PSA SKIN Follow the Light Multi Acids & Vitamin C Radiance Peel Versus Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe . They have a total of 9 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, 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 fragrances
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
PSA SKIN Follow the Light Multi Acids & Vitamin C Radiance Peel 39 ingredients
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel 44 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
PSA SKIN Follow the Light Multi Acids & Vitamin C Radiance Peel 39 ingredients
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel 44 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Glycerin
Humectant
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventCetearyl Isononanoate
EmollientLactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningGlucamine
HumectantLactobacillus
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
Buffering
Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSclerotium Gum
Emulsion Stabilising3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Bisabolol
Masking
Mica
Cosmetic Colorant
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingCocos Nucifera Fruit Extract
EmollientSodium PCA
HumectantCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer-3
HumectantGlutathione
Astaxanthin
Skin ConditioningLonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract
Perfuming
Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Sodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Glycolic Acid, Glycerin, Isononyl Isononanoate, Propanediol, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Glucamine, Lactobacillus, Lactic Acid, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, Sclerotium Gum, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Mica, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract, Sodium PCA, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Salicylic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer-3, Glutathione, Astaxanthin, Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Gluconate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polysorbate 20, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77891
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingHamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Malic Acid
Buffering
Citric Acid
Buffering
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Menthone Glycerin Acetal
RefreshingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Achillea Millefolium Extract
CleansingAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking
Soy Isoflavones
Skin ConditioningCopper PCA
HumectantZinc PCA
Humectant
Lecithin
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Parfum
Masking
Linalool
Perfuming
Benzyl Salicylate
Perfuming
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Bicarbonate
Abrasive
Resveratrol
Antioxidant
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Ubiquinone
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Phospholipids
Skin ConditioningRetinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Raphanus Sativus Root Extract
AstringentSodium PCA
HumectantBHT
Antioxidant
Octoxynol-9
EmulsifyingSimethicone
Emollient
Tetrasodium EDTA
Water, Alcohol Denat., Glycolic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Salicylic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Malic Acid, Citric Acid, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Menthone Glycerin Acetal, 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, Sodium Bicarbonate, Resveratrol, Retinol, Ascorbic Acid, Ubiquinone, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Phospholipids, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Raphanus Sativus Root Extract, Sodium PCA, BHT, Octoxynol-9, Simethicone, Tetrasodium EDTA
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterGlycolic 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 AcidLactic 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 AcidSodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid. It is naturally occurring in our skin's natural moisturizing factors where it works to maintain hydration.
The PCA stands for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, a natural amino acid derivative.
This ingredient has skin conditioning, anti-inflammatory, and humectant properties. Humectants help hydrate your skin by drawing moisture from the air. This helps keep your skin moisturized.
Learn more about Sodium PCASalicylic 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 AcidCamellia 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.
This ingredient has many skin benefits:
This ingredient contains polyphenols, a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off molecules that damage skin cells.
On top of that, 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. The caffeine in Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract helps calm inflamed blood vessels.
Other compounds found in tea include: Vitamin Bs, linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
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 ExtractTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetatePolysorbate 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 20Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent 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.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
PSA SKIN Follow the Light Multi Acids & Vitamin C Radiance Peel 39 ingredients
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel 44 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
PSA SKIN Follow the Light Multi Acids & Vitamin C Radiance Peel 39 ingredients
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel 44 ingredients
It is really good when used regularly. and also not to be used alone. You really have to be sure to have a nice routine after that is calming and soothing. It really made my skin smooth and just evened out my complexion. I wish it wasn’t so expensive. If your face feels like it needs a hard reset I’d recommend it. It burns a bit and you will break out the first few days (I think that’s called Show more
Used it once and it gave me a cyst on the nose
