“There’s no spell you can cast to magically turn your skin clear and vibrant, but chemical peels are about as close as it gets,” writes Aimee Simon.

Unfortunately, with the rise of Internet shopping, more and more consumers are purchasing extremely strong chemical peels  – and injuring themselves in the process.

Chemical peels are a perfectly safe, and extremely efficacious skincare treatment – when used by dermatologists or other professionals. 

However, experts have recently discovered a new wave of too-strong chemical peels available for purchase online by anyone with a credit card.

“A quick search online throws up a handful of websites selling acids, particularly glycolic and lactic acid blends, at varying strengths for the purpose of at-home use. Some range from 10% to 25% in strength, while others rather dangerously reach the 30% mark,” according to Refinery29.  “Most websites advise that acid peels at these percentages are ‘very strong’ and warn against using them if you are taking acne drug Roaccutane or if you are pregnant, but none lists the side effects, which can include painful chemical burns, scarring and increased pigmentation.”

Many attribute the higher expense of a peel performed in a dermatologist’s office to the recent rise in online purchasing of these clinical strength, lower cost chemical peels.

However, dermatologists and consumer advocate groups alike are concerned about the proliferation of these potentially damaging peels, especially in the hands of untrained individuals.

One of the biggest issues with consumers using too-strong chemical peels at home is the painful reactions caused by the peels. While a slight stinging sensation is often associated with chemical peels, consumers are reporting incredibly painful reactions from the clinical strength products they purchased online. 

Some of the top complaints? Intense burning and stinging sensations, peeling and flaking skin that lasts for weeks, and inducing extreme redness.

One user, Jasmine, shared her experience with a clinical strength peel purchased online with Refinery29:

“I bought a chemical peel online because I’d had a few facials in the past and thought it was something I could do myself at home. I wanted to target some red marks left behind by some hormonal spots, as they just wouldn’t fade. The product was clear and runny and looked like water, really. I used a brush to paint it on to my face and it started to sting almost immediately. My face was literally burning. The pain was unbearable and I remember just panicking. I rinsed it off quickly but my face was red and blotchy for hours afterwards. The area around my eyes was super sensitive for days.”

Additionally, another risk consumers run when using too-strong chemical peels at home is the potential to permanently scar skin or worsen a problem like hyperpigmentation.

“High-strength acid peels should only be carried out in a medical setting by an appropriately trained professional such as a qualified aesthetician, nurse or doctor,” said Dr. Anjeli Mahto. “There is otherwise a risk of infection, scarring, burning, or pigmentation to name a few effects….The pigmentation issue is of particular concern in those with olive toned skin or darker skin types.”

While chemical peels are frequently used to even out skin tone, too-strong peels can cause discoloration, hyperpigmentation, and spots on the face that can months – or even years – to reverse.

Finally, the usage of too-strong chemical peels at home can also come at a potentially deadly cost: organ damage.

According to the Mayo Clinic, a chemical peel can cause a flare-up of the herpes virus, or even lead to bacterial and fungal infections. Additionally, chemical peels run the risk or damaging major organs.

“A deep chemical peel uses carbolic acid (phenol), which can damage the heart muscle and cause the heart to beat irregularly. Phenol can also harm the kidneys and liver. To limit exposure to phenol, a deep chemical peel is done in portions at 10- to 20-minute intervals,” writes the Mayo Clinic. “A chemical peel isn’t for everyone.’”

Unfortunately, many consumers purchasing clinical strength peels online are unaware of these harmful – and potentially permanent – side effects.

Chemical peels are a wonderful tool for boosting skin health and appearance. But, when a peel is too strong, or used incorrectly, consumers run the risk for painful reactions, scarring and hyperpigmentation problems, or even worse infections or organ damage.

While the issue of too-strong chemical peels available for sale online cannot be solved overnight, formulators can help protect consumers with education about proper product usage, and by supporting the efforts of trained skincare professionals. 

Click here to report any unsafe peel products you or an acquaintance encounters to the FDA.