Chemical peels are one of the few skin care products that actually offer instant results. They decongest the pores, remove dead skin, and add a beautiful glow to the face. What’s not to like, right? Until a couple of years ago, there were few chemical peels in India, and most of us relied on The Ordinary Chemical Peel for exfoliation. However, now we have many more options in India, and some are potentially better for certain skin types than The Ordinary!
So, today, let’s talk about the Best Chemical Peels In India that I have personally tried. Do note that these peels are not for beginners or sensitive skin. If you fall in this category then my post on the best chemical exfoliants for beginners would be better for you. But if your skin is resilient enough to handle strong exfoliants, do keep on reading.
What Is A Chemical Peel?
A chemical peel is a skincare product with a high concentration of exfoliating acids (AHAs and BHAs). Due to the presence potent exfoliants, this peel removes dullness and dead skin, congestion from pores, and reduces texture. It is perfect for an at-home glow up.
How To Use A Chemical Peel?
Always perform a patch test before using a new chemical peel on your face. If the patch test goes well then follow the instructions given on the product packaging to use the peel. Most peels require you to apply a thin layer of the product on clean and dry skin, avoiding the eyes, lips and other sensitive areas. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes and then rinse off with plain water. Follow it up with soothing and moisturizing products.
Some peels are meant for weekly use while others need to be used 1-2 times a month. Read the instructions on the product packaging and how the peel works on your skin to determine the frequency of use.
Things To Keep In Mind When Using A Peel
- Avoid hair removal or using actives like BHA, Retinol or Vitamin C immediately before or after using the peel. Best to keep a gap of 24 hours before using any actives on your skin.
- Some amount of tingling is normal when you apply the peel on your skin, but if you sense a burning sensation, wash off the peel immediately and apply some soothing moisturizer. Consult a dermatologist immediately if you notice any burns or rashes on your face.
- Do not apply the peel on parts of your face where you have broken skin or ruptured acne. It is better to avoid active acne as well.
- Apply a generous amount of sunscreen with SPF 50 the next day.
- Do not use any chemical peel more than once a week.
Top 5 Chemical Peels In India – 2022
1. Plum Exfoliating Peel With Green Tea
The Plum Exfoliating Peel With Green Tea contains 10% AHA (Glycolic Acid), 5% PHA, and 0.5% BHA. This is a gentler alternative when compared to other chemical peels, as it has a relatively lower concentration of AHA and BHA.
It is a viscous serum that did not tingle on my face. It works well at adding a glow to the skin and reducing dullness.
It does not dry out the skin.
Price – INR 620 for 30ml (Get 15% off with my affiliate coupon code MRINAL15)
2. Dr. Sheth’s Medium Strength Peel
Dr. Sheth’s offers a large variety of peels for all skin types. Their Lactic Acid Peel and Mandelic Acid Peel are more beginner-friendly. They also have a super strong MediFacial Peel that I haven’t tried yet. But my favourite for my oily and acne-prone skin is their Medium Strength Peel.
This peel contains 5% Glycolic Acid, 5% Lactic Acid, 5% Mandelic Acid & 2% Salicylic Acid. It also contains soothing aloe and centella extracts and has a lotion consistency.
This product is great for oily and congested skin. It reduces oiliness and texture without drying the skin out. Didn’t tingle on my skin.
Price – INR 749 for 30ml (20% discount with my affiliate coupon code MRINALINI)
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3. Deconstruct Exfoliating Serum
Deconstruct has two exfoliating serums, a Beginner’s Exfoliating Serum that is milder and the Deconstruct Exfoliating Serum which is much stronger.
Don’t get confused by the word serum, this one is a wash-off peel. It contains 18% AHA and 2% BHA. The AHAs are a blend of Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Tartaric Acid and Malic Acid. Consistency-wise it is a thin serum.
Despite having a high concentration of acids, this one feels surprisingly gentle on the skin! It does not tingle on my skin at all and adds a nice glow while removing congestion and excess oil.
Price – INR 799 for 30ml (10% discount with my affiliate coupon code MRINALINI10)
4. Tvakh 25% AHA + 1% BHA Peeling Solution
The Tvakh Peeling solution is a potent blend of 25% Lactic Acid and 1% BHA. It also contains plant peptides and marine extracts.
It is a watery liquid that does tingle on the face and can be a little drying too.
However, it provides a very luminous finish to the skin, the closest you can realistically get to the glass skin effect.
I will recommend it for oily skin, only if it is not sensitive at all and you don’t mind a bit of tingling.
Price – INR 880 for 30ml
5. The Derma Co 30% AHA + 2% BHA Peeling Solution
The Derma Co 30% AHA + 2% BHA is the closest to The Ordinary Peel in my opinion. The AHAs include 10% glycolic Acid, 10% Lactic Acid and 10% Mandelic Acid.
This serum has a light red colour and a thin consistency. Due to the high concentration of acids, this one definitely tingles on my skin and may be a little drying for some skin types.
It adds a beautiful glass-like glow to my skin and smoothens any texture. However, if you find it a little intimidating, they have a 15% AHA + 1% BHA version as well that you can try.
Price – INR 599 for 30ml
Best Chemical Peels In India
So these were my best chemical peels in India that work great for my oily skin. Which one would you try next? Let me know in the comments!