9 Best Organic & Natural Face Peels of 2022 (and How They Work)
WRITTEN BY: DIANE ELIZABETH K. | PUBLISHED: 05/23/2017 | LAST UPDATED: 07/05/2021
Interested in trying an organic facial peel? Want to know if organic peels are really safe and effective?
What Are Organic Facial Peels?
Organic facial peels are chemical treatments that literally dissolve dead skin cells, dirt, and oil from the surface of the skin. (If you’re looking for the masks that literally “peel-off” like glue when dry, then you’re in the wrong place!). Organic peels are packed with exfoliating acids and enzymes that are naturally derived from fruits, plants, and nuts. While there are a lot of benefits to using an organic face peel, there are also a lot of misconceptions. Here’s a quick guide on how organic peels work and how to choose the best product for your skin.
How Do Facial Peels Work?
Facial peels are chemical exfoliation treatments that use acids to break down skin cells. Depending on the type and strength of acid used, a facial peel can either be a gentle routine exfoliator or a clinical-grade treatment for severe skin issues. For example, strong acids (like trichloroacetic and carbolic acid) are able to penetrate deeply and dissolve away many layers of skin cells. These acids cause 2nd degree chemical burns and can leave you recovering with red, irritated, and flaky skin for months. Luckily, these acids are typically only found in clinical-grade deep chemical peel treatments and administered by a trained aesthetician.
Not all facial peels require pain and downtime. Many peels use acids and enzymes that are only strong enough to break down the weak bonds between dead skin cells. These acids gently exfoliate away dead skin cells and clear out clogged pores without damaging healthy skin cells in the process. In fact, many at-home peels are gentle enough to be used weekly. Light exfoliating peels are great tools for treating dark spots, blemishes, acne, acne scars, and uneven skin tone.
Facial peels are chemical exfoliation treatments that use acids to break down skin cells. Depending on the type and strength of acid used, a facial peel can either be a gentle routine exfoliator or a clinical-grade treatment for severe skin issues. For example, strong acids (like trichloroacetic and carbolic acid) are able to penetrate deeply and dissolve away many layers of skin cells. These acids cause 2nd degree chemical burns and can leave you recovering with red, irritated, and flaky skin for months. Luckily, these acids are typically only found in clinical-grade deep chemical peel treatments and administered by a trained aesthetician.
Not all facial peels require pain and downtime. Many peels use acids and enzymes that are only strong enough to break down the weak bonds between dead skin cells. These acids gently exfoliate away dead skin cells and clear out clogged pores without damaging healthy skin cells in the process. In fact, many at-home peels are gentle enough to be used weekly. Light exfoliating peels are great tools for treating dark spots, blemishes, acne, acne scars, and uneven skin tone.
What Is An Organic Facial Peel?
An organic facial peel is simply a product that is made from all-natural and organically sourced ingredients. These treatments are made with naturally derived fruit acids and enzymes capable of dissolving surface-level dead skin cells. In their raw form, these fruit acids gently break down dead, unclog pores, and stimulate collagen production. In higher concentrations, however, these acids can be more potent and irritating. Each organic peel formulation is different and each skincare brand holds itself to a different set of standards. Just because a product contains organic ingredients doesn’t mean it is overall safe, gentle, or effective for your skin. The best organic peels are made by reputable brands and contain only clean, natural, organic, and non-toxic ingredients. A truly organic peel won’t contain any parabens, mineral oils, synthetics, or potentially cancer-causing ingredients (these ingredients can irritate the skin further and actually hinder your skin from functioning optimally). Read the labels carefully and find the right mask for your skin type and needs.
An organic facial peel is simply a product that is made from all-natural and organically sourced ingredients. These treatments are made with naturally derived fruit acids and enzymes capable of dissolving surface-level dead skin cells. In their raw form, these fruit acids gently break down dead, unclog pores, and stimulate collagen production. In higher concentrations, however, these acids can be more potent and irritating. Each organic peel formulation is different and each skincare brand holds itself to a different set of standards. Just because a product contains organic ingredients doesn’t mean it is overall safe, gentle, or effective for your skin. The best organic peels are made by reputable brands and contain only clean, natural, organic, and non-toxic ingredients. A truly organic peel won’t contain any parabens, mineral oils, synthetics, or potentially cancer-causing ingredients (these ingredients can irritate the skin further and actually hinder your skin from functioning optimally). Read the labels carefully and find the right mask for your skin type and needs.
