Dr. Dennis Gross SkincareskincareTreat step

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta 2% BHA + Breakout Solution

This is a targeted treatment serum designed to tackle multiple concerns at once, including breakouts, uneven texture, and enlarged pores. It uses a blend of acids to exfoliate and clarify, while also incorporating ingredients to soothe and hydrate, making it suitable for a range of skin types.

Sephora price

$38.00

Price matters most when you are trying to learn whether this lane belongs in your routine without turning the test into a luxury gamble.

Sephora reviews

4.5 / 5

About 154 reviews on the current Sephora source, so there is real volume behind the reputation.

Shoppers keep mentioning

Salicylic AcidVeganGood for: Acne/BlemishesGood for: Uneven TextureGood for: DrynessGood for: PoresFive Active Acids: Target acne, clear congestion, and visibly even skin tone.Three Soothing Ingredients: Hydrate, soothe, and diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles.PoresUneven Textureand Acne and Blemishes

These are the shopper themes that keep showing up around this listing and shape why people open it in the first place.

Glass take

4.5 / 5 overall fit

A potent, multi-acid treatment that targets blemishes, texture, and pores effectively, with a formula designed to soothe and hydrate.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta 2% BHA + Breakout Solution

Sephora snapshot refreshed April 23, 2026

Price, rating, review count, and source status come from Sephora. Glass adds the routine fit, overlap risk, and what to compare next.

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What Sephora says

What this product is supposed to do

A daily, all-over solution that is clinically shown to diminish the appearance of blemishes, visibly smooth texture, and calm irritation.

NormalDryCombinationand OilyPoresUneven Textureand Acne and Blemishes

Clean the skin thoroughly before applying this product.

Place a cotton ball over the pump firmly and pump two to three times to saturate, then cover the affected area once.

Because excessive drying of the skin may occur, start with one application daily, then gradually increase to two or three times daily if needed or as directed by a doctor.

If bothersome dryness or peeling occur, reduce application to once a day or every other day.

What Glass adds

What actually matters before you buy it

A solid choice for those dealing with persistent acne, congestion, and texture issues. The combination of exfoliating acids and soothing ingredients makes it a comprehensive treatment. Be mindful of introducing it into a routine with other strong actives.

Effectiveness on breakouts

Many users report a significant reduction in breakouts and blemishes after consistent use, with some seeing results within days.

Texture improvement

The blend of acids is praised for smoothing skin texture and minimizing the appearance of pores.

Best for

When this is a smart buy

Acne-prone skin
Oily and combination skin
Skin with uneven texture
People looking for a multi-acid treatment

Skip if

When this is the wrong lane

Your skin is very sensitive and easily irritated by acids
You are already using multiple strong exfoliating treatments
You have a compromised skin barrier

Routine fit

Where this actually belongs

Apply after cleansing and before any heavier creams or oils. Start with once daily, preferably at night, and observe your skin's reaction. Gradually increase frequency if tolerated. Avoid using on the same night as other potent exfoliants or retinoids until you understand how your skin responds.

Why it works

Where it earns the slot and where it does not

The useful question is not whether this product is good in a vacuum. It is whether it makes your routine easier to run or just adds one more bottle with a familiar ingredient on it.

What it actually does well

Addresses multiple concerns (acne, texture, pores)
Contains both exfoliating and soothing ingredients
Suitable for various skin types
Clinically shown to be effective

Where it starts to feel redundant

Can cause dryness or peeling if overused
Requires careful introduction into a routine
Higher price point

Routine fit

Where it belongs in the stack

Morning or night

This treatment is best used at night to allow your skin to recover and repair. However, if your skin tolerates it well and you are targeting daytime oiliness or congestion, a morning application after cleansing can also be considered, always followed by SPF.

Glass rating

How this formula scores in real life

4.5/ 5 overall

A potent, multi-acid treatment that targets blemishes, texture, and pores effectively, with a formula designed to soothe and hydrate.

Routine fit

4.0 / 5

This is a treatment serum that can fit into most routines, but start slow to avoid irritation, especially if you're using other actives.

Full ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient, what it does, and whether I care

Solvent

Water/Aqua/Eau

Badness

0.0 / 10

The base of the formulation, dissolving other ingredients.

Usually helps with

Hydration

Watch for

Humectant

Propylene Glycol

Badness

2.0 / 10

Draws moisture to the skin and helps other ingredients penetrate.

Usually helps with

Hydration

Watch for

Can be irritating for some sensitive skin types.

Active

Salicylic Acid

Badness

3.0 / 10

A BHA that exfoliates inside pores, targeting acne and congestion.

Usually helps with

Acne, blackheads, oily skin

Watch for

Can cause dryness and peeling, especially at higher concentrations or with frequent use.

Active

Gluconolactone

Badness

1.0 / 10

A PHA that provides gentle exfoliation and humectant properties.

Usually helps with

Gentle exfoliation, hydration, sensitive skin

Watch for

Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate

Badness

0.0 / 10

Helps to mix oil and water-based ingredients.

Usually helps with

Watch for

Active

Lactic Acid

Badness

3.0 / 10

An AHA that exfoliates the skin's surface, improving texture and hydration.

Usually helps with

Dullness, uneven texture, dry skin

Watch for

Can increase sun sensitivity.

Active

Pyruvic Acid

Badness

5.0 / 10

An AHA that helps with exfoliation and can improve skin tone and texture.

Usually helps with

Uneven tone, texture

Watch for

Can be more potent and potentially irritating than other AHAs.

Active

Phytic Acid

Badness

4.0 / 10

A mild exfoliant that also has antioxidant properties and can help with skin brightening.

Usually helps with

Dullness, hyperpigmentation

Watch for

Active

Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate

Badness

2.0 / 10

A derivative of azelaic acid that helps reduce redness, inflammation, and post-acne marks.

