NYC-based dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross created his namesake skincare line with the goal of delivering transformative results to patients without a prescription or office visit. While the products in his line address a variety of common skin concerns, the most popular products are the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta peel pads that are meant to improve uneven tone and texture.
In this review, we’ll give you the details on the different types of Dr. Dennis Gross peel pads, as well as the other best selling products by this brand. We’ll also cover the formulation details, including the key ingredients in Dr. Dennis Gross skincare products and the research that supports (or doesn’t support) their use in skincare. Lastly, we’ll share some Dr. Dennis Gross reviews so that you can get an idea of what customers really think of these products.
OUR TOP SKINCARE PICKS
| Rank | Brand | Link | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carrot & Stick | Review | |||||
| 2 | Formulyst | Review | |||||
| 3 | Skinceuticals | Review | |||||
| - | Dr Dennis Gross |
What’s Inside Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare?
The Dr. Dennis Gross skincare products contain evidence-based ingredients that are commonly used in the skincare industry, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), vitamin C and other antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, retinol, and more.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
AHAs are the key ingredients that you’ll find in all of the Dr. Dennis Gross peel pads. The brand uses a variety of AHAs, including glycolic, lactic, mandelic, tartaric, and citric acid.
AHAs exfoliate the skin by targeting corneocytes (dead skin cells that make up the stratum corneum) in a process called corneocyte desquamation. By enhancing their breakdown and increasing the separation of skin cells, the rate of cell turnover is increased, leading to smoother, brighter skin and a more even complexion.
According to a publication in the journal Molecules, AHAs can be used to easily peel all types of skin with minimal risk.
You can find AHAs in all three Dr. Dennis Gross peel pads — Universal Daily Peel, Ultra Gentle Daily Peel, and Extra Strength Daily Peel.
Salicylic Acid
The BHA that you’ll find in the Dr. Dennis Gross peel pads is salicylic acid. One way that salicylic acid works is by softening and dissolving keratin. Keratin is a protein found in the skin that acts as a “glue” to keep cells together. This allows salicylic acid to exfoliate the skin and slough off dead skin cells, promoting a healthier, more even complexion.
Salicylic acid also has the ability to penetrate deep into pores, where it helps to loosen clogs and allows oil to flow out more freely. Thus, salicylic acid is known to break down blackheads and whiteheads.
Vitamin C
We’ve been hearing for years that Vitamin C is the best anti-aging ingredient. It’s a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals, the unstable molecules that contribute to the formation of premature wrinkles and fine lines on the skin.
Vitamin C also helps fade dark spots, evens out skin tone, and increases radiance. As if that wasn’t enough, research suggests that when vitamin C is applied to the skin, it significantly reverses aging-related structural changes by influencing collagen and elastin synthesis.
It’s in several Dr. Dennis Gross products, such as Vitamin C Lactic 15% Vitamin C Firm & Bright Serum and C + Collagen™ Brighten & Firm Vitamin C Serum
Everything Else
While there are beneficial key ingredients used in Dr. Dennis Gross skincare products, we did notice that some product formulations contain ingredients that could be potentially harmful.
For example, the Dr. Dennis Gross peel pads (the Universal Peel and the Extra Strength Peel) both contain very high concentrations of denatured alcohol. In fact, there’s more denatured alcohol in these formulations than any other ingredient (except water). So why is this a problem? Let’s take a closer look at what high amounts of denatured alcohol will do to your skin.
The problem with this type of alcohol is that, at first, it seems like it’s benefitting the skin. Initially, alcohol gives products a quick-drying finish, immediately degreases the skin, and imparts a weightless feel. This is why you’ll notice that the Dr. Dennis Gross peel pads really do reduce excess oil on your skin. But not in a healthy way!
The immediate de-greasing effects of alcohol-based products can actually stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, causing skin to look even more shiny and oily than it was before. This excessive oil production combined with the possible irritation that denatured alcohol can cause may lead to an increase in acne breakouts.
Another major problem with using high concentrations of denatured alcohol is that this ingredient is well known to cause skin dryness, irritation, and even disruption of the skin barrier.
