How Much Does a Chemical Peel Cost?
The average cost of a chemical peel is $425, according to hundreds of reviews from RealSelf members.
Providers tailor chemical peel treatments to each patient's skin tone and goals, which makes them a popular skin rejuvenation option. These topical chemical exfoliation treatments are available in different formulas and strengths (from light, superficial peels with little downtime to deep peels), designed to tackle a wide range of skin conditions and concerns, from melasma, uneven skin tone and age spots to acne scars and active breakouts. They can also reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Depending on the specifics of the peel and a few other key factors, you could pay up to $1,500 for a medium chemical peel, $2,300 for a deeper peel, and $3,500 or more for a phenol peel.
What affects the cost of a chemical peel?
These are the biggest reasons chemical peel prices can vary so much.
1. Your provider’s credentials and expertise
In the U.S., each state has its own laws that govern who can administer chemical peels. Many dictate that estheticians can perform light chemical peels or medium-depth peels, while deep peels (which remove the entire top layer of skin) must be performed by physicians, due to the health risks involved.
An experienced board-certifieddermatologist or plastic surgeon can charge more for a chemical peel treatment because of their advanced training and expertise.
If you opt to be treated by an esthetician, it’s still important to make sure they have glowing patient reviews and before and after photos. You may also want to consult first with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, who will know more about a wider range of cosmetic treatments and advise you on the best options for your goals and budget.
Remember, someone will be applying a chemical solution to your skin to intentionally damage it, stimulating cellular turnover for less visible sun damage, lines, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars. You want to make sure they know what they’re doing so you don’t risk any adverse side effects.
RealSelf Tip: If you’re not already using quality skin care products and sunscreen, ask your provider to recommend some. A peel is an investment in new skin, and paying a little more for medical-grade skin care can prolong the benefits of that investment.
2. Their practice location
Chemical peels cost more at practices in major metro areas than smaller cities. You’ll also pay more at a luxury practice in an upscale neighborhood than you would at a more modest practice with a less desirable address. It may be worth your time to compare cost quotes from reputable practices in a few different parts of town.
Prices can also shift if demand outpaces the number of qualified providers offering this treatment. On the other hand, if providers have to compete to attract patients, they may be more likely to offer special offers or discounts.
3. The strength and depth of your peel
The deeper your peel, the deeper you’ll need to reach into your pockets. As we mentioned, more potent peels usually require advanced knowledge and can only be performed by physicians.
Some deep chemical peels, like phenol peels, even require oral sedation or IV anesthesia, to ensure your comfort during the treatment.
Related: Which Type of Chemical Peel Is Right for You?
There are a handful of especially popular types of chemical peels. Let these price ranges be your guide as you budget:
- TCA peels use trichloroacetic acid to exfoliate and resurface skin (at varying depths, depending on your needs) to treat signs of skin damage, including lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and more. Average price: $200
- Glycolic acid peels are one of the most commonly-performed peels, and for good reason — the sugar cane-derived alpha-hydroxy acid is often well-tolerated by multiple skin types, treats a wide range of concerns from discoloration to skin texture issues, and is typically gentle enough that you can get it during your lunch break and come back glowy, not red and irritated. Average price: $250
- VI peels use a medium-strength blend of salicylic acid, TCA, phenol, vitamin C, and retinoic acid to treat acne, sun damage, and signs of aging. Average price: $275
- Salicylic acid peels contain a beta-hydroxy acid known for fighting blackheads, whiteheads, and other blemishes by penetrating the pore to exfoliate it from within. It can also stimulate cellular turnover, resulting in a smoother, brighter, more even-looking complexion. Average price: $350
- Jessner peels boast a cocktail of ingredients—typically salicylic and lactic acids and resorcinol, but occasionally trichloroacetic acid is thrown into the mix—to target pigmentation concerns and skin texture issues (like fine lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores, and acne scars). Jessner peels are typically medium-depth peels, but can be customized to address your specific concerns. Average price: $260
4. How many treatment sessions you have
Mild or medium-depth peels often require more than one treatment to help you achieve your desired results. A package of chemical peels will cost more than a single peel of similar strength, though your provider may offer a discount on the full price if you buy a series up-front.
5. Special offers and discounts
In addition to reduced rates on a series of treatments, practices often offer seasonal discounts. Keep an eye on social media pages, email newsletters, and their RealSelf profiles for the latest deals.
You can also find deals on chemical peels and other cosmetic procedures on coupon and deal sites. Some reputable providers use these sites, but so do less-than-trustworthy practitioners. As always, find out who will be providing your peel and check out their patient reviews before you book.
Chemical peel costs in U.S. states
Browse the average cost of a chemical peel in select U.S. states, according to patient reviews on RealSelf. States not currently listed did not have enough data to include.
State | Average Cost of a Chemical Peel |
|---|---|
Ohio | $133 |
Utah | $165 |
Texas | $193 |
North Carolina | $269 |
Florida | $400 |
California | $520 |