Types of Enzyme Peels

Curious about trying an enzyme peel for smooth, glowy skin? There are many different types of enzyme peels, and while they generally serve the same purpose—to exfoliate the skin—they each have unique properties that can benefit specific skin types and concerns. In this guide, we’ll explore the most common formulations and how to choose the right one for your skin’s needs.

Enzyme Peel Overview

Before you can decide which types of enzyme peels are best for your skin, it’s important to first understand how enzyme peels work. Enzyme peels are a type of topical exfoliant powered by enzymes called proteases, also known as proteolytic enzymes. These enzymes work by dissolving the dead skin cells that build up on the skin’s surface and can cause dullness, rough texture, and clogged pores, among other concerns, helping to reveal newer, fresher skin underneath.

This gentle exfoliation can provide a host of benefits, such as helping improve skin texture and softness, brighten and even out the skin tone, fight breakouts, and allow your other skincare products to penetrate the skin better. Enzyme peels can also promote skin cell turnover, leading to an overall healthier-looking complexion. Depending on the type of enzyme, the strength of the formula, and how often and consistently they’re applied, they can even help smooth fine lines and fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation over time. Moreover, they’re typically milder than other types of exfoliants like chemical peels and abrasive scrubs, deeming them suitable for most skin types—even sensitive, depending on the strength of the formula.

The Different Types of Enzyme Peels

Pineapple (Bromelain) Peels

Pineapple is rich in Bromelain, one of the most popular enzymes used in enzyme peels, due to its gentle, soothing nature. While all enzymes used in peels provide gentle exfoliation, Bromelain’s particularly strong anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe the skin and relieve redness. It’s often considered milder on the skin than other enzymes, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin. It’s the main exfoliant in our Sweet Cherry Brightening Enzyme Peel, which blends Bromelain with brightening and antioxidant-rich Sweet Cherry Puree and Resveratrol, plus a potent 5% concentration of Lactic Acid to help visibly even texture and tone and fade dark spots caused by sun damage.

Pumpkin Peels

Pumpkin contains protease enzymes, making it a popular type of enzyme peel due to its gentle exfoliating properties. In addition to its exfoliating benefits, it has skin-soothing effects thanks to its high antioxidant and vitamin content, which helps keep skin protected. Its particularly high Vitamin A content means it can serve as a mild Retinoic Acid substitute, helping to boost collagen production and potentially reducing the appearance of fine lines, making it a wonderful choice for mature skin types. It’s the star of our Pumpkin Purifying Enzyme Peel, which combines it with 3% Lactic Acid and a potent trio of antiseptic herbs—Cinnamon Bark, Oregano, and Rosemary Extract—to help revitalize the complexion and promote skin clarity, making it an especially powerful formula for congested or blemish-prone skin.

Fig (Ficin) and Pear Peels

Like Bromelain, the enzyme Ficin found in Figs has anti-inflammatory properties. This, combined with the fact that Fig is known to be hydrating and brimming with nutrients, makes peels with Ficin particularly gentle and suitable for more sensitive and reactive skin (though it may not be quite strong enough exfoliation for oilier, acne-prone skin). In enzyme peels, you can often find Fig blended with Pear—like in our Pear & Fig Polishing Enzyme Peel—due to its hydrating, antioxidant-rich, and mild exfoliating properties. In our formula, we combine the two with polishing Jojoba Beads to help reveal smooth, rejuvenated, and glowing skin.

Papaya (Papain) Peels

Papaya contains Papain, one of the stronger enzymes used in enzyme peels. Papain effectively exfoliates away dead skin cells and can help clear pores to reduce breakouts and even out skin texture and tone. Its anti-inflammatory benefits aren’t as strong as some of the others on this list, but due to its high Vitamin C content, it can be an excellent skin brightener. Because it’s one of the strongest of the bunch, it’s best for oily and acne-prone skin types that can tolerate a more potent peel but may not be suitable for those with sensitive and reactive skin.

