If only we could peel away the unwanted layers of our lives as easily as we can exfoliate dead skin. Alas, it will take more than glycolic acid to change our fate—but not our visage.

It was just a matter of time before the peel had a makeover, and now the beauty industry is experiencing more creative delivery systems with these second generation versions: Products now work harder at diminishing wrinkles, removing brown spots and brightening and smoothing skin.

One innovative new peel comes from Peter Thomas Roth, who will evolve the treatment in 2014 with his Professional Strength ampoules, which contain 40% triple acid. A set of 12 is $88. Users are instructed to shake, pour and apply the peel to rid the face of any signs of aging.

Then there’s Glamoxy by Rodial, which uses 15% fruit acid in its exfoliating pads, as well as an oxygenating boosting technology and GatulineRC, an anti-aging element found in beech tree buds.

Rounding out new ingredient-focused formulas is Decléor’s Prolagene Lift & Brighten Peeling Gel, $63, which added L-Proline complex to their list of ingredients this past September, a first for a company that offers over 90-plus products. The gel also contains iris essential oil and fruit alpha hydroxy acids.

For others it’s all about the delivery system. Le Metier De Beaute’s Chem60 steps in with Pro-Peel, which blends salicylic and glycolic acids. Housed in a tube with a connecting brush, users are instructed to turn the nozzle and squeeze, then paint the face as if it were a canvas. The brush multitasks as an exfoliator and applicator, and retails for $185.

Then there are the dual chambered items, with pads housed in one container, liquid in another.Arbonne Intelligence Genius Nightly Resurfacing Pads and Resurfacing Solution, $95, which contains PBR+ Complex with Phytinol; botanical Bakuchiol, a plant retinoid; and good old-fashioned retinol, launched their version in September.

Revive also released dual chambers with their Glycolic Renewal Peel Professional System, $295. “The two-step process is important,” said Dr. Gregory Brown, founder of Revive. “It’s a more efficient way of exfoliating and attacking the skin so the products will penetrate better and you’ll obtain greater benefits of the treatment.”

Indeed, peels have evolved since 2001, when philosophy helped kick off the category with their Oxygen Peel, $56. Users cracked open an enzyme capsule, poured solutions into a mini container and then added water and stirred until a gel paste was created. Once that was applied, a cream was added, which came in another jar.

“It took a long time to get the consumer to a point where they weren’t afraid to use a peel,” said Robin White, director of education for Philosophy. “Now that doors have been opened a lot of other brands are stepping up with new innovation.”