If your skin has recently developed a brownish discoloration, you might have hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition in which the skin of a certain area becomes darker than the surrounding skin, and it can be caused by exposure to sunlight, acne, inflammation from surgery or injury, and hormonal fluctuations. There are many possible treatments for hyperpigmentation. Often, people opt for creams that contain acids or Vitamin C. Some people even choose to undergo laser therapy or microdermabrasion to restore their normal skin color. Another option for treating hyperpigmentation is chemical peels. Chemical peels use chemicals to remove the outermost layer of skin and trigger the growth of new, unblemished skin underneath. Chemical peels come in a range of strengths and depths that can treat different amounts of damage while also having different recovery times. The right peel for you depends on your preferences, your budget, and your specific skin condition. This article will discuss the best chemical peels for those with hyperpigmentation so that you can make an informed decision about which peel is right for you!
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Best Skin Peel For Hyperpigmentation
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.
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:
- Editor’s Choice: Platinum Skin Care TCA Peel 7-13-20-30
- Best Budget Pick: Glycolix Elite Glycolic Acid 20% Resurfacing Peel
- Most Popular Pick: QRxLabs Glycolic Acid 20% Resurfacing Pads
- Best for Dark Spots: Perfect Image Hydro-Glo Peel Pads 40%
- Best for Melasma: CANE+AUSTIN 30% Miracle Pad+
- Professional Level: Exuviance Performance Peel AP25
- Best for Sensitive/Dark Skin: Platinum Skin Care Mandelic Peel 22-40+
Platinum Skin Care TCA Peel 7-13-20-30
Best For:
✅ Hyperpigmentation
✅ Melasma
✅ Dark Spots
✅ Uneven Tone
✅ Age Spots / Sun Spots
✅ Fine Lines / Wrinkles
✅ Acne / Acne Scars
Key Ingredients:
⭐ Trichloroacetic Acid
Key Features:
👍 Professional Quality
👍 “Cool-Action” Menthol
👍 Unbuffered pH of 1.3
If I had to choose one chemical peel for the rest of my life, I’d pick a trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel.
That’s because TCA is the ultimate Swiss army knife – effective yet versatile – that addresses many skin concerns like hyperpigmentation, signs of aging, and scarring.
But what makes a TCA peel unique?
For starters, TCA is a medium-depth peel that penetrates beyond the epidermis into the papillary (upper) dermis. This allows it to remove more layers of dead skin cells than a superficial peel like glycolic acid to help your body rebuild healthy and younger looking skin.
Next, TCA has a very predictable penetration depth that’s controlled by the number of layers, which makes it suitable for both beginners (using 1-3 layers of 13%) and advanced users (using 3-5 layers of 13% or 1 layer of 20%).
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. 🏆
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. 👍
Recommended Treatment for Hyperpigmentation
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.
Glycolix Elite Glycolic Acid 20% Resurfacing Peel
Best For:
✅ Hyperpigmentation
✅ Melasma
✅ Dark Spots
✅ Uneven Tone
✅ Age Spots / Sun Spots
✅ Fine Lines / Wrinkles
✅ Acne / Oily Skin
Key Ingredients:
⭐ Glycolic Acid
⭐ Witch Hazel
⭐ Green Tea Extract
⭐ Vitamin A, C, E
⭐ Coenzyme Q10
Key Features:
👍 Ultra Pure Glycolic Acid
👍 60 Treatments
👍 Unbeatable Value
Looking for an affordable at home chemical peel? 🤑
Glycolix Elite is one of the best deals on the market: a 20% glycolic acid peel with 60 peel pads for under $30!
(previously known as Glycolix Elite Treatment Pads)
With over 1,300 reviews on Amazon, Glycolix Elite is a popular product for fading dark spots and acne marks, while helping you fight blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores as well (it’s great for acne-prone skin).
This chemical peel features 20% crystalline glycolic acid, which is the highest purity and medical grade form, plus witch hazel to refine pores, green tea to soothe skin, and vitamin A, C, E and CoQ10 for antioxidant protection.
Overall, it’s an excellent ingredient list that rivals even premium chemical peels like CANE+AUSTIN Miracle Pad+.
Glycolix Elite recommends using this product 1-2x daily, but that’s a bit too much for a 20% glycolic peel.
Instead, I recommend starting with 2-3 times a week and working your way up to every day or every other day.
In terms of results, hundreds of customers claim Glycolix Elite helped clear up their breakouts, promote smooth skin, and fade dark spots and acne marks.
However, I noticed that most of the top reviews on Amazon are a bit outdated (2016-2018).
