Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel by Dr. Dennis Gross is sold across 2 regions: European Union, United States. 24 ingredient occurrences are shared across regions, 0 appear under different names or aliases, and 3 are unique to a single region.
Category: Base Ingredients (naturally derived)
A naturally occurring compound found in comfrey root. Known for its healing, soothing, and keratolytic properties; promotes cell renewal.
Category: Acidulants (naturally derived)
Also known as: 2-Hydroxypropane-1,2,3-Tricarboxylic Acid, 2-Hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic Acid, Anhydrous Citric Acid, CA, Citric Acid Monohydrate, E330
Citric acid is a tricarboxylic alpha-hydroxy acid (2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid, formula C6H8O7) that occurs naturally at high concentrations in citrus fruits — lemons and limes are about 5–7% citric acid by weight — and is a key intermediate in the citric acid cycle of cellular respiration. Despite its citrus origin, virtually all commercial citric acid (over 2 million tonnes globally per year) is produced by submerged fermentation of glucose or sucrose using the mold Aspergillus niger, then crystallized as the anhydrous form or as the monohydrate. In foods it functions as an acidulant (giving the sour kick to sodas, candies, gummies, jams, sherbet, and powdered drink mixes), pH adjuster, chelating agent (sequesters trace metals to prevent fat oxidation and color loss), antioxidant synergist, emulsifier-stabilizer, and leavening acid (in combination with sodium bicarbonate). In personal-care products it is the standard pH adjuster for shampoos, cleansers, and skincare. The FDA affirms citric acid as GRAS under 21 CFR 184.1033 with no use-level limit, and the EU permits it as additive E330 at quantum satis under Reg. 1333/2008. Although fermentation occasionally uses corn, wheat, or beet substrates, the final product is generally considered allergen-free.
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Category: Acidulants (synthetic)
The smallest alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Used as a chemical exfoliant to remove dead skin cells, improve skin texture, and reduce hyperpigmentation.
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Category: Antioxidants (naturally derived)
Also known as: Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Green Tea, Matcha Extract
A concentrated extract from Camellia sinensis leaves. Contains catechins and polyphenols with antioxidant properties. Used in beverages and skincare.
Category: Acidity Regulator (naturally derived)
Also known as: 2-Hydroxypropanoic Acid, D-Lactic Acid, DL-Lactic Acid, E270, L-Lactic Acid, Milk Acid
Lactic acid is a hydroxycarboxylic alpha-hydroxy acid (2-hydroxypropanoic acid, formula C3H6O3) that exists as two enantiomers: L-(+)-lactic acid (the form produced by human muscle metabolism and most fermentation processes) and D-(-)-lactic acid. It is naturally abundant in fermented foods — yogurt, kefir, sourdough bread, sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, and aged cheeses — where it is generated by lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Streptococcus) converting lactose or other sugars. Commercial production uses bacterial fermentation of glucose or whey, yielding either the pure L-form or a racemic mixture. In foods it functions as an acidulant, pH regulator, preservative (by lowering pH below 4.5 to inhibit pathogen growth), flavor enhancer, and curing agent in cured meats. In personal care it is a popular alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) for exfoliation in moisturizers and serums at 2–10%, and a humectant and pH adjuster at lower concentrations. The FDA affirms lactic acid as GRAS under 21 CFR 184.1061 with no use-level limit (except infant foods, where only L-lactic acid is permitted), and the EU permits it as additive E270 at quantum satis under Reg. 1333/2008 with the same infant-food restriction on the D-form. It is vegan when fermented from plant sugars but can be dairy-derived from whey.
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Category: Acidulants (naturally derived)
Also known as: 2-Hydroxybutanedioic Acid, Apple Acid, DL-Malic Acid, E296, Hydroxysuccinic Acid, L-Malic Acid
Malic acid is a dicarboxylic alpha-hydroxy acid (2-hydroxybutanedioic acid, formula C4H6O5) named after the Latin "malum" for apple, since it was first isolated from apple juice by Carl Wilhelm Scheele in 1785. It exists as two enantiomers: L-malic acid (natural, found in apples, grapes, cherries, rhubarb, and other fruits, and a Krebs-cycle intermediate) and D-malic acid; commercial production yields the racemic DL-malic acid via catalytic hydration of maleic anhydride. It contributes a sharp, persistent tartness — more lingering than citric acid — and is widely used as an acidulant, pH adjuster, and flavor enhancer in sour candies (Sour Patch Kids, Warheads), fruit beverages, low-calorie drinks, jellies, jams, frozen fruits, and wine. In dental and personal-care products it appears as a pH adjuster and as an alpha-hydroxy exfoliant at higher concentrations. The FDA affirms DL-malic acid as GRAS under 21 CFR 184.1069 with specific use levels by food category, and the EU permits it as additive E296 at quantum satis under Reg. 1333/2008 — with the exception that only DL-malic acid is restricted from infant and follow-on formula. Both enantiomers are well tolerated at typical food intakes; very acidic candies have been linked to dental enamel erosion.
