Knowledge What substances are used in the chemical peel stage of a HydroFacial? Discover the Power of Glycolic and Salicylic Acid
Author avatar

Tech Team · Belislaser

Updated 2 days ago

What substances are used in the chemical peel stage of a HydroFacial? Discover the Power of Glycolic and Salicylic Acid


The chemical peel stage of a HydroFacial relies on a specific, non-irritating blend of acids. The solution applied is primarily a mixture of glycolic acid and salicylic acid (a compound closely related to aspirin). Delivered through a specialized wand tip, this combination is designed to loosen debris deep within the pores without causing the visible peeling or pain associated with traditional dermatological peels.

This stage utilizes a gentle hybrid of glycolic and salicylic acids to dissolve pore congestion. The primary goal is to soften impurities for easier extraction while avoiding the irritation and recovery time required by standard chemical peels.

The Active Ingredients

To understand how this stage works, it is necessary to look at the specific roles of the two main components.

Glycolic Acid

This is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane. It is primarily used to exfoliate the surface layer of the skin.

By breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, glycolic acid helps clear the surface, allowing the solution to penetrate deeper.

Salicylic Acid (Aspirin Family)

The primary reference notes the use of aspirin or salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) known for its ability to cut through oil.

Because it is oil-soluble, it can penetrate deep into the lipid layers of the pore to dissolve sebum and cellular debris.

How the Process Works

The application method is just as critical as the ingredients themselves.

The Wand Application

During this phase, the technician changes the tip of the HydroFacial wand.

This specific tip delivers the acid mixture directly to the skin while simultaneously using vacuum suction.

Loosening Deep Debris

The acid mixture acts as a solvent for the "glue" that holds dead skin and oil inside your pores.

By softening this debris, the treatment prepares the skin for the subsequent extraction stage, ensuring impurities can be removed without manual squeezing or damage.

Understanding the Trade-offs

While this peel is highly effective for general maintenance and cleaning, it is distinct from medical-grade peels.

Gentleness vs. Intensity

The primary advantage is the lack of irritation; you will not experience the "shedding" or redness typical of strong chemical peels.

However, this gentleness means it may not be aggressive enough to treat deep acne scarring or severe hyperpigmentation in a single session.

The "Aspirin" Factor

Because the solution contains salicylates (related to aspirin), clients with specific allergies to aspirin must disclose this to their provider.

Making the Right Choice for Your Goal

The HydroFacial peel is designed for balance, not aggression. Use the following guide to determine if it aligns with your skin objectives.

  • If your primary focus is deep pore cleansing: The salicylic acid component creates an ideal environment for extracting blackheads and oil without pain.
  • If your primary focus is zero downtime: The glycolic-salicylic blend provides a glow and smoothness without the recovery time required by stronger clinical peels.

This stage effectively bridges the gap between a relaxing facial and a corrective medical treatment.

Summary Table:

Ingredient Acid Type Primary Benefit
Glycolic Acid AHA (Alpha Hydroxy) Exfoliates surface skin & breaks down dead cell bonds
Salicylic Acid BHA (Beta Hydroxy) Oil-soluble; dissolves deep sebum & clears pore congestion
Salicylates Aspirin Derivative Softens impurities for painless vacuum extraction

Elevate Your Clinic with BELIS Professional HydroFacial Solutions

Are you looking to provide your clients with the perfect balance of deep pore cleansing and zero-downtime rejuvenation? BELIS specializes in professional-grade medical aesthetic equipment designed exclusively for premium salons and clinics.

Our advanced Hydrafacial systems and skin care devices are engineered to deliver precise chemical exfoliation and vacuum extraction, ensuring superior results for your patients. Beyond facial care, our portfolio includes:

  • Advanced Laser Systems: Diode Hair Removal, CO2 Fractional, Nd:YAG, and Pico lasers.
  • Body Sculpting: EMSlim, Cryolipolysis, and RF Cavitation.
  • Specialized Care: HIFU, Microneedle RF, and high-tech skin testers.

Ready to upgrade your practice with industry-leading technology? Contact our experts today to request a quote or consultation.

Related Products

People Also Ask

Related Products

Hydrofacial Machine with Facial Skin Analyzer and Skin Tester

Hydrofacial Machine with Facial Skin Analyzer and Skin Tester

Advanced facial skin analyzer with AI diagnostics, hydrofacial treatment, and multi-spectral imaging for professional skincare. Customizable RF, ultrasound, and ion therapy.

Hydrafacial Machine Facial Clean Face and Skin Care Machine

Hydrafacial Machine Facial Clean Face and Skin Care Machine

Professional Hydrafacial machine for deep cleansing, exfoliation, and hydration. Advanced 6-in-1 technology with RF lifting and silent operation. Ideal for spas and clinics.

Skin Tester Analysis Machine Analyser for Skin Testing

Skin Tester Analysis Machine Analyser for Skin Testing

Advanced skin analysis machine for salons & clinics. AI-powered diagnostics, multi-spectral imaging, 30M-case database. FDA/CE certified. Get precise skin insights now!

