Dr. Dennis Gross [1] is one of my favourite skin-care brands on the market. The formulations are the perfect blend of effective yet gentle. Each product has actives that target your concerns in a base that contains hydrating and condition ingredients that protect the skin barrier [2]. The board-certified dermatologist-owned brand [3] caters to all skin types and concerns, whether it's anti-ageing concerns, evening out the skin tone and texture, or picks for those with acne-prone skin, sensitive skin, or even dry, dehydrated skin. Plus, some of the products from the line can tackle multiple concerns at once, so you can keep your routine streamlined. From the All-Physical Wrinkle Defence Sunscreen SPF 30 [4] to the Advanced Retinol Overnight Peel [5], the products are in constant rotation in my skin-care routine.
I got a chance to experience a custom facial using all Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare products at the Beauty Haven at Nordstrom. Esthetician Desireé Delia [6] (who has the most gentle and calming touch) catered the facial to my skin type and needs. She used and recommended products that help diminish dark spots and hyperpigmentation [7] while calming my skin and infusing it with hydration. She also gave me the rundown of underrated products that deserve as much hype as the bestselling Alpha Beta Universal Peel Pads [8].
Ahead, I rounded up the best Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare products on the market. I broke each product down by who it's best for and what concerns it can tackle so you know which products are ideal for your skin's needs. If you're in the NYC area and interested in a custom facial, treat yourself and book an appointment here [9]. Shop my top picks ahead.
A Gentle Cleanser: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Makeup Removing Meltaway Cleanser
The Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Makeup Removing Meltaway Cleanser [11] ($30) is a gentle creamy cleanser that breaks down makeup, sunscreen, and the dirt and grime of the day without stripping the skin. It felt so silky on the skin and has hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, kiwi, aloe, and marine algae to soothe the skin. It can be used as a first cleanse to take the day off, however, it does not need to rinsed off with water. You can simply wipe it off and have a freshly cleansed complexion. It's perfect for beach days, festivals, and even travelling. It's a product for all skin types, including sensitive.
An Exfoliating Cleanser: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta AHA/BHA Daily Cleansing Gel
The Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta AHA/BHA Daily Cleansing Gel [12] ($38) is an exfoliating cleanser that is gentle enough to use every day. The gel-to-foam cleanser breaks down excess oil, leftover makeup, and takes the day off, without making the skin feel overly stripped and tight. It has a blend of glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid that will leave your skin feeling softer and radiant. If you have oily or combination skin types, this is a great cleanser to consider. It's also a product that can help those with acne-prone skin or those looking to fade dark spots. Plus, it's great to use for days when you need a deeper cleanse as well.
A Bestselling Product: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel
The Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel [13] ($88) is the bestselling product from the line and truly deserves all the hype. It is a two-step peel process that will instantly brighten your skin and reveal a softer texture. It has a potent blend of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and lactic acid as the first step. The second step helps to neutralise and calm the skin. The peel pads are great for brightening your skin while diminishing dark spots, preventing breakouts, and reducing the appearance of fine lines. I prefer using this treatment once or twice a week, but if your skin can handle using it more frequently, go for it. It's a treatment that can help with a variety of concerns, however, if you have sensitive skin the Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel for Sensitive Skin [14] ($88) is a version better suited for your skin type. If you can handle something a little stronger or want a deeper exfoliation, try the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel [15] ($88).
For Hydration: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster
The Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster [16] ($68) is a a deeply hydrating hyaluronic acid serum that contains watermelon extract and centella asiatica to soothe, calm, and plump the skin. This is perfect to use following up the Alpha Beta Peel Pad treatments to replenish the skin. It's a product that is beneficial all skin types and multifunctional as well. You can mix it in with another serum or moisturiser to boost hydration. You can even use it multiple times throughout your routine.
A Hydration Mask: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Hydrating Modelling Mask
To further soothe my skin from the peel pads and extractions, I got to try out the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Hydrating Modelling Mask [17] ($48) and it was a cooling, calm experience. It's a hydrating mask that has marine algae, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin. It's the perfect treatment to prep the skin for makeup application, replenish dehydrated skin, or to calm redness. The molding mask comes in two steps that you combine in a mixing bowl to activate it. Desireé Delia suggests putting step two first and then step one so that the powder doesn't go everywhere. Plus, she used a layer of the Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster underneath this mask to really reap the hydration benefits.
Best For Dark Spots: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Clinical Grade IPL Dark Spot Correcting Serum
The Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Clinical Grade IPL Dark Spot Correcting Serum [18] ($92) is a treatment serum formulated to fade dark spots and even out the skin tone. It contains 10 percent l-ascorbic, kojic acid, azelaic acid, ferulic acid, arbutin, and licorice root extract to help diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation. It also contains a blend of lactic acid, mandelic acid, and glycolic acid for added exfoliation benefits to reveal brighter and smoother skin. The lightweight serum can be used day and night, but be sure to use sunscreen. It's a strong serum that is great for those with oily to normal skin types, however, if you lean more sensitive you can either use this sparingly or use it as a spot treatment and target specific areas.
