The 11 Best Chemical Peels for Hyperpigmentation (2023 ✅)

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Find the best chemical peel for hyperpigmentation, learn how chemical peels work, discover skincare routines to treat hyperpigmentation, and much more in this article!
(Overall, my top recommendation is Platinum Skin Care TCA Peel 13%)

Did you know that chemical peels have been around for literally thousands of years? 😮

Early adopters like Cleopatra and the ancient Egyptians were famous for bathing in sour milk (which contains lactic acid) to cleanse their skin and remove imperfections.

Among their many uses, chemical peels are very effective for treating hyperpigmentation, including melasma, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. 🤗

In addition, regular use can soften wrinkles, smooth fine lines, and correct acne scars as well.

In this post, I've hand-picked the best at home chemical peels for hyperpigmentation, based on peeling agent, active ingredients, customer reviews, price/value, and my personal experience.

I only recommend skincare products that I'd use myself (every product here passes this test), so you can feel confident that you're getting a high-quality chemical peel for your skin. 👍

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What Is The Best Chemical Peel for Hyperpigmentation?

Overall, the best chemical peel for hyperpigmentation is Platinum Skin Care TCA Peel 13%. Here's my full list of recommendations based on skin type, skin condition, and budget:

  1. Editor's Choice: Platinum Skin Care TCA Peel 7-13-20-30
  2. No.1 All-Time Bestseller: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel
  3. Rave Reviews: Skyn Iceland Nordic Skin Peel
  4. Best for Age Spots: MedPeel Vitamin C Brighten 70% AHA
  5. Best for Dark Spots: Glycolix Elite Glycolic Acid 20% Resurfacing Peel
  6. Best for Melasma: Exuviance Performance Peel AP25
  7. Best for Sun Damage: IT Cosmetics Hello Results Baby-Smooth Glycolic Peel + Caring Oil
  8. Best for Uneven Skin Tone: Neogen Dermalogy Lemon Bright PHA Gauze Peeling
  9. Best for Sensitive Skin: Bliss Rose Gold Rescue Gentle Resurfacing Peel
  10. Best Budget Pick: QRxLabs Glycolic Acid 20% Resurfacing Pads
  11. Best Luxury Pick: Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C™ Dark Spot Correcting Peel
Editor's Choice

Platinum Skin Care TCA Peel

5.0
$40.00

Long considered the gold standard of chemical peels, this popular TCA peel reduces signs of aging, scarring, and hyperpigmentation.

Best For: Acne Scars, Anti-Aging, Hyperpigmentation, Melasma
Ingredients: Trichloroacetic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Lactic Acid, Niacinamide, Menthol Crystals
Pros:
  • #1 Bestselling TCA Peel
  • Reverses Signs of Aging
  • Corrects Uneven Skin Tone
  • Repairs & Renews
  • Soothing Solution with Added Menthol
  • Outstanding Reviews (2K+ Ratings)
Cons:
  • Didn't Work for Everyone
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For an effective and affordable TCA peel at home, I recommend Platinum Skin Care.

With over 1,300 reviews, Platinum Skin Care is the best TCA peel on the market. 🏆

Platinum Skin Care TCA Peel 13% 1oz
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This certified chemical peel is often used by professionals like dermatologists and estheticians and comes in 4 concentrations:

  • 7% TCA: for eyes and extremely sensitive areas
  • 13% TCA: for beginners and dark skin types (Fitzpatrick IV-VI)
  • 20% TCA: only if you've completed 5 layers of 13% TCA with no results
  • 30% TCA: for body peels, TCA CROSS, or dilution into lower concentrations

In addition, all TCA peels (except the 30%) include "Cool-Action" menthol to soothe stinging and reduce irritation for a more comfortable peel experience. 👍

Personally, I love that Platinum Skin Care shares a ton of information about chemical peels on their website and YouTube channel. Here's Jen, the CEO, explaining TCA peels in more detail:

If you have mild hyperpigmentation, such as dark spots, brown spots, or post-acne marks, start with a 13% TCA peel (single layer) every 2 weeks for a total of 6-8 treatments.

