“The exquisite face & body Gentle Enzymatic Peel is a great option because it has mild active ingredients that work with most sensitive skin types,” says Dr. Jessica Weiser, a board-certified dermatologist plus founder and medical director of Weiser Skin West MD (Aspen, Colorado) and Weiser Skin MD (NYC). “With lactic acid, a gentle alpha hydroxy acid, and bacterial enzymes, this peel can help exfoliate the skin, leaving it soft and smooth without irritation.”

“It has a mild tingling sensation but never leaves my skin red or irritated,” Dr. Weiser says. “My skin looks more radiant and even toned by the next morning, and it’s gentle enough for me to use it every week.”

“I've been using the Sanitas AHA Resurfacing Peel Kit for the past six years as part of my routine to maintain an even complexion and prevent hyperpigmentation post breakouts,” says Essence Moore, a licensed esthetician known as “The Skin Boss” to her 11,000-plus Instagram followers.
“The kit is lactic acid (AHA) based, which is great for gently exfoliating flaky skin while also keeping it hydrated,” she says. “I love using it year round as an effective way to exfoliate my face, neck, and decolletage area.”
“I regularly recommend it to my clients to use between their professional treatments,” Moore says.

Dr. Christina Sun, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist with Dermatology Partners, has a daily solution to at-home facial exfoliation.

“Having used the First Aid Beauty Brighten + Glow Facial Radiance Pads with Glycolic + Lactic Acids myself, I've noticed that over time my skin looks brighter and feels softer,” Sun says. “They’ve also helped improve the look of dark spots from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.”

“These pads are a great option for helping manage flaky skin,” says Sun. “They contain glycolic acid, which gently exfoliates dead skin cells to smooth rough texture and even out skin tone without being overly harsh.”

Plus, “because the formula is designed to be gentle, many people can use it daily, and it’s generally safe for a variety of skin types, including sensitive skin and darker skin tones,” says Sun. 

​The pads feature two usable sides that can be wiped all over your face. The smooth side helps cleanse and remove impurities, while the rough side gently exfoliates and brightens the skin.

"I love Glytone as a brand for peels and products with AHA acids; they just work so well,” says Dr. Kate Viola, a board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Partners. 

“Glytone has been around for over 30 years and is research driven,” Viola says. For her, the line’s standout is the Glytone Enhance Brightening Complex, “which combines both azelaic and glycolic acid and is great for melasma and dark spots. It’s even safe for mamas to use.” 

Viola does say it’s important to note that azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid derived from grains, not a true AHA or BHA: “It’s a gentle, mild exfoliant that is fantastic for reducing inflammation, killing bacteria, and treating sun damage.” 

Another bonus? This brightening complex can be used daily, so you can gently exfoliate skin without overdoing it.

“My favorite chemical exfoliant is the Andalou Naturals Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask,” says Dr. Jaimie DeRosa, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and founder and lead facial plastic surgeon of DeRosa Center Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in Boston and Palm Beach.

“I prefer chemical exfoliants over physical exfoliants, which can be harsh on the skin,” says DeRosa. So if your skin’s a little more sensitive, or even if you don’t want to risk doing some serious damage with a physical exfoliant, this mask is an ideal option.  

“Glycolic acid, an AHA, and pumpkin extract, rich in beta-carotene, help to gently exfoliate, smooth, and brighten the skin,” says DeRosa. “The honey and hyaluronic acid help to nourish and hydrate the skin, while turmeric helps brighten the complexion.”