HydroPeptide Polish & Plump Face Peel

Yes. HydroPeptide has shortened the name to Polish & Plump Face Peel as part of its rebrand, and you may receive either the old or the new packaging while stocks change over. The two-step format, Peel 1 Polishing Crystals and Peel 2 Plumping Activator, is unchanged. The full ingredient list for both steps is under Other Ingredients if you would like to compare it with the set you already own.

Start with once a week and, once your skin is comfortable with it, increase to twice a week. It can be done morning or evening because there is no downtime, but always wear SPF the following morning. Leave at least a few days between uses and avoid pairing it with retinoids or other exfoliating acids on the same day.

HydroPeptide advises it for all skin types except very sensitive skin. If your skin is on the reactive side, use the sensitive-skin method: premix Peel 1 and Peel 2, apply a thin layer without massaging and leave it for 3 to 5 minutes before rinsing. That reduces the physical exfoliation while keeping the resurfacing effect. Patch test first.

It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in two ways: the crystals smooth surface texture immediately, and the peptides in Peel 2 support the look of firmer, plumper skin with regular use. In HydroPeptide's user trial, 83% felt the appearance of their wrinkles was reduced after a single use.

It is designed to give the benefits of a gentle microdermabrasion, a light chemical peel and a facial in one treatment. You will not get the depth of an in-clinic procedure, but you do get an instant polish, brighter skin and refined-looking pores with no flaking or recovery time, which makes it ideal the night before an event.

That is normal. When the lactic acid activator meets the sodium bicarbonate in the polishing crystals it foams and creates a mild warming, tingling sensation. It should feel active, not painful. Do not leave the combined peel on for more than 8 minutes, and rinse sooner if it becomes uncomfortable.

Yes, HydroPeptide lists it as vegan and cruelty free, and it is free from parabens, phthalates and sulphates. Note that only Peel 1 is gluten free; Peel 2 contains hydrolysed wheat protein, so it is not suitable if you avoid wheat-derived ingredients on the skin.

Yes. Many customers use it on the backs of the hands, feet, elbows and other rough patches, and it can be used to smooth the look of uneven texture on the body. Use the same timings as for the face and follow with a moisturiser.

The peel contains 5% lactic acid, vitamin C and peptides and no retinoids or hydroquinone. Lactic acid is generally considered suitable during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but skin can be more reactive at this time, so patch test, use the gentler premixed method and check with your GP or midwife if you have any concerns.