Over time, you can gradually increase the number of layers to 3 (with 5 minutes in between).

By the end of this treatment plan, you should see visible improvements in hyperpigmentation, smoother skin texture, and brighter skin tone, as well as fewer blemishes and dark spots.

If you have severe hyperpigmentation, however, such as age spots, sun spots, or melasma, you should still complete a beginner TCA peel series (unless you've already completed one), but consider adding a peel enhancer like Platinum Skin Care Luminosity Serum (0.5% Retinol) at the end of each TCA peel to promote further cell turnover and skin regeneration.

Editor's Note: a 6mL Luminosity Serum is available as an add-on with any purchase.

As before, you can (and should) gradually increase the number of layers to 3-5 to remove more damaged skin tissue, including the problematic skin cells with excess melanin pigments that are responsible for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and melasma.

In both cases, make sure to follow all pre-peel and post-peel instructions for the best results, including pretreatment with a melanin inhibitor like Fade Bright or Meladerm for darker skin, and of course, a broad spectrum sunscreen like my personal favorite, Josie Maran SPF 47.

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No.1 Bestseller

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel (30 Count)

5.0
$92.00 ($92.00 / Count)

Experience the #1 bestselling at-home chemical peel from Dr. Dennis Gross featuring 7 acids for exceptional exfoliation.

Best For: Acne, Anti-Aging, Dark Spots
Ingredients: 7 Alpha Beta® Acids (Glycolic, Salicylic, Lactic, Mandelic, Malic, Citric, Willow Bark), Chamomile
Pros:
  • No.1 All-Time Bestseller
  • 2-Step Peel Pads (Includes Neutralizer)
  • Clears Breakouts & Blemishes
  • Smoothes Fine Lines & Wrinkles
  • Visibly Reduces Dark Spots
  • Promotes a Healthy Glow
  • Good Reviews (5K+ Ratings)
Cons:
  • Not Suitable for Sensitive Skin
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09/21/2023 01:33 am GMT
Rave Reviews
Skyn Iceland Nordic Skin Peel, 60 Count
5.0
$48.00 ($0.80 / Count)

Soothe stressed-out skin with this gentle lactic peel from Skyn Iceland featuring Icelandic glacier water, Arctic cloudberry, and fruit enzymes.

Best For: Acne-Prone Skin, Blemishes, Dark Spots, Dullness, Sensitive Skin
Ingredients: Witch Hazel Water, Lactic Acid, White Willow Bark, Papaya Fruit Extract, Jojoba Seed Extract, Icelandic Complex (Icelandic Glacier Water, Minerals, Arctic Cloudberry and Cranberry Seed Oil, Pure Molecular Oxygen)
Pros:
  • Clears Blemishes & Breakouts
  • Fades Dark Spots & Acne Marks
  • Gently Exfoliates Dead Skin Cells with Lactic Acid and Fruit Enzymes
  • Rejuvenates Dull, Flaky, Tired Skin
  • Relieves Chronic Dry Skin
  • Helps Promote a Healthy Glow
  • Skin and Pores Feel Squeaky Clean
  • Safe for Sensitive Skin
  • Rave Reviews (100+)
Cons:
  • A Bit Expensive
  • Contains Alcohol
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09/21/2023 07:19 pm GMT
Best for Age Spots

MedPeel Vitamin C Brighten 70% AHA, 1.0 oz

5.0
$49.00

Fade age spots and reverse signs of aging with this powerful 2-in-1 peel from MedPeel featuring 70% AHAs and 2 forms of vitamin C.