22D HIFU Machine Device Facial Machine

22D HIFU Machine Device Facial Machine

22D HIFU machine for non-invasive skin tightening & body contouring. Dual-frequency, collagen stimulation, fat reduction. 2-year warranty.

12D HIFU Machine Device for Facial HIFU Treatment

12D HIFU Machine Device for Facial HIFU Treatment

12D HIFU machine for non-invasive skin tightening & body contouring. Reduces wrinkles, lifts sagging skin, targets fat. Safe, no downtime. 2-year warranty.

7D 12D 4D HIFU Machine Device

7D 12D 4D HIFU Machine Device

7D HIFU system for skin tightening & body contouring. Non-invasive, dual-frequency technology with 7 cartridges. 2-year warranty.

Fat Freezing Cryolipolysis Machine for Body Contouring

Fat Freezing Cryolipolysis Machine for Body Contouring

Advanced cryolipolysis machine for non-invasive fat reduction. Targets stubborn fat with 360° cooling & dual-handle efficiency. Safe, effective, no downtime.

Cryolipolysis Fat Freezing Machine Ultrasonic Cavitation Fat Reducing Device

Cryolipolysis Fat Freezing Machine Ultrasonic Cavitation Fat Reducing Device

Advanced fat reduction system for non-invasive body sculpting, skin tightening, and cellulite treatment. FDA-cleared, multi-technology integration.

Cryolipolysis Cavitation Machine Fat Cavitation Machine

Cryolipolysis Cavitation Machine Fat Cavitation Machine

Advanced cryolipolysis cavitation machine for non-invasive fat reduction, body contouring, and skin tightening. Professional-grade with 4-zone treatment capability.

EMSlim RG Laser Body Sculpting and Slimming Machine

EMSlim RG Laser Body Sculpting and Slimming Machine

EMSlim RG Laser Body Sculpting Machine: Non-invasive fat reduction & muscle toning. Dual-action Rglaser & HIFM RF technology for clinics.

Cryolipolysis Fat Freezing Cavitation Lipo Laser Machine

Cryolipolysis Fat Freezing Cavitation Lipo Laser Machine

Non-invasive Cryolipolysis-Cavitation-Lipo Laser machine for fat reduction, body contouring, and skin tightening. Ideal for clinics and spas.

Cryolipolysis Fat Freezing Machine Cavitation Lipo Laser Machine

Cryolipolysis Fat Freezing Machine Cavitation Lipo Laser Machine

360 Degree Cryolipolysis with 40K Cavitation, Multipolar Radiofrecuency for Face and Body, with Lipo Laser for non-surgical fat reduction, body slimming, and skin tigtening, skin rejuvenation, clinic-grade results.

Fat Freezing Cryolipolysis Machine for Body Contouring

Fat Freezing Cryolipolysis Machine for Body Contouring

Professional fat freezing machine for non-invasive body contouring. Targets stubborn fat with 360° cooling technology. Safe, effective, clinic-grade results.

Ultrasonic Cavitation Radiofrecuency Machine for Body Slimming

Ultrasonic Cavitation Radiofrecuency Machine for Body Slimming

BELIS Ultrasonic Cavitation Machine for non-invasive fat reduction, skin tightening, and body contouring. Professional-grade RF technology for clinics.

Cryolipolysis Fat Freezing Machine with Cavitation and Laser Lipolysis

Cryolipolysis Fat Freezing Machine with Cavitation and Laser Lipolysis

Advanced body contouring system with cryolipolysis, RF, cavitation & laser for non-surgical fat reduction and skin tightening.

Pico Laser Tattoo Removal Machine Picosure Picosecond Laser Machine

Pico Laser Tattoo Removal Machine Picosure Picosecond Laser Machine

Picosecond laser machine for tattoo removal & skin rejuvenation. Triple-wavelength, high-energy pulses for faster results with minimal downtime. Safe for all skin types.

IPL SHR+Radio frecuency machine

IPL SHR+Radio frecuency machine

Enhance your clinic with RF skin tightening and SHR/IPL hair removal machines. Advanced, efficient, and versatile aesthetic solutions.

Cryolipolysis Fat Freezing Machine and Ultrasonic Cavitation Device

Cryolipolysis Fat Freezing Machine and Ultrasonic Cavitation Device

Advanced body contouring system with cryolipolysis, RF, and laser for fat reduction and skin tightening. Non-invasive, FDA-cleared, visible results.

EMS Body Sculpting Slimming Machine EMSlim Body Slimming Machine

EMS Body Sculpting Slimming Machine EMSlim Body Slimming Machine

Premium EMSlim machine for non-invasive body sculpting - muscle toning & fat reduction. FDA-cleared HIEMT+RF technology. Clinic-grade results.

EMS Body Sculpting Machine for Body Slimming and Sculpting

EMS Body Sculpting Machine for Body Slimming and Sculpting

Transform your body with EMSlim Body Sculpting machine – advanced HIEMT & EMS technology for fat reduction, muscle toning, and non-invasive body contouring. Ideal for clinics and spas.


Leave Your Message