According to a publication in the journal BBA Biomembranes, alcohol disrupts the lipids that make up the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of skin). While alcohol may provide short term benefits, it’s not doing your skin any good in the long run.
Lastly, we’d like to point out that Step 2 of all Dr. Dennis Gross peel pads contain a high concentration of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to “control the alpha hydroxy acid activity”. Basically, Step 2 neutralizes Step 1 because Step 2 is alkaline (baking soda has a pH of 9).
However, you don’t need a special solution in order to neutralize an AHA, you could just use plain tap water. In addition, baking soda is typically too alkaline for skin to tolerate since the skin’s normal pH is about 4.5 to 5. This alkaline pH can lead to disruption of the skin barrier, causing redness, dryness, breakouts, and signs of sensitivity.
What Are The Top 10 Best Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Products?
It’s clear that the Dr. Dennis Gross peel pads are the most popular products by this dermatologist-led skincare brand. But the Dr. Dennis Gross skincare collection also includes products for every step of your skincare routine, such as cleansers, masks, serums, moisturizers, eye care, and more. Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 best Dr. Dennis Gross skincare products.
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel
- A two-step daily facial peel that is said to lift away dead skin and impurities, while improving uneven tone, texture, and hydration
- Recommended for those with normal or combination skin
- Highest concentration ingredient (after water) in Step 1 is denatured alcohol (see next section for why this is a problem)
- After alcohol, key ingredients in Step 1 include four AHAs and one BHA
- Highest concentration ingredient (after water) in Step 2 is sodium bicarbonate — aka baking soda
- After baking soda, key ingredients in Step 2 include ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and retinol
- Step 1 contains fragrance
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel
- A two-step daily facial peel that is said to lift away dead skin and impurities, while improving uneven tone, texture, and hydration
- Recommended for those with sensitive skin
- Key ingredients in step 1 include witch hazel, lactic acid, mandelic acid, and willow bark extract
- Key ingredients in step 2 include sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), sodium hyaluronate, and colloidal oatmeal
- Step 1 contains fragrant botanical extracts
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel
- A two-step daily facial peel that is said to lift away dead skin and impurities, while improving uneven tone, texture, and hydration
- Recommended for those with normal, combination, or oily skin
- Highest concentration ingredient (after water) in Step 1 is denatured alcohol (see next section for why this is a problem)
- After alcohol, key ingredients in Step 1 include five AHAs and one BHA
- Highest concentration ingredient (after water) in Step 2 is sodium bicarbonate — aka baking soda
- After baking soda, key ingredients in Step 2 include resveratrol, retinol, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
- Step 1 contains fragrance
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting & Refining Serum
- A silicone-free, pore-treating serum that is said to deliver a “filtered appearance” as it tackles existing pores and helps prevent new blackheads from forming
- Recommended for those with normal, combination, or oily skin
- Key ingredients include humectants, three AHAs, one BHA, farnesol, willow bark extract, phytic acid, and witch hazel
- Contains fragrant essential oils
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting Cleansing Gel
- A sulfate-free cleansing gel that is said to exfoliate and tone to help minimize the look of pores while effectively removing makeup and dirt
- Recommended for all skin types
- Key ingredients include glycerin, surfactants, three AHAs, willow bark extract, and phytic acid
- Contains fragrant essential oils
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Exfoliating Moisturizer
- An oil-free face moisturizer that is said to aid cell turnover, deliver 72 hours of hydration, and help strengthen skin’s protective moisture barrier without clogging pores
- Recommended for all skin types
- Key ingredients include six AHAs, one BHA, squalane, and willow bark extract
- Contains fragrant essential oils
Dr. Dennis Gross C + Collagen Deep Cream
- An anti-aging vitamin C cream that is said to deeply hydrate, smooth, and brighten your complexion
- Recommended for those with normal, combination, or dry skin
- The form of vitamin C used in this formula is 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
- Additional key ingredients include camellia japonica (tsubaki), rice bran, and sunflower seed oils
- Contains fragrant essential oils
Dr. Dennis Gross C + Collagen Vitamin C Serum
- A lightweight gel serum that is said to revitalize dull, tired, or aging skin
- Recommend for those with normal, combination, or dry skin
- The form of vitamin C used in this formula is 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
- Additional key ingredients include niacinamide, lactic acid, denatured alcohol, and collagen amino acids
- Fragrance free
Dr. Dennis Gross C + Collagen Eye Cream
- An anti-aging eye cream that is said to visibly improve the look of tired eyes
- Recommend for those with normal, combination, or dry skin
- The form of vitamin C used in this formula is 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
- Additional key ingredients include glycerin, niacinamide, GABA, collagen amino acids, superoxide dismutase, ceramides, and peptides
- Formula also includes mica and titanium dioxide to add a shimmering effect and reflect light from the face, creating the illusion of a smoother, softer, and more radiant skin tone
- Fragrance free
Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Triple Correction Eye Serum
- An anti-aging eye serum that is designed for use on the entire eye area, including eyelids, and is said to firm skin, reduce wrinkles, and smooth the eyelid
- Recommend for those with normal, combination, or oily skin
- Key ingredients include gotu kola extract, licorice root extract, ferulic acid, and retinol
- Fragrance free
Which Dr. Dennis Gross Peel Pads Are Best?
