With a huge and very loyal client base, the brand’s popular peel pads sell by the second.

This doesn’t come as a surprise, considering that Dr. Dennis Gross is one of the cult beauty names connected with celebrities like Selena Gomez, Kim Kardashian, and others.

Despite all that the peel pads can offer, there are a couple of drawbacks that I’d like to point out.

Suffice it to say, I decided to set on a journey to discover alternatives for the peel pads sold by the brand. In this article, I share with you some of my top picks for Dr. Dennis Gross peel pad alternatives.

Why do people love Dr. Dennis Gross’s peel pads?

Before we get into the list of replacements, let’s take some time to get to know the product in the first place. This will help you understand what to look for in its alternatives.

In a nutshell, we’re talking about two-step treatment pads that brilliantly mix a number of proven ingredients, such as AHAs, BHAs, Vitamin C, and retinol.

The alpha and beta hydroxy acids exfoliate the skin on the surface and in-depth, for brighter, more even-looking skin, and clearer, refined pores. The formula is enriched with potent acids like salicylic, lactic, and glycolic acid, which help the skin shed dead cells faster, enabling the removal of dirt and excess sebum. As a result, the pores become clean and healthy.

Furthermore, the product also contains:

• Vitamin E – an antioxidant that protects the skin against harmful free radicals;
• Vitamin C – another antioxidant with proven results in fighting dark spots, slowing down signs of aging, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, and healing acne;
• Green tea extract – one of the most researched natural ingredients, it protects the skin from harmful UV rays, and acts as an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent – basically, it’s great for acne;
• Retinol and retinyl palmitate – both are incredible anti-aging compounds with proven track of effectiveness that tackle a variety of skin concerns.

So what do Dr. Dennis Gross peel pads do?
We can see that the product is designed to not only exfoliate the skin but also works to remove fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation spots, and support your skin in tackling bad environmental factors.

People love it because it’s so easy to use – in two swipes, your skin gets all it needs and more. And you can really see the difference after just a week of use, even if you don’t use the pads every single day.

So why bother looking for a replacement if the product already solves everything it promises to?

Why look for an alternative to Dr. Dennis Gross’s peel pads?

The biggest reason for many skincare enthusiasts to be on the lookout for a Dr. Dennis Gross peel pad replacement is its hefty price tag.

The product costs $88 for 30 treatments, which is pretty expensive and certainly not affordable for everyone.

But this shouldn’t trouble you!

I’m here to save the day and offer you some cheaper substitutes for the Dr. Dennis Gross peel pads.

7 Dr. Dennis Gross Peel Pads Replacements

Here are some of the most high-quality products I came across throughout my hunt for Dr. Dennis Gross peel pad alternatives.

1. Top choice: Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Peel Pads

In my humble opinion, this is the best alternative to the Dr. Dennis Gross Peel Pads from this list and you’re about to see why.

Benefits:

• These similar pads feature a 20% Glycolic Acid Complex and 1.5% time-released microencapsulated retinol that, together, transform your skin’s texture and even out any imperfections, fine lines, and wrinkles while avoiding irritation.
• The product is further enriched with adenosine and allantoin that help soothe the skin and calm it down.
• Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, offers intense hydration that moisturizes the skin throughout the night.
• The pads also contain niacinamide, which brightens the skin and promotes collagen production.

What we like:

• I love the fact that you don’t need to rinse these peel pads and can truly enjoy the benefits of the formulation on your skin.
• Although this product is designed as a peel, my skin felt very hydrated after use. There is no dryness whatsoever.
• The retinol in the product is encapsulated, it will release slowly into your skin, providing a gradual and steady flow of skin benefits while avoiding any irritation associated with retinol.
• I also appreciate the fact that these peel pads are designed to be used once or twice a week. In other words, you can use the product for longer and still enjoy the amazing results. There are 60 pads for about USD $52.00 or $0.87 a piece.
• My pores felt and looked tighter after just two treatments. My skin became bouncier, my acne spots started to fade.

What to have in mind:

I have nothing bad or worth considering about these pads. They are truly great value for money and an amazing alternative to the very expensive Dr. Dennis Gross pads.

2. Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Peel Pads

The next Dr. Dennis Gross peel alternative that I’m going to share with you is another product by Peter Thomas Roth – the un-wrinkle peel pad. PTR has a large selection of peel pads in its product range, many of which are with similar benefits but are slightly different from each other.

Benefits:

• These pads feature a similar ingredient list to the above but here we have retinol, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid, which makes it a more close replacement to Dr. Dennis Gross’ peeling pads;
• The glycolic acid in these is higher on the ingredients list, which makes them a stronger exfoliant;
• The pads are suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin as they’re alcohol-free;
• The product is effective at refining the skin texture and is more potent in terms of anti-aging benefits than the other pads by PTR mentioned in my list.

