The Body Shop’s liquid peels are back and updated with a new twist, promising all the glow without the show. Remember the original liquid peels? A bit of a letdown particularly for for those expecting miracles in a bottle.

Now, I’ve got the new Vitamin C Glow Revealing Liquid Peel and the Edelweiss Liquid Peel (formerly Drops of Youth just rebranded). The big question: Are they just another pretty face in the skincare lineup, or is there more than meets the eye this time around?

In this review, I’m going under the skin of these revamped peels. My days at The Body Shop from age 16 to 21 taught me a thing or two about what makes a product tick, so let’s see if these newcomers can do the heavy lifting they promise!

What do these peels do versus what they claim to do?

The Body Shop’s liquid peels, marketed for exfoliation, actually offer more illusion than true skin renewal, with their peeling effect coming from the product clumping rather than skin exfoliating.

These peels essentially provide a basic cleanse, using high alcohol content for a temporary smoothness that lacks real exfoliation or cell turnover benefits. The alcohol could also irritate, making it unsuitable for many.

Amidst these considerations, a particularly striking issue with the Vitamin C peel was its unsettling scent upon application — reminiscent of urine, a point confirmed during a hilariously candid exchange at a Body Shop store. This unexpected aspect further complicates its appeal, underscoring the gap between expectation and experience with these products.

For genuine exfoliation, turning to products with AHAs, BHAs, or enzymes is recommended. Despite offering an intriguing sensory experience, The Body Shop’s liquid peels miss the mark on providing the deep, effective exfoliation they advertise.

New Liquid Peel Ingredients

Diving into the nitty-gritty of The Body Shop’s revamped liquid peels, let’s take a closer peek at what’s changed, what’s new, and unfortunately, what dubious characters have decided to stick around.

Old Ingredients vs. New: A Mix-Up or a Clean-Up?

The original liquid peels had their fair share of eyebrow-raisers. High on alcohol and low on love, they left much to be desired. Fast forward, and we’ve got some changes on the bench. Notably, some of the more controversial elements seem to have been given the boot, but the core of the formula remains somewhat unchanged.

What’s Been Removed

• Propylene Glycol: A humectant that’s common in skincare but can be irritating to some skin types, is no longer listed in the new formulations. This could be seen as a positive step towards a gentler product.
• PPG-26-Buteth-26 and PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil: While still present, their roles seem to be diminished or adjusted in the new formulations. These are used as emulsifying agents but can be problematic for sensitive skin.
• Parfum/Fragrance: Although still included, the shift could indicate a reformulation in the fragrance component, potentially reducing the risk of irritation for those sensitive to strong scents.
• Isopropyl Alcohol: Not listed in the new versions, which might reduce the overall drying effect, though alcohol denat. remains a primary concern.
• Quaternium-80, Behentrimonium Chloride, and Cetrimonium Chloride: These conditioning agents are not mentioned in the new ingredient lists, possibly moving towards a formulation that focuses more on the peeling effect than conditioning.

By removing certain ingredients like propylene glycol and isopropyl alcohol, The Body Shop appears to be aiming for a slightly less irritating formula. However, the persistence of alcohol denat. and carbomer underscores a continued reliance on these elements for the product’s primary ‘peeling’ effects.

What’s Been Added

• Vitamin C Peel: Welcomes Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, known for its soothing properties, and Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract, packed with vitamin C for that antioxidant punch.
• Edelweiss Peel: Introduces Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, a darling for its moisturising benefits, and Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract, aiming to bring some of that alpine freshness to your skincare routine.

Carbomer and Alcohol: The Beauty and The Beast

The inclusion of carbomer and alcohol denat. is a bit like hosting a party and finding out your most controversial mates refuse to leave. Carbomer creates that satisfying peeling effect, making you think you’re shedding years off your face. However, it’s more smoke and mirrors than a magic wand for skin renewal. The real work of exfoliation isn’t happening as you might hope.

Alcohol denat., on the other hand, is the party guest that starts off fun but ends up drying out the vibe – literally. Its initial degreasing effect can feel cleansing and even exfoliating, but over time, it might just leave your skin feeling a tad too parched and possibly irritated, especially if your skin leans on the sensitive side.

In essence, while the new kids on the block bring some refreshing elements to the table, the lingering presence of alcohol and carbomer feels like a missed opportunity to really step up the game. It’s like swapping your chips for a salad but still going big on the cheese – better, but not quite there yet.

Would I recommend the new version of the peels? No.

In wrapping up, the revamped Body Shop liquid peels, despite their new ingredients and bold promises, still leave me wanting. To quote their own product page for the Edelweiss Liquid Peel:

“lifts impurities, pollutants and dead skin cells to leave you looking fresh-faced and glowy. Did we mention It’s suitable for sensitive skin too?”

Sourced 10th Feb 2024

I’m sorry but I just don’t see how they can make these claims. The sheer volume of alcohols alone makes it a total no-go in my recommendation for sensitive skin regardless of the dubious exfoliation claims.

The Body Shop’s liquid peels show promise with additions like soothing aloe and antioxidants, but the high alcohol and carbomer content limits their potential, missing the mark on true transformation. Real exfoliation, vital for healthy skin, is better achieved with AHAs, BHAs, or enzyme-based products.

This review highlights the necessity of careful ingredient choice and the pursuit of skincare that genuinely delivers. Amidst The Body Shop’s recent and heartbreaking administrative changes, it’s clear that keeping pace with innovative and effective skincare solutions is essential. While there are standout products within their wider skincare range, a broader update seems overdue to meet current standards.