Exuviance Performance Peel AP25 Review
The Verdict
A considered two-step peel for people who already have some at-home chemical exfoliation experience: the Glycolic Acid, Mandelic Acid and Gluconolactone blend gives a meaningful exfoliating effect, while the dedicated Neutraliser pad and PHA component are there to keep it from tipping into irritation. It sits at the stronger end of the Exuviance range, so newcomers to acids may prefer to start with the gentler Daily Resurfacing Peel CA10.
Exuviance Performance Peel AP25 | At-Home Chemical Peel | 26 Pads
£72.00
The Exuviance Performance Peel AP25 is a two-step at-home chemical peel that pairs a Glycolic Acid, Mandelic Acid and Gluconolactone Activator pad with a Neutraliser pad, used twice weekly. Exuviance describes the blend as a 25% AHA/PHA formula, and each 26-pad pack covers 13 treatments — roughly six to seven weeks at the recommended frequency.
What it is
This is a professional-strength, two-step peel rather than a single leave-on exfoliant: the Step 1 Activator pad delivers the acid blend, and the Step 2 Neutraliser pad stops the acid working and calms the skin straight after. Exuviance positions it as an at-home step up from gentler daily exfoliants, aimed at enlarged pores, fine lines, uneven texture and a dull-looking complexion, and formulated to work with the skin's moisture barrier rather than against it.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product type | Two-step at-home chemical peel (Activator + Neutraliser pads) |
| Key actives | Glycolic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Gluconolactone |
| Stated concentration | Described by Exuviance as a 25% AHA/PHA blend |
| Pack size | 26 pads (13 treatments) |
| Frequency | Twice weekly |
| Skin types | Most skin types, including dry and dehydrated skin |
| Pregnancy/breastfeeding | Not recommended — see below |
Key ingredients
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic Acid is the smallest-molecule AHA in the formula, working at the skin's surface to help loosen the bonds between dead skin cells so they shed more evenly. It's the primary driver of the exfoliating effect in the Activator pad. Read more in our Glycolic Acid glossary entry.
Mandelic Acid
Mandelic Acid is a larger-molecule AHA, which tends to penetrate the skin more slowly than Glycolic Acid and is generally considered a gentler option for exfoliation. Pairing it with Glycolic Acid in the same pad is intended to balance efficacy with tolerability. See our Mandelic Acid glossary entry for more detail.
Gluconolactone
Gluconolactone is a PHA (polyhydroxy acid) — a class of exfoliating acid with a larger molecular structure than most AHAs, which generally makes it milder and better suited to sensitive or barrier-compromised skin. Here it rounds out the acid blend and is positioned by Exuviance as supporting the skin's moisture barrier through the exfoliation process. Full detail is in our Gluconolactone glossary entry.
Who it's for
- Anyone dealing with enlarged pores, fine lines, uneven texture or a dull, lacklustre complexion
- Those with uneven skin tone who want a two-step, at-home alternative to a single leave-on peel
- Most skin types, including dry and dehydrated skin, according to Exuviance's own guidance
- People already comfortable with at-home chemical exfoliation, since this sits at the stronger end of Exuviance's peel range
If you're new to chemical peels, or your skin is reactive, sensitised or compromised, patch test first and consider starting with a gentler exfoliant such as the Daily Resurfacing Peel CA10 before stepping up to this one. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, please contact our team for advice before use.
How to use
Apply the Step 1 Activator pad to cleansed, dry skin, avoiding the eye area, for the contact time given on the pack instructions. Follow immediately with the Step 2 Neutraliser pad to stop the acid working and calm the skin, then rinse thoroughly and continue with your usual moisturiser. Exuviance recommends using the peel twice a week; because we haven't had the physical pack insert to hand, we haven't reproduced the exact Activator contact time here — check your pack for this detail.
What to expect
You may feel a light tingling sensation while the Activator pad is on, which is a normal response to the acid blend and typically settles as your skin gets used to the treatment. The Neutraliser pad is designed to bring immediate comfort and stop the exfoliation process. As with any AHA/PHA peel used regularly, visible changes in texture and tone tend to build gradually over several weeks of consistent twice-weekly use rather than after a single application.
Building it into your routine
The Performance Peel AP25 sits at the stronger end of Exuviance's exfoliation options. For a gentler, more frequent-use alternative, see the Daily Resurfacing Peel CA10. For manual, non-acid exfoliation, there's the Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish, and to protect resurfaced skin afterwards, pair it with the Daily Corrector SPF 35. If you're deciding between the two peels specifically, our Performance Peel AP25 vs Daily Resurfacing Peel CA10 comparison sets out the differences in strength and frequency. For a wider look at exfoliating options for tone and texture across brands, see our best peels and exfoliants for uneven skin tone roundup, and for the full range, visit the Exuviance brand pillar.
Our verdict
This is a considered two-step peel rather than a single-pad shortcut: the Glycolic Acid, Mandelic Acid and Gluconolactone combination gives a meaningful exfoliating effect, while the dedicated Neutraliser pad and PHA component are there to keep the process from tipping into irritation. It's best suited to people who already have some experience with at-home chemical exfoliation and want to step up from a daily-use peel, rather than as a first introduction to acids. For a gentler starting point, the Daily Resurfacing Peel CA10 is the better first move.