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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength 10% PHA Exfoliating Clarifying Liquid versus Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel .

Published on November 14, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe facial treatments. They have a total of 12 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain AHA, BHA, Vitamin C and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, 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 need an update? Let us know.

Facial Treatment American Brand United States
Facial Treatment 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.

Facial Treatment

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

Price

Shop

Buy PRO Strength 10% PHA Exfoliating Clarifying Liquid

Starts at $58.00
Shop

Buy Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel

Starts at $72.29

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 (2)
BHA
PHA
Vitamin C
Vitamin E

Benefits

Hydrating
Good For Oily Skin (2)
Redness Reducing
Skin Texture (4)
Reduces Large Pores (3)
Anti-Aging (5)
Dark Spots (3)
Scar Healing (5)
Acne Fighting
Brightening (5)

Concerns

Drying (2)
Irritating (4)
Rosacea (3)
Eczema (3)

Notable Ingredients

AHA (5)
BHA
Retinoid (2)
Vitamin C (2)
Vitamin E
Exfoliators

Benefits

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

Concerns

Drying (6)
May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Irritating (11)
Rosacea (9)
Eczema (7)
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Ingredients Compared

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

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 PRO Strength 10% PHA Exfoliating Clarifying Liquid contains this as ingredient number 1.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel contains this as ingredient number 1.

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 PRO Strength 10% PHA Exfoliating Clarifying Liquid contains this as ingredient number 5.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel contains this as ingredient number 3.

3
What it does: Astringent, Skin Conditioning, Soothing
Community Rating: Disliked

Hamamelis Virginiana Water is made used distilled parts of the witch hazel plant. The witch hazel plant is native to eastern North America.

The name 'Hamamelis Virginiana Water' refers to the distillation while the name 'Witch Hazel' is used when it is an active drug ingredient. Unless it is specified to be non-alcohol, many types of witch hazel are distilled in denatured alcohol.

Witch Hazel water is an astringent, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial ingredient. The tannin in witch hazel has a drying effect when used on skin and constricts proteins. This helps minimize the look of large pores. The tannins present and the fragrance may be sensitizing. The catechins in witch hazel have anti-inflammatory properties while the gallic acid is antibacterial.

Indigenous groups have used witch hazel to help treat inflammation, which was then used by early settlers to North America.

Learn more about Hamamelis Virginiana Water

Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength 10% PHA Exfoliating Clarifying Liquid contains this as ingredient number 6.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel contains this as ingredient number 5.

4
What it does: Buffering, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

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 Acid

Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength 10% PHA Exfoliating Clarifying Liquid contains this as ingredient number 7.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel contains this as ingredient number 8.

5
What it does: Masking, Preservative, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is one of the most well-known ingredients for treating skin that struggles with blackheads and acne. It helps to exfoliate both the skin's surface and pores, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

This multitasking property makes it a great ingredient for cleaning out pores, controlling oil production, and reducing inflammation.

Unlike AHAs which are water soluble, Salicylic Acid is oil soluble. This means that it's able to exfoliate the inside of pores and reduce blackheads.

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 a Salicylic Acid into your routine.

In general, Salicylic Acid is a great ingredient for oily acne-prone skin.

While salicylic acid does not increase sun-sensitivity, we still recommend wearing SPF.

If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.

Learn more about Salicylic Acid

Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength 10% PHA Exfoliating Clarifying Liquid contains this as ingredient number 10.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel contains this as ingredient number 6.

6
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Phospholipids are naturally found in our skin as they are the main component of cell membranes. Phospholipids have humectant, emollient, antioxidant properties.

The phospholipids in our skin can be naturally depleted. Replenishing the phospholipids in our skin can help hydrate your skin. Due to their hygroscopic nature, they act as humectants and emollients. Humectants draw moisture from the air to your skin, while emollients help trap moisture in. This ingredient is non-occlusive.

Studies show phospholipids display antioxidant activity and may help with reducing the signs of aging.

Phospholipids are complex lipids that contain glycerin, two fatty acids, and a phosphate group. Some foods that contain phospholipids include soybeans and milk. The phospholipids found in soy come from Lecithin. This ingredient can also be synthetically created.

Some types of phospholipids:

Learn more about Phospholipids

Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength 10% PHA Exfoliating Clarifying Liquid contains this as ingredient number 12.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel contains this as ingredient number 37.

7
What it does: Antioxidant, Masking
Community Rating: Disliked

Ascorbyl Palmitate is created by combining pure Vitamin C and palmitic acid. It is an antioxidant and helps reduce hyperpigmentation.

Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, or molecules that may break down skin cells. Antioxdants help reduce signs of aging.

Ascorbyl Palmitate is a stable version of Vitamin C, meaning it does not disintegrate when exposed to sunlight. However, studies show it does not penetrate skin as well as pure Vitamin C.

Read more about other types of Vitamin C:

Learn more about Ascorbyl Palmitate

Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength 10% PHA Exfoliating Clarifying Liquid contains this as ingredient number 14.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel contains this as ingredient number 36.

8
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 PRO Strength 10% PHA Exfoliating Clarifying Liquid contains this as ingredient number 16.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel contains this as ingredient number 20.

9
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 PRO Strength 10% PHA Exfoliating Clarifying Liquid contains this as ingredient number 18.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel contains this as ingredient number 29.

10
What it does: Masking, Preservative
Community Rating: Disliked

Benzoic Acid is used to preserve and adjust the pH of products.

The antimicrobial property of Benzoic Acid helps elongate a product's shelf life. Its main role is to reduce fungi growth and is not found to be effective at fighting bacteria. Therefore Benzoic Acid is always added along with other preservatives.

In its pure form, Benzoic Acid looks like a white crystalline solid. It has slight solubility in water.

The name of Benzoic Acid comes from gum benzoin, which used to be the sole source of deriving this ingredient. Benzoic Acid is the most simple aromatic carboxylic acid.

Benzoic Acid is naturally occuring in strawberries, mustard, cinnamon, and cloves. It has a slight scent but is not considered to be a fragrance.

Learn more about Benzoic Acid

Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength 10% PHA Exfoliating Clarifying Liquid contains this as ingredient number 19.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel contains this as ingredient number 27.

11
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.

Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.

Learn more about Disodium EDTA

Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength 10% PHA Exfoliating Clarifying Liquid contains this as ingredient number 22.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel contains this as ingredient number 21.

12
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 PRO Strength 10% PHA Exfoliating Clarifying Liquid contains this as ingredient number 23.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel contains this as ingredient number 28.

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

39% are loved or liked
13% have mixed ratings
35% are disliked or very disliked
13% have no rating yet
41% are loved or liked
7% have mixed ratings
43% are disliked or very disliked
9% have no rating yet

Usage

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Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength 10% PHA Exfoliating Clarifying Liquid 23 ingredients

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Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 10 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength 10% PHA Exfoliating Clarifying Liquid.

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Our Dupe Finder has found 2 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel.

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