SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads Versus Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx Acne Eliminating Pads
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 4 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, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any oils, parabens, silicones 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 needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads 8 ingredients
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx Acne Eliminating Pads 44 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads 8 ingredients
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx Acne Eliminating Pads 44 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Achillea Millefolium Extract
CleansingAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Bentonite
AbsorbentBisabolol
Masking
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Caffeine
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Carnitine Hcl
HumectantChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Copper PCA
HumectantCyclodextrin
AbsorbentDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventDisodium EDTA
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantFarnesol
Perfuming
Parfum
Masking
Glutamic Acid
HumectantGlutathione
Glycerin
Humectant
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Malic Acid
Buffering
Octoxynol-9
EmulsifyingPantothenic Acid
Skin ConditioningPentasodium Pentetate
Phospholipids
Skin ConditioningPhytic Acid
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Skin ConditioningPotassium Citrate
BufferingPotassium Gluconate
Skin ProtectingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingRetinol
Skin Conditioning
Saccharide Isomerate
HumectantSalix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Soy Isoflavones
Skin ConditioningTetrapeptide-21
Skin Conditioning
Vitex Agnus Castus Extract
AstringentWater
Skin ConditioningZinc PCA
Humectant
Achillea Millefolium Extract, Alcohol Denat., Ascorbic Acid, Bentonite, Bisabolol, Butylene Glycol, Caffeine, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Carnitine Hcl, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Citric Acid, Copper PCA, Cyclodextrin, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Disodium EDTA, Ethoxydiglycol, Farnesol, Parfum, Glutamic Acid, Glutathione, Glycerin, Glycolic Acid, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Octoxynol-9, Pantothenic Acid, Pentasodium Pentetate, Phospholipids, Phytic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Potassium Citrate, Potassium Gluconate, Potassium Hydroxide, Retinol, Saccharide Isomerate, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Soy Isoflavones, Tetrapeptide-21, Vitex Agnus Castus Extract, Water, Zinc PCA
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 WaterLactic 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 AcidAlcohol Denat. is an alcohol with a denaturant property. It is created by mixing ethanol with other additives.
This ingredient gets a bad rep because it is irritating and drying - mostly due to its astringent property. Astringents draw out natural oils in tissue, constricting pores and leaving your skin dried out.
However, alcohol denat. is not all that bad.
Due to its low molecular weight, alcohol denat. tends to evaporate quickly. One study on pig skin found half of applied alcohol evaporated in 10 seconds and less than 3% stayed on skin.
This also helps other ingredients become better absorbed upon application.
Studies are conflicted about whether this ingredient causes skin dehydration. One study from 2005 found adding emollients to propanol-based sanitizer decreased skin dryness and irritation. Another study found irritation only occurs if your skin is already damaged.
Small amounts of alcohol are generally tolerated by oily skin or people who live in humid environments.
The rule of thumb is if this alcohol is near the end of an ingredients list, it will probably not affect your skin much.
Also...
This ingredient has antimicrobial and solvent properties.
The antimicrobial property helps preserve products and increase their shelf life. As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
Learn more about Alcohol Denat.Glycolic 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 AcidIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads 8 ingredients
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx Acne Eliminating Pads 44 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads 8 ingredients
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx Acne Eliminating Pads 44 ingredients
One of the harsher products I've tried due to the burning sensation. Was dealing with dark spots and inflamed skin, this was the only active I used which dramatically helped reduce breakouts and lowkey some darkspots. Definitely not equipped to do the whole job of dealing with acne scars/darkspots, but helpful enough.
