Perricone MD No Rinse Exfoliating Peel Review

Perricone MD No Rinse Exfoliating Peel
3.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
6.5 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Review

Does Perricone MD No Rinse Exfoliating Peel Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Perricone MD No Rinse Exfoliating Peel has to offer:
 
  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 3.2 out of 10.

Key Benefits of Perricone MD No Rinse Exfoliating Peel

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Perricone MD No Rinse Exfoliating Peel:
 

Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizer Well-Suited for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Perricone MD No Rinse Exfoliating Peel is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 3.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a high humectancy of 6.5 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Urea (est. ≈4.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is well-suited for oily skin, providing moderate hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients.

Tip: Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

A Humectant Enhancement for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant enhancement will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Perricone MD No Rinse Exfoliating Peel

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Perricone MD No Rinse Exfoliating Peel to your skincare routine:
 

If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It Needs to Be Paired with Some Occlusives

While humectants are highly effective at attracting water to the skin, studies (J. N. Kraft, C. W. Lynde) suggest they may not be efficient when used alone.

One major drawback of purely humectant moisturization is that the water attracted by humectants to the upper layers of the skin can evaporate completely into the environment through transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Adding occlusive ingredients helps seal this moisture into the skin and prevent further water loss.

If you’re using Perricone MD No Rinse Exfoliating Peel as your only moisturizer, consider pairing it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones. These work alongside humectants to create a protective barrier, locking in hydration and ensuring longer-lasting moisturization. The amount of occlusive needed depends on your skin type - the drier the skin, the more occlusives it requires.

If this product is used not as a standalone moisturizer but as part of your skincare routine, such as a toner or serum, it should be applied before your main moisturizer (unless it's a sunscreen), which will provide the necessary occlusivity on top of it.

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Perricone MD No Rinse Exfoliating Peel is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Dimethyl MEA, Gluconolactone, and Copper Gluconate. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. 

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were accessible to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, these ingredients do not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of Perricone MD No Rinse Exfoliating Peel

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Perricone MD No Rinse Exfoliating Peel to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Humectant moisturizing well-suited for oily skin
  • Lightweight texture
  • A humectant moisturizing enhancement for any skincare routine

Cons: 

  • Needs occlusives to seal in humectants if used as a standalone moisturizer
  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Carnitine
Function:
Origin:
Urea
Function:
Origin:
Maltodextrin
Function:
Origin:
Phosphatidylcholine
Function:
Origin:
Dimethyl MEA
Function:
Origin:
Gluconolactone
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Magnolia Grandiflora Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Pterocarpus Marsupium Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Gluconate
Function:
Origin:
Magnesium Aspartate
Function:
Origin:
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Function:
Origin:
Protease
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan
Function:
Origin:
Copper Gluconate
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Sorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Menthyl Lactate
Function:
Origin:
Blue 1 (CI 42090)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
6.5
4
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
3.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 6.5 10
6.5
4
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
3.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 6.5 10
6.5
All humectants
6.5
4
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 1.5 -
n/a
- 1.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Dimethyl MEA
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1.5
Gluconolactone
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1.3
Copper Gluconate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.9 3 No
All antioxidants
0.9
Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Magnolia Grandiflora Bark Extract
0.3
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.9 5 No
All soothing
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Carnitine
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Carnitine
Urea
Est. %4
Function
Origin
UreaUrea can be found in urine, skin, and other tissues as a degradation product of proteins. In concentrations below 5%, urea is humectant moisturizing. At concentrations above 10% it is keratolytic, that helps to break away old, flaking, and cracked skin.
Maltodextrin
Est. %3
Function
Origin
MaltodextrinA formula helper manufactured from starch. It has a sweet flavor and is often used in rinse-off products to support their foaming structure. Maltodextrin is also used to stabilize emulsions and to absorb and bind other ingredients in the formula.
Phosphatidylcholine
Est. %2
Function
Origin
PhosphatidylcholineA special emulsifying lipid used to create delivery spheres called liposomes.
Dimethyl MEA
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Dimethyl MEA

Dimethyl MEA, also known as DMAE, or deanol, is a colorless liquid with a fishy smell. It can also be supplied as a crystalline white powder. Some studies suggest it may have some effects on skin firmness. Additionally, DMAE is used to regulate pH balance. It has the potential to be toxic.

Gluconolactone
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
GluconolactoneA PHA derived from glucose. It has exfoliating and humectant properties and acts as a penetration enhancer for other ingredients. It has also been shown to assist in the treatment of acne and the prevention of photoaging.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hyaluronic Acid

A potent, skin-identical humectant moisturizing ingredient that is able to bind water 1000 times its own weight. The anti-aging benefits of hyaluronic acid are due to its ability to stimulate the synthesis of collagen in the skin.

Magnolia Grandiflora Bark Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Magnolia Grandiflora Bark Extract
Pterocarpus Marsupium Bark Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pterocarpus Marsupium Bark Extract
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceA gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Zinc Gluconate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zinc GluconateOne of the most commonly used ingredients in anti-acne products. It is an organic salt of zinc that helps to combat microbial infections, soothes and heals inflamed pimples, and regulates hormones in the skin.
Magnesium Aspartate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Magnesium AspartateA humectant salt of aspartic acid, a common amino acid found in the body. According to the manufacturer, magnesium aspartate in skincare products supports the supply of magnesium to skin cells.
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chondrus Crispus ExtractAn extract from the species of red marine algae called Irish moss or carrageen moss. It is edible and widely used to produce carrageenan, a polysaccharide with humectant moisturizing and soothing properties.
Protease
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Protease
Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan
Copper Gluconate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Copper GluconateAn organic salt of copper that can aid in the wound healing process. The manufacturer claims it also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, although this has yet to be confirmed. Copper gluconate is also a perspective anti-wrinkle ingredient.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate

A clear, pale yellow, oil-like emollient manufactured synthetically from coconut oil and polyethylene glycol. It is also used as an emulsifying agent.

Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Sorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbic AcidAn organic acid that can be naturally found in the berries of the Mountain ash, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It is used as a preservative and antimicrobial agent, protecting a skincare product from spoiling.
Menthyl Lactate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Menthyl LactateA derivative of menthol that has the same fresh, cooling effect on the skin, but that is less sensitizing and doesn’t have the strong mint scent of menthol.
Blue 1 (CI 42090)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Blue 1 (CI 42090)A synthetic dye commonly known as Brilliant Blue FCF that produces rich blue colors for various cosmetic uses. FD&C Blue #1 can also be found in foods, medications, and dietary supplements, as it is considered non-toxic and safe for use.