A Glowy Moisturiser: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare C + Collagen Deep Collagen Face Cream
The Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare C + Collagen Deep Collagen Face Cream [19] ($72) is a rich and creamy moisturiser that gives your skin a boost of hydration and a dewy, glowy finish. It's a great product for those who want to revive dull skin for a brighter, radiant complexion. It's a great way to incorporate vitamin C into your routine, especially if you have sensitive or dry skin. It'll help reduce the appearance of fine lines as well as help fade dark spots.
Lightweight. Sunscreen: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare All-Physical Wrinkle Defence Sunscreen SPF 30
The Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defence Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30 [20] ($42) is one of my favourite ever day sunscreens for it's lightweight consistency that quickly absorbs into the skin. The non-nano zinc oxide-based suncreen is oil-free and rich in antioxidants. It's great for all skin types as well. Plus, it doesn't leave a white cast on my tan complexion. It's reapplication friendly, and plays well with other products and does not pill. Read my in-depth review, here [21].
For Oily/Combo Skin: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum [22] ($72) will reduce the appearance of your pores while targeting texture and fine lines. It has a blend of retinol, bakuchiol, antioxidants, and rambutan that will help to prevent and diminish breakouts and support collagen production. It's a great retinol product for all skin types, especially those who lean more oily or combination, or have acne-prone skin. It's gentle enough to use daily, ideally at night.
An Exfoliating Moisturiser: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Moisturiser
If you're dealing with dullness, uneven skin tone and texture, the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Moisturiser [23] ($68) might be something you'll want to incorporate in your skin-care routine. It has blend of glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and malic acid to exfoliate the skin for a radiant, smoother complexion. However, those powerful acids are combined with squalane and ceramides to repair and condition your skin and support its moisture barrier. It's great for all skin types, even sensitive, but it's something that people dealing with dark spots, acne, or rough skin should try out.
For Radiance: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Texture Renewal Peel
The Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Texture Renewal Peel [24] ($78) is a product I consider to be underrated. It's a bi-weekly one-step peel pad treatment that contains retinol, bakuchiol, rambutan, ferulic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid to gently exfoliate and reveal a more radiant complexion. It also has hyaluronic acid, cucumber extract, linoleic acid, squalane, and glycerin to condition the skin. It's great for all skin types and helps fade dark spots, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and reveals smoother skin.
For Acne-Prone Skin: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx Blemish Solutions Acne Eliminating Gel
If you have acne-prone skin, the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx Blemish Solutions Acne Eliminating Gel [25] ($40) has two percent salicylic acid, niacinamide, and monk's pepper to diminish breakouts and prevent future ones while balancing out the skin. However, it's not a harsh treatment. The gel has a base of green tea and aloe vera to soothe and calm skin. It helps to reduce breakouts and congestion. You can use this as a spot treatment as well for zits.
An Underrated Moisturiser: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Oil-Free Moisture Cushion
The Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Oil-Free Moisture Cushion [26] ($60) is a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser that Desireé Delia considers a favourite, and I agree. The gel-cream absorbs into the skin while giving it a boost of hydration. It's something that everyone of all skin types can use, especially if they need some hydration. The skin looks supple without feeling greasy.
For Sensitive Skin: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Stress Rescue Super Serum with Niacinamide
The Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Stress Rescue Super Serum with Niacinamide [27] ($74) is a skin-balancing and soothing serum, perfect for all skin types, especially those who lean more sensitive. It has a conditioning blend of ashwagandha, goji berry, maitake mushroom, maca root, cacao, and other superfoods to support barrier function and calms stressed out skin. Plus, with niacinamide the serum helps to balance out the skin, reduce redness and the appearance of pores, and even out the skin tone. Desireé Delia says that this serum is underrated and deserves as much hype as the Alpha Beta Peel Pads. In fact, she suggests following up the peel pad treatments with this serum.
A Tinted SPF: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Instant Radiance Sun Defence Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40
The Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Instant Radiance Sun Defence Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 [28] ($42) is a zinc oxide and titanium dioxide mineral sunscreen blend that is perfect for the "my skin but better look." It's tinted and comes in two different shades, one ideal for light to medium skin tones and the other ideal for medium to dark skin tones. It's a hydrating formula that leaves your skin with a fresh dewy glow.
For Oily/Combo Skin: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting & Refining Serum
Need to balance out your oily or combination skin? The Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting & Refining Serum [29] ($65) helps reduce shine without stripping the skin and reduces the appearance of pores. It contains adipic acid, which is supposed to give the appearance of smoother looking skin by filling in fine lines. It also has salicylic acid to help exfoliate and unclog the pores. It's something you can use before a primer to prep your skin for a smoother base.