A dermatologic peel comprising alpha hydroxyl acid and metal hydroxide nanocomplexes as neutralizing agents to continually reduce the activity of the system when the acid and neutralizer components are mixed. For example, a 30% glycolic acid gel mixed with a fluidized magaldrate neutralizer can be applied to the skin and will self-neutralize to a skin-compatible pH within a few minutes, effectively exfoliating the skin without a separate neutralization step. The peel is advantageously applied from a two-component system that mixes the components.