Alpha Beta 2% BHA Breakout Solution

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare

Where to buy Possibly in stock

About this product

The Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta 2% BHA Breakout Solution is a treatment. Our analysis of its 39 ingredients (29 low-risk) rates it Excellent (93/100). Based on its ingredients, it looks well-suited to oily / acne-prone and dry skin.

Vegan-friendly Reef-safe

Summarised from our ingredient analysis — not brand marketing copy.

At a glance

Type
Treatments
Ingredients
39
Low-risk
29
Fragrance
Fragrance-free
Origin
United States
Data updated
Jun 2026

The evidence

Quick Product Notes

Paraben-Free Sulfate-Free Alcohol-Free Silicone-Free EU Allergen-Free Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

Notable Effects & Ingredients

No Notable Effects & Ingredients

Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Good   Bad — tap a skin type to see which ingredients · estimated from ingredient functions
Dry Skin 13/6
Good for dry skin
Gluconolactone Glyceryl Stearate Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate Saccharide Isomerate Xylitol Calcium Gluconate Sodium Hyaluronate Propylene Glycol Zinc PCA PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate Lactic Acid Carnitine HCl
Caution for dry skin
Stearic Acid Caprylic Acid Salicylic Acid Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate Alcohol Denat.
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin 3/0
Good for oily/acne-prone skin
Azelaic Acid Salicylic Acid Alcohol Denat.
Sensitive Skin 1/15
Good for sensitive skin
Farnesol
Caution for sensitive skin
Gluconolactone Sodium Citrate Stearic Acid Azelaic Acid Caprylic Acid Propylene Glycol Salicylic Acid Pyruvic Acid Citric Acid Sodium Benzoate Potassium Sorbate Lactic Acid Alcohol Denat. Farnesol Phenoxyethanol

Ingredients list

39 total
Lower hazard (1) Higher hazard (4)
All39 Skin Conditioning24 Fragrance13 Humectant11 Masking10 Solvent8 Emulsifying6 Ph Adjuster5 Preservative5
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
4
B
Salicylic Acid
(Antiacne Agent, Antidandruff Agent, Corn/Callus/Wart Remover, Denaturant, Exfoliant, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning, Keratolytic, Masking, Preservative)
Good for Oily Skin
Good for Oily Skin
Bad for Sensitive Skin
Bad for Sensitive Skin
1
Water
(Solvent)
4
Alcohol Denat.
(Antifoaming Agent, Antimicrobial, Astringent, Masking, Solvent, Viscosity Controlling)
Bad for Dry Skin
Bad for Dry Skin
Bad for Sensitive Skin
Bad for Sensitive Skin
3
B
Propylene Glycol
(Fragrance, Humectant, Skin Conditioningagent Miscellaneous, Solvent, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling)
Good for Dry Skin
Good for Dry Skin
1
Gluconolactone
(Fragrance, Humectant, Solvent)
1
B
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
(Skin Conditioning, Emulsifying, Surfactant)
4
B
Lactic Acid
(Exfoliant, Fragrance, Humectant, Ph Adjuster, Skin Conditioning Agent Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Buffering Agent)
Bad for Sensitive Skin
Bad for Sensitive Skin
1
Pyruvic Acid
(Fragrance, Masking)
1
Phytic Acid
(Chelating Agent, Oral Care Agent)
1
A
Azelaic Acid
(Fragrance, Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Masking)
salix alba bark extract
(Astringent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning, Soothing, Tonic)
B
Carnitine HCl
(Humectant, Skin Conditioning)
1
Xylitol
(Flavoring Agent, Humectant, Skin Conditioning)
1
Caprylic Acid
(Fragrance, Sufactantsurfactant Cleansing Agent Is Included As A Function For The Soap Form Of Caprylic Acid., Emulsifying, Masking, Perfuming)
1
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
(Antidandruff Agent, Antimicrobial)
4
Farnesol
(Fragrance, Deodorant, Masking, Solvent, Soothing)
Allergens
Allergens
Tetrahydrocurcumin
(Antioxidant)
4
B
Chlorhexidine Digluconate
(Cosmetic Biocide, Oral Care Agent, Preservative, Antimicrobial)
1
Soy Isoflavones
(Skin Conditioning)
1
Saccharide Isomerate
(Humectant)
3
Zinc PCA
(Skin Conditioning, Humectant)
1
A
Sodium Hyaluronate
(Skin Conditioning, Humectant)
Good for Dry Skin
Good for Dry Skin
1
A
Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
(Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Emulsifying)
Fungal Acne
Fungal Acne Trigger
1
Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
(Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Viscosity Increasing Agent)
3
A
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
(Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Emulsifying, Surfactant)
1
A
Glyceryl Stearate
(Emollient, Emulsifying)
Fungal Acne
Fungal Acne Trigger
1
Hexylresorcinol
(Antimicrobial Agent, Cosmetic Biocide)
1
Dimethyl Isosorbide
(Solvent, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Viscosity Controlling)
1
Propanediol
(Solvent, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Viscosity Controlling)
1
C13-15 Alkane
(Solvent)
3
B
Potassium Hydroxide
(Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent)
1
A
Stearic Acid
(Fragrance, Sufactant, Emulsifying, Surfactantsurfactant Cleansing Agent Is Included As A Function For The Soap Form Of Stearic Acid., Emulsion Stabilising, Masking, Refatting)
Bad for Oily Skin
Bad for Oily Skin
Fungal Acne
Fungal Acne Trigger
2
A
Citric Acid
(Chelating Agent, Fragrance, Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Masking)
Bad for Sensitive Skin
Bad for Sensitive Skin
1
A
Calcium Gluconate
(Skin Conditioning, Humectant, Oral Care Agent)
1
A
Sodium Citrate
(Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Chelating, Masking)
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Water
(Skin Conditioning)
4
A
Phenoxyethanol
(Fragrance, Preservative)
Paraben
Paraben
3
A
Sodium Benzoate
(Fragrance, Preservative, Anticorrosive, Masking)
3
A
Potassium Sorbate
(Fragrance, Preservative)

