Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel for Sensitive Skin Versus Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx Acne Eliminating Pads
Updated on March 22, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe . They have a total of 15 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, retinoid and Vitamin C
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 or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols, 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 Ultra Gentle Daily Peel for Sensitive Skin 49 ingredients
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx Acne Eliminating Pads 44 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 Ultra Gentle Daily Peel for Sensitive Skin 49 ingredients
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx Acne Eliminating Pads 44 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Achillea Millefolium Extract
CleansingAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking
Cocos Nucifera Oil
Masking
Rose Extract
Skin ConditioningSoy Isoflavones
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Prunus Persica Fruit Extract
Abrasive
Aniba Rosaeodora Wood Extract
Masking
Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract
Masking
Coriandrum Sativum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCupressus Sempervirens Seed Extract
Perfuming
Fucus Vesiculosus Extract
Emollient
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Copper PCA
HumectantZinc PCA
Humectant
Lavandula Angustifolia Extract
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Disodium EDTA
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Colloidal Oatmeal
Absorbent
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Retinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Resveratrol
Antioxidant
Ubiquinone
Antioxidant
Raphanus Sativus Root Extract
AstringentSodium PCA
Humectant
Lecithin
Emollient
Octoxynol-9
EmulsifyingSimethicone
Emollient
Tetrasodium EDTA
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Sodium Bicarbonate
Abrasive
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Rose Extract, Soy Isoflavones, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Prunus Persica Fruit Extract, Aniba Rosaeodora Wood Extract, Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract, Coriandrum Sativum Seed Extract, Cupressus Sempervirens Seed Extract, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Copper PCA, Zinc PCA, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polysorbate 20, Alcohol Denat., Disodium EDTA, Potassium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Colloidal Oatmeal, Centella Asiatica Extract, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Phospholipids, Resveratrol, Ubiquinone, Raphanus Sativus Root Extract, Sodium PCA, Lecithin, Octoxynol-9, Simethicone, Tetrasodium EDTA, Polysorbate 80, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Benzoate
Achillea Millefolium Extract
CleansingAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Bentonite
Absorbent
Bisabolol
Masking
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Carnitine Hcl
HumectantChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Copper PCA
HumectantCyclodextrin
AbsorbentDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventDisodium EDTA
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantFarnesol
Perfuming
Parfum
Masking
Glutamic Acid
Humectant
Glutathione
Glycerin
Humectant
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Malic Acid
Buffering
Octoxynol-9
EmulsifyingPantothenic Acid
Skin ConditioningPentasodium Pentetate
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Phytic Acid
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Skin Conditioning
Potassium Citrate
BufferingPotassium Gluconate
Skin ProtectingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingRetinol
Skin Conditioning
Saccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Soy Isoflavones
Skin ConditioningTetrapeptide-21
Skin Conditioning
Vitex Agnus Castus Extract
AstringentWater
Skin ConditioningZinc PCA
Humectant
Achillea Millefolium Extract, Alcohol Denat., Ascorbic Acid, Bentonite, Bisabolol, Butylene Glycol, Caffeine, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Carnitine Hcl, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Citric Acid, Copper PCA, Cyclodextrin, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Disodium EDTA, Ethoxydiglycol, Farnesol, Parfum, Glutamic Acid, Glutathione, Glycerin, Glycolic Acid, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Octoxynol-9, Pantothenic Acid, Pentasodium Pentetate, Phospholipids, Phytic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Potassium Citrate, Potassium Gluconate, Potassium Hydroxide, Retinol, Saccharide Isomerate, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Soy Isoflavones, Tetrapeptide-21, Vitex Agnus Castus Extract, Water, Zinc PCA
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 WaterLactic Acid is an AHA that is derived from fermenting lactose, a carbohydrate from milk. It removes the top layer of old and dead skin cells and helps increase cell turnover.
Benefits of Lactic Acid are that it can help to reduce large pores and reduce the effects of aging. Some potential downsides are that it can be bad for dry skin, cause irritation, worsen eczema, and worsen rosacea.
Not only does it help exfoliate the skin, it helps strengthen the skin's barrier. When applied, lactic acid helps the skin create ceramides.
