Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Versus Hydropeptide 5X Power Peel Daily Resurfacing Pads
Updated on April 09, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA and BHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any oils, 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 Universal Daily Peel 43 ingredients
Hydropeptide 5X Power Peel Daily Resurfacing Pads 59 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 Universal Daily Peel 43 ingredients
Hydropeptide 5X Power Peel Daily Resurfacing Pads 59 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingHamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Citric Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Malic Acid
Buffering
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Achillea Millefolium Extract
CleansingAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking
Soy Isoflavones
Skin ConditioningCopper PCA
HumectantZinc PCA
Humectant
Lecithin
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Parfum
Masking
Linalool
Perfuming
Benzyl Salicylate
Perfuming
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Bicarbonate
Abrasive
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Retinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Resveratrol
Antioxidant
Ubiquinone
Antioxidant
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Phospholipids
Skin ConditioningSodium PCA
HumectantDimethicone
Emollient
PEG-30 Stearate
Emulsifying
Octoxynol-9
EmulsifyingBHT
Antioxidant
Tetrasodium EDTA
Sorbic Acid
Preservative
Water, Alcohol Denat., Glycolic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Salicylic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Soy Isoflavones, Copper PCA, Zinc PCA, Lecithin, Disodium EDTA, Alcohol, Polysorbate 80, Parfum, Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Benzoic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Retinyl Palmitate, Retinol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Resveratrol, Ubiquinone, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Phospholipids, Sodium PCA, Dimethicone, PEG-30 Stearate, Octoxynol-9, BHT, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sorbic Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Pumpkin Fruit Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingPropanediol
SolventHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Polyglyceryl-3 PCA
EmollientPolyglyceryl-4 Oleate
Emulsifying
Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-6 Ricinoleate
Emulsifying
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingBenzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Copper PCA
HumectantGlucosamine Hcl
Rhodosorus Marinus Extract
Antioxidant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Citrus Limon Peel Extract
EmollientAcer Saccharum Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract
Emulsion Stabilising
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Urea
Buffering
Mucor Miehei Extract
AstringentChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Citrus Aurantifolia Peel Extract
Cleansing
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Nobilis Fruit Extract
MaskingCitrus Tangerina Peel Extract
AstringentBarosma Betulina Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningJuniperus Virginiana Wood Extract
Perfuming
Musa Sapientum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Armeniaca Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAnanas Sativus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningButter Extract
Emollient
Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract
EmollientCoffea Arabica Leaf/Seed Extract
MaskingCucumis Melo Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningFragaria Chiloensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningRubus Idaeus Fruit Extract
AstringentAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Dextran
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8
Skin Conditioning
Water, Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Fruit Ferment Filtrate, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Propanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polyglyceryl-3 PCA, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate, Polyglyceryl-6 Ricinoleate, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Benzyl Alcohol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Copper PCA, Glucosamine Hcl, Rhodosorus Marinus Extract, Salicylic Acid, Citric Acid, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Citrus Limon Peel Extract, Acer Saccharum Extract, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Urea, Mucor Miehei Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Citrus Aurantifolia Peel Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Extract, Citrus Nobilis Fruit Extract, Citrus Tangerina Peel Extract, Barosma Betulina Leaf Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Juniperus Virginiana Wood Extract, Musa Sapientum Fruit Extract, Prunus Armeniaca Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract, Butter Extract, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract, Coffea Arabica Leaf/Seed Extract, Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract, Fragaria Chiloensis Fruit Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Fruit Extract, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Allantoin, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dextran, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8
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 WaterGlycolic 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 AcidSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is one of the most well-known ingredients for treating skin that struggles with blackheads and acne. It helps to exfoliate both the skin's surface and pores, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
This multitasking property makes it a great ingredient for cleaning out pores, controlling oil production, and reducing inflammation.
Unlike AHAs which are water soluble, Salicylic Acid is oil soluble. This means that it's able to exfoliate the inside of pores and reduce blackheads.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing a Salicylic Acid into your routine.
In general, Salicylic Acid is a great ingredient for oily acne-prone skin.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun-sensitivity, we still recommend wearing SPF.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic 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 AcidLactic 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 AcidCamellia 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 ExtractWe don't have a description for Copper PCA yet.
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate is a natural preservative. It comes from fermenting radish roots with a bacteria called leuconostoc.
Leuconostoc comes from lactic acid.
This ingredient has antimicrobial properties and helps prevent the growth of bacteria in a product.
Leuconostoc is used to make the traditional Korean side-dish, kimchi. It is also used to make sourdough bread (both incredibly yummy foods).
Learn more about Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment FiltrateIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel 43 ingredients
Hydropeptide 5X Power Peel Daily Resurfacing Pads 59 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel 43 ingredients
These peel pads are the GOAT. They're almost like a chemical peel at a skin clinic, but safe for using at home. The give an instant glow and plump to the skin which I love, and keeps my hormonal acne and clogged pores at bay.
