Product review · Independent
Dr. Melaxin Peel Shot Review: Before and After Results
Does Dr. Melaxin Peel Shot really remove dead skin and blackheads? This viral exfoliating gel is designed to make skin feel smoother, but the small balls that form when you rub it on your skin are not proof that it removes dead skin or dirt from your pores. In this review, we look at its ingredients, dermatologist advice, and customer reviews to understand how well it works, its possible side effects, and whether it is suitable for sensitive skin.
By the Dr. Melaxin Guide editorial team · Last updated 31 October 2026. This page contains affiliate links; we may earn a commission.
⚡ Quick answer
Dr. Melaxin Peel Shot Black Rice Ampoule is a rinse-off Korean peeling ampoule with BHA, AHA and PHA for texture and oil control. It is a mild-to-moderate exfoliant, not a true peel, so patch-test first if you have sensitive skin or rosacea. It will not pull blackheads out in one use, though regular use can help with oiliness and congestion over time. At around $21 for 80 ml it is fairly priced next to similar K-beauty exfoliants; skip it if you already use a strong acid most nights.
Brand product images. Individual results vary.Dr. Melaxin Peel Shot Black Rice Ampoule
- Type: Exfoliating ampoule
- Best for: Rough texture, dullness, whiteheads, congestion and oily T-zone
- Key ingredients: BHA (salicylic acid), AHA (citric acid), PHA (gluconolactone), charcoal powder, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
- Size: 80 ml
Key Features
The viral “Peel Shot.” A rinse-off peeling ampoule that combines BHA, AHA and PHA with rice bran water and niacinamide to smooth texture and brighten dull skin.
How to Use
Wash your face, then pat skin fully dry. Apply a thin layer, avoiding the eyes and lips, massage gently for about a minute, then rinse off. Start 2–3 nights a week and always wear SPF the next morning.
Results
Smoother texture by week 2 to 3 and brighter, more even-looking skin by week 6 to 8 with steady use. It is a mild exfoliant, not a one-time peel, and it won’t pull out blackheads.
Brand product images. Individual results vary.Dr. Melaxin Peel Shot White Rice Ampoule
- Type: Exfoliating ampoule
- Best for: Uneven tone and dullness
- Key ingredients: BHA (salicylic acid), AHA (citric acid), PHA (gluconolactone), arbutin, Coptis japonica root extract, niacinamide
- Size: 80 ml
Key Features
A rinse-off peeling ampoule that pairs BHA, AHA and PHA with rice bran water, arbutin and Coptis japonica root extract to brighten uneven tone and smooth texture.
How to Use
Wash your face, then pat skin fully dry. Apply a thin layer, avoiding the eyes and lips, massage gently for about a minute, then rinse off. Start 2–3 nights a week and always wear SPF the next morning.
Results
Smoother texture by week 2 to 3 and a brighter, more even-looking tone by week 6 to 8 with steady use. It is a mild exfoliant, not a one-time peel, and it won’t pull out blackheads.
At a glance
Dr. Melaxin Peel Shot: Black vs White Rice
| Detail | Black Rice Ampoule | White Rice Ampoule |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 80 ml | 80 ml |
| Price | $21 brand store, $26 Ulta | $21 brand store, $26 Ulta |
| Base ingredients (not fully shared) | Acid exfoliants, rice bran water and rice extract, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | Acid exfoliants, rice bran water and rice extract, niacinamide |
| Acids on the label | Salicylic acid (BHA), gluconolactone (PHA), citric acid (AHA) | Salicylic acid (BHA), gluconolactone (PHA), citric acid (AHA), per retailer-listed INCI; always check your box |
| Extras | Charcoal powder, black rice extract | Arbutin, Coptis japonica root extract |
| Best for | Rough texture, dullness, whiteheads, congestion and oily T-zone | Uneven tone and dullness |
| Ulta rating | 3.9/5 (21 reviews) | 4.6/5 (8 reviews) |
The balling test
Dermatologist View: Is the Peel Shot Balling Dead Skin?
Mostly not. Gommage-style exfoliants like the Peel Shot contain a polyglyceryl-based polymer (listed on the label as Polyglyceryl-10) that rolls into little balls when you rub it. Dermatologists note that most of what balls up is the product itself, with some surface debris. The real exfoliation comes from the acids, working over several weeks.
Try it yourself
Apply, rub and rinse, then repeat on the same dry spot. If it balls up just as much the second time, you’re mostly seeing the gel. The same balling is why texture alone can’t tell you whether a Peel Shot is genuine; our real vs fake checks explain what can.
Real users
Real Peel Shot Reviews: Pros and Cons
👍 What users like
- Skin feels smoother right away.
- Helps with whiteheads and rough texture.
