Farmacy Deep Sweep Toner Versus Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta 2% BHA Breakout Solution
Updated on April 16, 2024
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, BHA and PHA
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 oils, parabens, silicones 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
Farmacy Deep Sweep Toner 22 ingredients
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta 2% BHA Breakout Solution 39 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Farmacy Deep Sweep Toner 22 ingredients
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta 2% BHA Breakout Solution 39 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningArginine
Masking
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Lactobacillus/Papaya Fruit Ferment Extract
Abrasive
Moringa Oleifera Leaf Water
Skin ConditioningMoringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Water
MaskingChlorella Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Skin ProtectingScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentLactic Acid
Buffering
Glycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Xylitylglucoside
Humectant
Anhydroxylitol
Humectant
Xylitol
Humectant
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Glucose
Humectant
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, Arginine, Salicylic Acid, Lactobacillus/Papaya Fruit Ferment Extract, Moringa Oleifera Leaf Water, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Water, Chlorella Ferment, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Lactic Acid, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Gluconolactone, Maltodextrin, Glucose, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
Salicylic Acid 2%
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Pyruvic Acid
MaskingPhytic Acid
Azelaic Acid
Buffering
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Carnitine Hcl
HumectantXylitol
Humectant
Caprylic Acid
CleansingLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Farnesol
Perfuming
Tetrahydrocurcumin
Antioxidant
Chlorhexidine Digluconate
Antimicrobial
Soy Isoflavones
Skin ConditioningSaccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Emollient
Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
Emollient
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Emulsifying
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Hexylresorcinol
Antimicrobial
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventPropanediol
Solvent
C13-15 Alkane
SolventPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingStearic Acid
Cleansing
Citric Acid
Buffering
Calcium Gluconate
HumectantSodium Citrate
BufferingCucumis Sativus Fruit Water
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Salicylic Acid 2%, Water, Alcohol Denat., Propylene Glycol, Gluconolactone, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Lactic Acid, Pyruvic Acid, Phytic Acid, Azelaic Acid, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Carnitine Hcl, Xylitol, Caprylic Acid, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Farnesol, Tetrahydrocurcumin, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Soy Isoflavones, Saccharide Isomerate, Zinc PCA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Hexylresorcinol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Propanediol, C13-15 Alkane, Potassium Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Citric Acid, Calcium Gluconate, Sodium Citrate, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Water, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Gluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs are a great gentle alternative to traditional AHAs.
When applied, Gluconolactone has the same affect on skin as AHAs such as lactic acid. It helps dissolve the dead skin cells in the top layer of your skin. This improves texture and brightens the skin.
PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. They do not penetrate as deeply as AHAs and take a longer time to dissolve dead cells. Studies show PHAs do not cause as much irritation.
Gluconolactone has some interesting properties:
In a 2004 study, Gluconolactone was found to prevent UV damage in mouse skin cells and has not been found to increase sun sensitivity. However, we still recommend wearing SPF daily.
This ingredient is is an created by reacting gluconic acid with an alcohol.
Learn more about GluconolactoneLactic Acid is another well-loved alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It is gentler than glycolic acid but still highly effective.
Its main role is to exfoliate the surface of the skin by loosening the “glue” that holds dead skin cells together. Shedding those old cells leads to smoother, softer, and more even-toned skin.
Because lactic acid molecules are larger than glycolic acid, they don’t penetrate as deeply. This means they’re less likely to sting or irritate, making it a great choice for beginners or those with sensitive skin.
Like glycolic acid, it can:
Lactic acid also acts as a humectant (like hyaluronic acid). It can draw water into the skin to improve hydration and also plays a role in the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) in the form of sodium lactate.
Studies show it can boost ceramide production to strengthen the skin barrier and even help balance the skin’s microbiome.
To get results, choose products with a pH between 3-4.
Lower strengths (5-12%) focus on surface exfoliation; higher strengths (12% and up) can reach deeper in the dermis (deeper, supportive layer) to improve skin texture and firmness over time.
Though it was originally derived from milk, most modern lactic acid used in skincare is vegan. It is made through non-dairy fermentation to create a bio-identical and stable form suitable for all formulations.
When lactic acid shows up near the end of an ingredient list, it usually means the brand added just a tiny amount to adjust the product’s pH.
Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.
Lactic acid is truly a gentle multitasker: it exfoliates, hydrates, strengthens, and brightens. It's a great ingredient for giving your skin a smooth, glowing, and healthy look without the harshness of stronger acids.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Lactic AcidLeuconostoc/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 FiltratePotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
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 this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidSodium 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 BenzoateWater. 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 WaterXylitol is a humectant and prebiotic. It can help with dry skin.
In studies, xylitol has been shown to improve dry skin. It decreased transepidermal water loss, or when water passes through the skin and evaporates. Xylitol also showed to help improve the biomechanical properties of the skin barrier.
The prebiotic property of xylitol may also help reinforce our skin's natural microbiome. Having a healthy microbiome prevents infection by bad bacteria and helps with hydration.
As a humectant, Xylitol helps draw moisture from both the air and from deeper skin layers. This helps keep skin hydrated.
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol and commonly used as a sugar substitute. It is naturally occurring in plants such as strawberries and pumpkin.
Learn more about XylitolIngredient Ratings
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Farmacy Deep Sweep Toner 22 ingredients
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta 2% BHA Breakout Solution 39 ingredients
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