Regardless, Glycolix Elite provides unbeatable value for under $30 and should last you at least 4-6 months (if you use them 3x a week) which works out to only $0.50 per treatment. 👏
Finally, as one helpful reviewer points out: make sure to neutralize this chemical peel after 1-5 minutes and rinse with cold water as it does not include a neutralization pad.
You can easily create a neutralizing solution with 1/4 cup baking soda and 4 cups water or purchase a professional chemical peel neutralizer.
QRxLabs Glycolic Acid 20% Resurfacing Pads
Best For:
✅ Hyperpigmentation
✅ Melasma
✅ Dark Spots
✅ Uneven Tone
✅ Age Spots / Sun Spots
✅ Fine Lines / Wrinkles
✅ Acne / Oily Skin
Key Ingredients:
⭐ Glycolic Acid
⭐ Witch Hazel
⭐ Allantoin
⭐ Vitamin B5, C, E
⭐ Calendula Flower
⭐ Green Tea Extract
Key Features:
👍 Over 8,000 Reviews!
👍 50 Treatments
👍 Highly Durable Material
With over 10,000 reviews (yes, you read that right! 😮), QRxLabs Glycolic Acid 20% Resurfacing Pads has basically won the Oscars, Emmys, and Grammys combined. 🏆
Editor’s Note: I’ve connected with the founder before and he’s always busy handling all those orders!
Overall, this chemical peel is very similar to Glycolix Elite:
- Both are 20% glycolic acid peels
- With almost identical ingredient lists
- And available at very affordable prices
Once again, glycolic acid helps transform your skin by removing dead skin cells, increasing collagen production, shrinking enlarged pores, and evening out skin tone.
Meanwhile, allantoin (comfrey extract) and panthenol (vitamin B5) provide much-needed hydration and stimulate tissue regeneration while vitamin C and E form an antioxidant network to fight free radical damage.
Finally, calendula flower and green tea extract soothe stinging and reduce skin irritation during the peel.
Each pad is made from highly durable rayon/polypropylene material with a waffle pattern textured surface for easy application and convenient finger notches as well.
In terms of results, there’s literally thousands of positive reviews that you can read on Amazon (a new entertainment source in case you’ve exhausted Netflix, YouTube, and Tik-Tok 🤣).
Overall, I’m pretty impressed with how this chemical peel has maintained a very high rating even after 8,000+ reviews (over 83% of customers gave it 4- or 5-stars ⭐).
Perfect Image Hydro-Glo Peel Pads 40%
Best For:
✅ Dark Spots
✅ Brown Spots
✅ Sun Damage
✅ Uneven Tone
✅ Dull Skin
Key Ingredients:
⭐ Lactic Acid
⭐ Mandelic Acid
⭐ Kojic Acid
⭐ Papaya
⭐ Pineapple
⭐ Licorice Root
⭐ Bearberry
⭐ Glutathione
⭐ Botanical Extracts
Key Features:
👍 Professional Strength
👍 30 Treatments
👍 pH of 2.5-3.0
“You have a bright future ahead…”
Said almost every fortune cookie ever 🤣.
With Perfect Image Hydro-Glo Peel Pads 40%, however, your skin has a very bright future indeed!
This professional strength skin brightening peel features a 40% blend of lactic acid and mandelic acid, along with powerful brightening agents like kojic acid, licorice root, and bearberry (arbutin) extract.
Meanwhile, natural enzymes from papaya (papain) and pineapple (bromelain) help dissolve dead skin cells and polish uneven skin texture to get your skin glowing!
Finally, glutathione and select botanical extracts provide antioxidant protection and reduce skin irritation.
This at home chemical peel is perfect for dark spots, correcting uneven tone, re-energizing dull skin, and reducing the appearance of skin discoloration.
In other words, you’ll be on your way to glowing skin!
For best results, use Hydra-Repair Super Moisturizer with this product.
CANE+AUSTIN 30% Miracle Pad+
Best For:
✅ Hyperpigmentation
✅ Melasma
✅ Dark Spots
✅ Uneven Tone
✅ Acne / Acne Scars
Key Ingredients:
⭐ Glycolic Acid
⭐ Witch Hazel
⭐ Lactic Acid
⭐ Salicylic Acid
⭐ Vitamin A, C, E
⭐ Cucumber
⭐ Chamomile
⭐ Coenzyme Q10
Key Features:
👍 Premium Quality
👍 60 Treatments
👍 Daily Peel
Studies have shown that 30-50% glycolic acid is an effective treatment for melasma that helps reduce common symptoms like brown spots and gray patches.
An easy way to incorporate a 30% glycolic peel into your skincare routine is CANE+AUSTIN 30% Miracle Pad+.
