What Type of Enzyme Peel for Dry Skin?

Dry skin is frustrating because flakes sit on the surface and block everything you apply after. Creams, oils, and serums can’t work their magic when they can’t absorb properly. An enzyme peel facial helps by dissolving that built-up layer instead of scrubbing it off.

So what type of enzyme peel for dry skin should you add to your skincare arsenal? We always recommend fruit-based enzyme peels paired with hydrating acids over aggressive purifying formulas.

Our Pear & Fig Enzyme Peel is a favorite among customers who struggle with dry, flaky skin. It combines gentle fruit enzymes, lactic acid, and jojoba esters to lift dull skin while leaving moisture behind. Or, consider the Sweet Cherry Enzyme Peel. It adds antioxidants and mild exfoliating acids that smooth without over-drying.

We’ll show you how to add enzyme peels to your routine below so you can that tight, irritated feeling in the past for good. In the meantime, shop all the different types of enzyme peels at Naturopathica today!

“I suffer from dry skin and acne - a terrible combo. This product exfoliates but also hydrates - leaving my skin soft and glowing. I saw a difference after using for about a month - fewer breakouts and more hydrated skin.” - Yasmine

“Gentle and leaves my skin smooth and hydrated. Smells very good, too!” - Marianna

“I use this a couple times a week and it's gentle and effective on my normal/dry skin type. I highly recommend this over harsher peels and physical exfoliants.” - Ashton

What is an Enzyme Peel?

These chemical exfoliants could just be the skincare savior you’ve been waiting for. They use naturally occurring enzymes from fruits to break down the protein bonds holding dead skin cells on the surface. Common options include:

• Pumpkin
• Papaya
• Pear
• Fig
• Pineapple
• Sweet Cherry

Rather than scrubbing or scratching the skin (which is why physical exfoliation is bad for the face), the enzymes digest only the dead cells. They’re then released and rinsed away effortlessly, revealing the new layer of skin underneath.

That makes enzyme peels easier on dry or fragile skin than physical exfoliants or strong acid peels. Many formulas also include low levels of AHAs, like lactic acid, to help smooth texture while keeping moisture locked in.

Benefits of an Enzyme Peel for Dry Skin

Dry skin usually happens when dead cells build up faster than they shed. That buildup traps moisture underneath, blocks skincare from absorbing, and makes skin look dull or flaky. Here’s how an enzyme peel for dry skin can help:

• Breaking down dead skin proteins so flakes release naturally instead of clinging to the surface. This can also help prevent breakouts!
• Reducing surface roughness so skin feels softer to the touch and makeup sits smooth.
• Preventing buildup-related tightness, since compacted dead cells restrict skin flexibility.
• Supporting normal cell turnover, helping dry skin stop accumulating layers week after week. Enzyme peels can be a powerful way to boost skin cell turnover. 
• Letting water-binding ingredients function as normal, because humectants can’t attach to dead cells
• Lowering irritation risk, as enzymes stop working once non-living cells are removed

They’re so easy to incorporate into your regular skincare ritual, too. Just one to two times a week is more than enough at first. Eventually, you might only use an enzyme peel every few weeks! 

But, just as with choosing an enzyme peel for acne, you need to know what type of enzyme peel for dry skin will work best. We’ll help you weigh your options below!

What Type of Enzyme Peel for Dry Skin?

The best enzyme peel for dry skin does two things at the same time: it removes dead surface cells without friction, and it leaves behind ingredients that help skin hold onto water. Both of these are essential for making the most of an enzyme peel for dry skin.

That means fruit-based enzymes, low-strength AHAs like lactic acid, and formulas that include humectants or conditioning botanicals. Dry skin won’t respond well to aggressive clarifying peels or heavy pore-clearing blends. These just strip what little surface comfort is already there.

So, stick with one of these two formulas at Naturopathica.

