There is a whole range of acids used in chemical peels for wrinkles, and we’re here with a list of the best ones that are ideal for wrinkles and fine lines. Below is a list of the 11 best chemical peels for wrinkles and fine lines that will easily take care of your skin concerns and help you reclaim younger-looking skin. But before that, let’s take a look at what exactly a chemical peel does to wrinkles.
What Does A Chemical Peel Do For Wrinkles?
Chemical peels formulated for wrinkles generally have glycolic acid in varying concentrations. Glycolic acid helps eliminate or fade wrinkles by penetrating the skin and promoting the natural collagen production process of the skin. Not only that, but it also gets rid of dead skin cells and transforms the skin to be more elastic, firmer, and tighter. When your skin becomes elastic and firm, it prevents formation of wrinkles and fine lines, thus slowing down the aging process of the skin.
11 Best Chemical Peels For Wrinkles And Fine Lines – Our Top Picks
1. Best Multipurpose:Divine Derriere Alpha Hydroxy Acid Skin Rejuvenation Therapy
Glycolic acid is known to be one of the best ingredients to tackle wrinkles as it helps increase cell regeneration while stimulating collagen production as well. The Alpha Hydroxy Acid Skin Rejuvenation Therapy by Divine Derriere is blessed with 40% glycolic acid solution to deliver impressive anti-aging benefits. It also helps improve the texture and tone of your skin while reducing the appearance of pore size. With that, the glycolic acid in it also provides deep exfoliation to get rid of dead skin cells. Also working on brown spots, remediating hyperpigmentation and scars from acne, this is one of the strongest chemical peels with not one but multiple benefits to offer. Have a look at this video to learn more about the product. Pros
Applies in less than 5 minutes Smooths skin texture Offers multiple skin benefits Supports natural cell turnover Fades skin discoloration Repairs skin damage caused by UV rays Offers deep exfoliation Cruelty-free
Cons
May cause a mild tingling sensation
2. Best For Acne Scars:Derma-E Essentials Overnight Peel
We all love some glycolic acid when we’re on the prowl for the most effective chemical peel. But you know what can give a product with just glycolic acid a run for its money? This one from Derma-E that has lactic acid and vitamin C as active ingredients in addition to glycolic acid. With these amazing ingredients along with passion fruit extract, green tea leaf extract, lemon fruit extract, etc., this chemical peel for wrinkles and dark spots brightens the skin and retexturizes while the AHAs exfoliate the skin and get rid of dead skin cells with a non-abrasive blend. What makes this the best chemical peel for acne scars and wrinkles is that the vitamin C in it helps with adding firmness and elasticity to the skin and protects it from UV ray-damage. Here is an informative video that tells you more about the product. Pros
100% vegan Sulfate-free Lanolin-free Paraben-free Mineral oil-free GMO-free Gluten-free
Cons
May not be suitable for dry skin type
3. Best For All Skin Types:Perfect Image Store Glycolic 30% Gel Peel
Formulated with 30% glycolic acid that is thought to be ideal for aging skin to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, this one from Perfect Image is loaded with numerous other skin-loving ingredients such as chamomile flower extract, green tea leaf extract, comfrey leaf extract, etc. It has a faint yet refreshing fragrance of cucumber from cucumber extracts and this chemical peel for deep forehead wrinkles penetrates deep into your skin to nourish it. It is suitable for all skin types as the formula is made to hydrate the skin while also offering exfoliation. Enhanced with retinol, this chemical peel for aging skin can also improve the natural radiance of your skin for that lit-from-within glow! For more information about the product, click this video. Pros
Moisturizes skin Free of SLS Deeply penetrates epidermal layers Softens skin Free of parabens Free of gluten
Cons
May not peel properly and may require to be washed away
4. Best For Scars:QRxLabs Lactic Acid 50% Gel Peel
Banishing wrinkles can’t get any easier with this chemical peel for deep wrinkles that is composed of 50% lactic acid, kojic acid, licorice root extract, bearberry extract, green tea extract, among other potent components. Not only does lactic acid target and reduce wrinkles and fine lines, it also works wonders on freckles, age spots, and hyperpigmentation while also improving your skin tone. All thanks to the many skin-nourishing ingredients that the brand has incorporated. Made to have the consistency of an actual gel, this light chemical peel for wrinkles does not trickle down your face when you apply it. Say yes to this chemical peel for acne and wrinkles and get ready to have your younger years back. Pros
Reduces the appearance of scars Can fade sun spots Has an actual gel-like consistency Also contains sorbic acid
Cons
The high concentration of lactic acid may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin.