Lactic acid is an over-the-counter chemical exfoliant that comes from the fermentation of lactose — a carbohydrate found in milk.
Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Lactic 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 ExtractCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.
This ingredient has many skin benefits:
This ingredient contains polyphenols, a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off molecules that damage skin cells.
On top of that, the antioxidants in green tea neutralize free-radicals from the sun. This gives the skin some extra UV protection, but should not replace sunscreen.
Many components of tea have anti-inflammatory properties.
Polyphenols and L-theanine help soothe the skin and reduce irritation. The caffeine in Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract helps calm inflamed blood vessels.
Other compounds found in tea include: Vitamin Bs, linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
Research has shown both drinking Camellia Sinensis Leaf Tea and applying it to the skin can help boost skin elasticity and hydration. Studies also show using tea extract may reduce sebum, or oil, production.
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractAchillea Millefolium Extract comes from the yarrow plant. Yarrow is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids.
We don't have a description for Soy Isoflavones yet.
We don't have a description for Copper PCA yet.
Zinc 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 PCAPolysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Alcohol Denat. is an alcohol with a denaturant property. It is created by mixing ethanol with other additives.
This ingredient gets a bad rep because it is irritating and drying - mostly due to its astringent property. Astringents draw out natural oils in tissue, constricting pores and leaving your skin dried out.
However, alcohol denat. is not all that bad.
Due to its low molecular weight, alcohol denat. tends to evaporate quickly. One study on pig skin found half of applied alcohol evaporated in 10 seconds and less than 3% stayed on skin.
This also helps other ingredients become better absorbed upon application.
Studies are conflicted about whether this ingredient causes skin dehydration. One study from 2005 found adding emollients to propanol-based sanitizer decreased skin dryness and irritation. Another study found irritation only occurs if your skin is already damaged.
Small amounts of alcohol are generally tolerated by oily skin or people who live in humid environments.
The rule of thumb is if this alcohol is near the end of an ingredients list, it will probably not affect your skin much.
Also...
This ingredient has antimicrobial and solvent properties.
The antimicrobial property helps preserve products and increase their shelf life. As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
Learn more about Alcohol Denat.Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAPotassium hydroxide is commonly known as caustic potash. It is used to fix the pH of a product or as a cleaning agent in soap. In cleansers, it is used for the saponification of oils.
Sapnification is the process of creating fatty acid metal salts from triglycerides and a strong base. During this process, Potassium Hydroxide is used up and is not present in the final product.
Using high concentrations of Potassium Hydroxide have shown to irritate the skin.
Learn more about Potassium HydroxidePhospholipids are naturally found in our skin as they are the main component of cell membranes. Phospholipids have humectant, emollient, antioxidant properties.
Phospholipids are complex lipids that contain glycerin, two fatty acids, and a phosphate group. Some foods that contain phospholipids include soybeans and milk. The phospholipids found in soy come from Lecithin. This ingredient can also be synthetically created.
Due to their hygroscopic nature, they act as both humectants and emollients. Humectants draw moisture from the air to your skin, while emollients help trap moisture in.
The phospholipids in our skin can be naturally depleted. Replenishing the phospholipids in our skin can help hydrate your skin.
Studies show phospholipids display antioxidant activity and may help with reducing the signs of aging.
This ingredient is non-occlusive.
Some types of phospholipids:
Learn more about PhospholipidsOctoxynol-9 are part of a group called ethoxylated alkyl phenols. Octoxynols are usually found in hair-coloring products.
As an emulsifier, it helps keep other ingredients together.
The 9 stands for the average number of ethylene oxide units used to create this ingredient.
Learn more about Octoxynol-9Sodium 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 Ultra Gentle Daily Peel for Sensitive Skin 49 ingredients
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx Acne Eliminating Pads 44 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel for Sensitive Skin 49 ingredients
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx Acne Eliminating Pads 44 ingredients
One of the harsher products I've tried due to the burning sensation. Was dealing with dark spots and inflamed skin, this was the only active I used which dramatically helped reduce breakouts and lowkey some darkspots. Definitely not equipped to do the whole job of dealing with acne scars/darkspots, but helpful enough.