What Acids Do Organic Peels Use?
What Acids Do Organic Peels Use?
The two common acids found in organic facial peels are alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acid (BHA). Both acids can be naturally sourced from fruits like papaya, lemon, pineapple, apple, grape, willow bark, and grapefruit.
Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)
AHAs are mild exfoliating acids such as glycolic, lactic, citric, and malic acid. These acids work on the top most layers of the skin to remove dead skin cells, lighten blemishes, clear pores. AHAs have been known to increase blood flow to the skin and stimulate the production of collagen (to help fight fine lines and wrinkles).
Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA)
BHAs are oil-soluble acids that can penetrate oily skin deeper than AHAs. This is why BHAs are usually recommended for a treating blackheads, acne, and problematic skin. As a bonus, BHAs antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can actually help to reduce the frequency of breakouts. The most common form of BHA found in organic facial peels is salicylic acid derived from willow bark.
Are Organic Face Peels Effective?
Are Organic Face Peels Effective?
Organic facial peels are great for people who want a chemical exfoliation without downtime. They are also great choices for people who cannot use abrasive exfoliating products. Exfoliating your face routinely helps to keep your pores clear, balance sebum production, and allows your skin to better absorb products. As a rule of thumb, dry skin types benefit most from AHA peels and oily skin types will experience better results with a BHA peel. The effectiveness of an organic facial peel depends on its concentration of AHA and BHA. The higher the concentration of acids, the more powerful the peel. (However, powerful peels are more likely to cause skin irritation.) For most mild peels, the results will be subtle at first and build up over time.
Patch Test
It is normal to experience a mild tingling sensation while wearing an organic peel. If the peel starts to burn or hurt, then rinse your face immediately. Even the gentlest AHA and BHA peels can irritate certain sensitive skin types. For this reason, always conduct a patch test on a small area of skin before applying any chemical peel to your entire face.
Sun Sensitivity
Using BHAs and AHAs increases your skin’s sensitivity to the sun by 50%. Protect your skin by only using peels at night, applying plenty of SPF before going outside, and wearing protective clothing. If it’s possible, limit direct exposure to sunlight for a week after using a strong facial peel.
TOP 9 ORGANIC FACIAL PEELS
TOP 9 ORGANIC FACIAL PEELS
These six peels are some of the best organic facial peels that you’ll find anywhere! We scoured the internet to find the best organic peels based on customer reviews, quality of ingredients, and brand reputation. These peels are all gentle enough to be done at-home (that use alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids to exfoliate the skin) and are perfect for weekly use. Each peel is formulated differently, so be sure to choose a product that’s best suited for your skin’s specific needs.
1. *AMALA BEAUTY – RETEXTURIZING GEL AQUA PEEL
Price : $88
Amala describes this Aqual Peel as an "instant facial" and we couldn't agree more. If you are looking for dramatically smoother, clearer, tighter skin--then look no further than this gel mask exfoliator. This pretty pink clear gel features a 15% AHA fruit complex, a fermented Japanese seaweed pre+probiotic blend, an the brands signature nourishing Mineral Complex (copper, zinc, iron, magnesium, and silicon). After the initial 3 day usage period, our testers were blown away by how bright and smooth their skin looked.
Shop *AMALA BEAUTY – RETEXTURIZING GEL AQUA PEEL
2. *ANDALOU NATURALS – ORGANIC PUMPKIN HONEY GLYCOLIC MASK
Price : $11.18
A really effective and affordable organic peel mask made from vitamin C, glycolic AHA, manuka honey, organic pumpkin, and tons of other skin nourishing ingredients. This is one peel that you can feel (has a slight tingle, not recommended for sensitive skin types). It's fantastic for large pores, blackheads, dry skin, and maturing skin. This peel is especially great for those with dark spots because of the brightening effect of the acids, fruit enzymes, and vitamin C.