5. Best For Sensitive Skin:Open Formula Glycolic Acid Peel
If your priority numero uno, when looking for the best chemical peel for wrinkles, is one that does a great job at exfoliating, the Open Formula Glycolic Acid Peel is a worthy pick. This anti-aging chemical peel comprises 20% glycolic acid as the key ingredient, which helps lift off and eliminate dead skin cells from your face. With that, it also helps tackle the issue of uneven skin tone and dull complexion. What makes this a star product is that it can be used for all skin types— from dry, oily, combination, to normal and even sensitive! So, say yes to this chemical peel for fine lines and wrinkles and reclaim that natural, healthy glow. Pros
Cruelty-free Vegan Gluten-free formula Free of parabens and silicones Nut-free Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
May take some time to fade dark spots
6. Best Gentle Formula:Skin Beauty Solutions Glycolic Acid Skin Peel
Made from naturally occurring fruit sugar acid, that is, alpha hydroxy acid, this chemical face peel for wrinkles works gently by getting rid of the outermost, damaged skin while also stimulating healthy cell regeneration and collagen production. When collagen is produced, it helps combat wrinkles and reduce fine lines. This fragrance-free chemical peel for under-eye wrinkles and fine lines on the face leaves the face feeling moisturized so that you don’t have to deal with dryness and flakiness. With consistent use, you will witness firmer and thicker skin that is no longer prone to developing premature wrinkles. Pros
Moisturizing formula Gentle Free of fragrance Free of parabens Silicone-free Shrinks large pores Eliminates blackheads
Cons
Not suitable for sensitive skin
7. Best For Sensitive Skin:Botanic Tree 20% Glycolic Acid Pads
Loaded with oh-so-healthy ingredients such as cucumber extract, green tea extract, and chamomile extract is the best chemical peel for deep wrinkles with the active ingredient glycolic acid. With a strength of 20%, this chemical peel for fine lines and wrinkles comes in the form of acid pads, making it extremely easy to use especially when you’re on the go. This no-mess solution to wrinkles and aging signs helps exfoliate your skin while restoring the glow and smooth texture of it. These resurfacing pads are also a great alternative for beauties with sensitive skin. Use it on a regular basis and get ready to see your skin look smoother and beautifully dewy! Pros
Suitable for delicate face skin Easy to use Exfoliates Sulfate-free Cruelty-free Cleanses pores Targets acne scars
Cons
Some might find the pads thin.
8. Best For Acne-Prone Skin:Dermalure Jessner 14% Acid Peel Solution
If you’re on the lookout for medical chemical peel for wrinkles, this one from Dermalure is not the one to disappoint. A blend of medical-grade salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol in 14% strength each work in unison to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, clean clogged pores, and remediate seborrheic dermatitis and eczema. This is also hailed as the best type of chemical peel for wrinkles as it promotes collagen and elastin production that keep your skin looking young and healthy. However, this solution is best recommended for those with lighter skin tones. Pros
Not tested on animals Free of parabens Made from medical-grade ingredients Suitable for acne-prone skin
Cons
Not suitable for those with dry skin type
9. Best Fragrance-Free:ASDM Beverly Hills 40% Glycolic Acid Chemical Peel
Formulated specifically for those who are sensitive to artificial scents, this fragrance-free chemical peel for wrinkles at home works its magic without disturbing your olfactory senses. Made from glycolic acid derived from naturally grown sugarcane and distilled water to maintain low pH level, this product reduces skin stress level, which makes this the best chemical peel for fine lines and wrinkles. Not only that, it also deeply exfoliates the face to lift off dead skin cells by penetrating deep into the skin. Made in the USA, it promotes natural collagen production and makes the skin firm to add elasticity. And so, your skin starts looking younger with regular use.And when used regularly, it can improve uneven skin tone and lighten complexion as well. Pros
Helps boost natural collagen production Free of parabens Fragrance-free Naturally sources from sugarcane Unbuffered
Cons
Not suitable for sensitive skin
10. Best For Hyperpigmentation:Medpeel Professional Strength Glycolic 30% Light Strength Peel
If your primary skin conditions are fine lines, age spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone, we recommend one of the best at-home chemical peels for deep wrinkles from Medpeel that contains glycolic acid in 30% concentration. In addition to that, this chemical peel is also effective in eliminating blackheads, sun damage, clogged pores, and it does so to give you tighter, firmer skin with a lifted appearance. Its composition helps give you clean and clear skin that looks and feels healthy along with a balanced skin tone and softer and radiant skin. Pros
Free of environmentally hazardous material Not tested on animals Free of parabens Made from GRAS ingredients
Cons
May cause a slight burning sensation for some
11. Best Cruelty-Free:Planet Eden Youthful Glow 50% Glycolic Acid Skin Peel
A combination of glycolic acid in 50% concentration along with pH balancing distilled water is here to address your skin woes from wrinkles to dullness. This chemical peel for aging skin gently yet deeply exfoliates the skin while getting rid of bumps and lumps, mild blemishes, while also tightening the skin. The high concentration of glycolic acid also helps in increasing cell turnover. Using this chemical peel for wrinkles on a daily basis can also help in fading away acne spots, scars, dark spots, red stretch marks, and the consequences of sun damage. So, invest in this must-have chemical peel if you need an overall good-for-skin kind of product. Pros
Not tested on animals Dermatologist-tested 100% pure Low pH level Lightens acne blemishes
Cons
May sting for some
We are sure that our list of the 11 best chemical peels for wrinkles will help you get a step closer to understanding what’s the best product as per your requirements. However, when choosing a chemical peel, you must be all the more cautious and take certain factors into consideration so that you pick one that delivers the benefits that you expect. With that said, here’s a comprehensive buying guide on what to keep in mind when investing in a chemical peel for wrinkles.
