Pleasantly surprised at the gentleness of the formula. While the peel was on, I had no discomfort at all. The following day or two I was minimally swollen and pink but still comfortable. Initial peeling was subtle. I resumed my tretinoin, day cream, and spot cream a week later and that is when I really started to peel, even though I eased into them. Overall tone of my skin seems improved and a few spots lightened. Hopefully the spot cream will work its magic.