Usually helps with

Redness, acne, hyperpigmentation

Watch for

Active

Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract

Badness

2.0 / 10

A natural source of salicylic acid, offering anti-inflammatory and exfoliating benefits.

Usually helps with

Acne, inflammation

Watch for

Active

Carnitine HCl

Badness

3.0 / 10

An amino acid derivative that can help with skin conditioning and exfoliation.

Usually helps with

Skin conditioning

Watch for

Humectant

Xylitol

Badness

0.0 / 10

A sugar alcohol that helps retain moisture.

Usually helps with

Hydration

Watch for

Emollient

Caprylic Acid

Badness

1.0 / 10

A fatty acid that softens and smooths the skin.

Usually helps with

Dryness

Watch for

Preservative

Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate

Badness

0.0 / 10

A natural preservative derived from fermented radish root.

Usually helps with

Watch for

Fragrance Ingredient

Farnesol

Badness

3.0 / 10

A fragrance component that can also have antimicrobial properties.

Usually helps with

Watch for

Potential allergen for some individuals.

Antioxidant

Tetrahydrocurcumin

Badness

2.0 / 10

A derivative of curcumin with antioxidant and skin-brightening properties.

Usually helps with

Dullness, antioxidant protection

Watch for

Antimicrobial

Chlorhexidine Gluconate

Badness

5.0 / 10

An antiseptic agent used to kill bacteria.

Usually helps with

Antimicrobial action

Watch for

Can be drying and irritating; typically used in specific medical or cleansing applications.

Antioxidant

Soy Isoflavones

Badness

2.0 / 10

Plant-derived compounds with antioxidant and potential anti-aging benefits.

Usually helps with

Antioxidant protection

Watch for

Humectant

Saccharide Isomerate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A carbohydrate complex that binds moisture to the skin, providing long-lasting hydration.

Usually helps with

Hydration

Watch for

Active

Zinc PCA

Badness

3.0 / 10

Helps to regulate sebum production and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Usually helps with

Oiliness, acne

Watch for

Humectant

Sodium Hyaluronate

Badness

0.0 / 10

A form of hyaluronic acid that attracts and holds moisture in the skin.

Usually helps with

Hydration

Watch for

Emulsifier

Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate

Badness

0.0 / 10

An emulsifier derived from glucose and stearic acid, helping to stabilize the formula.

Usually helps with

Watch for

Emollient

Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A synthetic emollient that provides a smooth, non-greasy feel.

Usually helps with

Smoothness

Watch for

Emulsifier

PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate

Badness

2.0 / 10

An emulsifier that helps blend oil and water ingredients.

Usually helps with

Watch for

PEG compounds can sometimes be associated with irritation for sensitive skin.

Emulsifier

Glyceryl Stearate

Badness

0.0 / 10

An emulsifier and emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin.

Usually helps with

Softening

Watch for

Active

Hexylresorcinol

Badness

4.0 / 10

A skin-brightening agent that also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Usually helps with

Hyperpigmentation, dullness

Watch for

Can cause irritation in some individuals.

Solvent

Dimethyl Isosorbide

Badness

1.0 / 10

A solvent that can help improve the penetration of other ingredients.

Usually helps with

Ingredient delivery

Watch for

Humectant

Propanediol

Badness

1.0 / 10

A solvent and humectant that helps to hydrate the skin.

Usually helps with

Hydration

Watch for

Emollient

C13-15 Alkane

Badness

0.0 / 10

A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that improves skin feel.

Usually helps with

Smoothness

Watch for

pH Adjuster

Potassium Hydroxide

Badness

1.0 / 10

Used to adjust the pH of the product.

Usually helps with

Watch for

Can be irritating in high concentrations.

Emulsifier

Stearic Acid

Badness

1.0 / 10

A fatty acid that helps to emulsify and condition the skin.

Usually helps with

Conditioning

Watch for

pH Adjuster

Citric Acid

Badness

2.0 / 10

An AHA used to adjust pH and provide mild exfoliation.

Usually helps with

Exfoliation, pH balance

Watch for

Can increase sun sensitivity.

Chelating Agent

Calcium Gluconate

Badness

0.0 / 10

Helps to stabilize the formula.

Usually helps with

Watch for

pH Adjuster

Sodium Citrate

Badness

0.0 / 10

Used to adjust the pH of the product.

Usually helps with

Watch for

Soothing Agent

Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Water

Badness

0.0 / 10

Known for its soothing and hydrating properties.

Usually helps with

Soothing, hydration

Watch for

Preservative

Phenoxyethanol

Badness

3.0 / 10

A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth.

Usually helps with

Watch for

Can be irritating for some sensitive skin types.

Preservative

Sodium Benzoate

Badness

2.0 / 10

A preservative that helps prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.

Usually helps with

Watch for

Preservative

Potassium Sorbate

Badness

2.0 / 10

A preservative used to inhibit the growth of mold and yeast.

Usually helps with

Watch for

Compare before you buy

The next pages that make this product more useful

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Ingredient Checker

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FAQ

The fast answers people actually need

Is this product suitable for all skin types?

While it targets concerns common in oily and combination skin, the inclusion of soothing ingredients makes it potentially suitable for normal and dry skin types as well. However, those with very sensitive skin should introduce it cautiously.

How often should I use this product?

Start with one application daily, preferably at night. Gradually increase to two or three times daily if your skin tolerates it well. If dryness or peeling occurs, reduce usage to once a day or every other day.

Can I use this with other active ingredients?

It's recommended to introduce this product slowly and monitor your skin's reaction. Avoid using it on the same night as other strong exfoliants or retinoids until you understand how your skin responds to prevent over-exfoliation and irritation.

See If This Is Compatible With My Skin