Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta AHA/BHA Daily Cleansing Gel Versus Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta 2% BHA Breakout Solution
Updated on July 02, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 12 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, hyaluronic acid and PHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, 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 common allergens and 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 AHA/BHA Daily Cleansing Gel 40 ingredients
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta 2% BHA Breakout Solution 39 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta AHA/BHA Daily Cleansing Gel 40 ingredients
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta 2% BHA Breakout Solution 39 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingSodium Cocoamphoacetate
CleansingDisteareth-75 Ipdi
Glycereth-7 Caprylate/Caprate
EmulsifyingPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Phytic Acid
Citric Acid
Buffering
Farnesol
Perfuming
Barosma Betulina Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tremella Fuciformis Extract
Humectant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Bisabolol
Masking
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
Humectant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventButylene Glycol
Humectant
PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
Emulsifying
Polyglyceryl-3 Laurate
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Chloride
Masking
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Phytate
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Jasminum Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract
Masking
Eugenia Caryophyllus Flower Extract
AstringentLavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Masking
Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Disteareth-75 Ipdi, Glycereth-7 Caprylate/Caprate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Mandelic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Phytic Acid, Citric Acid, Farnesol, Barosma Betulina Leaf Extract, Sodium PCA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Bisabolol, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Butylene Glycol, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Polyglyceryl-3 Laurate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Chloride, Gluconolactone, Sodium Phytate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Jasminum Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract, Eugenia Caryophyllus Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
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
Humectant
Caprylic Acid
CleansingLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Farnesol
Perfuming
Tetrahydrocurcumin
Antioxidant
Chlorhexidine Digluconate
Antimicrobial
Soy Isoflavones
Skin ConditioningSaccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Emollient
Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
Emollient
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Emulsifying
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Hexylresorcinol
Antimicrobial
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventPropanediol
Solvent
C13-15 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
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 WaterPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
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 PropanediolSalix 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 ExtractPhytic Acid is a gentle AHA and antioxidant. AHAs are chemical exfoliants that help remove dead skin cells. Phytic Acid has a slight and mild exfoliating effect.
The chemical makeup makes it classified as an AHA, much like lactic acid.
In some cases, it is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metals from binding to water, helping to stabilize the ingredients in a product.
An interesting fact about phytic acid is that it is considered an antinutrient. People do not have the enzyme needed to properly breakdown and digest phytic acid. When ingested, phytic acid binds to minerals and prevents them from being absorbed.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Phytic 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 AcidFarnesol is a compound extracted from essential oils such as lemongrass, rose, and more. It is used as a fragrance in products to help boost floral scents.
Farnesol is a known EU allergen and causes contact dermatitis.
This ingredient is hydrophobic, meaning it is not soluble in water.
Learn more about FarnesolSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateDimethyl Isosorbide is a solvent and helps deliver actives into your skin. It is created from sorbitol.
As a solvent, dimethyl isosorbide helps dissolve other ingredients. This helps ensure even distribution of an ingredient. It may also be used to decrease the thickness of a product.
Studies show dimethyl isosorbide is able to penetrate skin to deliver other ingredients into the skin, making them more effective.
Learn more about Dimethyl IsosorbideGluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs are a great gentle alternative to traditional AHAs.
When applied, Gluconolactone has the same affect on skin as AHAs such as lactic acid. It helps dissolve the dead skin cells in the top layer of your skin. This improves texture and brightens the skin.
PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. They do not penetrate as deeply as AHAs and take a longer time to dissolve dead cells. Studies show PHAs do not cause as much irritation.
Gluconolactone has some interesting properties:
In a 2004 study, Gluconolactone was found to prevent UV damage in mouse skin cells and has not been found to increase sun sensitivity. However, we still recommend wearing SPF daily.
This ingredient is is an created by reacting gluconic acid with an alcohol.
Learn more about GluconolactonePhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoatePotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateIngredient Ratings
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