Skin1004 Zombie Beauty Bloody Peel

It is a wash-off chemical exfoliant formulated with 17% glycolic acid (AHA), salicylic acid (BHA), and gluconolactone (PHA). Applied to clean skin for 60 seconds then rinsed off, it dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells on the surface, unclogs pores, fades post-acne marks, and improves skin texture. Niacinamide, ceramide NP, squalane, shea butter, and sodium hyaluronate are included to offset dryness and support the skin barrier immediately after exfoliation.

AHA (glycolic acid) is water-soluble and works on the skin's surface — it dissolves dead cell bonds to improve texture, brightness, and fine lines. BHA (salicylic acid) is oil-soluble and penetrates into pores — it breaks down sebum plugs and reduces blackheads and breakouts. PHA (gluconolactone) works similarly to AHA but with a larger molecular size, exfoliating more gently and also providing antioxidant and moisture-retaining properties. Together they address surface texture, pore congestion, and tone in one product — AHA and PHA for the surface, BHA for the pore.

Mild tingling or a warm sensation during the 60-second application is expected and normal with a 17% AHA product. This is the acid working at the skin surface. What is not normal: sharp burning, stinging that intensifies rather than stays steady, or visible redness and swelling that develops during application. If any of those occur, rinse off immediately with cool water. A patch test on the inner forearm before first use is important — apply for 60 seconds, rinse, and wait 24 hours. If you have active breakouts, eczema, or any broken skin, do not use this product.

No — this is not a daily product. SKIN1004 recommends once a week as a starting point. For skin that is not sensitive, twice a week is the practical maximum. For anyone new to chemical exfoliants or with skin that reacts easily, start once every 7–10 days and only increase frequency once your skin has clearly tolerated it. Over-exfoliation with a 17% AHA product strips the skin barrier, causing redness, sensitivity, increased breakouts, and a tight or stinging feeling from products that previously caused no reaction — the opposite of what you want.

Applying a high-concentration acid to damp skin significantly increases penetration and irritation risk. Water on the skin dilutes the formula unevenly — some areas get full-concentration acid, others get a diluted version — which produces unpredictable results and can cause patchy irritation. Always cleanse first, wait until the skin is completely dry, then apply. The 60-second timer starts once the product is on dry skin. This is also why you should not use a toner or mist immediately before using this peel.

After rinsing thoroughly with lukewarm water, the skin needs hydration and barrier support — not more actives. Apply a gentle hydrating toner or essence first, followed by a calming moisturiser. Avoid using vitamin C, retinol, other AHA or BHA products, or any alcohol-based product on the same day. The skin's acid mantle has been temporarily disrupted and needs time to recover. SPF is non-negotiable the following morning — glycolic acid increases UV sensitivity, and unprotected skin the day after a peel is significantly more vulnerable to sun damage and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

The original Bloody Peel contains 17% glycolic acid and is intended for normal to oily skin with experience using chemical exfoliants. The Bloody Peel Light contains 8% glycolic acid and is the better starting point for anyone new to AHA products, those with combination or dry skin, or anyone whose skin is easily sensitised. If you've never used a chemical peel before, start with the Light version for four to six weeks before considering the original. The active mechanisms are the same — the difference is the intensity and the skin types each version is appropriate for.

The red colour comes from the botanical extracts in the formula — specifically beet root extract, capsicum (paprika), tomato, raspberry, pomegranate, and acerola cherry. These are not colourants added for aesthetics; they are functional ingredients included for their antioxidant and mild natural exfoliating properties that complement the glycolic acid. The red also reinforces the visual identity of the Zombie Beauty sub-brand. The colour does not stain the skin and rinses off completely with the product.