Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting & Refining Serum
Published Date: 2025-01-28
Review Date: 2024-03-11
Note: This review may not reflect the product formulation at the time of publishing. The review came from a previous skincare blog owned by this editor.
Category: skincare
Brand: Dr Dennis Gross
Product Type: serum
Ingredients
Water/Aqua/Eau, Propylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Glycerin, Polysorbate 80, Carnitine, Mandelic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Farnesol, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Adipic Acid, Fomes Officinalis (Mushroom) Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Phytic Acid, Siraitia Grosvenorii Fruit Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Bisabolol, Pentasodium Pentetate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Hexylresorcinol, Quercetin, Tocopherol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Panthenol, Urea, Jojoba Alcohol, Jojoba Esters, Retinol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Hydroxide, Octoxynol-9, Isopropyl Jojobate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract, Rose Extract, Triethyl Citrate, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Prunus Persica (Peach) Fruit Extract, Coriandrum Sativum (Coriander) Fruit/Leaf Extract, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower/Leaf Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate.
This serum is designed to reduce blackheads and blocked pores while making the skin appear smoother and clearer. It can be applied once a day, either in the morning or at night.
The texture is a slightly sticky gel that spreads easily on the skin. When I use it regularly (typically at night), my skin becomes noticeably brighter and smoother. It’s like a progressive, at-home face peel—which, to be honest, is kind of Dr. Dennis Gross’s specialty.
The ingredient list for this serum is extensive, and I couldn’t be happier because it’s packed with superstar components:
- Chemical exfoliants: mandelic acid, salicylic acid (great for acne), glycolic acid, and lactic acid
- Soothing ingredients: prickly pear extract, white willow bark extract, bisabolol (anti-inflammatory, from chamomile), cucumber extract, vitamin B5, and various antioxidants and humectants
- Antioxidants: green tea extract, quercetin (anti-inflammatory), vitamin E, and extracts like rosemary, raspberry, bladderwrack, and vanilla—all of which also have soothing properties
- Moisturizers/humectants: hyaluronic acid, urea, jojoba esters, and apple fruit extract
- Retinol: the superstar ingredient for reducing acne and the only proven wrinkle reverser
Chemical exfoliants are essential for any pore-targeting product, and Dr. Dennis Gross doesn’t disappoint, including four of the most well-researched and effective acids. To balance the exfoliation, the formula is packed with soothing and hydrating ingredients, ensuring it works effectively without side effects.
The results? Incredible. Within a week, I noticed a major improvement in my skin. The blackheads that have taken up permanent residence on my nose became smaller, my entire face looked smoother, and I had a "just left the aesthetician’s office" glow. My neighbors probably think I’ve either won the lottery or I’m pregnant.
The packaging is an opaque glass bottle, which is perfect for protecting light-sensitive ingredients. I have the 15 ml version, but a 30 ml bottle retails for around €76.80. It’s not cheap, but this is one of those products that makes the time you dedicate to your skincare routine feel genuinely worthwhile. And at this point in my life, time is a valuable commodity.
I will definitely be repurchasing.