Pear & Fig Polishing Enzyme Peel

This is our top recommendation for dry skin. It combines pear and fig enzymes with lactic acid to loosen dead skin, plus jojoba esters that smooth texture without scratching. The result is controlled exfoliation and skin that stays comfortable long after rinsing. 

Just apply a quarter-sized amount to the face, neck, and décolleté. The goal is to form a thin, even layer over the skin. Leave it in place for up to 5 minutes, then take it off using a soft cloth and rinse the skin.

You can enhance the ritual by applying the peel right before entering the shower, or, use a home skin steamer. Warmth and moisture will help activate the enzymes for even better brightening and softening effects.

You might want to follow up with a rich antioxidant mask for extra hydration. Our White Tea Antioxidant Mask is a wonderful choice for boosting hydration while protecting against free radical damage.

Sweet Cherry Brightening Enzyme Peel

Does your dryness come with uneven tone or a dull look? This could be the perfect pick. Sweet cherry puree, bromelain, and lactic acid lift dead cells while antioxidants support stressed or sun-exposed skin. It exfoliates well without leaving skin feeling bare.

All you need is a nickel-sized dollop on your skin. Apply it in a thin layer, taking care to avoid the eye area. Give it 3-5 minutes to work its magic before removing it with a soft cloth. Rinse the skin thoroughly.

You can follow the same process as with our Pear & Fig peel if you’d like. We have other great moisturizers worth exploring, though. Speaking of which…

Why Shop Enzyme Peels at Naturopathica?

Naturopathica has been formulating enzyme peels for decades, starting in treatment rooms where skin tolerance matters more than trends. Our formulas come from naturopathic principles: remove what the skin doesn’t need, support what it relies on. 

That’s the philosophy behind our enzyme peels. We always resort to Fruit Enzymes, Lactic Acid, and Botanicals instead of harsh scrubs or high-strength acids. 

Every peel in our lineup is spa-tested, used by licensed professionals, and built to bring out the very best in your skin (or your clients’ skin, for that matter). You can address dryness, flaking, uneven texture - without triggering unnecessary irritation.

All products are made in the USA, cruelty-free, and formulated with responsibly sourced ingredients. Order yours today and see firsthand what a difference they can make in your regimen. Round out your routine with other essentials while you’re at it!

Other Skincare Staples for Dry Skin

Exfoliation clears the surface, but dry skin needs daily support to stay comfortable and flexible. These formulas address hydration loss, surface irritation, and barrier wear in different ways to keep skin stable between treatments:

• Calendula Essential Hydrating Face Cream: This daily cream pairs Calendula extract with Borage Seed Oil to calm dryness while replenishing fatty acids that soften rough texture. The finish feels cushioned, not greasy, perfect for morning and night.
• Aloe Vera Replenishing Gel Mask: A water-based gel mask that hydrates tight or overheated skin. Aloe leaf Juice, Glycerin, and Prickly Pear minimize surface discomfort and leave skin noticeably smoother before moisturizer.
• Gotu Kola Intense Repair Balm: A concentrated balm for areas where dryness turns into cracking or sensitivity. Gotu Kola Extract and Plant Waxes seal in moisture and keep lips, cuticles, and cheeks flexible.

You can shop all our sensitive skin care products and rethink your ritual from the ground up. Better yet, take our skincare quiz and find out which products your skin is craving most! 

Final Words on What Type of Enzyme Peel for Dry Skin is Best

Now that you know what type of enzyme peel for dry skin is best, you can give your dry skin the gentle love it deserves. Just stick with Fruit Enzymes, low-strength acids like Lactic Acid, and formulas that leave skin flexible instead of tight.

Our blog has additional resources on the enzyme peel vs chemical peel differences if you’re curious. But whether you go with our Sweet Cherry, Pear & Fig, or Pumpkin Enzyme Peel, you’re getting Mother Earth’s finest ingredients, backed by modern skincare science.

Shop enzyme peels at Naturopathica and get started building a dry-skin routine that smooths, softens, and stays balanced long term.