Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta AHA/BHA Daily Cleansing Gel

Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta AHA/BHA Daily Cleansing Gel

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh·100% recommend (1 review)

Works for

Exfoliation
Mandelic acid, Glycolic acid + 2 more
Works well
What the product description says
“AHA/BHAs gently exfoliate to refine the appearance of pores.”
Source: Dr Dennis Gross

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: glycolic acid, mandelic acid.

Mandelic acidKey activeEffect: HighHelps shed the upper layer of dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing smoother, brighter skin. It can help to reduce hyperpigmentation. It has anti-bacterial properties, and might help to reduce blemishes, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. It is considered to be gentler than glycolic acid~0.9–1.1%
Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid~0.65–0.95%
Salix alba bark extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It contains a compound salicin that can theoretically be converted into salicylic acid that, in turn, helps reduce inflammation in skin, but the evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking and the extract is usually not used in a concentration that would enable an exfoliating effect~0.35–0.6%
GluconolactoneUnder-dosedA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~0.2–0.4%
Cleansing
Sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine + 5 more
Cleanses gently
What the product description says
“Alpha Beta AHA/BHA Daily Cleansing Gel”
Source: Dr Dennis Gross

This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, glycereth-7 caprylate/caprate, peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, peg-7 glyceryl cocoate, polyglyceryl-3 laurate, sodium cocoamphoacetate, sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate) and should be able to cleanse the skin gently. Still keep in mind that any cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, and most people do not need to cleanse their skin more than once per day.

Sodium lauroyl methyl isethionateEffect: HighWorks as a cleansing agent~3.5–4.3%
Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaineEffect: HighUsed as a cleansing agent. Helps water and oil mix together~2.8–3.4%
Sodium cocoamphoacetateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent. Creates foam~1.9–2.3%
Glycereth-7 caprylate/caprateEffect: High~1.3–1.6%
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oilEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together~1.1–1.4%
Polyglyceryl-3 laurateEffect: High~0.3–0.5%
Peg-7 glyceryl cocoateEffect: HighHelps oils and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent~0.25–0.5%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
4 strong irritants: Farnesol, Jasminum officinale flower/leaf extract + 2 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 21 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Mandelic acidHelps shed the upper layer of dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing smoother, brighter skin. It can help to reduce hyperpigmentation. It has anti-bacterial properties, and might help to reduce blemishes, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. It is considered to be gentler than glycolic acidHigh~0.9–1.1%est.
Glycolic acidAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acidHigh~0.65–0.95%est.
Salix alba bark extractA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It contains a compound salicin that can theoretically be converted into salicylic acid that, in turn, helps reduce inflammation in skin, but the evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking and the extract is usually not used in a concentration that would enable an exfoliating effectHigh~0.35–0.6%est.
FarnesolAdded to create a nice product smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.35–0.6%est.
Jasminum officinale flower/leaf extractUsed as a fragranceHigh~0.15–0.3%est.
Eugenia caryophyllus flower extractA plant extract that is used as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.35%est.
Lavandula angustifolia flower/leaf/stem extractUsed as a fragranceHigh~0.15–0.3%est.
Sodium lauroyl methyl isethionateWorks as a cleansing agentMedium~3.5–4.3%est.
Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaineUsed as a cleansing agent. Helps water and oil mix togetherMedium~2.8–3.4%est.
Sodium cocoamphoacetateHelps oil and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent. Creates foamMedium~1.9–2.3%est.
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oilHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1.1–1.4%est.
Phytic acidAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), but is mostly used to stabilize product formulations in cosmeticsMedium~0.5–0.75%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.45–0.65%est.
Tremella fuciformis extractA mushroom extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.3–0.5%est.
Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~0.3–0.5%est.
Peg-7 glyceryl cocoateHelps oils and water mix together and works as a cleansing agentMedium~0.25–0.5%est.
GluconolactoneA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicalsMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~0.25–0.5%est.
Vitis vinifera fruit extractA plant extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin, but is less potent than the extract from the seedsMedium~0.15–0.25%est.
Benzoic acidA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.2%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.15%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

User reviews

Would you recommend?
100%·yes

1 of 1 community members would buy it again.

100% would0% wouldn't
  • Shannallama· Jan 2025Recommends

    The fragrance is like a faint medicinal scent.

    Really good for keeping your skin clean and clear. And keeping acne at bay. It's only when I forget to use it that I notice blackheads.

