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the best dr dennis gross products

What are the best Dr Dennis Gross skincare products? I have a soft spot for this brand. Unlike a lot of dermatologist founded brands who sell you basic concoctions at inflated prices, Dr Dennis Gross uses actives like vitamin C and retinol that really helps keep those pesky wrinkles off your face.

But… everything costs an arm and a leg, doesn’t it? I don’t mind too much IF it works but every skincare brand has its duds. You don’t want to splurge on those. What’s worth investing in then? Here are the best Dr Dennis Gross products for every skin type and need:

About The Brand: Dr Dennis Gross

NYC dermatologist Dr Dennis Gross founded his namesake brand in 1990 on a mission to deliver office-like results without them ever setting foot in a dermatologist’s office. I’m not sure he delivered on that claim. There are rules and regulations that don’t allow OTC products to use high concentrations of ingredients dermatologists can administer. But, Dr Dennis Gross does gives the best actives (at concentrations high enough to work) to tackle wrinkles, acne, and dark spots. It’s the best OTC skincare can do and this line is doing it.

What Are The Best Dr Dennis Gross Products?

Best For Brightening: Vitamin C Lactic 15% Vitamin C Firm & Bright Serum ($85.00)

If you want to fight both wrinkles and dark spots at the same time, this serum is for you. It contains my fave combination of antioxidants: 15% L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Vitamin E, and ferulic acid. Studies show that, together, these antioxidants fight free radicals, brightens the complexion, and boosts the protection of your sunscreen to keep wrinkles at bay. But what sets it apart from other Vitamin C serums on the market is the addition of Lactic acid, an exfoliant that smoothes out your skin’s texture and fades away dark spots. Usually, I recommend you use Vitamin C during the day to boost the effectiveness of your sunscreen. But lactic acid isn’t meant to be used during the day – or every day, for that matter. For best results, use this serum every other night, alternating it with retinol.

Available at: Cult Beauty, Harrods, Net-A-Porter, Revolve, Sephora, and SpaceNK

Active ingredients: 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin C, Ferulic Acid, and Lactic acid.

Benefits: Exfoliates, brightens, prevents wrinkles, and fades away dark spots.

Cons: Can be irritating if used too often.

Skin type: All skin types, but especially dry.

Fragrance-free: Yes.

Best For The Eye Area: Dr Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum ($71.00)

Dr Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum is very similar to the face serum of the same line, so you don’t need both. If you’re using a different serum and want a retinol eye cream just for the eye area, this contains everything you need to keep crow’s feet off your face. Retinol boosts collagen production to firm skin, while ferulic acid, quercetin and other antioxidants keep new wrinkles from forming in the first place. Plus, it has arbutin and licorice extract to lighten dark spots due to hyperpigmentation and too much sun exposure. The texture’s lightweight and works well under makeup.

Available at: Brown Thomas, Cult Beauty, Harrods, Nordstrom, Selfridges, and SpaceNK

Active ingredients: Retinol and ferulic acid.

Benefits: Hydrates, fights crow’s feet and fades away dark spots.

Cons: Can be irritating if used too often.

Skin type: All skin types, bar sensitive.

Fragrance-free: Yes.

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Best For Anti-Aging: Dr Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Wrinkle Treatment ($87.00)

This serum contains all my fave skincare ingredients. Retinol is the star of the show. This form of Vitamin A fights free radicals to prevent new wrinkles, boosts collagen production to reduce the fine lines you already have, and evens out the skin tone. A generous sprinkle of antioxidants helps keep premature wrinkles at bay. Niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3, has hydrating and soothing properties that counteracts the drying effects of retinol. While it’s at it, it also helps to fight wrinkles and fade away dark spots. Lightweight and non-greasy, this multi-tasker does everything from brightening skin, fading away discolourations, fights wrinkles, and adds a little hydration.

Available at: Cult Beauty, Harrods, Liberty, Net-A-Porter, Nordstrom, and Sephora

Active ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide, antioxidants.

Benefits: Fights wrinkles, brightens the complexion, and hydrates skin.

Cons: Contains fragranced extracts that may irritate skin.

Skin type: All skin types, bar sensitive.

Fragrance-free: Technically yes, but it contains fragrant extracts that may irritate sensitive skin.

Related: The Complete Guide To Retinol: What It Is, What It Does & How To Use It

dr dennis gross dark spot sun defense sunscreen spf 50 review

Best For Combination Skin: Alpha Beta® Pore Perfecting & Refining Serum ($68.00)

Ever wondered which exfoliating acid you should be using? Salicylic acid unclogs pores, removes blackheads, and treats acne. Glycolic acid fades away dark spots. Lactic acid hydrates skin. And mandelic acid is the new kid on the block you want to use just cos. This peel contains all of them, which is why it’s so perfect for combination skin. Its exfoliating properties brighten skin and reduce pore size without drying out skin – unless you use it too often. For best results, use it every other night. Plus, it’s infused with antioxidants to help prevent premature wrinkles. The texture is on the thicker side, but still a pleasure to use.

