md:ceuticals md:prepeel AHAs Complex 15%

md:ceuticals

md:prepeel AHAs Complex 15%

face chemical peel

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Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
55%
Combination (dry)
55%
Balanced
85%
Combination (oily)
85%
Oily
85%

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21
Ingredients
5
Benefits
2
Actives
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md:prepeel AHAs Complex 15% prepares the skin and facilitates uniform penetration of peels, promoting more rapid re-epithelialization and detecting intolerance to any peel. It combines the effects of Glycolic acid, Lactic acid, Hyaluronic acid and the Antioxidant Complex that effectively promotes gradual skin exfoliation, revealing a fresh new skin with a healthy glow.

Key Insights

Benefits

5
Anti-Aging
Evens Skin Tone
Hydration
Smooths Bumpy Skin
Soothing

Active Ingredients

2
AHA Hyaluronic acid

Risks

2
Alcohol
Paraben

About md:prepeel AHAs Complex 15%

Overview

md:prepeel AHAs Complex 15% is a lightweight chemical peel from md:ceuticals. The formula is built mainly around hydration, cell renewal and brightening and tone. The ingredient list runs to 21 ingredients, each broken down in full below.

Texture and finish

By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order. Hydration is handled by Sodium Hyaluronate, Diazolidinyl Urea and Water, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.

What the formula does

Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Sodium Hyaluronate, Diazolidinyl Urea, Water and Propylene Glycol.

Cell renewal: High. Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover, and here that comes from Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Tartaric Acid and Citric Acid.

Brightening: High. Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks, and here that comes from Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid and Tartaric Acid.

Who it suits

On richness alone it suits Balanced, Combination (oily) and Oily skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.

What it does not target

The formula contributes little or nothing on barrier support, antioxidant protection, oil control and firmness signalling. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.

What is not in it

Reading the full list, the formula is essential-oil-free, silicone-free, microplastic-free, sulfate-free, oil-free and no animal-derived ingredients. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging. It does contain fragrance and drying alcohol, worth knowing if your skin reacts to any of them.

Where it fits in a routine

Use it in the evening. In a routine it goes after cleansing, before serums. Start at once or twice a week and build up only if skin stays comfortable. Wear sunscreen the next morning — fresh exfoliation raises UV sensitivity.

This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.

Pros and cons

Drawn purely from the ingredient list

Pros

  • No essential oils
  • Silicone-free
  • No microplastics
  • Strong humectant content for hydration
  • No common irritants flagged in the list

Things to know

  • Contains fragrance or declared fragrance allergens
  • Contains drying alcohol high in the list
  • One ingredient could feed malassezia (fungal acne)

Which skin types it suits

Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.

Suitable for

  • Balanced skin
  • Combination (oily) skin
  • Oily skin

Less suitable for

  • Dry skin
  • Combination (dry) skin

Sensitive skin

No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Skin concerns

Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.

Helps with

  • Hydration 7 ingredients

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

  • Anti-Aging 6 ingredients

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Evens Skin Tone 3 ingredients

    Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance

  • Smooths Bumpy Skin 2 ingredients

    Refines texture by gently exfoliating rough, uneven patches

  • Soothing 2 ingredients

    Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

Does not target

Anti-Acne Blackhead Reducing Dark Spot Fading Oil Control Pore Minimizer

None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.

Key ingredients

The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.

Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water

Hydration

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Propane-1,2-diol

Hydration

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Acetic acid, hydroxy-

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone Smooths Bumpy Skin

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone Hydration

6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

2,3-Dihydroxybutanedioic acid

Smooths Bumpy Skin Evens Skin Tone Anti-Aging

7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid

8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

2-Hexyldecan-1-ol

Hydration

9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the Apple, Pyrus malus L., Rosaceae

Anti-Aging Hydration
Sodium Hyaluronate Hyaluronic acid

12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt

Hydration Anti-Aging Soothing

13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Ethanol

Hydration

16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-yl acetate

Anti-Aging Soothing

Formula analysis

Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.

Hydration High

Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin

Barrier support None

Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity

Antioxidant support None

Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution

Oil control None

Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine

Brightening High

Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks

Soothing Low

Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity

Cell renewal High

Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover

Firmness signalling None

Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support

Active and supporting ingredients

"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.

Active ingredients (5)

Supporting ingredients (16)

Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.

Water Propylene Glycol Polysorbate 20 Hexyldecanol Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract Alcohol Hydroxyethylcellulose Potassium Hydroxide Tocopheryl Acetate Diazolidinyl Urea Methylparaben Propylparaben CI 42090 Parfum

What is and is not in it

Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.

