What concentration of AHA is typically used in a superficial peel?

A concentration of 10% or less of alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) is typically used in superficial peels. At this concentration, AHAs are effective for promoting exfoliation and enhancing skin texture without causing significant irritation or damage to deeper layers of the skin. Superficial peels are designed to target the outermost layer, the stratum corneum, improving the appearance of conditions such as mild acne, dryness, and fine lines.

Using concentrations higher than 10% typically indicates deeper peels, which penetrate further into the skin and carry an increased risk of irritation, redness, and downtime. Therefore, for practitioners aiming to perform a superficial peel that maximizes results while minimizing side effects, a concentration of 10% or lower is most appropriate.