What reviewers noticed
Marker shows the average response

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Glycerin~4.4–5.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
Propanediol~3.9–4.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol
Sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate~3.5–4.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Works as a cleansing agent

More about Sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate
Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine~2.8–3.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Used as a cleansing agent. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine
Sodium cocoamphoacetate~1.9–2.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent. Creates foam

More about Sodium cocoamphoacetate
Disteareth-75 ipdi~1.5–1.9%
Formula
Glycereth-7 caprylate/caprate~1.3–1.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Glycereth-7 caprylate/caprate
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil~1.1–1.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil
Mandelic acid~0.9–1.1%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Evens skin toneExfoliationAnti-blemishAntibacterial

Helps shed the upper layer of dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing smoother, brighter skin. It can help to reduce hyperpigmentation. It has anti-bacterial properties, and might help to reduce blemishes, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. It is considered to be gentler than glycolic acid

More about Mandelic acid
Glycolic acid~0.65–0.95%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-agingEvens skin toneExfoliationAnti-blemish

An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid

More about Glycolic acid
Salix alba bark extract~0.35–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidationAnti-blemishExfoliation

A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It contains a compound salicin that can theoretically be converted into salicylic acid that, in turn, helps reduce inflammation in skin, but the evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking and the extract is usually not used in a concentration that would enable an exfoliating effect

More about Salix alba bark extract
Phytic acid~0.5–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), but is mostly used to stabilize product formulations in cosmetics

More about Phytic acid
Citric acid~0.45–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Farnesol~0.35–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Added to create a nice product smell. Can be irritating

More about Farnesol
Barosma betulina leaf extract~0.35–0.6%
Formula
Sodium pca~0.35–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer

More about Sodium pca
Sodium hyaluronate~0.3–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate
Tremella fuciformis extract~0.3–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A mushroom extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Tremella fuciformis extract
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~0.3–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterialReduces rednessReduces irritationAnti-blemishAnti-aging

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juice
Bisabolol~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties

More about Bisabolol
Hydrolyzed soy protein~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin toneAnti-oxidation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have some anti-aging, anti-oxidant, and skin lightening properties, but solid evidence is missing

More about Hydrolyzed soy protein
Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAntibacterialAnti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizing

Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation

More about Camellia sinensis leaf extract
Dimethyl isosorbide~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to dissolve other ingredients in a product and can enhance their ability to penetrate the skin

More about Dimethyl isosorbide
Butylene glycol~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol
Peg-7 glyceryl cocoate~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oils and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent

More about Peg-7 glyceryl cocoate
Polyglyceryl-3 laurate~0.3–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Polyglyceryl-3 laurate
Sodium hydroxide~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Sodium chloride~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures

More about Sodium chloride
Gluconolactone~0.2–0.4%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
ExfoliationMoisturizingAnti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-oxidationAnti-blemish

A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals

More about Gluconolactone
Sodium phytate~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize product formulations

More about Sodium phytate
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride
Jasminum officinale flower/leaf extract~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance

More about Jasminum officinale flower/leaf extract
Eugenia caryophyllus flower extract~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant extract that is used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Eugenia caryophyllus flower extract
Lavandula angustifolia flower/leaf/stem extract~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · high
Vitis vinifera fruit extract~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin, but is less potent than the extract from the seeds

More about Vitis vinifera fruit extract
Phenoxyethanol~0.1–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Benzoic acid~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Benzoic acid
Sodium benzoate~0.1–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Potassium sorbate~0.1–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, Sodium cocoamphoacetate, Disteareth-75 ipdi, Glycereth-7 caprylate/caprate, Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, Mandelic acid, Glycolic acid, Salix alba bark extract, Phytic acid, Citric acid, Farnesol, Barosma betulina leaf extract, Sodium pca, Sodium hyaluronate, Tremella fuciformis extract, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Bisabolol, Hydrolyzed soy protein, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Dimethyl isosorbide, Butylene glycol, Peg-7 glyceryl cocoate, Polyglyceryl-3 laurate, Sodium hydroxide, Sodium chloride, Gluconolactone, Sodium phytate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Jasminum officinale flower/leaf extract, Eugenia caryophyllus flower extract, Lavandula angustifolia flower/leaf/stem extract, Vitis vinifera fruit extract, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic acid, Sodium benzoate, Potassium sorbate

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Dermstore2 oz
$18.00
Buy
Dr Dennis Gross
$18.00
Buy
Sephora
$18.00
Buy
Sephora
≈ $37.68
Buy
Amazon USPrice as of 11/6 15:14 GMT
$40.00
Buy

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
Dr Dennis GrossAlpha Beta AHA/BHA Daily Cleansing GelYOUR PRODUCTFilorgaAge-Purify CleanAcnecidePurifide Ph Control Face WashExuviance ProfessionalPurifying Cleansing Gel Homecare
Match—55%54%52%
Price$18.00$29.48+$11.48$13.40−$4.60—
Shared key ingredients—5 of 164 of 164 of 16
Key difference—Azelaic AcidNiacinamideBenzophenone-4
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop

More alternatives: VERSO Enzyme Peel by VersoRoC Skincare Multi Correxion Revive GlowGel Cleanser

Cheaper alternatives? See how this stacks up against similar formulas.
We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.
Open dupe finder

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 30 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta AHA/BHA Daily Cleansing Gel
Dr Dennis GrossAlpha Beta AHA/BHA Daily Cleansing Gel

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.