Gymsegbe Glycolic + Lactic Acid Gel Peel – Professional Exfoliation for Sensitive & Melanin-Rich Skin

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Song, MD – Board-Certified Dermatologist (Gymsegbe Lead Formulator)

Gymsegbe’s Glycolic + Lactic Acid Gel Peel is a dermatologist-developed at-home chemical peel that brightens, resurfaces, and hydrates your complexion with professional strength – yet remains gentle enough for sensitive skin and melanin-rich tones. This advanced K-beauty formula combines 20% glycolic acid and 10% lactic acid to dissolve dull, rough surface cells and reveal fresh, even-toned skin. Infused with Korean botanical extracts and 3% hyaluronic acid, the gel peel delivers clinical results – smoother texture, faded dark spots, and refined pores – without the irritation or dryness often associated with strong acids. Developed under the guidance of Dr. Song in Seoul and manufactured in the USA, it reflects a science-backed, inclusive approach to exfoliation. If you’re seeking a radiant “glass skin” glow and transformative exfoliation that’s experience-backed and evidence-based, this peel is your ideal addition.

Why It Works – Key Benefits & Ingredients

• Resurfaces & Refines Texture: A balanced AHA blend of glycolic acid (20%) and lactic acid (10%) gently exfoliates the top layer of skin, unclogging pores and smoothing rough texture. Glycolic acid’s small molecules penetrate deeply to accelerate cell turnover and boost collagen for firmer skin, while lactic acid’s larger molecules work at the surface to soften fine lines and improve tone – and it’s especially good for sensitive skin. Together, they dissolve built-up dead cells that cause dullness, revealing a softer, more even complexion.

• Brightens & Evens Skin Tone: This peel targets hyperpigmentation and dark spots using proven botanical brighteners. Licorice root extract (rich in glabridin) and alpha-arbutin help fade discoloration by inhibiting melanin production jcadonline.com, addressing issues like melasma, acne marks, and sun damage. Meanwhile, pomegranate extract (Punica granatum) delivers antioxidants that combat free radicals and enhance radiance. Over 4–6 weeks of use, users notice a more uniform, glowing skin tone as stubborn spots gradually fade.

• Hydrates & Protects the Barrier: Unlike many peels that leave skin parched, Gymsegbe’s formula includes a 3% sodium hyaluronate (a stable form of hyaluronic acid) and castor oil to act as a moisture cushion. These humectants draw water into the skin and lock it in, so your face feels plump and bouncy instead of tight after rinsing. Lactic acid itself also supports the skin’s natural moisture factor, helping regulate hydration while exfoliating verywellhealth.com. The result is a comfortably exfoliated skin that retains its healthy oils and barrier function.

• Calming, Sensitive- & Melanin-Safe: Formulated with soothing botanicals like fig fruit extract and birch sap (Betula), this peel actively reduces redness and irritation during use. The water-based gel is fragrance-free, oil-free, and non-comedogenic, containing no alcohol, parabens, sulfates, or phthalates. Gymsegbe specifically formulated this peel to be safe for deeper skin tones – the ingredients and pH are balanced to minimize the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that deeper complexions can experience with harsh peels my.clevelandclinic.org. In Dr. Song’s words, “We designed this peel to deliver professional results without compromising the comfort or safety of those with sensitive or darker skin.”

• Fast Visible Results (with No Downtime): Users often feel smoother skin after the first use, and see a new luminosity within a couple of applications. Clinical usage shows that with consistent use (1–2 times weekly), dark spots, acne scars and fine lines visibly diminish in 4–6 weeks, especially when paired with daily sunscreen. Unlike deep chemical peels that require recovery, this at-home peel offers a gentle resurfacing that gradually transforms your skin’s clarity and youthfulness without significant peeling or downtime. It’s essentially a “lunchtime peel” you can safely do yourself for cumulative improvement.

Science-Backed Active Ingredients

Glycolic Acid (20%) – An alpha-hydroxy acid derived from sugarcane, known as one of the most effective exfoliants in skincare. Glycolic acid has the smallest AHA molecule, allowing it to penetrate deeply to dissolve the “glue” between dead skin cells and stimulate cell turnover. It fades hyperpigmentation, smooths fine lines, and can even boost collagen production with long-term use health.clevelandclinic.org. At 20%, this peel provides a clinical-strength resurfacing while remaining a superficial/medium peel level – meaning significant results with lower risk. (For context, dermatologists often use 30–70% glycolic in-office, but at higher risk of irritation.)

Lactic Acid (10%) – A gentler AHA naturally found in fermented milk (and famously used in Cleopatra’s milk baths). Lactic acid exfoliates the epidermis like glycolic, but also attracts water to the skin, helping to maintain hydration. It’s considered one of the best acids for those with sensitive or darker skin because its larger molecule penetrates more slowly, causing less irritation 2250.careverywellhealth.com. At 10%, lactic acid in this formula brightens and softens the skin’s surface, improving rough texture and fine lines while actually supporting the skin’s moisture barrier verywellhealth.com. This dual action makes the peel effective yet gentle – you get the glow of an acid treatment without the burn.

Sodium Hyaluronate (3%) – A form of hyaluronic acid with low molecular weight that can penetrate the outer skin layer. It acts as a powerful humectant, binding water to collagen in the skin and plumping it from withinhealth.clevelandclinic.org. By formulating the peel with 3% sodium hyaluronate, Gymsegbe ensures your skin stays hydrated and comfortable during the exfoliation process – preventing the dryness or cracked feeling that can follow a peel. Skin is left dewy and supple, not stripped.