Created by dermatologist Dr. Craig Austin, Miracle Pad+ claims to be comparable to professional in-office peels.
With the equivalent of 30% glycolic acid, plus lactic acid, salicylic acid, and tartaric acid, this chemical peel can produce significant improvements for your skin.
Meanwhile, vitamin A, C, E, and CoQ10 (ubiquinone) provide anti-inflammatory properties while cucumber and chamomile extracts nourish and refresh your skin.
The company recommends using Miracle Pad+ daily but I’d start with twice a week and go from there.
Alternatively, an excellent budget option is Glycolix Elite.
Exuviance Performance Peel AP25
Best For:
✅ Hyperpigmentation
✅ Melasma
✅ Dark Spots
✅ Uneven Tone
✅ Blemishes
✅ Redness
✅ Sensitive Skin
Key Ingredients:
⭐ Glycolic Acid
⭐ Mandelic Acid
⭐ Gluconolactone
Key Features:
👍 Professional Level
👍 2-Step Peel Pad
👍 Includes 13 Treatments (6 Week Supply)
Are you looking for a simple yet powerful solution for your hyperpigmentation?
Exuviance Performance Peel AP25 is an award-winning professional chemical peel (as seen in Harper’s Bazaar) that has helped thousands transform their skin.
With almost 1,000 reviews on Exuviance and Ulta Beauty, Performance Peel AP25 is one of the bestselling and highest rated at home chemical peels with over 87% of customers giving it 4- or 5-stars! ⭐
But what makes Performance Peel AP25 so effective?
As always, it comes down to the ingredients: a 25% blend of glycolic acid, mandelic acid, and gluconolactone.
Glycolic acid, the smallest alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), helps remove dead skin cells and stimulate collagen growth, while mandelic acid brightens your skin tone and reduces the appearance of blemishes and redness.
Meanwhile, gluconolactone, a polyhydroxy acid (PHA), resurfaces texture and restores hydration.
In addition, Performance Peel AP25 is very suitable for sensitive skin as mandelic acid and gluconolactone are two of the most gentle acids due to their large molecular size. 🤗
So what can you expect in terms of results?
Well, Exuviance conducted a 30-day study where participants used a PHA skincare regimen along with Performance Peel AP25 twice a week. By the end of this study:
- 100% of users noticed improvements in fine lines and wrinkles
- 94% of users noticed more even skin tone
Finally, check out these before/after photos after 5 weeks of treatment:
In this example, this woman experienced a significant reduction in hyperpigmentation, particularly the brown spots (most likely sun damage) along her cheeks and temples.
Of course, keep in mind that everyone is different and your mileage may vary (YMMV).
Recommended Treatment for Hyperpigmentation
For mild hyperpigmentation, I recommend using Performance Peel AP25 twice a week until you complete the 6-week treatment plan (reduce in frequency if you experience side effects).
Make sure to apply a hydrating moisturizer like Overnight Transformation Complex and use a broad spectrum sunscreen like Skin Caring BB Fluid SPF 50 to prevent future pigmentation.
For severe hyperpigmentation, however, I wouldn’t recommend Performance Peel AP25 because it only uses superficial AHAs and PHAs that don’t penetrate beyond the epidermis to address deeper skin conditions like age spots and dermal melasma.
Consider a TCA peel like Platinum Skin Care that will penetrate into the papillary (upper) dermis or a retinol peel like Exuviance Pure Retinol Correcting Peel (0.3% Retinol) instead.
7 BEST FOR SENSITIVE/DARK SKIN
Platinum Skin Care Mandelic Peel 22-40+
Best For:
✅ Sensitive Skin
✅ Dark Skin
Key Ingredients:
⭐ Mandelic Acid
⭐ Azelaic Acid
Key Features:
👍 Professional Quality
👍 Buffered pH of 2.5
👍 Daily Peel
Last but not least, we’re right back where we started with Platinum Skin Care.
This time, we have a mandelic acid peel that’s perfect for sensitive skin and darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV-VI, including Asian, Indian, Hispanic, and Black skin, which are generally more prone to developing PIH).
As I mentioned earlier, mandelic acid is like a gentle giant – it provides great results without any skin irritation.
That’s because this AHA has a larger molecular size that makes it more difficult to pass through your skin.
Platinum Skin Care provides two options:
- Mandelic Peel 22+ (20% mandelic acid plus 2% azelaic acid for bonus brightening benefits)
- Mandelic Peel 40%
Both are suitable for sensitive skin but I’d start with 40% unless you have extremely sensitive skin.
Overall, you should expect more subtle improvements than deeper chemical peels like glycolic acid and TCA.