Best For: Age Spots, Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Uneven Skin Tone
Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Pure Vitamin C (L-AA), Vitamin C Derivative (AG)
Pros:
  • Double Dose of AHAs and Vitamin C
  • Brightens Dark Spots and Skin Tone
  • Helps Fade Age Spots and Wrinkles
  • Lightens Pigmentation and Sun Damage
  • Also Helps Improve Mild Scarring
  • Little to No Downtime
  • Good Reviews
Cons:
  • Only Sold as a Peel Kit
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Best for Dark Spots

Glycolix Elite Glycolic Acid 20% Resurfacing Peel, 60 Count

5.0
$34.50 ($0.58 / Count)

Treat acne, fine lines, and scars with this popular peel from Replenix featuring 20% glycolic acid, vitamins, and botanicals.

Best For: Acne, Anti-Aging, Scars
Ingredients: Crystalline Glycolic Acid, Witch Hazel, Green Tea, Algae Extract, Ginger Extract, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Co-Q10, Menthol
Pros:
  • Unbuffered 20% Glycolic Acid (a.k.a. True Free Acid Value)
  • Exfoliates Dead Skin Cells
  • Treats Acne and Purifies Pores
  • Visibly Fades Dark Spots
  • Visibly Reduces Signs of Aging
  • Helps Improve Acne Scars
  • No Downtime or Irritation
  • Great Reviews (2K+)
Cons:
  • Extremely Thin Pads
  • Not Suitable for Beginners (Start with the 10% Version Instead)
  • Not Suitable for Sensitive Skin
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09/21/2023 07:00 am GMT
Best for Melasma

Exuviance Performance Peel AP25, 13 Count

4.5
$86.00 ($6.62 / Count)

Get professional results using the award-winning Performance Peel AP25 to treat melasma and pigmentation with a 25% blend of glycolic, mandelic, and gluconolactone.

Best For: Dark Spots, Melasma
Ingredients: 25% Blend of Glycolic Acid, Mandelic Acid, and Gluconolactone
Pros:
  • Professional Quality
  • Safe for Sensitive Skin
  • Helps Fade Dark Marks and Gray Patches Associated with Melasma
  • Helps Improves Uneven Skin Tone
  • Reduces Blemishes & Redness
  • Phenomenal Reviews (100+)
Cons:
  • Expensive
  • Contains Parabens
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09/21/2023 03:04 am GMT
Best for Sun Damage

IT Cosmetics Hello Results Baby-Smooth Glycolic Peel + Caring Oil, 1.0 oz

4.5
$59.00 $49.95 ($49.95 / Fl Oz)

Wake up to baby smooth skin with this overnight peel from IT Cosmetics, a hidden gem that gently exfoliates with glycolic acid while nourishing skin with argan and meadowfoam seed oils.

Best For: Dark Spots, Sun Spots, Sun Damage, Sensitive Skin
Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Argan Oil, Meadowfoam Seed Oil
Pros:
  • Gentle Overnight Leave-On Peel
  • Soothes Sun Damaged and Sensitive Skin
  • Reduces Pigmentation Over Time
  • Smoothes Wrinkles & Fine Lines
  • Hydrates & Exfoliates Skin
  • Wake Up to Softer, More Radiant Skin
  • Phenomenal Reviews
Cons:
  • Low Concentration of AHAs
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09/21/2023 09:17 am GMT
Best for Uneven Skin Tone

Neogen Dermalogy Lemon Bright PHA Gauze Peeling, 30 Count

5.0
$28.00 ($4.36 / Fl Oz)

Brighten up your skincare routine with a daily peel that thoroughly removes dirt and makeup, exfoliates dead skin, and nourishes with 15 vitamins, including vitamin C.

