This Super-Effective Face Peel Has Never, Ever Let Me Down

Breakouts don't stand a chance.

This Super-Effective Face Peel Has Never, Ever Let Me Down

Many beauty products make a splash when they launch, only to fade into obscurity shortly after. But others have serious staying power that transcends hype—and the Drunk Elephant Babyfacial treatment is one of them, and for good reason.

When the T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial (its ~official name~) launched in 2017, it got a lot of attention—both good and bad—for its whopping 25% AHA and 2% BHA combo. But if I'm being honest, it caught my eye because of the name. Any product with “baby” in the name is like kryptonite to me (my other trigger words include rosy, glowy, and milk, if you were wondering), and as someone who has struggled with acne and texture forever, it seemed like a good fit for me. Flash-forward to 2021, and the petite baby pink bottle is still a staple in my bathroom.

For the uninitiated, Babyfacial is an at-home peel that features a mix of glycolic, tartaric, lactic, citric, and salicylic acids. Not only do these acids help achieve the “baby skin” (as the name implies) by sloughing away dead skin cells, but they also clear pores, lighten dark spots, and help smooth wrinkles and fine lines.

This combo of acids is kind of a big deal, since they work in different ways. The AHAs in the mix (those glycolic, lactic, tartaric, and citric acids) basically unglue the dead skin cells on the surface, effectively helping skin shed them. The salicylic acid, on the other hand, is oil-soluble, so it can do a deep dive into pores and make quick work of whiteheads and blackheads alike.

However, I totally get that peels can be a little scary, especially for those who have dry or sensitive skin. No worries: This one is actually formulated for all skin types; it offsets those exfoliants with soothing ingredients like matcha extract, apple extract, and niacinamide (which is famously anti-inflammatory). In fact, the gentle formula makes it a winner for dealing with stubborn skin issues like maskne, which can lead to clogged pores and irritation—making it especially tough to treat.

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Because I have sensitive skin and am on two prescription topicals for my acne, I'm usually nervous to try any chemical-acid peel, but this one has never given me a problem (although it does tingle, sort of like a lip plumper). While the brand encourages weekly use, I like to use it monthly since my topicals provide a ton of exfoliation, and I don't want to be too rough on my skin barrier. Used sparingly, Drunk Elephant Babyfacial is a monthly reset. In addition to flattened zits, an instant glow, and a silky-smooth canvas for makeup, over time I've noticed fewer whiteheads and faded acne scars.

Before and after using Babyfacial

Bella Cacciatore

Even if you don't have super-sensitive skin, I suggest easing into this one due to the high concentration of acids. Start with a few minutes once a week before leaving it on for the full 20—which is my M.O.—in order to forgo redness and irritation. (Whatever you do, just don't be like my dad, a Drunk Elephant devotee who innocently revealed to me he leaves it on for a whole hour.) Also, lay off your heavy-duty exfoliants or treatments on the same day you're using this so it doesn't overload your skin barrier; I skip my topical acne prescriptions after using this to avoid just that.

Whenever my skin is on the fritz, I know Babyfacial has my back. Besides, the promise of baby skin in a bottle will always keep me coming back for more.