The most important ingredients

Papain

Enzyme from the papaya fruit that gently loosens dead skin cells through enzymatic exfoliation.

Function: Can smooth the skin surface and refresh the complexion, without mechanical friction.

Glycolic acid

The smallest fruit acid (AHA) - can penetrate especially deep into the skin and loosen dead cells.

Function: Can accelerate skin renewal, ease pigment spots and refine skin texture.

Bromelain

Enzyme from the pineapple fruit that supports the enzymatic breakdown of dead skin cells.

Function: Can promote cell renewal and refine skin structure, especially in combination with AHA.

Application

Apply evenly to the cleansed skin. Leave on for 10-20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Use 1-2x per week. The enzymatic peel works without mechanical friction - ideal for sensitive skin.

Frequently asked questions

What distinguishes an enzyme peel from an acid peel?

Enzymes (here papain from papaya and bromelain from pineapple) dissolve the protein bonds between dead skin cells. Acids dissolve the cells themselves.

The enzyme peel is the gentlest exfoliation mechanism - no friction, no acid, just targeted protein dissolution. Apply for 10 to 20 minutes, wash off, immediate freshness. Ideal for sensitive skin.

Why is an enzyme peel better for sensitive skin?

Enzymes work specifically on the protein bonds between dead skin cells - not on the skin itself. This is significantly gentler than acids, which actively dissolve the cells, or physical scrubs, which rub.

Papain (from papaya) and bromelain (from pineapple) are natural proteases - they literally "digest" the bonds. For sensitive, reactive or redness-prone skin this is ideal, so that your skin is exfoliated without being irritated.

Exactly how long should the Enzymatic Peel be left on?

10 to 20 minutes is optimal - that's on the instructions. Depending on skin type and sensitivity, you can start in the lower range and extend later.

Important: don't leave on for longer than 20 minutes, because the enzymes then act too aggressively and can cause redness. When the time is up, rinse off with lukewarm water - don't rub off, just gently remove, so that the skin is spared. Use in the evening and apply sunscreen the next morning.

Can I combine the Enzymatic Peel with my retinol?

Not on the same evening. If you use retinol in the evening, do the Enzymatic Peel 2-3 times a week on the other days. Both together overwhelm the skin and can lead to irritation.

Better: retinol 3-4 times a week in the evening, Enzymatic Peel on the other evenings (1-2 times a week). This way you exfoliate regularly without destabilising the skin barrier, so that your skin tolerates the retinol optimally.

Do I see the fresh effect right after the peel?

Yes, often during or right after application. This is the immediate fresh effect - the skin looks brighter and smoother because the surface is smoothed and reflects light better.

Over the next 24-48 hours the effect becomes even more intense, because the deeper layers grow back and renew. The real anti-ageing benefit - refined texture, improved active transport - builds up with repeated use, so that you see clear improvements after 4-6 weeks.

About the brand

ZO Skin Health was developed by Dr. Zein Obagi - one of the world's most renowned dermatologists, with over 35 years of research in Beverly Hills. His principle: the skin is not “repaired” from the outside; instead, the cells themselves are activated. Because collagen, elastin and cell renewal decline with age, ZO products work in a targeted way across different skin layers - as system skincare following established treatment protocols, not as a single product.

Transparency & Mandatory Information

Ingredients (INCI)

Aqua, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycolic Acid, Dimethicone, Methylheptyl Isostearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Diglycerin, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Isohexadecane, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Dimethiconol, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Maltodextrin, Aleurites Moluccanus Seed Oil, Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract, Oleth-20, Bromelain, Algin, Tocopherol, Papain, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin

Instructions for use

Contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) which may increase skin photosensitivity. Use sunscreen, limit sun exposure and wear protective clothing - during use and for one week afterwards.

Product Safety & Contact

NOVVIA GmbH ,

Am Lohmühlbach 17
85356 Freising
Deutschland
,

info@NOVVIA.de , +49 8161 96994-0