Skin Rocks The Control Acid 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 6 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain BHA
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 and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols, common allergens and 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
Skin Rocks The Control Acid 24 ingredients
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta 2% BHA Breakout Solution 39 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
Skin Rocks The Control Acid 24 ingredients
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta 2% BHA Breakout Solution 39 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Boswellia Serrata Extract
Skin ConditioningBackhousia Citriodora Leaf Extract
AstringentMel Extract
MoisturisingOligopeptide-10
Antimicrobial
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
PPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Citric Acid
Buffering
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Polydextrose
HumectantDextrin
AbsorbentAmylopectin
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Polylysine
Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Backhousia Citriodora Leaf Extract, Mel Extract, Oligopeptide-10, Benzyl Alcohol, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Butylene Glycol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Citric Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Polydextrose, Dextrin, Amylopectin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Polylysine
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.
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 AcidPhenoxyethanol 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.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSalicylic 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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