Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Step One Review

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Step One
1.1
/ 10
Moisturizing
2.2 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
1.2Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Review

Does Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Step One Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Step One has to offer:
 
✅ A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 1.1 out of 10.
✅ Slight anti-wrinkle effect: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Step One has an anti-wrinkle rating of 1.2 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.

  

Key Benefits of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Step One

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Step One:
 

🔵 Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Step One is slightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 1.1 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product is purely humectant, but with a low Humectancy of 2.2 out of 10. It has zero Occlusivity as we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list.

This type of product provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to overall moisturizing efficacy when used as part of a skincare routine, alongside another moisturizer.

❗️ Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

🟣 Slight Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Step One has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 1.2 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Glycolic Acid (est. ≈4.0%),
 a highly effective ingredient in peelings but with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy in leave-on skincare products, as supported by a single clinical study. This study, involving 72 participants (Thibault et al.), demonstrated that a lotion with 5% GA reduced the fine wrinkling score by 6% after 34 days of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without GA).
 
Among others, Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Step One also contains some ingredients marketed often as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Soy Isoflavones, and Copper PCA. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.
 
Therefore, these ingredients do not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 
📌 Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some additional anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Step One

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Step One to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ May Increase Skin Photosensitivity Due to Glycolic Acid

This product contains glycolic acid, a popular AHA known for its ability to exfoliate and brighten the skin. Its action works by removing dead skin cells, revealing new, more delicate skin that is particularly vulnerable to sun damage.

As a result, using products with glycolic acid, regardless of concentration, may increase the skin's sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays.

To counteract this increased sun sensitivity, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily to protect your skin during glycolic acid treatment.

❗️Please always check the manufacturer's instructions for using the product, either on their website or product label.

Pros & Cons of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Step One

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Step One to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine
Provides slight anti-wrinkle efficacy
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May increase skin photosensitivity due to glycolic acid
   

Summary: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Step One

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Step One
, as a moisturizer, provides relatively light hydration on its own but can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine.
 
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Step One contains ingredients with proven evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy that may offer a slight anti-wrinkle effect. As a result, you can expect a positive, though relatively minimal, impact on wrinkles.
 
 
That said, there are some things about Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Step One worth noting.
 
This product contains glycolic acid, a popular AHA known for its ability to exfoliate and brighten the skin. However, glycolic acid - regardless of concentration - can increase skin sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays. Therefore, it’s recommended to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 during glycolic acid treatment.
 
❗️ Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible.

 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 40-B
Function:
Origin:
Glycolic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Lactic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Mandelic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Malic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Menthone Glycerin Acetal
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Achillea Millefolium Extract
Function:
Origin:
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Soy Isoflavones
Function:
Origin:
Copper PCA
Function:
Origin:
Zinc PCA
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 80
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Salicylate
Function:
Origin:
Benzoic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
2.2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
1.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 2.2 10
2.2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
1.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 2.2 10
2.2
All humectants
2.2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
1.5 /10 5 4 1.2
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
1.2
Glycolic Acid
1.2
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
1.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
4
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Soy Isoflavones
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Copper PCA
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
1.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.6 3 No
All antioxidants
0.6
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Soy Isoflavones
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 4.7 5 No
All soothing
4.7
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 40-B
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 40-B
Glycolic Acid
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycolic Acid

The second most used AHA (after lactic acid) known for its potent exfoliating and smoothing effects. It increases skin cell turnover, which is beneficial for treating acne. When used in peels, glycolic acid has confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy, though it is less effective in leave-on products like creams and serums.

Potassium Hydroxide
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Potassium HydroxideA very alkaline ingredient, meaning that it has a high pH. Potassium hydroxide is therefore useful in bringing a low pH in a cosmetic product up to a more neutral, skin-safe level.
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) WaterA fragrant, astringent essential water obtained by steeping and distilling the twigs and leaves of the witch hazel plant. It leaves the skin feeling tight and refreshed after application and helps with the healing of small cuts on the skin.
Salicylic Acid
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Salicylic AcidThis effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.
Polysorbate 20
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 20A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.
Lactic Acid
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Lactic AcidThe most popular AHA in skincare and less irritating than glycolic acid. It can be naturally found in sour milk. It is a humectant moisturizing, pH stabilizing, and gently exfoliating ingredient, able to soften dry, cracked, and peeling skin.
Mandelic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Mandelic AcidDerived from almonds, this ingredient is one of the gentlest AHAs and is used for its exfoliating and antimicrobial properties. It is particularly beneficial for acne but also helps to treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Malic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Malic AcidA simple organic alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) commonly found in unripe fruits. It is more gentle of an exfoliant when compared to the famous and potent glycolic and lactic acids.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark ExtractA potent, soothing extract from the bark of the white willow. It has potent anti-inflammatory effects due to its salicin content. Tannins from the willow bark extract have astringent effects and can aid in the skin’s healing process.
Menthone Glycerin Acetal
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Menthone Glycerin Acetal
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

An antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.

Achillea Millefolium Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Achillea Millefolium ExtractAn extract obtained from the common yarrow. It is full of astringent and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals that help with inflamed skin and wound healing, have soothing and refreshing effects on the skin, and give the product a fresh, green, and spicy scent.
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Anthemis Nobilis Flower ExtractAn antioxidant and soothing flower extract derived from Roman chamomile. It contains an essential oil that gives it a sweet and floral aroma.
Soy Isoflavones
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Soy IsoflavonesBioactive compounds isolated from soybeans. They act as phytoestrogens to support collagen production in aging skin.
Copper PCA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Copper PCA

A blue-green synthetic salt of copper and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid. It has antimicrobial properties and may be able to help with wound healing and sebum control, although the studies are lacking.

Zinc PCA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zinc PCAA two-part ingredient: Zinc helps to control sebum and bacteria in acne-prone skin, while skin-identical PCA is a moisturizing humectant. Zinc PCA may even boost collagen production and so is researched as a potential anti-wrinkle ingredient.
Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LecithinA humectant, emollient, and emulsifier best suited for water-in-oil emulsions. Lecithin can come from sunflowers, soy, and eggs. The downside to lecithin is that it causes an extra burden on the formula’s preservative because it is nutritious.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AlcoholAn effective antimicrobial ingredient that kills bacteria, fungi, and even some viruses. It is also an excellent solvent and astringent. Alcohol helps to create lighter and less viscous products. It can, however, be dehydrating and skin-sensitizing.
Polysorbate 80
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 80A non-ionic surfactant, which means that it contains no chemical charges. It can be used as a mild cleansing agent in skin cleansing products but is more commonly used for its emulsifying abilities.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
Linalool
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LinaloolA fragrant, volatile compound naturally present in many essential oils. It has a pleasant scent and is often used in skincare products as a fragrance. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.
Benzyl Salicylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl Salicylate

A fragrance ingredient with a sweet, floral, and slightly balsamic scent. It is one of the twenty-six fragrances that are considered allergens according to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), and so its use is restricted.

Benzoic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzoic AcidA preservative effective against fungi, yeast, and some bacteria. It is commonly paired with phenoxyethanol to create a broad spectrum preservation system. Benzoic acid can also serve as a pH adjuster, fragrance, and bulking agent.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.