If most at-home facial peels irritate or dry out your skin, then a milk peel is the ideal product for you. According to our friends at Glow Recipe , the trend started in dermatology clinics in Korea and is quickly making its way to local beauty store shelves. These facial peels utilize milk (or lactic acid, a fermented version of lactose) to simultaneously remove dead skin cells and moisturize skin. They’re incredibly gentle yet effective, great for all skin types and you’ll see results almost immediately.
[ Next: Top-Rated Facial Peels for Salon-Worthy Results at Home ]
Milk Peels
Two-Step Peel
The first step of this milk peel involves a giant Q-tip saturated in an alpha hydroxy acid complex. You swipe it over your entire face and it gently removes dead skin cells. The second step is a sheet mask infused with soy milk, green tea and chamomile — it calms, hydrates and plumps skin for an instant glow.
Primary Raw DoYou 2-Step Milk Peeling Kit, $6 at Glow Recipe
Detoxifying Peel
This peel contains lactic acid, salicylic acid and actizyme for maximum exfoliation. It's also packed with charcoal, which pulls impurities from your skin to detoxify and clean your pores.
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Intensive Peel, $40 at QVC
Brightening Peel
If you're looking for dermatologist-level results, this peel is for you. The amount of exfoliating lactic acid is extremely high and it also has kojic acid, bearberry extract and licorice, all of which help brighten dark spots over time.
Perfect Image Lactic 50% Gel Peel, $29.95 at Walgreens
Perfect for Travel Peel
This peel comes in an easy-to-use mitten-like packet. You peel off the seal and buff your face with the lactic acid peel. It exfoliates and brightens, makes pores look smaller and helps skin hold onto moisture longer.
Kate Somerville Clinic-to-Go Resurfacing Peel Pads, $52 at Sephora
Deep Cleaning Peel
If your skin is prone to breakouts, this peel will be fantastic for you. In addition to lactic acid and fruit enzymes for exfoliation, it also contains antibacterial ingredients. Plus, it leaves behind a dose of antioxidants to protect your skin from environmental damage.
Skyn Iceland Nordic Skin Peel, $45 at Ulta
Foaming Peel
This two-step peel is both effective and fun to use. One tube contains a special blue copper paste that cleans skin. The second tube is the activator: a lactic acid and sodium bicarbonate serum that foams up to further clean, exfoliate and hydrate.
Omorovicza Copper Peel, $22 at Sephora
Coconut Milk Peel
In addition to a blend of exfoliating acids, this creamy peel contains coconut milk to calm and moisturize skin. It also comes with its own special cotton pads; one side is soft enough for sensitive skin, while the other side offers even more exfoliation.
Dr.Jart+ Dermaclear Micro Milk Peel, $42 at Sephora