Free from

  • Essential-oil-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Microplastic-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Oil-free
  • No animal-derived ingredients

Contains

  • Fragrance

    Parfum

  • Drying alcohol

    Alcohol

  • Parabens

    Methylparaben, Propylparaben

  • Added colour

    CI 42090

What to layer it with

Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.

Compatible with

  • Azelaic acid
  • Copper peptides
  • Bakuchiol
  • Niacinamide
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Ceramides
  • Signal peptides
  • Panthenol
  • Sunscreen

Use with caution

  • Retinoids (retinol, retinal)

    Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.

  • Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • AHAs (glycolic, lactic)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • BHA (salicylic acid)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • PHAs (gluconolactone)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • Benzoyl peroxide

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

Where it fits in a routine

Evening
  1. Cleanse
  2. Exfoliate
  3. Treat
  4. Moisturise

This product is the "Exfoliate" step.

  • Start at once or twice a week and build up only if skin stays comfortable.
  • Wear sunscreen the next morning — fresh exfoliation raises UV sensitivity.

Safety and suitability

Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not clearance — ask your doctor about anything you use daily.
Fungal acne (malassezia)
1 ingredient could feed malassezia: Polysorbate 20. That is about the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that you will break out.
Sensitive and reactive skin
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Recorded ingredient risks
Alcohol, Paraben

Ingredients by function

Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 21 ingredients on the label.

5
Active

Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels

5
pH adjuster

Sets the acidity the formula needs to work

5
Preservative

Keeps the product free of microbial growth

3
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

3
Plant extract

Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent

3
Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

3
Texture agent

Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula

2
Fragrance / colour

Changes how the product smells or looks

2
Antioxidant

Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution

2
Emollient

Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells

2
Occlusive

Forms a film that slows water loss

1
Chelator

Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula

1
Surfactant

Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together

1
UV filter

Absorbs or scatters ultraviolet light

Ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.

1 Water Solvent
Estimated level
30–80%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.

Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water

Hydration
3 scientific references
  • Skin Research and Technology, May 2015, pages 131-136
  • Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, November-December 1999, pages 344-351
  • Journal of Cosmetic Science, September-October 1993, pages 249-262
2 Propylene Glycol Humectant
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Texture agent, Solvent

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Propane-1,2-diol

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • CosmeticsInfoorg, Accessed April 2021, ePublication
  • Archives of Dermatological Research, November 2019, pages 337-352
  • Critical Reviews in Toxicology, April 2013, pages 363-390
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September-October 2012, pages 245S-260S
  • Skin Pharmacology and Applied Physiology, 2001, pages 72-81
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Active, pH adjuster

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Acetic acid, hydroxy-

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone Smooths Bumpy Skin
5 scientific references
  • Molecules, April 2018, 23(4), ePublication
  • DNA Cell Biology, February 2017, pages 177-187
  • Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, October 2015, pages 21-26
  • BioMed Research International, 2015, Volume 2015
  • Dermatology Research and Practice, February 2015, Volume 2015
4 Polysorbate 20 Surfactant
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Sorbitan, monododecanoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs.

5 Lactic Acid Humectant
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Active, pH adjuster

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone Hydration
9 scientific references
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, April 2020, pages 116-126
  • International Journal of Dermatology, March 2019, ePublication
  • Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, October 2018, pages 491-497
  • International Journal of Dermatology, September 2018, ePublication
  • Molecules, April 2018, ePublication
  • Journal of the American Dental Association, April 2016, pages 255-263
  • Cutis, January 2016, pages E9-E11
  • Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, November 2010, pages 135-142
  • The Journal of Dermatology, January 2006, pages 16-22
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Active, pH adjuster

6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

2,3-Dihydroxybutanedioic acid

Smooths Bumpy Skin Evens Skin Tone Anti-Aging
4 scientific references
  • Molecules, April 2018, ePublication; and February 2010, pages 824-833
  • Journal of the German Society of Dermatology, July 2012, pages 488-491
  • Skin Therapy Letter, November-December 2008, pages 5-9
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, April 2004, pages 76–87
7 Citric Acid Active
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Active, Chelator, pH adjuster

7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid

8 Hexyldecanol Emollient
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

2-Hexyldecan-1-ol

Hydration
8 scientific references
  • Supercharged Hydration
  • How Hyaluronic Acid Benefits Skin
  • What is Dehydrated Skin & How to Choose the Best Products
  • What Your Moisturizer Must Contain
  • Moisturizer Myths You Should Stop Believing Now
  • The Benefits of Glycerin in Skin Care
  • The Best Face Oils for Skin
  • How Facial Oils Help Skin
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the Apple, Pyrus malus L., Rosaceae

Anti-Aging Hydration
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
UV filter, Occlusive, Antioxidant, Plant extract, Preservative

10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract is an extract of the seeds of the Red Grape, Vitis Vinifera L., Vitaceae

Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Plant extract

11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the Cucumber, Cucumis sativus L., Cucurbitaceae

Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Active

12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt

Hydration Anti-Aging Soothing
5 scientific references
  • Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und Verwandte Gebiete, December 2017, pages 987-993
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, July 2014, pages 277-287
  • Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, October 2012, pages 20-23
  • DermatoEndocrinology, July-December 2012, pages 253-258
  • Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, September 2011, pages 990-1000
13 Alcohol Texture agent
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent, Solvent, Preservative

13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Ethanol

Hydration Alcohol
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Occlusive, Texture agent

14th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Cellulose, 2-hydroxyethyl ether

15 Potassium Hydroxide pH adjuster
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
pH adjuster

15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Potassium hydroxide

16 Tocopheryl Acetate Antioxidant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Antioxidant

16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-yl acetate

Anti-Aging Soothing
8 scientific references
  • 5 Super Anti-Aging Antioxidants Your Skin Needs
  • How to Keep Your Neck & Chest Looking Young
  • Acne & Aging Skin
  • How to Diminish Uneven Skin Tone and Get Your Glow Back
  • What Are Peptides and What Do They Do for Skin?
  • The Truth About Firming Creams
  • Top 5 Reasons to Add Antioxidants to Your Skin Care Routine
  • Anti-Aging Superstars
17 Diazolidinyl Urea Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

1-[1,3-bis(Hydroxymethyl)-2,5-dioxoimidazolidin-4-yl]-1,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)urea

18 Methylparaben Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate

Paraben
19 Propylparaben Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate

Paraben
20 CI 42090 Fragrance / colour
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Fragrance / colour

20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Dihydrogen (ethyl)[4-[4-[ethyl(3-sulphonatobenzyl)]amino]-2'-sulphonatobenzhydrylidene]cyclohexa-2,5-dien-1-ylidene](3-sulphonatobenzyl)ammonium, disodium salt

21 Parfum Fragrance / colour
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Fragrance / colour

21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Parfum is a term for ingredient labelling used to identify that a product contains a material or a combination of materials normally added to a cosmetic to produce or to mask a particular odour. According to Article 19 of the Cosmetics Regulation, 'Perfume and aromatic compositions and their raw materials shall be referred to by the terms ‘parfum’ or ‘aroma’. '

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Frequently asked questions

What ingredients are in md:prepeel AHAs Complex 15%?

WATER, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCOLIC ACID, POLYSORBATE 20, LACTIC ACID, TARTARIC ACID, CITRIC ACID, HEXYLDECANOL, PYRUS MALUS FRUIT EXTRACT, VITIS VINIFERA SEED EXTRACT, CUCUMIS SATIVUS FRUIT EXTRACT, SODIUM HYALURONATE, ALCOHOL, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, DIAZOLIDINYL UREA, METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN, CI 42090, PARFUM.

What are the active ingredients in md:prepeel AHAs Complex 15%?

GLYCOLIC ACID, LACTIC ACID, TARTARIC ACID, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM HYALURONATE.

How do I use md:prepeel AHAs Complex 15%?

Apply it after cleansing, before serums. Start at once or twice a week and build up only if skin stays comfortable. Wear sunscreen the next morning — fresh exfoliation raises UV sensitivity.

What skin types is md:prepeel AHAs Complex 15% good for?

Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced, Combination (oily), Oily skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.

Is md:prepeel AHAs Complex 15% good for sensitive skin?

No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Is md:prepeel AHAs Complex 15% fungal acne safe?

One ingredient could feed malassezia: Polysorbate 20. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that it will cause a breakout.

Can I use md:prepeel AHAs Complex 15% while pregnant?

Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.

Is md:prepeel AHAs Complex 15% fragrance free?

No — it contains Parfum.

Does md:prepeel AHAs Complex 15% contain alcohol?

Yes — it contains Alcohol.

Is md:prepeel AHAs Complex 15% silicone free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.

Does md:prepeel AHAs Complex 15% contain essential oils?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.

Is md:prepeel AHAs Complex 15% paraben free?

No — it contains Methylparaben, Propylparaben.

What can I layer with md:prepeel AHAs Complex 15%?

It layers well with Azelaic acid, Copper peptides, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides. Take more care combining it with Retinoids (retinol, retinal), Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide — use them in separate routines or on alternate days.

When should I apply md:prepeel AHAs Complex 15%?

Use it in the evening, after cleansing, before serums.

How many ingredients does md:prepeel AHAs Complex 15% have?

It lists 21 ingredients, of which 5 are recorded as actives.

Who makes md:prepeel AHAs Complex 15%?

md:ceuticals.

Brand
md:ceuticals

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