Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Perfectly Dosed Retinol Extra Strength 0.5% vs Alpha Beta® On The Spot Eliminator 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Gel — Ingredient Comparison

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare

Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Perfectly Dosed Retinol Extra Strength 0.5%

Treatment · 30 ingredients

A fragrance-free retinol serum formulated to smooth the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture. Pure liquid retinol at 0.5% drives the anti-aging and firming benefits, while bakuchiol and rambutan work to reinforce those effects. Squalane and hyaluronic acid are included to soothe and hydrate, helping to offset potential dryness and making it suitable for those concerned about retinol sensitivity.

Fragrance-freeVegan

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare

Alpha Beta® On The Spot Eliminator 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Gel

Treatment · 30 ingredients

A targeted acne treatment gel formulated with 2% salicylic acid to exfoliate the pore lining and reduce blockages, alongside glycolic and azelaic acids to help dissolve dead skin cells and excess oil. Green tea, bisabolol, mushroom extract, and centella work to hydrate and calm irritation and redness. It is best suited for oily, combination, and normal skin types dealing with blemishes and redness.

Vegan

Your fit

Set your skin profile to see how these suit you

Set your skin profile

How these two interact

No conflicts — safe to layer

Both are Treatment products.

Centella+Niacinamide

Calming + strengthening

Niacinamide+Hyaluronic Acid

Barrier + hydration

At a glance

Fragrance-free

—

Vegan

Price

$42

About the same

$40

About the same

Key ingredients

Retinol (0.5%)

A retinoid that speeds cell turnover to smooth texture, soften lines, and clear pores.

Retinol

A plant-based retinol alternative — similar smoothing benefits, gentler, and pregnancy-friendly.

Centella

Calms inflammation and speeds barrier recovery.

Bisabolol

A soothing ingredient that calms redness and irritation.

Ferulic Acid

An antioxidant that stabilizes vitamins C and E and roughly doubles their sun defense.

Hyaluronic Acid

Holds water in the skin for instant plumping and hydration.

Squalane

A lightweight, biomimetic oil that softens without clogging pores — pairs perfectly with strong actives to offset dryness.

Green Tea

An antioxidant that calms inflammation and helps regulate oil.

Aloe Vera

Cools and hydrates irritated skin.

Sodium PCA

A humectant that pulls water into the skin for plumper, more hydrated skin.

Lactic Acid (AHA)

A water-soluble acid that exfoliates the surface for smoother, brighter, more even skin.

Mandelic Acid (AHA)

A gentle, large-molecule AHA — good for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Glycerin

The workhorse humectant — simple, effective, and exceptionally well-tolerated.

2% Salicylic Acid

An oil-soluble acid that gets inside pores to clear congestion and calm breakouts.

Green Tea

An antioxidant that calms inflammation and helps regulate oil.

Bisabolol

A soothing ingredient that calms redness and irritation.

Glycerin

The workhorse humectant — simple, effective, and exceptionally well-tolerated.

Gluconolactone (PHA)

A gentle, large-molecule exfoliant that smooths and hydrates — ideal for sensitive skin.

Glycolic Acid (AHA)

A water-soluble acid that exfoliates the surface for smoother, brighter, more even skin.

Glutathione

An antioxidant brightener that supports a more even tone.

Retinol

A retinoid that speeds cell turnover to smooth texture, soften lines, and clear pores.

Niacinamide

Strengthens the barrier, controls oil, and fades dark spots — gentle and plays well with almost everything.

Ferulic Acid

An antioxidant that stabilizes vitamins C and E and roughly doubles their sun defense.

What it targets

Hydration

Barrier

Brightening

Anti-aging

Texture

Acne

Oil control

Soothing

Antioxidant