plus-icon

Dr. Dennis Gross Review: A Review of The 10 Best Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Products

SKIN CARE REVIEWS

01.14.23DISCLAIMER

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.

OUR TOP SKINCARE PICKS
RankBrandLink
1Carrot & Stick Review
2FormulystReview
3SkinceuticalsReview
-Dr Dennis Gross

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.

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. 

But our favorite Vitamin C serum is Carrot & Stick The Defence Serum. It contains 3 distinct types of Vitamin C that work together to help fight free radical damage. We recommend using it every morning.

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

BEST ALTERNATIVES:  Carrot & Stick The Brightening Pads. Reveal a fresh, smooth, and radiant complexion with these pre-saturated pads. A concentrated blend of salicylic, lactic, and mandelic acids sweeps away the build-up of dead skin cells, gently exfoliating to promote clarity, refine texture, and rid pores of impurities.

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

BEST ALTERNATIVE: Carrot & Stick The Exfoliating Peel. This exfoliating treatment features a blend of alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic and pyruvic) to revitalize damaged skin, smoothing the appearance of lines, minimizing the look of pores, and sloughing off dead skin.

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

ALTERNATIVE: If you are concerned about aging skin and looking for professional grade products that are also clean,  Carrot & Stick The Repair Serum. It contains a peptide complex to target multiple signs of aging. 

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

BEST ALTERNATIVES:  If you are concerned about aging around the eyes including bags, one product we recommend is Carrot & Stick The Eye Cream.

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

BEST ALTERNATIVES: Carrot & Stick The Eye Serum.A blend of advanced peptides reduces the look of discoloration and rich moisturizers combat dryness. Crow’s feet are smoothed, puffiness is reduced and skin is visibly lifted and brightened with every application.

 

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.

OUR TOP SKINCARE PICKS

1

Carrot & Stick

Carrot & Stick takes a tough love approach to skincare. What does this mean? It perfectly balances the power of plants with innovative science, offering the best of both worlds. Read More
2

Formulyst

The philosophy of Formulyst is long-term and effective skincare, rather than covering up any imperfections. The comprehensive line of products tackles everything from wrinkles to dark spots and dry skin. While some brands rely on unnecessary fillers and scents, Formulyst focuses on ingredients that help create results, such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Read More
  • Andrea Original review: Aug 31, 2020. Reply

    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.

  • Your Review
    User Rating: 3.0 (1 votes)
    Sending

    Dr Dennis Gross Vitamin C Serum Review

    The Dr. Dennis Gross Vitamin C Serum was designed to serve as a potent brightening and luminizing serum for daily use to improve the overall condition and appearance of your skin. This light weight, fast-absorbing gel serum hybrid is loaded with a specially designed vitamin C complex known as the 3-O C Vitamin C technology. These technology along with collagen amino acids and a proprietary energy complex helps to awaken skin and provide an instantly glow. Vitamin C is one of the stable active ingredients in skincare because it offers incredible antioxidant protection against environmental aggressors, while also working to even out the complex, fade areas of hyperpigmentation and reduce the appearance of acne as well as fine lines and wrinkles. Because of the ingredients within this formula, we would recommend this type of product to those of you who are looking for a vitamin C serum with a bit of an anti-aging kick, as this product does include collagen amino acids.

    INGREDIENTS

    Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Clinical Grade IPL Dark Spot Correcting Serum Review

    If you’re looking for a super concentrated vitamin C serum, you may want to check out the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Clinical Grade IPL Dark Spot Correcting Serum. This product is packed with active ingredients including 10% L-ascorbic acid, lactic acid and kojic acid to even out skin texture and tone with just one product. The brand describes this serum as a 3 step discoloration fighting formula. This product removes over-pigmented surface cells, clears and illuminates skin tone, and fights against environmental aggressors to remove stubborn dark spots, as well as prevent new ones from forming. With consistent use as part of your morning routine, you can expect to see improved skin brightness in 2 weeks, with fully diminished scars and dark spots in 8 weeks. Dark spots and hyperpigmentation is one of the most difficult and stubborn skin concerns to treat, so it’s important to be patient and consistent with whichever product you’re using in order to reap the full benefits.

    INGREDIENTS

    Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster Review

    The Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster would be an excellent option for those of you who are looking for an impressively hydrating serum with a few added benefits. This product functions mostly as a hydrating booster, which uses hyaluronic acid to plump the skin and reduce dehydration. But what makes this product differ from other hyaluronic acid based serums on the market, is the number of added beneficial extracts and actives. Some of the most beneficial extracts in this formula include centella asiatica extract, green tea leaf extract and chamomile extract. These three ingredients help to smooth the skin, reduce inflammation, and offer beneficial antioxidant protection. This formula also offers a variety of active ingredients include three different ceramides plus cholesterol to support optimal skin barrier function as well as retinol to target signs of premature aging.

