Glycolic Acid Chemical Peel is an at-home exfoliating peel that loosens dead surface skin cells to help skin look smoother and brighter.
Era Organics formulated this peel to help improve the look of fine lines, uneven texture, uneven tone, and dullness. Glycolic acid is the smallest alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) molecule — its 76.05 g/mol molecular weight allows the deepest penetration of any AHA, reaching the dermal-epidermal junction where collagen synthesis occurs.Why Era Organics formulated this product
Professional chemical peels deliver transformative results but require dermatologist visits ($150-500 per session), multi-day downtime, and significant irritation. At-home alternatives fall into two problematic categories:- Too weak (drugstore “peels” at 2-5% concentration) — insufficient acid concentration to stimulate collagen or meaningfully exfoliate beyond the very surface
- Too aggressive (The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2%) — high concentrations without buffering cause chemical burns, prolonged peeling, severe photosensitivity, and barrier damage in anyone with reactive skin
The ingredients chosen
Glycolic acid
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid, C₂H₄O₃) is the smallest AHA with a molecular weight of 76.05 g/mol. The small molecular size enables penetration beyond the stratum corneum into the epidermis and upper dermis — deeper than lactic acid (90.08 g/mol), mandelic acid (152.15 g/mol), or any other AHA. Mechanism: Glycolic acid disrupts ionic bonds between corneocytes in the stratum corneum, causing controlled desquamation (shedding) of dead surface cells. At sufficient concentration and low pH, glycolic acid has been studied for reaching fibroblasts in the dermis, stimulating procollagen synthesis and glycosaminoglycan (hyaluronic acid) production. Concentration and pH: Efficacy requires pH below 4.0 (optimal: 3.0-3.5). Below pH 3.0, free acid concentration increases dramatically but so does irritation. Follow the timing in the directions below to keep each session comfortable for home use.Lactic acid
Lactic acid is a larger AHA (90.08 g/mol) that provides surface exfoliation with humectant properties. Lactic acid draws moisture into the stratum corneum while exfoliating — preventing the dehydration that pure glycolic acid treatments cause. Mechanism: Lactic acid exfoliates the outermost corneocyte layers while simultaneously increasing ceramide production in the epidermis. The moisture-binding property creates a less irritating exfoliation experience compared to glycolic acid alone.Aloe vera
Aloe vera delivers polysaccharides (acemannan) that help soothe and comfort skin during acid exfoliation. Aloe vera has been studied for calming the look of redness in the post-peel window. Mechanism: Acemannan has been studied for its effect on prostaglandin E2 production, part of the skin’s response to chemical exfoliation. The hydrating matrix helps maintain skin moisture during exfoliation.Green tea extract (EGCG)
Green tea extract is not listed among this peel’s ingredients. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) from green tea has been studied for antioxidant activity on skin. Mechanism: EGCG has been studied as a scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the unstable molecules involved in oxidative stress in skin.Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil is not listed among this peel’s ingredients. Jojoba (technically a liquid wax ester) has a structure similar to human sebum, which is why it often appears in moisturizers used after exfoliation. Mechanism: Jojoba wax esters can help fill spaces between skin cells and support the skin barrier, and jojoba is generally considered non-comedogenic.How the ingredients work together
The combination pairs acid exfoliation with soothing, moisturizing ingredients.
What Era Organics deliberately avoided
Brands that use what Era Organics excluded:
- The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% (Estée Lauder) — 30% AHA is a high concentration marketed for home use without supervision, causes chemical burns in sensitive skin
- Paula’s Choice 8% AHA Gel (Unilever) — contains butylene glycol (synthetic penetration enhancer)
- Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial — 25% AHA blend, premium pricing ($80+) for concentrations that cause significant peeling
- Pixi Glow Tonic — low concentration (5%) with synthetic fragrance added to an acid product
Who this product is for
Skin concerns addressed
- Look of fine lines and wrinkles — exfoliation helps fine lines look softer
- Uneven texture — surface exfoliation reveals smoother underlying cells
- Uneven-looking tone — exfoliation helps skin look brighter and more even (see our hyperpigmentation guide)
- Look of post-acne marks — exfoliation helps red/brown marks look less noticeable
- Dullness — dead cell removal reveals reflective new surface
- Enlarged pore appearance — removing dead cell buildup helps pores look less visible
Not recommended for
- Active eczema or dermatitis (acid on compromised barrier causes pain and worsening)
- Active rosacea flare (acid triggers flushing and inflammation)
- Skin currently using prescription retinoids (tretinoin + AHA = excessive exfoliation)
- Within 2 weeks of professional chemical peel, laser, or microneedling
- Sunburned or windburned skin
How to use Glycolic Acid Peel
Frequency: Once weekly for normal skin. Once every 10-14 days for sensitive skin. Never more than twice weekly — the skin requires 5-7 days between acid treatments to regenerate the exfoliated layer. Application protocol:- Cleanse face thoroughly — remove all makeup, sunscreen, and oil
- Pat skin completely dry — water dilutes acid concentration and reduces efficacy
- Apply thin, even layer of peel to face avoiding the eye area, lips, and any broken skin
- Leave on for 10-15 minutes (start with 5 minutes for first-time users)
- Neutralize with cool water — rinse thoroughly for 30+ seconds
- Pat dry gently — do not rub freshly peeled skin
- Apply hydrating serum (hyaluronic acid) followed by Era Organics Face Moisturizer
- Apply SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen the following morning (non-negotiable)