Chemical means they are acids that weaken the bonds (proteins called corneodesmosomes, should this ever come up at trivia night) between dead cells that have overstayed their welcome, which helps your skin return to a healthy turnover rate. Shedding the top layer of cells has the short-term benefit of smoothing skin texture. In the long run, some of these ingredients can even help tackle pigmentation, acne, and even—gasp—collagen production!
