Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta 2% BHA Breakout Solution Versus Topicals Clearly Clarifying & Calming Mask
Updated on February 25, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta 2% BHA Breakout Solution 39 ingredients
Topicals Clearly Clarifying & Calming Mask 36 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta 2% BHA Breakout Solution 39 ingredients
Topicals Clearly Clarifying & Calming Mask 36 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Salicylic Acid 2%
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Pyruvic Acid
MaskingPhytic Acid
Azelaic Acid
Buffering
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Carnitine Hcl
HumectantXylitol
HumectantCaprylic Acid
CleansingLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Farnesol
Perfuming
Tetrahydrocurcumin
Antioxidant
Chlorhexidine Digluconate
Antimicrobial
Soy Isoflavones
Skin ConditioningSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantZinc PCA
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Emollient
Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
EmollientPEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Emulsifying
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Hexylresorcinol
AntimicrobialDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventPropanediol
SolventC13-15 Alkane
SolventPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingStearic Acid
Cleansing
Citric Acid
Buffering
Calcium Gluconate
HumectantSodium Citrate
BufferingCucumis Sativus Fruit Water
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Salicylic Acid 2%, Water, Alcohol Denat., Propylene Glycol, Gluconolactone, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Lactic Acid, Pyruvic Acid, Phytic Acid, Azelaic Acid, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Carnitine Hcl, Xylitol, Caprylic Acid, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Farnesol, Tetrahydrocurcumin, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Soy Isoflavones, Saccharide Isomerate, Zinc PCA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Hexylresorcinol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Propanediol, C13-15 Alkane, Potassium Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Citric Acid, Calcium Gluconate, Sodium Citrate, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Water, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventKaolin
Abrasive
Colloidal Sulfur
Antimicrobial
Glycerin
Humectant
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Hectorite
AbsorbentC10-18 Triglycerides
Emollient
Ricinus Communis Seed Oil
Masking
Azelaic Acid
Buffering
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Punica Granatum Seed Oil
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientAlthaea Officinalis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
Masking
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Sodium Phytate
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCalendula Officinalis Flower
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Charcoal Powder
Abrasive
Zingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Hypochlorous Acid
Antiseborrhoeic
CI 77288
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Propanediol, Kaolin, Colloidal Sulfur, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Stearyl Alcohol, Hectorite, C10-18 Triglycerides, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Azelaic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Zinc PCA, Punica Granatum Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Allantoin, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Bisabolol, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Sodium Phytate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Calendula Officinalis Flower, Panthenol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Charcoal Powder, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Hypochlorous Acid, CI 77288
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterAzelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid derived from grains. This ingredient is effective in treating acne, rosacea, and other skin conditions.
It has been shown to reduce the growth of acne-causing bacteria and helps reduce inflammation. On top of that, it helps reduce the production of sebum and unclog pores.
Azelaic Acid also has antioxidant properties. Antioxidants protect our skin cells from free-radical damage.
One of the main benefits of azelaic acid is that it is gentle and well-tolerated by most people.
Fun fact: The lab-created form of azelaic acid is typically used within cosmetic products for its shelf-stability.
Learn more about Azelaic AcidSalix Alba Bark Extract comes from the white willow tree, which is native to Europe and Central Asia.
Salix Alba Bark Extract has often been described as salicylic acid's cousin. This is due to the salicin it contains. However, studies are limited showing salix alba bark to be an effective salicylic acid alternative.
Salicin does have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It has shown to decrease the formation of inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and nuclear factor-kappa B. Salicin also has a mildly exfoliating effect on the skin.
Several other components in salix alba bark extract also contain antioxidant properties, such as flavonoids and polyphenols. Antioxidants may help with anti-aging as they neutralize harmful free-radical molecules.
Willow Bark extract has been used for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations used white willow to help treat pain and fevers.
Learn more about Salix Alba Bark ExtractZinc PCA (or "zinc salt") differs slightly from zinc itself. PCA stands for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid. However, Zinc PCA comes from zinc.
It can help reduce redness, regulate sebum, and promote the general healing process of the skin.
Zinc PCA tends to be especially useful for those with oily, acne-prone skin. It's certainly an ingredient worth trying out!
Learn more about Zinc PCAPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolStearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.
As an emollient, stearic acid helps soften skin. It aids the skin's protective barrier by preventing water loss. It also provides a gentle cleansing effect without stripping away natural oils.
Stearic acid may also be used to enhance the texture of products. It can add volume and stabilize ingredients such as water and oil. This can help water and oil ingredients from separating.
Sources of stearic acid include animal or vegetable fats/oils such as coconut or shea. It can be naturally found in butter, cocoa butter, shea butter, vegetable fats, and animal tallow.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidCitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidIngredient Ratings
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