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Category: Antioxidants (naturally derived)
Also known as: 3-Pyridinecarboxamide, Niacin, Niacin Amide, Nicotinamide, Nicotinic Acid Amide, Pyridine-3-carboxamide, Vitamin B3, Vitamin PP
Niacinamide (Nicotinamide, 3-pyridinecarboxamide; CAS 98-92-0) is the amide form of Vitamin B3 (niacin). It is a water-soluble white crystalline powder that occurs naturally in many foods (meat, fish, eggs, dairy, mushrooms, legumes, nuts, whole grains) and is synthesized industrially from beta-picoline or nicotinic acid. Niacinamide has TWO distinct major use categories: (1) Dietary/Functional Vitamin — used to prevent pellagra and as a vitamin B3 source in food fortification (cereals, flour, infant formulas) and dietary supplements. The FDA-recognized Recommended Daily Intake is 14-16 mg/day. (2) Cosmetic Skincare Active — Niacinamide is one of the most widely used cosmetic actives globally, prized for its multifunctional benefits: improves skin barrier function (boosts ceramide synthesis), reduces hyperpigmentation (inhibits melanosome transfer), regulates sebum production, calms inflammation and redness, minimizes the appearance of pores, and provides antioxidant defense. Typical use concentration in skincare: 2-10%. Appears in serums, moisturizers, toners, eye creams, sunscreens, and acne treatments. The FDA recognizes Niacinamide as GRAS under 21 CFR 184.1530 for food use; FDA-approved as a food additive and as a topical OTC ingredient. CosIng-listed under EU Cosmetic Products Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 with multiple functions (skin conditioning, antimicrobial, smoothing). CIR-assessed safe. EWG hazard: 1 (lowest). Permitted globally without restrictions. CAS 98-92-0.
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Category: Antioxidants (naturally derived)
Also known as: Retinoic Acid, Retinoids, Retinyl Palmitate, Vitamin A
Vitamin A and its derivatives. Used in anti-aging skincare. EU introduced strict concentration caps in 2024.
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Category: Antioxidants (naturally derived)
Also known as: 2-Hydroxybenzoic Acid, BHA, Beta Hydroxy Acid
A beta hydroxy acid used as an exfoliant and acne treatment. EU has stricter limits than the US, especially for leave-on products.
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Category: Antioxidants (synthetic)
A stable, water-soluble form of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Less irritating than pure ascorbic acid, it functions as an antioxidant and skin brightener, and converts to ascorbic acid in the skin.
Category: Oils (synthetic)
A hydrogenated form of squalene, predominantly derived from sugarcane or olive oil. Lightweight, non-comedogenic emollient that closely mimics skin sebum.
Category: Acidulants (naturally derived)
A naturally occurring AHA found in grapes and wine. Functions as a gentle exfoliant and pH adjuster, and enhances the efficacy of other AHAs like glycolic and lactic acid.
Category: Antioxidants (naturally derived)
Also known as: Alpha-Tocopherol, E306, E307, E308, E309, Mixed Tocopherols, Tocopheryl Acetate, Vitamin E, d-Alpha-Tocopherol, dl-Alpha-Tocopherol
Tocopherol is the chemical name for a family of fat-soluble compounds collectively known as Vitamin E. The most biologically active form in humans is alpha-tocopherol (CAS 59-02-9 for d-form, 10191-41-0 for dl-form); other forms include beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherol. Naturally produced by plants and found abundantly in vegetable oils (especially wheat germ, sunflower, safflower, and olive oils), nuts, seeds, and green leafy vegetables. Commercial Tocopherol is extracted from these sources or synthesized via chemical reactions. In food manufacturing, Tocopherol functions as a powerful natural antioxidant — used to prevent oxidative rancidity in fats, oils, baked goods, breakfast cereals, infant formulas, dietary supplements, and processed meats. Common food additive form is Mixed Tocopherols (E306), with specific isomers as E307 (alpha-tocopherol), E308 (gamma-tocopherol), E309 (delta-tocopherol). In cosmetics and personal care, Tocopherol acts as a skin-conditioning agent, antioxidant for formulation stability, and active ingredient that protects skin from oxidative damage — appears in moisturizers, serums, lip balms, sunscreens, and anti-aging products. The FDA recognizes Tocopherol as GRAS under 21 CFR 182.3890 (alpha-tocopherol) and 184.1890 (alpha-tocopherol acetate) for food use. CosIng-listed; CIR-assessed safe. EU food additive E306-E309 authorized under Reg (EC) 1333/2008. Recognized vitamin essential to human nutrition. EWG hazard: 1-2. Permitted globally. CAS 59-02-9.
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Category: Antioxidants (synthetic)
Also known as: Retinyl Palmitate, Vitamin A Ester
A stable, synthetic form of Vitamin A (retinol) esterified with palmitic acid. Used to fortify foods and cosmetics; acts as an antioxidant and supports skin cell renewal.
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