Best For: Brightening, Anti-Aging, Cleansing
Ingredients: 8-Layer Hyaluronic Acid, 5-Layer Ceramides, Glutathione, 15 Vitamins, PHA/AHA/BHA/LHA Blend
Pros:
  • Thoroughly Removes Dirt & Makeup
  • Large Size 2-Sided Peel Pads
  • Exfoliates with Incredible PHA/AHA/BHA/LHA Blend
  • Refreshes with 15 Vitamins and Plumps with Hyaluronic Acid
  • Alcohol-Free & Cruelty-Free
  • Phenomenal Reviews (200+)
Cons:
  • Full Ingredient List is Not Available Online
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09/21/2023 09:39 am GMT
Best for Sensitive Skin
Bliss Rose Gold Rescue Gentle Resurfacing Peel, 15 Count
4.5
$34.98 ($2.33 / Count)

If you're looking for a chemical peel for sensitive skin, Bliss has you covered with a gentle PHA/AHA blend along with soothing colloidal gold and nourishing rosehip oil.

Best For: Sensitive Skin
Ingredients: 8% PHA/AHA Blend (Gluconolactone, Mandelic Acid, Tartaric Acid), Rosehip Oil, Colloidal Gold, Hyaluronic Acid
Pros:
  • Extremely Gentle PHA & AHAs
  • Helps Brighten Skin Tone
  • Softens Skin Texture
  • Reduces Age and Brown Spots
  • Wipes Away Oils and Makeup
  • Vegan & Cruelty-Free
  • Good Reviews (200+)
Cons:
  • Didn't Work for Everyone
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09/21/2023 06:50 pm GMT
Best Budget Pick

QRxLabs Glycolic Acid 20% Resurfacing Pads, 50 Count

4.0
$49.99 $24.95 ($0.50 / Count)

See why thousands choose QRxLabs as their preferred peel to smooth fine lines and wrinkles while improving tone and texture.

Best For: Anti-Aging, Sun Damage
Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Witch Hazel, Glycerin, Panthenol, Calendula, Green Tea, Allantoin, Menthol, Eucalyptus Oil, Spearmint Oil, Vitamin E, Vitamin C
Pros:
  • No.1 Bestseller on Amazon
  • Exfoliates and Moisturizes
  • Fades Dark Spots & Sun Spots
  • Smoothes Fine Lines & Wrinkles
  • Stimulates Collagen Production
  • Improves Skin Tone and Texture
  • Durable Pads with Finger Notch
  • Good Reviews (17K+)
Cons:
  • Not Actually 20% Glycolic Acid Because pH is Buffered (Raised)
  • Some Experienced Breakouts
  • Some Said It Felt Sticky
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09/20/2023 01:35 pm GMT
Best Luxury Pick

Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C™ Dark Spot Correcting Peel, 1.5 oz

4.5
$85.00 ($56.67 / Fl Oz)

Harness the power of the sea with Algenist's algae-inspired peel that brightens, tightens, and visibly reduces signs of aging.

Best For: Age Spots, Dark Spots, Melasma, Uneven Skin Tone
Ingredients: Alguronic Acid, Exclusive Blue Algae Vitamin C (L-AA), Blue Phycocyanin, Triple Acid Complex (T.A.C.™)
Pros:
  • Fights Both Dark Spots & Aging
  • Brightens with Algae-Derived Pure Vitamin C
  • Exfoliates with AHA/BHA/PHA Complex
  • Reduces Fine Lines & Wrinkles
  • Hydrates and Protects Skin from Free Radical Damage
  • Good Reviews
Cons:
  • Expensive
  • Didn't Work for Everyone
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09/21/2023 07:00 pm GMT

Chemical Peel Safety Tips!

If you've never done a chemical peel at home before, this is a helpful tutorial by Dr. Davin Lim:

You'll also need a few tools to perform a safe chemical peel:

Immediately after a chemical peel, it's a good idea to apply a cream, moisturizer, or sheet mask to keep your skin hydrated and help it rebuild its moisture barrier. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, panthenol, allantoin, and copper peptides to accelerate the healing process.

In the following days, it's extremely important to wear sunscreen and avoid direct sun exposure as your skin is more sensitive to UV photodamage (which may result in hyperpigmentation!).

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