    INGREDIENTS

    Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic Acid + Retinol Brightening Solution Review

    The Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic Acid + Retinol Brightening Solution was designed to serve as a potent anti-aging serum to improve the appearance of your skin over time. Retinol is one of the most well known and well researched ingredients in skincare. This ingredient helps to refine skin tone and texture and is the only known ingredient to help with the reversal of wrinkles and hyperpigmentation caused by aging and sun damage. In addition to this ingredient, the Brightening Solution also contains a number of alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid, mandelic acid and salicylic acid. All of these ingredients help to exfoliate the skin and reveal younger and brighter looking skin. With all that said, this serum is incredibly potent, so we recommend starting off slowly and incorporating this serum a few times a week. Additionally, for those with sensitive skin, this product could be potentially irritating, so we recommend patch testing before incorporating it into your routine.

    Further Reading: Best Retinol Creams

    INGREDIENTS

    Dr. Dennis Gross C+ Collagen Deep Cream Review

    If you’re looking for a vitamin C+ product with more of a moisturizing and nourishing component, the Dr. Dennis Gross C+ Collagen Deep Cream may be worth checking out. This cream is powered by a proprietary energy complex and 3-O C vitamin C technology, both of which are unique to Dr. Dennis Gross products. These technologies, along with collagen amino acids, hydrate, smooth and brighten your skin. At the same time, CoQ10, niacinamide and carnitine help to revitalize and energize the skin for a more youthful appearance. With regular application, this product helps to a hydrate and protect a compromised skin barrier, reduce transepidermal water loss, fade age spots and other common signs of aging. The brand recommends applying this product both morning and night to get the most out of this product

    Related: Best Vitamin C Serums

    INGREDIENTS

    Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic Plus Retinol Anti-Aging Moisturizer Review

    The Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic Plus Retinol Anti-Aging Moisturizer was formulated to serve as a corrective, anti-aging hydrator. This product features three major active ingredients including ferulic acid, retinol and an ECG complex to provide you with a laundry list of amazing benefits. The formula behind this product specifically targets fine lines and wrinkles, dullness and uneven skin tone and general dryness while also helping to smooth out skin texture. This product can be used by all skin types, including normal, oily, combination, dry and sensitive and does not contain parabens, sulfates or phthalates.

    Further Reading: Best Retinol Creams

    INGREDIENTS

    Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic & Retinol Eye Cream

    Browsing the shelves of Sephora for anti aging products, one may come across the Dr. Gross Ferulic Acid & Retinol Eye Cream. This product was created by Dr. Dennis Gross, a dermatologist in New York who has his own line of skin care products and has published a book on the topic. However, though Dr. Gross Ferulic Acid & Retinol Eye Cream has some positive reviews, looking at the detailed ingredient list is a vital part of the research process for anyone seriously considering this product. The fact that Dr. Gross is a certified dermatologist inspires confidence in his products. But knowing the best skin care ingredients and understanding how they affect aging skin is very different from creating an individualized treatment plan for a patient’s unique needs. Therefore, although Dr. Gross Ferulic Acid & Retinol Eye Cream may be the right choice for some individuals, that isn’t a guarantee that it’s the best skin care choice for you.

    INGREDIENTS

    Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peels

    When it comes to anti-aging skin care, NYC dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross has figured out a way to deliver transformative results without a prescription or office visit. While the products in his line of skin care products address a variety of common skin concerns, some of Dr. Gross’ bestsellers are his signature daily anti-aging peels. These are known as his Alpha Beta peels, which combine both alpha and beta hydroxy acids to combat the three most common signs of aging: uneven skin tone and texture, fine lines and wrinkles, and enlarged pores. In fact, these peels have been referred to as the at-home version of the same peels Dr. Gross uses on his own patients during office visits. So can the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peels really help you to achieve radiant, smooth skin from the comfort of your own home? Read on to find out!

    Who is it for?

    Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peels can be used on all skin types and are ideal for those with uneven tone and texture, fine lines and wrinkles, and enlarged pores. In fact, the Alpha Beta Peels even come in three different types to better suit your individual needs: Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel, Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel, and Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel.

    The difference between these three peels is the number of acids in each. For instance, the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel contains a combination of five acids and is ideal for first-time peel users and those of all skin types. The Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel, however, only contains three gentle acids and is designed for sensitive skin. It also has soothing ingredients, such as colloidal oatmeal, to comfort and protect delicate skin. Lastly, the Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel contains a combination of seven acids, for accelerated results. Even though the Extra Strength Daily Peel is more powerful than the others it is still safe to use at home daily without any recovery time.

    INGREDIENTS

    Recommended Articles