md:ceuticals md:prepeel Beta & AHAs Complex 8%

md:ceuticals

md:prepeel Beta & AHAs Complex 8%

face exfoliator

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Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
48%
Combination (dry)
48%
Balanced
78%
Combination (oily)
92%
Oily
92%

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14
Ingredients
7
Benefits
3
Actives
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md:prepeel Beta&AHAs Complex 8% prepares the skin and facilitates uniform penetration of agents, promoting more rapid re-epithelialization and detecting intolerance to any agent. It combines the effects of a blend of Beta and Alpha Hydroxy acids, such as Salicylic, Lactic and Glycolic acid with the antioxidant and moisturising power of the Hyaluronic acid to cause gradual skin exfoliation enhancing the effects of later in-office peel and other facial treatments.

Key Insights

Benefits

7
Anti-Acne
Anti-Aging
Blackhead Reducing
Evens Skin Tone
Hydration
Smooths Bumpy Skin
Soothing

Active Ingredients

3
AHA BHA Hyaluronic acid

Risks

2
Alcohol
Paraben

Full Ingredients

14 total
WATER PROPYLENE GLYCOL POLYSORBATE 20 LACTIC ACID AHA ALCOHOL DENAT. GLYCOLIC ACID AHA SALICYLIC ACID BHA SODIUM HYALURONATE Hyaluronic acid HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE CI 45430 PARFUM METHYLPARABEN PROPYLPARABEN

About md:prepeel Beta & AHAs Complex 8%

Overview

md:prepeel Beta & AHAs Complex 8% is a watery-light exfoliator from md:ceuticals. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 14 ingredients, each broken down in full below.

Texture and finish

By its ingredient list the formula reads as very light — essentially a water-and-humectant base with little emollient weight. With almost no emollient load it should absorb quickly and finish close to matte. Hydration is handled by Sodium Hyaluronate, Water and Propylene Glycol, 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, Water, Propylene Glycol and Lactic Acid.

Cell renewal: Moderate. Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover, and here that comes from Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid.

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

Who it suits

On richness alone it suits Combination (oily) and Oily skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. A few ingredients carry irritation flags, so reactive skin should patch test before using it on the whole face.

What it does not target

The formula contributes little or nothing on barrier support, antioxidant protection 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

Things to know

  • Contains fragrance or declared fragrance allergens
  • Contains drying alcohol high in the list
  • One ingredient could feed malassezia (fungal acne)
  • Contains ingredients usually flagged for review during pregnancy

Which skin types it suits

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

Suitable for

  • Combination (oily) skin
  • Oily skin

May suit

  • Balanced skin

Less suitable for

  • Dry skin
  • Combination (dry) skin

Sensitive skin

A few ingredients here carry irritation flags. Reactive skin should patch test on the jawline for a few days before using it on the whole face.

Skin concerns

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

Helps with

  • Anti-Aging 4 ingredients

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Hydration 4 ingredients

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

  • Evens Skin Tone 2 ingredients

    Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance

  • Anti-Acne 1 ingredient

    Targets breakouts by reducing bacteria and unclogging pores

  • Blackhead Reducing 1 ingredient

    Helps unclog pores and reduce blackheads for clearer skin

  • Smooths Bumpy Skin 1 ingredient

    Refines texture by gently exfoliating rough, uneven patches

  • Soothing 1 ingredient

    Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

Does not target

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.

Water

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
Propylene Glycol

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

Propane-1,2-diol

Hydration
Lactic Acid AHA

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

Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone Hydration
Glycolic Acid AHA

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

Acetic acid, hydroxy-

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone Smooths Bumpy Skin
Salicylic Acid BHA

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

Salicylic acid

Anti-Acne Anti-Aging Blackhead Reducing
Sodium Hyaluronate Hyaluronic acid

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

Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt

Hydration 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 Low

Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine

Brightening Moderate

Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks

Soothing Low

Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity

Cell renewal Moderate

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 (4)

Supporting ingredients (10)

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

Water Propylene Glycol Polysorbate 20 Alcohol Denat. Hydroxyethylcellulose Potassium Hydroxide CI 45430 Parfum Methylparaben Propylparaben

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 Denat.