My Ingredient Notes

No personal ingredient notes yet. Save ingredients to your profile to get good/bad alerts here.

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No close formula match yet — browse other products like this

Key ingredients

AHA
Exfoliates skin for a brighter complexion.
BHA
Unclogs pores and reduces excess oil.
PHA
Gently exfoliates and hydrates with less irritation.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hydrates by attracting and holding water.
Azelaic Acid
Gently exfoliates and reduces inflammation.
Zinc
Helps control oil and supports healing.
Antioxidants
Shields skin from free radical damage.
Show all 7 key ingredients

Benefits

HydratingBoosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Good For Oily SkinBalances oil and helps reduce shine.
BrighteningRestores radiance to dull, tired skin.
Reduces Large PoresMinimizes the look of enlarged pores.
Barrier RepairStrengthen and restore your skin's natural barrier.
Acne FightingFights acne and helps prevent breakouts.
Anti-AgingSoftens lines and helps skin look youthful.
Redness ReducingSoothes visible redness and calms irritation.

Concerns

Contains paraben
Contains eu allergen
Not fungal acne (malassezia) safe
May not suit sensitive skin

Ingredients explained

Water
Solvent
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 Solvent
Gluconolactone
Fragrance, Humectant
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 FragranceHumectantSolvent
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin conditioning, Emulsifying
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR B Skin conditioningEmulsifyingSurfactant
Pyruvic Acid
Fragrance, Masking
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 FragranceMasking
Phytic Acid
Chelating agent, Oral care agent
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 Chelating agentOral care agent
Azelaic Acid
Fragrance, Ph adjuster
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A FragrancePh adjusterBuffering agentMasking
salix alba bark extract
Astringent, Hair conditioning
Limited public safety data.Read moreShow less
EWG N/A AstringentHair conditioningSkin conditioningSoothingTonic
Carnitine HCl
Humectant, Skin conditioning
Limited public safety data.Read moreShow less
EWG N/A CIR B HumectantSkin conditioning
Xylitol
Flavoring agent, Humectant
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 Flavoring agentHumectantSkin conditioning
Caprylic Acid
Fragrance, Sufactantsurfactant-cleansing agent is included as a function for the soap form of caprylic acid.
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 FragranceSufactantsurfactant-cleansing agent is included as a function for the soap form of caprylic acid.EmulsifyingMaskingPerfuming
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antidandruff agent, Antimicrobial
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 Antidandruff agentAntimicrobial
Tetrahydrocurcumin
Antioxidant
Limited public safety data.Read moreShow less
EWG N/A Antioxidant
Chlorhexidine Digluconate
Cosmetic biocide, Oral care agent
Low-to-moderate hazard.Read moreShow less
EWG 4 CIR B Cosmetic biocideOral care agentPreservativeAntimicrobial
Soy Isoflavones
Skin conditioning
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 Skin conditioning
Saccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 Humectant
+ 13 more — see the full ingredients list above
Salicylic Acid
Antiacne agent, Antidandruff agent
Skin irritation can occur at high concentrationRead moreShow less
EWG 4 CIR B Antiacne agentAntidandruff agentCorn/callus/wart removerDenaturantExfoliantFragranceHair conditioningSkin conditioningKeratolyticMaskingPreservative Good for Oily SkinBad for Sensitive Skin
Alcohol Denat.
Antifoaming agent, Antimicrobial
