I have never used a peel before, and really enjoyed this product. The smell is not great, but it's not terrible either -- a slight hint of apple, but not really fresh. Still, not a deal breaker. There is a bit of a slimy feel to it, it goes on smooth, and almost immediately begins to tingle, which worried me at first, but ultimately this didn't seem to be an indication that anything was wrong. By the time the recommended ten minutes had elapsed the peel had hardened a bit. It washed off like a masque. (Is a peel supposed to peel off?)