Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Versus The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA
Updated on March 04, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe exfoliators. They have a total of 2 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any oils, parabens or sulfates
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
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 15 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
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 15 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 ConditioningLactic Acid
Buffering
Glycerin
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract
Antioxidant
Acacia Senegal Gum
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingIsoceteth-20
Emulsifying
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientIngredients 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 AcidIngredient 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
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 15 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.
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 15 ingredients
Holy grail for real. This stuff works instantly overnight to sooth acne and balance skin tone/texture. Everytime I do some damage picking at my skin, this serum basically undoes it all. Fantastic for maintenance whilst purging acne, I use this in rotation with the inkey list BHA serum and they have resurfaced and evened out all my fungal acne, going to move onto the 10% for clearing up my scars Show more
🤍 been using this for 2 years now, and i've really seen significant changes in my skin—especially with hyperpigmentation and texture ♡ however, it can be a bit irritating since i have sensitive skin, and it feels a little harsh when i combine it with the niacinamide 10% + zinc from the ordinary too. so, on my heavier days where my skin is extra sensitive, i skip this serum and just use moisturizer Show more
