There are two types of exfoliation moments in my skincare journey. The kind that left my skin raw and regretful, and the kind that quietly worked their magic, leaving me wondering why I hadn’t started sooner. Dr. G Brightening Peeling Gel falls gracefully into the second category. And I mean gracefully in every sense: texture, performance, and the post-rinse glow that feels like a soft-focus Instagram filter on your actual face.⁠⠀

I first heard about this product in a YouTube rabbit hole of Korean esthetician routines. Every video described it as ""mild but effective,"" which honestly sounded like code for “won’t do anything.” But I was wrong. After a month of use, I can confidently say this is one of the rare exfoliators that lives up to the hype without wreaking havoc on my sensitive skin.⁠⠀

Let’s get into the basics. Dr. G Brightening Peeling Gel is a physical-chemical hybrid exfoliator. It contains cellulose, which gives it that satisfying pilling texture, but it also includes mild acids like glycolic acid and salicylic acid, plus fruit extracts such as papaya and apple. The brand promises smoother, brighter, more even skin without irritation. Surprisingly, it delivers on all fronts.⁠⠀

Texture-wise, this is nothing like your gritty walnut scrubs or sandpaper-like microbead cleansers. It comes out as a soft, almost watery gel with a slight slip to it. You apply it to dry skin—very important—and massage gently. Within seconds, it starts to pill up into tiny white clumps. There’s always a debate over whether these clumps are your dead skin or just cellulose, and the truth is that it’s both. But the point isn’t the clumps. It’s what happens after.⁠⠀

The first time I rinsed it off, I literally gasped. My skin didn’t look red or inflamed like it did with other exfoliants. It looked calm, but polished. Like someone had turned the clarity up a few notches without messing with the saturation. I’ve since used it twice a week for over a month and noticed a consistent improvement in texture, especially around my nose and chin, where I get those annoying tiny bumps that foundation always catches on.⁠⠀

Now let’s talk brightening. Is this going to replace your vitamin C serum? Not really. But it will help everything you put on afterward work better. By gently sloughing off that layer of dead skin, serums and moisturizers penetrate more effectively. I’ve noticed that my hyperpigmentation fades more quickly when I’m regularly exfoliating with this. It’s not magic in a tube, but it’s a really good assistant to the rest of your routine.⁠⠀

One of the reasons I’ve stuck with this product is how non-irritating it is. My skin leans dry and reactive, and I’m usually hesitant about exfoliants, even chemical ones. But Dr. G’s formula includes soothing ingredients like honey extract and allantoin, which counterbalance the exfoliating agents. It never stings, and it’s never once left me red or flaky. I’ve even used it the night before events without worrying about my skin throwing a tantrum.⁠⠀

Let’s pause for packaging. It’s not groundbreaking. Just a clean, white tube with a soft-touch cap. But it feels sanitary, functional, and travel-friendly. No mess, no pump issues, and no overly aggressive branding. It's the kind of tube you keep repurchasing and eventually recognize by feel in your bathroom drawer.⁠⠀

In terms of price, it falls comfortably in the mid-range tier for K-beauty. I paid around $20 for a 120ml tube, which has lasted over two months even with consistent use. You only need a quarter-sized amount per session, and because it spreads so easily, one tube goes a long way.⁠⠀

Would I recommend this for all skin types? Mostly yes. If you’re ultra-sensitive or dealing with open acne, I’d say tread lightly. Not because it’s harsh, but because any rubbing, no matter how gentle, can be too stimulating when your skin barrier is compromised. For everyone else, especially combo or dry skin types who need exfoliation without irritation, this is a solid pick.⁠⠀

Here’s how I use it in my routine. On clean, completely dry skin after double cleansing, and before toner. I massage it in gently for about 30 seconds, focusing on areas with congestion or dullness. Then I rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry. I always follow up with a calming toner, usually Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner, and then go in with the rest of my routine: serum, moisturizer, and sometimes a sleeping mask. On the nights I use this, I skip stronger actives like retinol just to be safe.⁠⠀

One unexpected benefit is that it helps makeup sit better. Foundation applies more smoothly and doesn’t catch on dry patches or look cakey around the nose. I didn’t buy it for this reason, but now I count it as one of its best perks. There’s just something satisfying about your skin looking that good without a million layers.⁠⠀

The only thing I would change is that I wish they made a mini size. I’d love to take this on trips without dec