Best Peels for Pigmentation

As if it’s not enough to deal with wrinkles, dark spots are another aging factor that can make us look older than our years. Discoloration causes your complexion to look dull and mottled, robbing it of its radiance — which is where the best dark spot correctors come into play. While a dark spot remover is not a miracle worker, it can significantly improve the skin’s clarity.

The main culprit in the battle against age spots and dark spots is tyrosinase, a key enzyme in melanin production. As you may already know, melanin is the pigment that gives our hair and skin its color, and its role is to protect the skin. It’s often heightened in the skin by tanning and general sun exposure. Though it’s necessary, too much melanin is what causes dark spots and discoloration, so it’s time to reach for the best products for dark spots, such as dark spot serums.

Not sure what to look for in a peel for pigmentation? No worries. Here at the Derm Review, we’ve reviewed hundreds of products with a scientific lens to ensure you’re creating a skincare regimen that’s safe and effective. Ahead, best chemical and natural peels to help you restore a more youthful-looking complexion.

Best At Home Peels for Pigmentation

BEST OVERALL

BEST: Carrot & Stick Pigmentation w/ Micro Peel

FULL LIST

Formulyst Retexturizing and Perfecting Serum

Strivectin New Daily Reveal Exfoliating Pads

DermalogicaRapid Reveal Peel

Drunk Elephant TLC Sukari Babyfacial

Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Full Strength Exfoliating Mask

Kate Somerville Liquid Exfolikate Triple Acid Resurfacing Treatment

Marini Multi-Acid Resurfacing Peels

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel

Lancer Caviar Lime Acid Peel

Best At Home Peels Dark Spots

BEST OVERALL

BEST: Carrot & Stick Pigmentation w/ Micro Peel
Carrot & Stick’s Pigmentation Routine contains highly effective plant-based compounds combine to correct the look of age and dark spots, hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.

FULL LIST

Formulyst Retexturizing and Perfecting Serum
When it comes to exfoliating and deeply cleansing your skin, soluble acid groups like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are more effective than physical exfoliants, which can scratch and irritate your skin. Expertly formulated to exfoliate, clean gently, and refine pores, This serum maximizes an active AHA complex, which helps remove dead cells and visibly reveals the brighter, healthier skin beneath.

Strivectin New Daily Reveal Exfoliating Pads
Four different types of acids (alpha hydroxy, beta hydroxy, polyhydroxy, and tranexamic) boost the skin’s natural exfoliation rate in just three days, resulting in a more even skin tone and glowing complexion. Because the peel solution is saturated in micro-peel fiber pads, you benefit from physical exfoliation, too.

Dermalogica Rapid Reveal Peel
As the name suggests, this clinically proven peel works quickly to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while promoting radiance. A blend of phytoactive AHA extracts, lactic acid, fermented plant enzymes, Australian caviar lime extract, pumpkin fruit enzyme, and rice bran extracts provide the results of an in-office treatment without any downtime.

Drunk Elephant TLC Sukari Babyfacial
This Drunk Elephant chemical peel works like an in-office treatment at home, thanks to an impressive 25% AHA/2% BHA blend. We’re talking about glycolic, tartaric, lactic, citric, and salicylic acids, making it a great chemical peel for acne, as well as other skin conditions. The Soothing matcha tea, milk thistle, and apple antioxidants give the skin that baby-soft look and feel.

Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Full Strength Exfoliating Mask
This full-strength exfoliating mask helps improve the appearance of dark spots and discoloration, thanks to a potent (and patented) dose of AHAs derived from malic acid extrapolated from organic green apples, lactic and glycolic acids, and salicylic acid. Aside from fighting fine lines and wrinkles and improving skin tone and texture, it just may be the best at-home chemical peel for dark spots.

Kate Somerville Liquid Exfolikate Triple Acid Resurfacing Treatment
This cult-favorite peel is powered by a 10% trifecta of glycolic, malic, and lactic acids and natural pumpkin, papaya, and pineapple acids to improve skin tone and texture while minimizing the size of pores. The addition of honey, skin-plumping peptides, and tea extract ensure that your skin looks soft, supple, and radiant despite getting a serious exfoliation.

Marini Multi-Acid Resurfacing Peels
Best chemical peels for acne scars at home, you ask? These quadruple-acid peel pads effectively refine skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and pore size. They’re also an excellent option for those with acne (thanks to salicylic acid), including residual scarring. Despite being a powerful at-home peel, aloe, chamomile, and green tea extracts soothe and balance the skin, resulting in a clear, glowing complexion.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel
These peel pads are among the most popular on the market — and with good reason. They’re saturated with a compelling blend of seven alpha and beta hydroxy acids, sodium hyaluronate, squalene, saccharide isomerate, and Chinese foxglove to effectively target the skin concerns associated with oily, dry, or combination skin. 

Skin texture and pores become more refined, fine lines and pores are softened, blemishes are under control, and the skin is balanced and hydrated for up to 72 hours after use.

Lancer Caviar Lime Acid Peel
Potent glycolic and phytic acids work together with pineapple and papaya fruit enzymes to resurface and moisturize the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The skin is left softer, smoother, and more radiant. And what’s caviar lime, you ask? It’s an ingredient often used in skincare products (like peels) to exfoliate, improve tone and elasticity, and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dullness.

Best Products for Dark Spots & Pigmentation: The Bottom Line

Our favorite peel for spots is Carrot & Stick Pigmentation w/ Micro Peel