We introduced three different types of peel pads — Universal Daily Peel, Ultra Gentle Daily Peel, and Extra Strength Daily Peel — which may leave you wondering: which Dr. Dennis Gross peel pads are best?
After evaluating the key ingredients in both steps of these peel pads, we would have to say the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily peel pads are best, simply because these peel pads do not contain denatured alcohol (and the other peel pad formulations do). However, keep in mind that the Ultra Gentle peel pads still contain baking soda and fragrant essential oils, which have the potential to aggravate the skin.
Where to Buy Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Products?
Dr. Dennis Gross skincare products are sold on the brand’s website, as well as many third party online retailers, such as Sephora, SkinStore, Dermstore, Nordstrom, and many more.
Is Dr. Dennis Gross Cruelty Free?
Yes, Dr. Dennis Gross is PETA-certified cruelty free.
Dr. Dennis Gross Reviews
Dr. Dennis Gross reviews on the brand’s website are overall very positive. The product with the most reviews is the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel (Extra Strength), which has earned an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars after more than 500 customer reviews.
The positive reviews for these Dr. Dennis Gross peel pads mention how well they work to fade dark spots and promote a smooth, clear complexion.
However, there are a handful of 1-star reviews for the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Pads (Extra Strength). Most of these reviews are from customers who were disappointed because they didn’t see the results they were hoping for.
Our Verdict
Overall, we think that some Dr. Dennis Gross skincare products are formulated better than others. We’d recommend avoiding the products with fragrance, as well as those that contain high concentrations of denatured alcohol and baking soda.
Pros
- Products contain beneficial ingredients (AHAs, BHA, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, etc.)
- Many positive Dr. Dennis Gross reviews
- Dr. Dennis Gross is cruelty free
Cons
- High price point (e.g. Dr. Dennis Gross peel pads are $88 for a 30 pack)
- Several products contain high concentrations of denatured alcohol
- Dr. Dennis Gross peel pads contain baking soda, which is unnecessary and could irritate the skin
- Many products contain fragrance
What Are Some Alternatives to Dr Gross?
If you’re looking for skincare products to address the signs of aging, we recommend Carrot & Stick. Carrot & Stick maximizes the use of powerful ingredients and minimizes the use of superficial ones, resulting in advanced skincare solutions that help promote healthy, more youthful-looking skin.
References:
BBA Biomembranes, May 2012, pages 1410-1419
Molecules. 2018 Apr; 23(4): 863.
Andrea Original review: Aug 31, 2020.
Alpha beta peeling quotidian
I tried the 7 day challenge, there is a few things I disliked about this product. One being the strong smell of alcohol, the tingling, the burning sensation. As soon you try the step 1 (exfoliate and smooth) the strong smell hits you. Step 2 makes my skin a bit red and feels a bit of a burning. I didn’t notice much change on my skin except for making my skin tone a bit lighter. I noticed that step 2 pad takes a bit longer to dry. As for the product it self I feel that it doesn’t work. I understand that we all have different skin and it may work for others but for me this product is a no. I am completely open to trying products but this one didn’t make any difference on my face.