Shop *ANDALOU NATURALS – ORGANIC PUMPKIN HONEY GLYCOLIC MASK
3. *JUICE BEAUTY – GREEN APPLE NATURAL EXFOLIATING PEEL
Price : $48
This peel combines both AHA + BHA (not recommended for sensitive skin) to deliver a deeper level of exfoliation capable of resurfacing skin. Not only does this peel contain fruit acids (like green apple and lemon) to break down dead skin, it also contains tons of vitamins (vitamins A, C, and E) and antioxidants to rejuvenate dull, uneven skin. After just 5-10 minutes of use, it leaves your skin looking firmer, smoother, and definitely glowing. A personal favorite of the skincare ox team.
Shop *JUICE BEAUTY – GREEN APPLE NATURAL EXFOLIATING PEEL
4. *TRUE BOTANICALS – NATURAL RESURFACING MOISTURE MASK
Price : $90
Need a fast acting natural exfoliant that you can use in a hurry? Then check out this resurfacing mask from True Botanicals. Made with lactic acid and tons of antioxidants, this mask both removes dead skin cells and replenishes moisture--all in less than 5 minutes! Contains avocado butter, mango butter, astaxanthin, bergamot, jasmine, and ylang ylang. Can be used day and night, although you should avoid sun exposure after chemical exfoliation to avoid sun damage. Has a light, yet lovely scent.
Shop *TRUE BOTANICALS – NATURAL RESURFACING MOISTURE MASK
5. *HERBIVORE BOTANICALS – ALL NATURAL BLUE TANSY EXFOLIATING AHA MASK
Price : $48
A fantastic treatment for acne prone skin. This mask combines blue-tansy (anti-inflammatory) with white willow bark (natural beta hydroxy acids and salicylic acid), fruit enzymes (high in alpha hydroxyl acid), and aloe leaf to exfoliate, smooth, and resurface your skin. This mask is milder than a typical AHA + BHA peel, but sensitive skin types may still experience tingling and redness. The blue tansy oil and aloe leaf will help to counteract irritation that may occur from the AHA exfoliation.
Shop *HERBIVORE BOTANICALS – ALL NATURAL BLUE TANSY EXFOLIATING AHA MASK
6. *TAMMY FENDER – EPI PEEL ALL NATURAL EXFOLIANT
Price : $80
This organic and all natural facial exfoliator is designed to gently polish, brighten, and purify the skin. Featured ingredients include kaolin clay, shea butter, peppermint, spearmint, and rosemary. This mask and exfoliant combo deeply cleanses while also sloughing off dead skin, refining pores, and brightening your complexion. It's super quick to use--simply apply to clean skin and let dry for about five minutes then rinse. Feels tingly after a few minutes and leaves skin super smooth.
Shop *TAMMY FENDER – EPI PEEL ALL NATURAL EXFOLIANT
7. EARTH HARBOR NATURALS – GLOW JUICE REFINING ENZYME MASK
Price : $40
This pretty purple gel is a real treat to use. This organic enzyme mask is jam packed with AHA + BHA acids, fruit enzymes, and white willow bark to gently retexturize the skin without causing irritation. It has a light botanical scent and a fun, jelly-like consistency. The great part about this mask is that you only need to wear it for a minimum of 3 minutes. Even better, you can even use it as a quick spot treatment. This organic peel is potent--so its best to use at night.
Shop EARTH HARBOR NATURALS – GLOW JUICE REFINING ENZYME MASK
8. *MAYA CHIA -THE REFRESHMINT RESURFACING MOISTURE MASK
Price : $68
The Refresh Mint is one of our favorite organic exfoliating masks. This silky beautiful blue gel resurfaces, moisturizes, and softens after a few uses. It's packed with fruit enzymes and acids such as pumpkin extract, azelaic acid, bromelain (from pineapple), as well as nurturing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, chia seed, and turmeric. It has a refreshing (and mildly tingly) minty cool feeling. It dries in just a few minutes--making this an easy mask to incorporate into your weekly routine.
Shop *MAYA CHIA -THE REFRESHMINT RESURFACING MOISTURE MASK
9. *TATA HARPER – NATURAL RESURFACING EXFOLIATING MASK
Price : $62
This natural exfoliating mask has been praised by countless magazines, customers, beauty bloggers and professional aestheticians as being a mask that can delivers results. With a combination of beta-hydroxy acids, probiotics, and soothing aloe vera, this mask instantly smooths skin, reduces pore size, and brightens skin tone. It delivers all of the benefits of a traditional peel treatment without risking major irritation/redness. Use every day for 2-3 days and then reduce to 1-2 times/week.