Available at: Cult Beauty, Dermstore, Harrods, Net-A-Porter, Sephora, and SpaceNK

Active ingredients: Salicylic, Glycolic, Lactic, and Mandelic acids.

Benefits: Exfoliates, brightens, fades away dark spots, and treats acne.

Cons: Contains fragranced extracts that may irritate skin.

Skin type: Combination, oily, and acne-prone.

Fragrance-free: Technically yes, but it contains fragrant extracts that may irritate sensitive skin.

Best For Dark Spots: Dr Dennis Gross Clinical Grade IPL Dark Spot Correcting Serum ($92.00)

This little potion is loaded with every skin-lightener you can think of. 10% Vitamin C brightens the complexion. Lactic acid exfoliates skin, replacing older, darker cells with newer, lighter ones. Arbutin, kojic acid, and liquorice extract all inhibit the excess production of melanin, the protein that gives skin its natural colour. Without the extra pigment being pumped out, your skin naturally goes back to its beautiful, natural hue. You should start seeing results within a couple of weeks, but it’ll take you way longer to see results. That’s just how it works with dark spots. Stay the course.

Available at: Cult Beauty and SpaceNK

Active ingredients: Ascorbic Acid, Lactic Acid, Arbutin, and Kojic Acid.

Benefits: Exfoliates, brightens, and fades away dark spots.

Cons: Works slowly.

Skin type: All skin types.

Fragrance-free: Yes.

Best For Sun Protection: Dr Dennis Gross All-Physical Dark Spot Sun Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 ($42.00)

Dr Dennis Gross All-Physical Dark Spot Sun Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is a mineral sunscreen for normal and dry skin. It’s quite easy to blend but it can leave a white cast on darker skin tones. If you’re willing to give it a go, you’ll like the formula. It provides excellent protection from all UV rays, is loaded with natural oils that keep your skin moisturised for hours, and has its fair share of antioxidants to prevent wrinkles too. The only downside? It has a couple of citrus extracts that could irritate sensitive skin, but for most skin types, they’re not a problem.

Available at: Brown Thomas, Cult Beauty, Liberty, Revolve, and SpaceNK

Active ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 4.9%, Zinc Oxide 4.42%

Benefits: Provides broad spectrum sun protection and helps prevent wrinkles.

Cons: Contains a couple of fragrant extracts that may irritate sensitive skin.

Skin type: Best for dry and normal skin types.

Fragrance-free: Technically yes, but it contains fragrant extracts that may irritate sensitive skin.

Related: Mineral VS Chemical Sunscreen: Which One Is Right For You?

dr dennis gross c collagen brighten and firm vitamin c serum

Best For Hydrating Skin: Dr Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster ($72.00)

You know how products for dry skin tend to be thick and greasy? Dr Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster isn’t but it still packs a hydrating punch. Its secret? It’s oil-free and high in humectants, like sodium hyaluronate, that can attract and bind water to the skin. Plus, ceramides to repair the skin’s protective barrier so it doesn’t get dry again. The best part? Antioxidants and retinol to fight wrinkles. The only problem is the packaging. It’s almost transparent, so you need to keep it away from light or it will spoil. A dark drawer will do fine.

Available at: Cult Beauty, Harrods, Liberty, Net-A-Porter, and SpaceNK

Active ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and retinol.

Benefits: Hydrates skin and fights wrinkles.

Cons: Contains fragrance.

Skin type: All skin types, bar retinol.

Fragrance-free: No.

Related: Are Ceramides The Key To Healthy Skin?

Best For Acne: Dr Dennis Gross DRx Blemish Solutions™ Clarifying Mask ($29.00)

This is a clay mask on steroids that’ll help you treat acne on multiple fronts. For starters, Kaolin and bentonite clays soak up every last trace of excess oil, so that it won’t end up in your pores and clog them up. Anti-inflammatory ingredients, like liquorice and aloe vera, calm down redness and inflammation, one of the main root causes of acne. Finally, sulphur has antibacterial properties that kills the bacteria that cause acne, exfoliates skin, and dries out blemishes. I’m not a fan of using sulfur all over the face, just because it can be v very drying and irritating. If your skin can take it, great. But I prefer to use it as a spot treatment only.

Available at: Beauty Bay, Liberty, Net-A-Porter, and SpaceNK

Active ingredients: Sulfur and clays.

Benefits: Absorbs excess oil and treats acne.

Cons: Sulphur can be drying and irritating.

