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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Peel Pads versus Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel .

Last updated on March 25, 2024. Published on June 03, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 8 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain AHA and retinoid

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

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Facial Treatment American Brand United States
Exfoliator American Brand United States

Facial Treatment

Facial treatments are specially designed to treat a skin concern. Acne treatments and anti-aging products are common examples of facial treatments.

Exfoliator

Exfoliators are used to exfoliate the skin, or remove dead skin cells from the skin. Exfoliators may be chemical or physical.

Price

Shop

Buy Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Peel Pads

Starts at $52.00
Shop

Buy Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

Starts at $153.00

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

AHA
Retinoid
Niacinamide
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Good For Oily Skin (3)
Redness Reducing (2)
Reduces Irritation
Skin Texture (2)
Reduces Large Pores (3)
Anti-Aging (3)
Dark Spots (3)
Scar Healing (4)
Acne Fighting (2)
Brightening (3)

Concerns

Drying
Irritating (2)
Rosacea (2)
Eczema (2)

Notable Ingredients

AHA (4)
BHA
Retinoid (2)
Vitamin C (2)
Vitamin E
Exfoliators

Benefits

Good For Oily Skin (4)
Redness Reducing (3)
Reduces Irritation
Skin Texture (8)
Reduces Large Pores (8)
Anti-Aging (8)
Dark Spots (6)
Scar Healing (10)
Acne Fighting (5)
Brightening (9)

Concerns

Drying (6)
May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Irritating (10)
Rosacea (8)
Eczema (8)
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Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Water

Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Peel Pads contains this as ingredient number 1.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel contains this as ingredient number 26.

2
What it does: Buffering
Community Rating: Loved

Glycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with research to back up its benefits. Its main role is to peel the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and look more even.

Glycolic Acid has shown to boost collage production, a protein that helps skin stay firm. Overall, Glycolic Acid helps with improving uneven tone, rough patches of skin, fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage. It also increases skin hydration by playing a role in creating molecules that create hyaluronic acid naturally.

When applying 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.

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 Acid

Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Peel Pads contains this as ingredient number 2.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Retinol is a form of Vitamin A and proven to help with anti-aging.

It promotes collagen production, increases new cell turnoever, and protects your skin as an antioxidant.

Retinol boosts collagen production and increases cell turnover. This makes retinol effective in removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, and reducing the appearance of pores.

Retinol is less effective when exposed to sun. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent.

Using retinol and retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few weeks of use. 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 Retinol

Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Peel Pads contains this as ingredient number 5.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel contains this as ingredient number 31.

4
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Lecithin is a term for a group of substances found in plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of fatty acids. These fatty acids usually are a mixture of phosphoric acid's choline ester connected to stearic, oleic, and palmitic acids. Most lecithins are created from plant ingredients scuh as sunflower.

Lecithin is an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and creates a barrier to keep moisture in.

As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent water and oil ingredients from separating. Lecithin can help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin. The phospholipids in Lecithin can produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.

Learn more about Lecithin

Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Peel Pads contains this as ingredient number 6.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel contains this as ingredient number 16.

5
What it does: Masking, Preservative
Community Rating: Disliked

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 Benzoate

Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Peel Pads contains this as ingredient number 12.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel contains this as ingredient number 25.

6
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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 20

Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Peel Pads contains this as ingredient number 16.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel contains this as ingredient number 6.

7
What it does: Antimicrobial, Astringent, Masking, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is usually an astringent alcohol.

These alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.

Other types of astringent alcohols include:

According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.

Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.

Fatty alcohols come from plant oils such as coconut oil. These can help hydrate the skin and are non-irritating. Some fatty alcohols include cetyl and stearyl alcohol.

Learn more about Alcohol

Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Peel Pads contains this as ingredient number 17.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel contains this as ingredient number 18.

8
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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.

Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Peel Pads contains this as ingredient number 18.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel contains this as ingredient number 24.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

44% are loved or liked
22% have mixed ratings
33% are disliked or very disliked
0% have no rating yet
37% are loved or liked
7% have mixed ratings
51% are disliked or very disliked
5% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Peel Pads 18 ingredients

Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Peel Pads hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel 43 ingredients

3.7 /5
from 3 ratings
Derma.Anne's avatar

Derma.Anne

7 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

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.

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