How To Choose The Right Chemical Peel For Wrinkles?
Acid concentration
You’ll easily find chemical peels for wrinkles that range in concentration from 10% to 70%. However, not all chemical peels of varying concentrations are made equally. A light or superficial peel uses 20% to 30% of acid, most commonly glycolic acid. And this kind is left on the skin for a couple of minutes before washing it away. A chemical peel with 40% to 50% concentration is used when you deal with hyperpigmentation so that the acid penetrates fairly deep to tackle the root cause of the hyperpigmentation. However, when you need your chemical peel to address deeper wrinkles and fine lines, you can opt for a 55% to 70% concentrated acid peel. This type of peel also acts on acne scars. However, this may not be the best solution for those with sensitive skin.
Skin type
Chemical peels are generally drying in nature, and this is because they are made with strong and potent acids such as AHAs, glycolic and salicylic acid, among others. If you already have dry skin, it would be a good idea to either invest in one that has additional ingredients such as jojoba oil, vitamin E, shea butter, etc. that help provide a certain amount of hydration to your skin. However, for those with combination or oily skin, a chemical peel for wrinkles and fine lines that is solely made from acid will do the trick.
Active ingredients
The most common active ingredients used in chemical peels are salicylic acid, which is a beta hydroxy acid that is popular for remediating acne-related issues. Glycolic acid, which is an alpha hydroxy acid, is known for exfoliating the skin and getting rid of dead skin cells to eliminate and prevent wrinkles and fine lines from forming. Lactic acid, also an AHA, brightens the skin. However, when compared to glycolic acid, it does not penetrate as deep into the skin. When buying a chemical peel for wrinkles and fine lines, one with glycolic acid will work best. However, a combination of these acids as active ingredients will help tackle several skin-related issues.
Dermatologist tested
Since chemical peels incorporate acids to tackle wrinkles, fine lines, and exfoliate, it is crucial for you to ensure that it does not irritate your skin. And for this reason, you should go for a chemical peel that has passed dermatologist tests and is proven to be safe to use on the skin.
Why Trust Stylecraze
Kirtana Divakar, the author, is a makeup and beauty enthusiast who believes that when it comes to skincare, you deserve nothing but the best. She has spent hours going through several health and beauty forums and reviewing all valued customer feedback before curating this list of the best chemical peels for wrinkles and fine lines. These not only help reduce these evident signs of aging but also help nourish and strengthen your natural skin barrier. Do chemical peels really work for wrinkles? Chemical peels do work for wrinkles and fine lines, especially when they contain glycolic acid. However, you need to be patient as it always takes time for any skincare product to eliminate or reduce wrinkles and fine lines. This happens by promoting natural collagen production. What is better for wrinkles- microdermabrasion or chemical peels? Microdermabrasion is more suited for those with rough skin that results from sun damage. If you have deep wrinkles and fine lines, the best solution for this skin issue is a medium or deep chemical peel, as it penetrates deep into the skin and promotes collagen production while improving overall skin cell turnover. Will chemical peel help with under-eye wrinkles? Chemical peels that have medium to high concentration of glycolic acid can help remediate under-eye wrinkles. What are the benefits of at-home chemical peels? At-home chemical peels will exfoliate your skin, help reducing hyperpigmentation and help in rejuvenating your skin by unclogging your pores. How often should you use an at-home chemical peel? You can use at-home chemical peel every once or twice a week. Are chemical peels good for deep wrinkles? Yes, chemical peels such as retinol peels work well at deep wrinkles.