  • Parabens

    Methylparaben, Propylparaben

  • Added colour

    CI 45430

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
Contains Salicylic Acid, usually reviewed with a doctor during pregnancy.
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
A few ingredients here carry irritation flags. Reactive skin should patch test on the jawline for a few days before using it on the whole face.
Recorded ingredient risks
Alcohol, Paraben

Ingredients by function

Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 14 ingredients on the label.

4
Active

Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels

4
Preservative

Keeps the product free of microbial growth

3
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

3
pH adjuster

Sets the acidity the formula needs to work

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

1
Exfoliant

Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells

1
Occlusive

Forms a film that slows water loss

1
Surfactant

Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together

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
3 Polysorbate 20 Surfactant
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

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

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

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

4th 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
5 Alcohol Denat. Texture agent
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent, Solvent, Preservative

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

Alcohol Denat. is ethyl alcohol that is denatured with one or more denaturing agents in accordance with the national legislation of each European Community (EU) country.

Alcohol
6 Glycolic Acid Active
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.

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
7 Salicylic Acid Active
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Active, Exfoliant, Preservative

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

Salicylic acid

Anti-Acne Anti-Aging Blackhead Reducing
10 scientific references
  • Experimental Dermatology, July 2019, pages 786-794
  • European Commission Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, June 2019, pages 1-70
  • Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, April 2018, pages 245-251
  • Journal of Cosmetic Science, January-February 2017, pages 55-58
  • Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, August 2015, pages 455-461
  • Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, November 2010, pages 135-142
  • Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, September 2008, pages 170-176
  • Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, April 2007, pages 651-663
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, February 2000, pages 21-52
  • Seminars in Dermatology, December 1990, pages 305-308
8 Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Active

8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% 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
9 Hydroxyethylcellulose Occlusive
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Occlusive, Texture agent

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

Cellulose, 2-hydroxyethyl ether

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

10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Potassium hydroxide

11 CI 45430 Fragrance / colour
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Fragrance / colour

11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Disodium 2-(2,4,5,7-tetraiodo-6-oxido-3-oxoxanthen-9-yl)benzoate

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

12th 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’. '

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

13th 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
14 Propylparaben Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

14th 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

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Frequently asked questions

What ingredients are in md:prepeel Beta & AHAs Complex 8%?

WATER, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, POLYSORBATE 20, LACTIC ACID, ALCOHOL DENAT., GLYCOLIC ACID, SALICYLIC ACID, SODIUM HYALURONATE, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, CI 45430, PARFUM, METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN.

What are the active ingredients in md:prepeel Beta & AHAs Complex 8%?

LACTIC ACID, GLYCOLIC ACID, SALICYLIC ACID, SODIUM HYALURONATE.

How do I use md:prepeel Beta & AHAs Complex 8%?

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 Beta & AHAs Complex 8% good for?

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

Is md:prepeel Beta & AHAs Complex 8% good for sensitive skin?

Some ingredients here carry irritation flags, so sensitive skin should patch test on the jawline for a few days before applying it to the whole face.

Is md:prepeel Beta & AHAs Complex 8% 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 Beta & AHAs Complex 8% while pregnant?

It contains Salicylic Acid, which are usually reviewed with a doctor during pregnancy. Ask your doctor or midwife before using it.

Is md:prepeel Beta & AHAs Complex 8% fragrance free?

No — it contains Parfum.

Does md:prepeel Beta & AHAs Complex 8% contain alcohol?

Yes — it contains Alcohol Denat..

Is md:prepeel Beta & AHAs Complex 8% silicone free?

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

Does md:prepeel Beta & AHAs Complex 8% contain essential oils?

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

Is md:prepeel Beta & AHAs Complex 8% paraben free?

No — it contains Methylparaben, Propylparaben.

What can I layer with md:prepeel Beta & AHAs Complex 8%?

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 Beta & AHAs Complex 8%?

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

How many ingredients does md:prepeel Beta & AHAs Complex 8% have?

It lists 14 ingredients, of which 4 are recorded as actives.

Who makes md:prepeel Beta & AHAs Complex 8%?

md:ceuticals.

Brand
md:ceuticals

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