Dr Melaxin Peel Shot Exfoliating Black Rice Ampoule Review

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Priced at

£21

Dr Melaxin Peel Shot Exfoliating Black Rice Ampoule Review

I was completely influenced into buying the Dr Melaxin Peel Shot Exfoliating Black Rice Ampoule when I spotted it on the Boots Instagram feed where somebody was demonstrating it in store.

She applied a few drops onto dry skin and started rubbing it in, and all these little balls started forming on the skin, looking very much like dead skin cells lifting away instantly. It was one of those oddly satisfying skincare moments that makes you immediately add to basket. So obviously, I ordered it.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Here’s a quick demo of the Dr.Melaxin Peel Shot Exfoliating Black Rice Ampoule in action:

What is Dr Melaxin Peel Shot Exfoliating Black Rice Ampoule?

What is Dr Melaxin Peel Shot Exfoliating Black Rice Ampoule?
What is Dr Melaxin Peel Shot Exfoliating Black Rice Ampoule?

The Dr Melaxin Peel Shot Exfoliating Black Rice Ampoule is a Korean exfoliating treatment designed to smooth texture, remove dry skin and leave the complexion looking fresh and polished.

It combines gentle exfoliating acids with hydrating ingredients and a cellulose-based formula that creates that signature “rolling” effect on the skin as you massage it in.

The formula contains ingredients including black rice extract, gluconolactone (PHA), salicylic acid, niacinamide, glycerin and squalane, so while there is definitely a bit of theatre involved with the rolling texture, there are also genuine exfoliating and skin-smoothing ingredients in here too.

Key Ingredients

PENTA-RICE Complex – combines Rice Water Extract with PENTAVITIN to exfoliate, soften and hydrate the skin all at the same time. I think this is one of the reasons the Dr Melaxin Peel Shot Exfoliating Black Rice Ampoule leaves skin feeling smooth and polished without that tight or stripped sensation you can sometimes get after exfoliating.

Rice Water Extract – helps to soften the skin and gently refine texture while also keeping excess oil in balance. It gives the complexion that fresh, smooth and really clean feeling after use.

PENTAVITIN – hydrating ingredient that acts almost like a moisture magnet for the skin.

AHA + BHA – exfoliating acid blend helps lift away dead skin cells, smooth rough texture and encourage skin renewal. I think this combination works really nicely because you get effective exfoliation without the formula feeling too aggressive.

Niacinamide – helps support brightness, clarity and overall skin smoothness. It also helps give the skin that fresh, refined look after rinsing everything away.

How to use it

Dr Melaxin Peel Shot Exfoliating Black Rice Ampoule pipette dispenser
Dr Melaxin Peel Shot Exfoliating Black Rice Ampoule pipette dispenser

You apply the Dr Melaxin Peel Shot Exfoliating Black Rice Ampoule onto clean, dry skin and massage it gently over the face. As you work it in, the product starts to form little balls that roll across the skin before you rinse everything away with lukewarm water.

I have used it a few times so far and I use it straight after cleansing. If you are looking for a good cleanser, check out Best Cleansers for 2026 for all Skin Types & Budgets.

My Review

Dr Melaxin Peel Shot Exfoliating Black Rice Ampoule texture
Dr Melaxin Peel Shot Exfoliating Black Rice Ampoule texture

I have to say, the whole exfoliating “balling up” thing is extremely satisfying. I applied a few drops onto dry skin exactly as demonstrated online and started massaging it over my face. Pretty quickly, the formula started rolling up into little pieces and it genuinely feels like you are removing layers of dead skin.

However, and this is important, I absolutely do not think that is dead skin or gunk as many of the viral videos suggest. I think this is down to the Cellulose (which appears quite high up the ingredient list) that clumps together and forms those little balls that make it feel as though you are physically buffing away dead skin. It’s actually

This type of product is often referred to as a “gommage” exfoliator – remember the amazing Gatineau one*? The cellulose physically balls up during massage and helps create that satisfying exfoliating effect on the skin.

Is it a gimmick?

A little bit. But also… not entirely. As well as the cellulose which balls up to create a gentle physical exfoliation, the formula also contains proper exfoliating ingredients including PHA (Gluconolactone) and AHA (salicylic acid), so it is genuinely exfoliating the skin at the same time. For me, the important thing is the result, and the results are pretty good.

My skin felt very smooth afterwards. Not stripped, not tight, not sensitised, just properly polished and soft. It gives the skin that very clean, fresh, shiny look without making it feel over-exfoliated.

It works really well on flaky areas and dry patches and helps remove that rough surface texture that can make makeup sit unevenly. If your foundation has been catching on dry patches or clinging to texture, this works brilliantly at smoothing everything out beforehand.

One slightly odd thing I noticed was that in a couple of areas, the product seemed to cling onto the tiny hairs on my face and almost bind itself to them. I had to remove the little bits and a few hairs definitely came away with it. It wasn’t painful or irritating, just a bit strange, and I thought worth mentioning if you have peach fuzz or facial hair.

Who is it best for?

I think this is especially good for:

  • Rough or textured skin
  • Dry flaky patches
  • Dull skin
  • Congested skin
  • Anyone who loves instantly satisfying skincare

If you are very sensitive or using strong actives like tretinoin, I’d probably use this cautiously.

Final Verdict

The Dr Melaxin Peel Shot Exfoliating Black Rice Ampoule absolutely taps into that viral “look how much stuff is coming off my face” skincare trend, and yes, the rolling effect is definitely part science and part theatre.

But honestly? I still really like it. It leaves my skin feeling smooth, fresh and polished without irritation, and I can completely understand why people get hooked on using it. If you enjoy exfoliating products that give immediate gratification, this is a very fun one to try. I’d avoid over using it though.

Where to buy it

Dr Melaxin Peel Shot Exfoliating Black Rice Ampoule is £21 for 80ml and is available now via the links below:

Dr Melaxin Peel Shot Exfoliating Black Rice Ampoule FAQs

Does Dr Melaxin Peel Shot Exfoliating Black Rice Ampoule really remove dead skin?

The Dr Melaxin Peel Shot creates a rolling effect on the skin that helps physically exfoliate and smooth texture. While not all of the rolled product is dead skin, the formula does leave skin feeling very soft and polished.

How often should you use it?

I think the Dr Melaxin Peel Shot Exfoliating Black Rice Ampoule is best used once or twice weekly depending on your skin type and sensitivity levels.

Is Dr Melaxin Peel Shot Exfoliating Black Rice Ampoule suitable for sensitive skin?

It is gentler than many acid exfoliators, however, sensitive skin types should patch test first because it contains exfoliating acids and fragrance.

Is it good for dry skin?

Yes, especially if you struggle with flaky patches or rough texture. It leaves the skin feeling very smooth without stripping away moisture.

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