Skin type: Oily and acne-prone.

Fragrance-free: Yes.

What Are The Best Dr Dennis Gross Products For Wrinkles?

  • Vitamin C Lactic 15% Vitamin C Firm & Bright Serum ($85.00): This serum contains the gold standard combo of antioxidants (15% Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Ferulic acid) to brightens skin and prevent wrinkles. Plus, a big dollop of lactic acid to exfoliate skin. Available at Cult Beauty, Harrods, Net-A-Porter, Revolve, Sephora, and SpaceNK.
  • Dr Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Wrinkle Treatment ($87.00): This retinol treatment brightens the complexion, reduces the wrinkles you already have, and prevents new ones from forming. Available at Cult Beauty, Harrods, Liberty, Net-A-Porter, Nordstrom, and Sephora.

What Are The Best Dr Dennis Gross Products For Acne?

  • Alpha Beta® Pore Perfecting & Refining Serum ($68.00): This exfoliant contains salicylic acid to unclog pores and get rid of blackheads and pimples, and glycolic acid to fade away the dark spots breakouts sometimes leave behind. Available at Cult Beauty, Dermstore, Harrods, Net-A-Porter, Sephora, and SpaceNK.
  • Dr Dennis Gross DRx Blemish Solutions™ Clarifying Mask ($29.00): A clay mask with sulfur to absorb excess oil, dry out pimples, and get rid of breakouts faster. Sulphur can be harsh so use it as a spot treatment. Available at Beauty Bay, Liberty, Net-A-Porter, and SpaceNK.

What Are The Best Dr Dennis Gross Products For Dark Spots?

  • Vitamin C Lactic 15% Vitamin C Firm & Bright Serum ($85.00): 15% Vitamin C is the first line of defense against dark spots everyone should use. This serum pairs it with exfoliant lactic acid to further help brighten the complexion. Available at Cult Beauty, Harrods, Net-A-Porter, Revolve, Sephora, and SpaceNK.
  • Dr Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Wrinkle Treatment ($87.00): Retinol is an active everyone should use for anti-aging. It reduces both wrinkles and dark spots. Available at Cult Beauty, Harrods, Liberty, Net-A-Porter, Nordstrom, and Sephora.
  • Dr Dennis Gross Clinical Grade IPL Dark Spot Correcting Serum ($92.00): This serum is loaded with skin-lighteners, including Vitamin C and auburn, to tackle dark spots on several fronts and fade them away faster. Available at Cult Beauty and SpaceNK.

What Are The Best Dr Dennis Gross Products For Sensitive Skin?

  • Dr Dennis Gross All-Physical Dark Spot Sun Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 ($42.00): A mineral sunscreen that provides broad spectrum protection without leaving. greasy mess behind. It contains a couple of citrus extracts, but if you’re not allergic to them, don’t let that put you off. Available at Brown Thomas, Cult Beauty, Liberty, Revolve, and SpaceNK.

Is Dr Dennis Gross Cruelty-Free?

Yes, Dr Dennis Gross is truly cruelty-free. They don’t test on animals and don’t sell in countries (*cough* China *cough*) that still require it.

What Are The Pros Of Dr Dennis Gross Skincare?

Dr Dennis Gross products are formulated with scientifically-proven-to-work actives, like retinol and Vitamin C, that can really treat wrinkles, dark spots, and acne. Plus, their products are multi-taskers that often tackle more than one skin condition at the same time. I like that. At this price point, a serum should plump up my fine lines and wrinkles, hydrate my skin, AND brighten my complexion. This brand gives your skin everything it needs, so you don’t need 10+ products to cover all basis in your routine (*cough* The Ordinary *cough*).

What Are The Cons Of Dr Dennis Gross?

I have two issues with Dr Dennis Gross. Let’s start with the minor one. Dr Dennis Gross has several line of products. Each one features a serum, moisturiser, and eye cream. The catch? They’re pretty much the same formula in different containers and at different price points. You know what that means? If you get the serum (it has the highest concentration of actives), you don’t need the other products in the line. Why pay 2 or 3 times for the same thing?

My other issue is the fragrance. A lot fo Dr Dennis Gross products either contain fragrance or fragrant plan extracts that may irritate sensitive skin. So does baking soda, one of the main ingredients in their uber popular peels (that’s why they’re NOT in this list). If you have resistant skin that doesn’t react badly to anything, great. But if yours is sensitive, be careful what you use.

The Verdict

Dr Dennis Gross offers multi-tasking products with proven-to-work actives that can tackle wrinkles, acne, and dark spots. Unfortunately, a lot of them are also infused with irritants, like baking soda and fragrance. Choose wisely.

About Gio

Hi, I'm Gio. I'm a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever - every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what's worth the splurge and what's best left on the shelf - using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.