Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Pore Perfecting Cleansing Gel Versus HoliFrog Shasta AHA Refining Acid Wash
Updated on January 25, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 11 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for 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 oils
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® Pore Perfecting Cleansing Gel 42 ingredients
HoliFrog Shasta AHA Refining Acid Wash 24 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® Pore Perfecting Cleansing Gel 42 ingredients
HoliFrog Shasta AHA Refining Acid Wash 24 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
CleansingPropanediol
SolventSodium Cocoamphoacetate
CleansingCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingDisteareth-75 Ipdi
Glycereth-7 Caprylate/Caprate
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
Masking
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Phytic Acid
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Farnesol
Perfuming
Barosma Betulina Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Sodium PCA
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tremella Fuciformis Extract
HumectantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Bisabolol
Masking
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Sodium Phytate
Jasminum Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract
Masking
Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Masking
Eugenia Caryophyllus Flower Extract
AstringentPolyglyceryl-3 Laurate
EmulsifyingPEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
Emulsifying
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingBenzoic Acid
Masking
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Propanediol, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Disteareth-75 Ipdi, Glycereth-7 Caprylate/Caprate, Sodium Chloride, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Mandelic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Phytic Acid, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, 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, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Alcohol, Sodium Phytate, Jasminum Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Eugenia Caryophyllus Flower Extract, Polyglyceryl-3 Laurate, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Benzoic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
CleansingLactic Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCalophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil
Antimicrobial
Glyceryl Stearate Se
Emulsifying
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
Emollient
Tartaric Acid
Buffering
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingBentonite
AbsorbentSodium Chloride
Masking
Sodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingQuartz
Abrasive
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Dehydroacetate
Preservative
Water, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Mandelic Acid, Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Tartaric Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Bentonite, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Gluconate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Citric Acid, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Quartz, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Dehydroacetate
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 WaterGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine is a synthetic cleansing agent, though it is derived from coconut oil.
It is used to enhance the texture of products by boosting lather and thickening the texture. As a cleanser, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine is mild.
Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.
This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.
The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.
Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideMandelic Acid helps exfoliate skin. It also contains antioxidant properties.
As an AHA, Mandelic Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and look more even.
Mandelic Acid may be an alternative to Glycolic Acid for those with sensitive skin.
Mandelic Acid may help reduce wrinkles, acne, and hyperpigmentation.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Mandelic AcidGlycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with a ton of research to back up its benefits.
Its main role is to remove the top layer of dead skin cells, allowing newer skin cells to emerge.
Specifically, AHAs work by breaking down the structural "glue" holding the old skin cells in place. Getting rid of the old skin cells allows skin to regenerate newer skin cells in its place. A build up of dead skin cells can lead to tired and dull looking skin.
Due to this, glycolic acid helps with:
Fun fact: Glycolic acid increases skin hydration by playing a role in creating molecules that create hyaluronic acid naturally.
When starting glycolic Acid, it is normal to feel slight stinging.
The pH value and concentration of glycolic acid play a role in the effectiveness of the product. Concentrations between 5-20% glycolic acid have been shown to be effective in clinical studies.
Recent studies have shown Glycolic Acid may protect the skin against UV damage. However, you should always wear SPF, especially when using exfoliants.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Glycolic 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 AcidAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice comes from leaves of the aloe plant. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is best known for helping to soothe sunburns. It is also anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, antiseptic, and can help heal wounds.
Aloe is packed with good stuff including Vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins are antioxidants, which help fight free-radicals and the damage they may cause. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice also contains sugars. These sugars come in the form of monosaccharides and polysaccharides, folic acid, and choline. These sugars are able to help bind moisture to skin.
It also contains minerals such as calcium, 12 anthraquinones, fatty acids, amino acids, and Vitamin B12.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideSodium 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 BenzoateIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Pore Perfecting Cleansing Gel 42 ingredients
HoliFrog Shasta AHA Refining Acid Wash 24 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Pore Perfecting Cleansing Gel 42 ingredients
HoliFrog Shasta AHA Refining Acid Wash 24 ingredients
Big yes!
I've been using this since about a year when my skin's in need of a exfoliating but gentle cleanser. Love it! It contains five types of AHA and has a nice ingredient list.
