Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare 2% BHA Acne Line Review
4 Editors With Different Acne Try Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare's BHA Line
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If you deal with acne, you're no stranger to feeling frustrated about your skin. Although it may feel like you're the only one with breakouts, it's one of the most common skin-care concerns that people of all ages face. Acne can be caused by a multitude of factors, whether it's hormones, diet, genetics, stress, certain medications, or your environment, and there are also different types of acne.
But, what if there was a product line that could help diminish those stubborn breakouts and help prevent new ones from forming? Meet Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare's acne line: the Alpha Beta 2% BHA + Breakout Solution and the Alpha Beta On The Spot Eliminator 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Gel. The brand claims that both products are supposed to help minimize the effects of a wide range of acne types, as shown in the chart below.
Image Source: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare
The Breakout Solution is a daily, all-over toner formula that is supposed to help diminish the appearance of blemishes, smooth texture, and calm irritation. It contains a blend of two percent salicylic acid, lactic acid, phytic acid, pyretic acid, and azelaic acid, which help exfoliate the skin, even skin tone, and improve skin congestion. It's also packed with hydrating and calming ingredients like hyaluronic acid, turmeric, and farnesol to help soothe and balance the skin while supporting its barrier.
The On the Spot Eliminator is a fast-acting spot treatment that is supposed to reduce the prominence of blemishes while soothing redness and irritation. The lightweight gel formula contains two percent salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and azelaic acid to help exfoliate the skin and clear out dead skin cells and oil. It's balanced with calming ingredients like green tea, bisabolol, mushroom extract, and Centella.
To truly see if this acne line works on different acne types, we asked four of our editors with acne-prone skin to put the Breakout solution and the On the Spot Eliminator to the test. Ahead, you can read our honest thoughts about whether it worked for our acne types.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Breakout Solution on Inflamed Acne
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta 2% BHA + Breakout Solution ($38)
"I've always had a complicated relationship with my skin, but over this past year — as I've weaned off of birth control — I've struggled with hormonal acne more than ever before. Peels have helped to improve my skin's tone and texture, but I found that I still need some sort of over-the-counter product that I can use within my daily routine — a girl only has so much time (and money), after all. I jumped at the chance to try out the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta 2% BHA Breakout Solution Treatment.
After a month of using this product within my skin-care routine, I'm happy to report that I've seen some pretty dramatic results, namely with regard to my skin's texture and overall color. When I first started using the solution, I was on my period and in the thick of a bad breakout. While my breakouts tend to clear up towards the end of my cycle, I found that this product helped to speed up the process and stop any zits from developing further.
It's also helped to even out my skin tone, and overall, I'm noticing less redness across my cheeks. With the help of this formula and some regular facials, I've also seen a slow but steady change of skin texture, as lingering acne scars look more healed and my pores look a touch less prominent. I'm thrilled with the results of this treatment and the fact that it offers a more affordable way for me to address my biggest skin concerns without having to visit an esthetician every week." — Kyley Warren, assistant editor, Commerce
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Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Breakout Solution and On The Spot Eliminator on Irritated Acne
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta 2% BHA + Breakout Solution ($38) and Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta On The Spot Eliminator 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Gel ($40)
"I've been dealing with acne for as long as I can remember, from cystic zits to cluster breakouts; I've had them all. While Accutane helped manage the majority of my acne, it didn't get rid of my irritation breakouts. I did not know how to handle my reactive skin while trying to fade dark spots and even out my skin tone. Luckily, Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare's acne line entered my life, and spoiler alert: both products did wonders for my skin.
I use the Breakout Solution every morning and night, following it up with a hydrating serum and a lightweight moisturizer. Within the first few days of using it, I noticed a decrease in new breakouts forming and my inflammation subsiding, but I saw a significant change in my skin's texture two weeks later. Using this toner consistently has done wonders for my skin, and although there's still some minor redness, my skin does not look nearly as irritated and angry.
I use the On the Spot Eliminator as a spot treatment for raised zits and bigger breakouts. Although I traditionally turn to an acne patch, this zit was in its early stages for a hydrocolloid covering. After moisturizing, I used a tiny bit on a raised and inflamed pimple, and within one day, it completely flattened and disappeared. This spot treatment is now my go-to for those early stage pimples and zits because it doesn't irritate the rest of my skin." — Anvita Reddy, assistant editor, Commerce
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Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Breakout Solution on Hormonal Acne
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta 2% BHA + Breakout Solution ($38)
"Throughout my life, I've been fortunate to have relatively trouble-free skin. However, I've realized that my skin tends to act up about a week before my period, typically manifesting as one or two stubborn pimples on my chin or around my mouth that seem determined to stick around. Thankfully, I had the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta 2% BHA+ Breakout Solution on standby. What drew me to this solution is its potent combination of salicylic acid, lactic acid, and hyaluronic acid — three powerhouse ingredients known for banishing breakouts while soothing the skin.
Since my skin tolerates most ingredients well, I use this breakout solution nightly when I deal with breakouts. I swipe the solution over my skin before following up with a lightweight gel moisturizer, which I find more comfortable than a heavier formulation when dealing with flare-ups. I'm pleasantly surprised that the Breakout Solution seems to accelerate the healing process, leaving my skin looking even more radiant than before." — Marisa Petrarca, contributing editor, Commerce
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Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta On The Spot Eliminator For Comedonal/Hormonal Acne
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta On The Spot Eliminator 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Gel ($40)
"I have pretty acneic skin, but I've been seeing some incredible results from my prescribed, medical-grade skin-care routine over the last few months. Still, I get the occasional breakout, and it is painful to the touch. I tackled this most recent round of acne with the Dr. Dennis Gross On The Spot Eliminator, and I am so impressed. I used it as a targeted treatment, and, as you can see from the first picture to the second, taken just three days apart, the formula works wonders.
Before I started using it, the pimple was inflamed and red, but still not ready to pop (even though the old me would've attempted). Still, I'm trying to do better, so I stuck with applying the spot treatment twice a day for three days and it was almost completely gone — sans any risk of scarring. This is absolutely about to become a staple in my skin-care routine. It feels like I'm in on a big secret that no one knows about yet." — Ariel Baker, associate editor, Beauty
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Anvita Reddy is an assistant editor for PS Shopping. She has a passion for products and is an avid reviewer of everything including furniture, mattresses, home gadgets, cookware, tech, and more. Having dealt with acne as a teenager and into adulthood, her expertise lies in beauty. She has tried and tested plenty of skin care, makeup, hair care, and countless other beauty products.
