn out to be. Can a chemical peel burn your face? Some people may experience a burning sensation from a chemical peel if they have sensitive skin or if the peel is too strong for their skin.

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