Licorice Root & Arbutin – Natural brightening agents that target hyperpigmentation at the source. Licorice root contains glabridin, a potent compound that fights discoloration and inflammation: it scavenges free radicals, inhibits tyrosinase (the enzyme that produces melanin), and in studies has shown skin lightening effects far exceeding even hydroquinone. Arbutin (derived from bearberry plant) is a gentle cousin of hydroquinone that gradually fades dark spots and melasma by slowing melanin transfer. Together, these ingredients make the peel effective on dark spots without “bleaching” your natural skin tone – they simply restore your true tone by fading excess pigment.

Antioxidant Botanicals (Fig, Pomegranate, Birch Sap) – Traditional Korean skincare plants are incorporated to calm and repair the skin. Fig fruit extract provides vitamins and soothing polyphenols that reduce redness and irritation. Pomegranate extract delivers ellagic acid and other antioxidants that protect new skin cells from UV and pollution damage while also lightly brighteningamazon.com. Birch sap (Betula Platyphylla Juice) is a treasured K-beauty ingredient rich in minerals, amino acids, and humectants – it helps strengthen the skin barrier and reduce sensitivity after exfoliation. These botanical extracts ensure that as the acids work to resurface, your skin is simultaneously nurtured and defended.

Castor Oil – A plant-derived emollient that softens skin and supports the lipid barrier. Castor oil in this peel formula provides a light moisturizing film that counters any potential dryness from the acids. It’s non-comedogenic and helps seal in hydration, so your freshly exfoliated skin feels smooth and comfortable. Castor oil also contains ricinoleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory benefits, further contributing to the calm, irritation-free finish of this peel.

How to Use

Patch test first. Apply a small amount behind your ear or on your inner forearm and wait 24 hours.

1. Apply on clean skin: At night, after cleansing and drying your face, spread a thin layer of the gel peel over face and neck, avoiding eyes and lips.
2. Wait & rinse: Leave on for 3–5 minutes your first time; gradually work up to 10 minutes if tolerated. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
3. Hydrate & protect: Follow with a calming serum or moisturizer. In the morning, apply a broad‑spectrum SPF (SPF 50 recommended) to protect new skin.
4. Frequency: Use 1–2 times per week. Do not combine with other strong acids or retinoids in the same routine.

Consult your healthcare provider if pregnant or breastfeeding before adding active treatments.

Trust & Safety – Quality Assurances

Gymsegbe prides itself on an E-E-A-T driven approach (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) in skincare. Here are the trust signals and certifications that set our Glycolic + Lactic Acid Gel Peel apart:

• Dermatologist-Developed: Created under the guidance of Dr. Eunice Song, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with 15+ years of clinical experience treating sensitive and ethnic skin. Every ingredient and percentage was carefully chosen and tested to ensure efficacy without undue irritation. (Dr. Song personally oversees formula trials, so you can trust the peel is both safe and effective.)

• Expert Validation: The peel’s safety and results are backed by both in-house testing and scientific literature. For example, the choice of glycolic+lactic was informed by published research showing their benefits for acne scars, melasma, and photoaging in darker skin when used appropriatelypubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. We also ensure the final product is reviewed and approved by dermatology professionals. Gymsegbe’s products are used and recommended by skin experts, adding an extra layer of confidence.

• Cruelty-Free & Vegan: Gymsegbe is a cruelty-free brand – no animal testing is ever conducted at any stage of product development. The Glycolic + Lactic Gel Peel contains no animal-derived ingredients, making it 100% vegan-friendly. We are PETA-certified and committed to ethical skincare.

• Clean Formulation: Our formula is free from parabens, phthalates, sulfates, drying alcohols, artificial dyes, and artificial fragrance. It meets global clean beauty standards (EU-compliant) while delivering professional results. By excluding common irritants and potential toxins, we ensure even those with reactive skin or holistic preferences can use this peel with peace of mind.

• Non-Comedogenic & Hypoallergenic: The peel was tested to be non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores or trigger acne – an important factor since exfoliation should help clear pores, not block them. The ingredient list avoids heavy oils and waxes. It’s also formulated to be hypoallergenic: free of common allergens like synthetic fragrance and silicones. Of course, individual allergies can vary, so always review the full ingredients if you have specific sensitivities.

• pH Optimized: The effectiveness of an AHA peel largely depends on its pH. We formulated this peel at approximately pH 3.5 – low enough to exfoliate effectively (glycolic acid is most active below pH 4) but not so low that it causes undue irritation or burns. This “sweet spot” pH means you get clinical-grade resurfacing in a controlled manner. Every batch is quality tested for pH and stability, so you receive a product that works as intended every time.

• Manufacturing Excellence: Developed in Seoul with cutting-edge K-beauty R&D, and made in the USA. Each bottle undergoes rigorous quality control. The packaging is air-sealed and opaque to preserve the potency of the acids and botanicals (light and air can degrade actives). We also use eco-friendly packaging where possible, as part of our sustainability promise.

In summary, we take your skin’s health seriously. Our brand’s mission is to combine traditional Korean skincare wisdom with modern dermatological science – and this peel is a prime example. From lab to bottle to your vanity, it’s a product you can trust to be safe, effective, and aligned with your values (and yes, it's cruelty free)

Who It’s For

This peel is ideal for normal, dry, oily, sensitive, combination, and melanin skin types dealing with dullness, rough texture, enlarged pores, dark spots, or fine lines. It’s fragrance‑free, non‑comedogenic, and dermatologist‑aligned to minimize irritation.

Pairs Well With

• Eraser Spot Cream – Target stubborn dark spots after peel nights.
• Luminous Mighty Punch Serum – Daily hydration and brightening between peel sessions.
• Habaek SPF 50 Moisturizer – Protect your new skin from UV damage and maintain results.