Cherry Peels

While Cherry isn’t commonly used as an enzyme peel on its own, you can often find it paired with any of the above enzymes to enhance their efficacy. Cherry can provide some additional exfoliation, but as a skincare topical, it’s primarily prized for its skin-brightening properties and for being rich in antioxidants and vitamins that help nourish and protect the skin. For these reasons, we paired Sweet Cherry Puree with Bromelain and Lactic Acid in our Sweet Cherry Brightening Enzyme Peel for an extra nutrient-rich, radiance-boosting kick.

Green Tea Peels

While not as common as the other types of peels on this list, some formulas may incorporate enzymes derived from fermented Green Tea probiotics, which offer gentle exfoliation and can help smooth and brighten the complexion. As a topical skincare ingredient, Green Tea also has a host of other benefits: It’s rich in antioxidant polyphenols, which can help reduce oxidative stress and prevent premature aging, and it also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm visible redness and irritation. Additionally, it can help control sebum production, making it advantageous for oily and acne-prone skin.

Anti-Aging Peels

When it comes to anti-aging enzyme peels, you may find any combination of the above enzyme ingredients in the formula—all enzyme peels are exfoliants, meaning they all have the potential to aid in improving the look of signs of aging, like fine lines and dark spots. However, these types of enzyme peels usually combine their exfoliating enzymes with other active ingredients to enhance their age-defying effects—think resurfacing AHAs and BHAs, oxidative stress-fighting antioxidants, hydrators like Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe Vera, collagen-boosting Peptides, and anti-aging botanical extracts like Calendula, Chamomile, and more.

Acne-Fighting Peels

Similar to anti-aging peels, acne-specific enzyme peels will also blend any of the above exfoliating enzymes with proven acne-fighting ingredients to boost their clarifying abilities. These popular anti-acne ingredients include Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Niacinamide, antiseptic herbs, and more.

How to Choose the Right Enzyme Peel for Your Skin Type

Your skin type is important to consider when choosing your peel. A formula suitable for and catering to your skin’s needs will ensure you get the best results and avoid potential over-exfoliation or irritation. Oily and acne-prone skin types can benefit from stronger peels, such as those that use Papain from Papaya, while those with sensitive skin will want to opt for something milder, such as those formulated with Ficin from Fig. Dry skin types can also benefit from Fig peels and should seek formulas with additional hydrating ingredients to help replenish the skin’s moisture barrier. Normal and combination skin types should look for balanced peels that are gentle yet effective; anything too mild may not yield the desired results—peels with Bromelain are a great choice, especially if you’re hoping to improve the look of fine lines.

No matter your skin type, it’s important to monitor how your skin tolerates your peel, especially after the first few applications. If you notice any unusual redness, irritation, and flaking, especially if it lasts for more than a few hours, you should switch to a milder formula.

No Matter Which Types of Enzyme Peels You Need, Take the Next Step at Naturopathica!

Why Shop With Us?

True to our holistic formulation ethos, our enzyme peels combine proven botanical ingredients with clean cosmeceutical actives while omitting known toxins and never testing on animals (we’re proud to be certified cruelty free!). They’re meticulously formulated to combine the power of enzymes with other effective exfoliating ingredients like Lactic Acid, Jojoba Beads, and herbal extracts to target specific skin concerns ranging from signs of aging to clogged pores and breakouts.

Quick Usage Tips

With all types of enzyme peels, it’s important to follow product directions carefully to avoid overwhelming or irritating your skin. Apply a thin layer to freshly cleansed skin and leave on for no longer than the amount of time listed on the product packaging—even less if you’re unsure whether your skin can tolerate it. Some may require up to 15 minutes to work, while our enzyme peels are designed to deliver results in as little as three to five minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser, then follow with a nourishing moisturizer, such as our best-selling Calendula Essential Hydrating Cream, to help soothe and replenish the skin’s moisture barrier.

Wrapping Up Our Guide to the Different Types of Enzyme Peels

Navigating the world of enzyme peels can feel daunting, but understanding the unique advantages of the different types of enzyme peels and identifying which options are best for your skin type and concerns can help you narrow down your choice. When you choose from one of our holistically formulated options, you’ll be on your way to smooth, glowing skin in no time!