Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel versus Urban Skin RX Pro Strength Retinol Resurfacing Treatment Pads .
Last updated on March 25, 2024. Published on January 14, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe exfoliators. They have a total of 8 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, 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
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Exfoliator
Exfoliators are used to exfoliate the skin, or remove dead skin cells from the skin. Exfoliators may be chemical or physical.
Exfoliator
Exfoliators are used to exfoliate the skin, or remove dead skin cells from the skin. Exfoliators may be chemical or physical.
Price
Ingredient Info
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel 43 ingredients
Urban Skin RX Pro Strength Retinol Resurfacing Treatment Pads 20 ingredients
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Vegan
This product is vegan 🎉
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel 43 ingredients
Urban Skin RX Pro Strength Retinol Resurfacing Treatment Pads 20 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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This product contains 8 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel 43 ingredients
Urban Skin RX Pro Strength Retinol Resurfacing Treatment Pads 20 ingredients
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 • Water • 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 • Polysorbate 20 • Ethoxydiglycol • Niacinamide • Retinol • Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract • Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract • Pisum Sativum Extract • Glucosamine • Ascorbic Acid • Azelaic Acid • Kojic Acid • Arbutin • Glutathione • Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate • Lactic Acid • Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate • Sodium Benzoate • Phenoxyethanol • Ethylhexylglycerin
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Polysorbate 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 20Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel contains this as ingredient number 6.
Urban Skin RX Pro Strength Retinol Resurfacing Treatment Pads contains this as ingredient number 2.
Lactic 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 AcidDr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel contains this as ingredient number 8.
Urban Skin RX Pro Strength Retinol Resurfacing Treatment Pads contains this as ingredient number 16.
Camellia 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.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract has many benefits. It contains polyphenols, a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off free-radical molecules that damage skin cells. 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. L-theanine is an amino acid that makes up most of the amino acids found in tea leaves. The caffeine in Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract helps calm inflamed blood vessels.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract also contains Vitamin Bs, linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract also has antimicrobial properties.
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 ExtractDr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel contains this as ingredient number 10.
Urban Skin RX Pro Strength Retinol Resurfacing Treatment Pads contains this as ingredient number 6.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel contains this as ingredient number 24.
Urban Skin RX Pro Strength Retinol Resurfacing Treatment Pads contains this as ingredient number 19.
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.
Sodium Benzoate 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 BenzoateDr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel contains this as ingredient number 25.
Urban Skin RX Pro Strength Retinol Resurfacing Treatment Pads contains this as ingredient number 18.
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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterDr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel contains this as ingredient number 26.
Urban Skin RX Pro Strength Retinol Resurfacing Treatment Pads contains this as ingredient number 1.
Ascorbic Acid is is pure Vitamin C. This form makes up the largest amount of vitamin C found naturally in our skin.
Not only is vitamin C great for your overall health and immune system, it also has plenty of benefits on your skin.
Vitamin C is best used for brightening skin. It improves dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. This is because it blocks the process of skin darkening when exposed to UV.
Remember: Vitamin C should not replace sunscreen!
Your skin uses vitamin C to build collagen. Collagen is one key component in having a strong skin barrier and plump skin. Vitamin C also plays a role in regulating collagen, thus making it effective in improving wrinkles and fine lines.
Ascorbic acid shows potent antioxidant activity. As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. These antioxidants also protect skin against UV damage.
The best formulations include Vitamin E and/or ferulic acid. These two ingredients help stabilize and provide a boost in the benefits of ascorbic acid. This is because ascorbic acid becomes unstable when exposed to UV and air. In fact, you can tell your ascorbic acid has oxidized when it turns an orange-yellow color.
Ascorbic acid is generally compatible with other ingredients. However, using ascorbic acid with other active ingredients might cause irritation. Two ingredients: copper ions and benzoyl peroxide, will inactivate ascorbic acid completely.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Foods rich with vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and more. When consuming Vitamin C, your skin receives a portion of the nutrients.
Learn more about Ascorbic AcidDr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel contains this as ingredient number 28.
Urban Skin RX Pro Strength Retinol Resurfacing Treatment Pads contains this as ingredient number 10.
Retinol is a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. It is a form of Vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes tretinoin.
Why is retinol famous?
It has the most scientific studies backing up its skin benefits out of all the non-prescription ingredients.
Retinol is proven to:
This is why retinol is effective at removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, treating acne, and reducing the appearance of pores.
Studies show retinol is less effective when exposed to UV. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent (similar to Vitamin C).
Using retinol or any retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few months. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.
We recommend speaking with a medical professional about using this ingredient during pregnancy.
Retinol may cause irritation in some people, so be sure to patch test. Experts recommend 'ramping up' retinol use: start using this ingredient once a week and work up to using it daily.
Read about Tretinoin
Learn more about RetinolDr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel contains this as ingredient number 31.
Urban Skin RX Pro Strength Retinol Resurfacing Treatment Pads contains this as ingredient number 5.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel 43 ingredients
Urban Skin RX Pro Strength Retinol Resurfacing Treatment Pads 20 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel 43 ingredients
Urban Skin RX Pro Strength Retinol Resurfacing Treatment Pads 20 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel 43 ingredients
Derma.Anne
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...
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.
Urban Skin RX Pro Strength Retinol Resurfacing Treatment Pads 20 ingredients
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 1 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel.
See 1 alternativesOur Dupe Finder has found 1 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Urban Skin RX Pro Strength Retinol Resurfacing Treatment Pads.
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