Shop *TATA HARPER – NATURAL RESURFACING EXFOLIATING MASK
![GET MATCHED! TAKE THE ORGANIC PEELS QUIZ]({"default":"https://skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/peels-quiz-ad_1st-ad.png","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "GET MATCHED! TAKE THE ORGANIC PEELS QUIZ")
![*Amala Beauty – Retexturizing Gel Aqua Peel ($88)]({"default":"https://skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/amala-beauty_retexturizing-gel-aqual-peel.png","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*Amala Beauty – Retexturizing Gel Aqua Peel ($88)")
![*Andalou Naturals – Organic Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask]({"default":"https://skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/andalou-naturals_honey-pumpkin-glycolic-peel-mask2.png","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*Andalou Naturals – Organic Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask")
![The Ox Box: Organic Beauty Box (No Subscription!)]({"default":"https://skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/ox-box-organic-beauty-box-subscription_amala-e1591033548144.png","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "The Ox Box: Organic Beauty Box (No Subscription!)")
![*True Botanicals – Natural Resurfacing Moisture Mask ($90)]({"default":"https://skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/true-botanicals_natural-exfoliating-resurfacing-moisture-mask-min.png","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*True Botanicals – Natural Resurfacing Moisture Mask ($90)")
![*Juice Beauty – Green Apple Natural Exfoliating Peel ($48)]({"default":"https://skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/juice-beauty_green-apple-natural-exfoliating-peel-min.png","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*Juice Beauty – Green Apple Natural Exfoliating Peel ($48)")
![*Herbivore Botanicals – All Natural Blue Tansy Exfoliating AHA Mask ($48)]({"default":"https://skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/herbivore_all-natural-blue-tansy-resurfacing-mask-min.png","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*Herbivore Botanicals – All Natural Blue Tansy Exfoliating AHA Mask ($48)")
![*Tammy Fender – Epi Peel All Natural Exfoliant ($80)]({"default":"https://skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/tammy-fender_all-natural-epi-peel-exfoliator-min.png","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*Tammy Fender – Epi Peel All Natural Exfoliant ($80)")
![Earth Harbor Naturals – Glow Juice Refining Enzyme Mask ($40)]({"default":"https://skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/earth-harbor-naturals_glow-juice-refining-organic-enzyme-mask.png","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "Earth Harbor Naturals – Glow Juice Refining Enzyme Mask ($40)")
![*Maya Chia -The Refreshmint Resurfacing Moisture Mask ($68)]({"default":"https://skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/maya-chia_the-refreshmint-exfoliating-mask.png","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*Maya Chia -The Refreshmint Resurfacing Moisture Mask ($68)")
![TAKE THE QUIZ & FIND YOUR PERFECT FACIAL PEEL]({"default":"https://skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/peels-quiz-ad_3rd-ad.png","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "TAKE THE QUIZ & FIND YOUR PERFECT FACIAL PEEL")
![*Tata Harper – Natural Resurfacing Exfoliating Mask ($62)]({"default":"https://skincareox.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/tata-harper_organic-exfoliating-resurfacing-mask-min.png","2x":"","mobile":"","responsive":"true"} "*Tata Harper – Natural Resurfacing Exfoliating Mask ($62)")
Diane Elizabeth K., Founder at SkinCareOx.com
Diane Elizabeth founded Skin Care Ox in 2016 after her personal struggle to find truly clean, natural, and organic products. Leveraging her background in biomedical engineering, scientific research + analytics, and entrepreneurship, she created Skin Care Ox to be an easy-to-use resource to find real clean beauty options. Since then, her articles have been read by over 3 Million people and have helped millions choose cleaner alternatives. She currently lives in Colorado with her husband and growing family.Review Standards & Process
Skin Care Ox product reviews are 100% brand neutral. Skin Care Ox does not accept compensation in exchange for reviews. Additionally, there are no paid advertisements on Skin Care Ox. From time to time, brands will submit products to our team for review. Whether we procure the products ourselves or they are submitted to our team for review—our reviews remain honest and neutral.
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This is a great list of potent peels! I wonder how effective they are at removing sun damage (aka “age spots”) melasma; or are there other treatments that would remove sun damage w/o professional treatment? Thank you very much!