Causes moisture evaporation - prone to dry out skinRead moreShow less
EWG 4 Antifoaming agentAntimicrobialAstringentMaskingSolventViscosity controlling Bad for Dry SkinBad for Sensitive Skin
Propylene Glycol
Fragrance, Humectant
Low-to-moderate hazard.Read moreShow less
EWG 3 CIR B FragranceHumectantSkin-conditioningagent - miscellaneousSolventViscosity decreasing agentSkin conditioningViscosity controlling Good for Dry Skin
Lactic Acid
Exfoliant, Fragrance
Skin irritation can occur at high concentrationRead moreShow less
EWG 4 CIR B ExfoliantFragranceHumectantPh adjusterSkin-conditioning agent -humectantSkin conditioningBuffering agent Bad for Sensitive Skin
Farnesol
Fragrance, Deodorant
Low-to-moderate hazard.Read moreShow less
EWG 4 FragranceDeodorantMaskingSolventSoothing Allergens
Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin conditioning, Humectant
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A Skin conditioningHumectant Good for Dry Skin
Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Skin conditioning, Emollient
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A Skin conditioningEmollientEmulsifying Fungal-acne trigger
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient, Emulsifying
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A EmollientEmulsifying Fungal-acne trigger
Stearic Acid
Fragrance, Sufactant
Potentially comedogenic - can block poresRead moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A FragranceSufactantEmulsifyingSurfactantsurfactant-cleansing agent is included as a function for the soap form of stearic acid.Emulsion stabilisingMaskingRefatting Bad for Oily SkinFungal-acne trigger
Citric Acid
Chelating agent, Fragrance
Skin irritation can occur at high concentrationRead moreShow less
EWG 2 CIR A Chelating agentFragrancePh adjusterBuffering agentMasking Bad for Sensitive Skin
Phenoxyethanol
Fragrance, Preservative
Low-to-moderate hazard.Read moreShow less
EWG 4 CIR A FragrancePreservative Paraben

How to use

How to use

  • 1 Where it fits: Apply after toner and before moisturiser — thinnest to thickest.
  • 2 Evening, start slow: Best in the PM a few times a week to begin with; avoid layering with other strong actives the same night.
  • 3 Wear SPF the next day: Acids and retinoids increase sun sensitivity — daily sunscreen is a must while using this.

General guidance from this product's category and active ingredients — always follow the directions on the package.

Trust & honesty

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

Contains ingredients some choose to avoid or double-check while pregnant or nursing.

Use with caution
BHA (salicylic) (Salicylic Acid)

Low-strength topical salicylic acid (BHA) is generally considered fine. Caution is usually reserved for high-strength leave-on products and salicylic peels.

This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy guidance varies and depends on concentration and your individual situation — always check with your doctor, midwife or pharmacist. How we flag this.

Effective levels — general guide

The concentrations these actives are typically effective at in research — not a measurement of this product.

BHA (salicylic) 0.5–2%

Salicylic acid is OTC-capped at 2%; 0.5–2% is the usual leave-on range. Much below that it acts more as a soothing agent than an exfoliant.

Salicylic Acid

AHA (acid exfoliant) 5–10% (OTC)

OTC leave-on AHAs are usually 5–10%. The effect also depends on pH and free-acid value, not the percentage alone.

Lactic Acid

INCI lists don't disclose amounts, and we don't claim to know this product's levels — these are the ranges these ingredients are usually effective at, so you can tell a real formula from "fairy-dusting" a marketed active. How we estimate this.

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