- Some users with sensitive skin say they tolerate it, but always patch-test first.
👎 What users dislike
- Doesn’t clear pores the way videos suggest.
- Results are gradual.
- Some say the gradual results do not match viral before-and-after claims.
How to use
How to use the Dr. Melaxin Peel Shot
- Start with clean skin. Gommage products usually go on dry skin; check your box.
- Massage gently in circles until it starts to ball up.
- Rinse thoroughly, then continue with toner, serum and moisturizer.
- Use sunscreen the next morning.
Begin with once or twice a week and increase only if your skin stays calm. Skip retinol nights and broken or sunburned skin. To see where it fits in a full routine, read our Dr. Melaxin routine order guide.
The wider range
Other Dr. Melaxin Peel Shot versions
| Product | Use | Ulta price |
|---|---|---|
| Peel Shot Kojic Acid Turmeric Spray | Body texture, rough elbows and knees | $28 ($26 brand store) |
| Peel Shot Exfoliating TX-Spray | Body, tone-focused | $28 |
| Peel Shot Exfoliating TX-Serum | Face, tone-focused | $25 |
| Peel Shot Kojic Acid Turmeric Serum | Face, brightening-focused | $25 |
Don’t mix it up: the Cactox Exfoliating Peel Shot Serum
Dr. Melaxin also sells a green Peel Shot serum in its cactus-based Cactox pore line. It is a separate product from the rice Peel Shot reviewed on this page, so check the label and bottle colour before you buy.
Who should skip it
Who should skip the Peel Shot
Side effects and safe combinations across the whole range are covered in our Dr. Melaxin safety guide.
- Very sensitive or reactive skin, or rosacea: patch-test for 48 hours first.
- Active, inflamed acne: ask a dermatologist first.
- Anyone already using a strong acid or prescription retinoid most nights.
Buying it? Use a brand store or retailer from our official website checker; counterfeits of this product do circulate online, so stick to verified sellers.
Side effects and safety
Side Effects, Mixing and Pregnancy Guidance
Most people notice mild stinging, tingling, or light redness right after use. Dryness, flaking, or short-term breakouts can also happen as skin adjusts. These effects are usually mild and fade within one to two weeks.
Stop using the Peel Shot if you see lasting redness, burning, or peeling that does not improve. See a dermatologist if irritation spreads or does not settle within a few days.
Salicylic acid carries some caution in pregnancy, so many dermatologists suggest care with leave-on acid products. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before adding this or any salicylic acid exfoliant.
Avoid layering this with retinol, vitamin C, other acid exfoliants, or benzoyl peroxide on the same night. Mixing several strong actives raises irritation risk without much extra benefit. Use the Peel Shot alone, then add other actives on separate nights.
Skin type, facts and alternatives
Is It Right for Your Skin? Facts and Alternatives
Salicylic acid (BHA) is oil-soluble and works inside pores to clear buildup. Citric acid (AHA) and gluconolactone (PHA) work on the surface to smooth texture and brighten tone. Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid help calm and hydrate skin while the acids work.
Oily and combination skin usually tolerate this exfoliant well, since the acids help manage oil and congestion. Dry or sensitive skin should start slowly and always patch-test first. Anyone with active acne or rosacea should check with a dermatologist before trying it.
This formula is not labeled fragrance-free, so check your box if you react to added scent. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Check the PAO symbol on your packaging for the exact shelf life once opened.
Many users report smoother texture by week 2 to 3, and brighter, more even skin by week 6 to 8 with steady use. The product photos on this page are brand images, not our own before-and-after photos, since we have not personally tested this exact batch.
For comparison, COSRX AHA/BHA Blemish Treatment (around $17 to $20) and Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid (around $32) are two well-known salicylic acid exfoliants in a similar range. Check the full ingredient list on each before switching products.
Conclusion
Final thoughts: a good exfoliant, not a miracle
The Peel Shot does what a mild acid exfoliant should: smoother, brighter-looking skin over a few weeks of regular use. At $21 for 80 ml it’s fair value.
What it won’t do is pull out blackheads or roll off dead skin in one go. Buy it for steady texture improvement, start slowly, and use sunscreen. If you want something hydrating instead, see our calcium balm stick review.
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Not sure the Peel Shot Ampoule is the right pick for your skin? Use our Dr. Melaxin product finder to match a product to your concern, or browse the full Dr. Melaxin product catalogue to compare every option we’ve reviewed.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep reading
Related Dr. Melaxin guides
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Make sure your Peel Shot is genuine.
Sources: drmelaxin.us product pages · Ulta Beauty ratings and prices · Saranghae ingredient list (Peel Shot Black Rice) · Dr. Danielle Liu, YouTube review · Reddit r/AsianBeauty and r/koreanskincare.
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