Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser Versus Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Acne Eliminating Gel
Updated on June 12, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, BHA and Vitamin E
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
Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser 30 ingredients
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Acne Eliminating Gel 40 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
Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser 30 ingredients
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Acne Eliminating Gel 40 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Cleansing
Jojoba Esters
Emollient
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Acrylates Copolymer
Glycol Stearate
Emollient
Propanediol
Solvent
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Urea
Buffering
Yeast Amino Acids
HumectantTrehalose
Humectant
Inositol
Humectant
Taurine
BufferingBetaine
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPolyquaternium-4
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Tetrasodium EDTA
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Jojoba Esters, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Acrylates Copolymer, Glycol Stearate, Propanediol, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium PCA, Urea, Yeast Amino Acids, Trehalose, Inositol, Taurine, Betaine, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Polyquaternium-4, Sodium Chloride, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Benzoate
Salicylic Acid 2%
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Hamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Pvm/Ma Decadiene Crosspolymer
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventGlycerin
Humectant
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Carnitine
CleansingVitex Agnus-Castus Extract
AstringentGlutathione
Bisabolol
Masking
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Phytic Acid
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Ferulic Acid
Antimicrobial
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Farnesol
Perfuming
Sodium Pantothenate
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Saccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Soy Isoflavones
Skin ConditioningZinc PCA
Humectant
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantOctoxynol-9
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Potassium Gluconate
Skin ProtectingCitric Acid
Buffering
Pentasodium Pentetate
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Salicylic Acid 2%, Water, Alcohol Denat., Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Pvm/Ma Decadiene Crosspolymer, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Glycerin, Potassium Hydroxide, Polysorbate 20, Carnitine, Vitex Agnus-Castus Extract, Glutathione, Bisabolol, Niacinamide, Phytic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Ferulic Acid, Retinol, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Farnesol, Sodium Pantothenate, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Phospholipids, Tocopheryl Acetate, Saccharide Isomerate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Soy Isoflavones, Zinc PCA, Ethoxydiglycol, Octoxynol-9, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Gluconate, Citric Acid, Pentasodium Pentetate, 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.
Citric 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 AcidGlycolic 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 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 FiltrateSalicylic 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 WaterIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser 30 ingredients
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Acne Eliminating Gel 40 ingredients
Reviews
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