Black Peel

• Oily skin that tends to get comedones (small bumps)
• Your acne keeps coming back and you want to add exfoliating care
• You want extraction and a peel in a single visit

Black Peel is a cosmetic peel. If you have many swollen, painful spots, we look at medical treatment such as oral medication or injections first.

• 01

  Where you are now, and where we start

  Whether your acne is at the comedone stage or the red, inflamed stage, and whether extraction is also needed

• 02

  The change you want, the impression you keep

  If you have many red, swollen inflamed spots, treating the inflammation may need to come before a peel, so we first assess what stage your acne is at.

• 03

  How it differs from similar options

  We check whether you have many comedones that need extracting. On our treatment menu, extraction is not included in Black Peel and is added separately.

• 04

  Health information and recovery schedule

  The manufacturer lists potassium iodide among the ingredients, so we ask whether you have ever had a hypersensitivity reaction to iodine.

Black Peel is based on fermented black rice vinegar.

The manufacturer, Theraderm, explains that the acetic acid in fermented black rice vinegar (black acetic acid) loosens the bonds between dead skin cells. It states that betaine salicylate, potassium iodide and bio sulfur are also included, and that the formula is based on its patent for a “cosmetic composition for improving acne containing black vinegar and niacinamide” (Korean Patent No. 10-2031723). The concentration of each ingredient has not been disclosed.

How it works

• 01

  Fermented black vinegar

  The base is black vinegar made from fermented black rice — which is where the name Black Peel comes from.

• 02

  Betaine salicylate

  A salicylic acid–type ingredient. Salicylic acid dissolves readily in oil and has long been used to exfoliate oily skin.

• 03

  Potassium iodide and bio sulfur

  Ingredients the manufacturer says it has added. Sulfur is commonly used in acne cosmetics.

• 04

  Finishing with a Sebo Pack

  The final Sebo Pack is a hydrating sheet mask for oily skin from Theraderm’s Sebo line. The manufacturer’s own sequence also ends with this mask after Black Peel.

1. 01

   Assessing your acne

   We assess whether it is mainly comedones or mostly red, inflamed spots.

2. 02

   Deciding on extraction

   If many comedones need extracting, we discuss adding extraction.

3. 03

   Peel and finish

   Black Peel is applied and neutralized, then we finish with Omega LED and a Sebo Pack.

What the procedure is like

• Most people can return to normal activities straight away.
• For a few days, pause products that strip away more dead skin, such as scrubs or exfoliating toners.
• Apply sunscreen carefully when you go out.

Safety & considerations

Black Peel is a cosmetic peel for acne-prone skin and does not replace treatment for severely inflamed acne. Reactions vary from person to person.

1. During treatment

   Stinging

   While the peel is on, it may sting or feel warm. Tell us straight away if it becomes hard to bear.

2. Over a few days

   Flaking and dryness

   Depending on your skin, mild flaking or dryness may appear. Apply moisturizer generously.

3. Before the next session

   How breakouts are going

   We check whether new spots have appeared and how any red marks look before planning the next session.

Ingredients are based on each manufacturer’s or distributor’s public materials; concentrations have not been disclosed. Compositions are based on QD Clinic’s treatment menu.

• Q. What does the “black” in Black Peel mean?

  The manufacturer says it uses black vinegar made from fermented black rice as the base ingredient. The name comes from this vinegar rather than being chosen for the color. The manufacturer explains that the acetic acid in this vinegar loosens the bonds between dead skin cells.

• Q. I’m taking isotretinoin — can I have a Black Peel?

  Oral acne medication that reduces oil can make the skin thinner and more sensitive, so if you are taking it, the timing of any peel should be decided with the medical team. Please tell us the name of the medicine and when you started taking it. Black Peel contains betaine salicylate, a salicylic acid–type ingredient, so on skin sensitized by the medication, stinging and dryness may be stronger.

• Q. If I’m allergic to iodine, is Black Peel off the table?

  The ingredients disclosed by the manufacturer include potassium iodide. If you have ever had hives or swelling from iodine, let us know in advance. We will then consider other peels with you.

• Q. For acne-prone skin, which is better — Black Peel or LaLa Peel?

  Black Peel is made by its manufacturer for acne-prone skin, while LaLa Peel is promoted for managing oiliness and breakouts in sensitive skin. If your skin reddens and stings easily, LaLa Peel may be considered first; if it is oily and less reactive, Black Peel. The final choice is made by looking at your skin.

• Q. Can I peel off the flakes after a Black Peel?

  Please don’t. Depending on your skin, flaking may appear over a few days, and pulling it off can leave pigmentation or marks. Keep moisturizing and let it come off on its own.