7 face peels that help to resurface and renew skin in a flash

Exfoliation comes in many forms to suit a myriad of skin care needs.

There are face scrubs, which physically exfoliate rough skin that are a great choice for beginners. There are gentle chemical exfoliants like lactic acid that break down the bonds of dead skin cells for a smooth, soft complexion. 

But what if you're an exfoliating pro or you really want to hit the reset button on your skin for instant results? Well, that's where a face peel comes in. 

These strongly formulated chemical exfoliant treatments help to target uneven tone and texture, hyperpigmentation, dull skin and fine lines in a way that ensures visible results fast.

Some chemical peels are so strong that they can only be administered by a medical professional, while others have been formulated to be gentle enough to be used at home without compromising on results. If you're keen to try the latter, we've got a few choice face peel recommendations we think you should try.

2024's Top 3 Face Peels

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, $30, Woolworths
Peter Thomas Roth Firmx Peeling Gel, $78, Sephora
Sephora Collection Glow Peel Pads, $12, Sephora

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
from $15.75 at Beauty Bay

This powerful at-home peeling solution is the perfect budget-friendly entry point into face peels. It contains a high concentration of AHAs and BHAs to help retexturise the complexion, as well as a combination of skin-soothing ingredients to help minimise any potential irritation during exfoliation. Tasmanian pepper berry reduces irritation, hyaluronic acid and pro-vitamin B5 provides comfort and hydration, and black carrot helps to protect skin's natural processes. 

Key features:

Contains AHA (30 per cent) and BHA (2 per cent)
Enriched with a soothing blend of Tasmanian pepper berry, hyaluronic acid and pro-vitamin B5
Retexturises skin
Hydrates
Reduces irritation

Available at:

• $15.75 from Beauty Bay
• $17.62 from Cult Beauty
• $30 from Woolworths

Peter Thomas Roth Firmx Peeling Gel
from $78 at Sephora

This peeling gel marries chemical and physical exfoliation with a formula that rolls and lifts impurities when massaged into the skin. The peeling gel utilises a combination of pineapple and pomegranate enzymes and cellulose to reveal a smoother, more radiant complexion and unclog pores.

Key features:

Pineapple and pomegranate enzymes and cellulose exfoliate away dead skin cells
Smooths texture
Unclogs pores
Enhances radiance

Available at:

• $78 from Sephora
• $78 from Adore Beauty
• $78 from The Iconic

Sephora Collection Glow Peel Pads
from $12 at Sephora

All it takes is just a few swipes of one of Sephora's peel pads to reap the skin renewing benefits of the glycolic acid enriched formula. The chemical exfoliant is supported by a comforting cocktail of peptides and aloe vera, which is why this is a great pick for sensitive skin types who're scared of traditional face peels.

Key features:

Glycolic peel pads
Enriched with calming peptides and aloe vera
Suitable for sensitive skin

Available at:

• usually $24 now $12 from Sephora

Murad Daily Clarifying Peel
from $55.20 at Adore Beauty

Dealing with acne marks, dark spots and pigmentation? This bi-phase peel combines retinoid, glycolic acid and salicylic acid to help resurface and renew skin. When used regularly the peel helps to minimise the appearance of acne marks, pigmentation and dark spots and large pores. 

Key features:

Contains retinoid, glycolic and salicylic acid
Resurfaces and renews skin
Minimises the appearance of acne marks, pigmentation, dark spots and pores

Available at:

• usually $69 now $55.20 from Adore Beauty
• $69 from Sephora
• $69 from Oz Hair & Beauty

iS Clinical Active Peel System
from $165 at The Parlour Room

This two-step peel helps to revitalise, firm and enhance glow. Step one contains a blend of active botanical acids and extracts that works to exfoliate and resurface the skin, while step two neutralises step one and helps to hydrate skin with a combination of soothing botanicals and copper peptides. 

Key features:

2 step peel
Exfoliates skin
Hydrates and soothes 
Contains botanical extracts, acids and copper peptides

Available at:

• $165 from The Parlour Room
• $165 from Lush Skin & Laser Clinic
• $170 from All Saint Clinic

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial
from $114.05 at Cult Beauty

Drunk Elephant's at-home facial peel improves the texture, tone and clarity of the complexion using a combination of AHAs and BHAs. The peel is partnered with the brand's marula oil to ensure that skin is supported, strengthened and reinforced after targeting the build-up of dead skin cells, enlarged pores, fine lines and wrinkles. 

Key features:

25 per cent AHA and 2 per cent BHA
Accompanied by Drunk Elephant's Virgin Marula Oil
Targets built up dead skin cells
Minimises enlarged pores
Smooths fine lines and wrinkles

Available at: 

• $114.05 from Cult Beauty
• $140.50 from Harvey Norman
• $176.80 from Fresh Beauty Co

Dermalogica Rapid Reveal Peel
from $108.80 at Oz Hair & Beauty

This professional grade at-home facial peel pack can be used once a week as a regular exfoliation treatment or once every three days if you're in a rush to see results. Phytoactive AHA extracts, lactic acid and fermented plant enzymes work to exfoliate skin to reveal a refreshed complexion, firm skin, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Key features:

Customisable peel treatment plan
Contains phytoactive AHA extracts, lactic acid and fermented plant enzymes
Sloughs away dead skin cells
Firms skin
Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Available at:

• usually $128 now $108.80 from Oz Hair & Beauty
• usually $128 now $116.10 from Adore Beauty
• $128 from Dermalogica

Ready to expand your exfoliation knowledge? Introducing: Mandelic acid the hot new active.

Main image credit: @ninapark