What we like:

• I love how close of a match these pads are to the original Dr. Dennis Gross peel pads;
• The pads don’t irritate my skin and I noticed a faster result in fading post-acne pigmentation;
• The pads are also highly hydrating due to the linoleic acid and the glycolic acid in the ingredient list;
• I also loved how saturated the pads are. You don’t have to rub the cotton on your face and irritate the skin, you just have to gently glide them and they do a fantastic job.

What to have in mind:

• Although much cheaper than the Dr. Dennis Gross peel pads, the product is still a bit pricier than others on this list.
• The price of the product is also something you should consider. It sells for around $50, which is a bit higher than other similar alternatives.

3. Pixi Glow Peel Pads

The third Dennis Gross peel pads alternative that I’ll introduce you to is the Pixi Glow Peel Pads.

Benefits:

• These exfoliating treatment pads feature three proven exfoliating ingredients – glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid – these are all you need to clear out your pores and keep acne at bay;
• Here again, we see vitamin C in the form of Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate that helps with spots and post-acne hyperpigmentation;
• There’s also a bunch of skin-soothing ingredients in the mix to ensure that you’ll have a pleasant experience in using the pads and won’t suffer from irritation, stinging, and burning;
• The pads contain a retinol ester – Retinyl Palmitate.

What we like:

• You get 60 pads per package that costs under USD $30, so I say that’s a bargain for the ingredients included in these – you have almost all-star ingredients featured in Dr. Gross’ peeling pads.
• The pads do all they promise to – fade acne spots in a week or two, and help with overall texture and acne.

What to have in mind:

The pads have a weird smell – nothing artificial or over the top though.

4. QRxLabs Glycolic Acid 20% Resurfacing Pads

Another replacement for Dr. Dennis Gross peel pads on this list is the QRxLabs Glycolic Acid 20% Resurfacing pads.

Benefits:

• Similarly to the original, the QRxLabs Glycolic Acid 20% resurfacing pads contain Vitamin C and E, along with green tea extract;
• The formula also contains Vitamin B5 – panthenol – that softens and smoothes the skin, providing hydration, and witch hazel (also present in the original product – tightens pores, reduces inflammation, and battles acne-causing bacteria);
• The ingredient list also contains allantoin (hydrates the skin and prevents dry skin) and calendula extract (provides antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties);
• The product is created with pure 20% glycolic acid, which exfoliates and promotes cell turnover, increasing collagen production;
• The pads are marketed as a cruelty-free product and don’t contain any alcohol.

What we like:

• For me, the pads worked perfectly for both exfoliating and moisturizing the skin. I saw a visible decrease in acne in about a week, and pigmentation faded well in two weeks of everyday use;
• I used up all of the pads and loved the fact that the last one in the jar wasn’t dried up (something that has happened to me a lot when testing different pads);
• The pads can be fitted around a routine that already uses a separate retinol product, which is my preferred way of doing my skincare. I want a potent peel pad, and I also want a potent retinol product, and with Dr. Dennis Gross pads, you are not getting the second;
• The price of this product is definitely a huge win for me. There are 50 pads in a jar that doesn’t even hit USD $30, and the pads are huge! I’ve read that some users cut them in two and get even more out of their purchases.

What to have in mind:

• This alternative doesn’t feature retinol, which is a star ingredient in the original Dr. Dennis Gross product. You will need to use a separate product if you want the benefits of this specific ingredient.
• There’s also no BHA (salicylic acid) in the ingredients.

5. Medicube Zero Pore Pad

The Medicube Zero Pore Pad is another wonderful alternative that deserves your attention if you’re into the Dr. Dennis Gross peel pads. They’re much cheaper than Dr. Dennis Gross’, especially considering that you get 70 pads in the jar.

Benefits:

• The pore pads come with lactic acid and salicylic acid (0.45%) that gently exfoliate and tone the skin while unclogging your pores;
• The product is also packed with a range of natural ingredients that balance the production of sebum, tighten the pores, and eliminate dead skin. Powerful antioxidants, like grapefruit extract, Centella Asiatica extract, rosemary leaf oil, and Portulaca Oleracea extract promote collagen production, reduce inflammation, soften the skin, and protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV light;
• Sodium hyaluronate helps the pads moisturize the skin and prevent the typical drying effect of exfoliating and cleaning products;
• The allantoin in the pads further soothes and softens the skin;
• The product effectively minimizes excess oil and can help stay away from skin trouble when used regularly.

What we like:

• I love the fact that anyone can use these pads as they’re created for oily, dry, combination, and sensitive skin. Nothing in this formula doesn’t suggest irritation;
• The fact that these pads are pre-soaked and come in a big jar with tweezers to grab the pad really makes a difference in terms of convenience and hygiene;
• The pads are textured on one side and smooth on the other, giving you options to choose if you want to add some manual exfoliation with the textured side. They’re also a good size if you want to use them on other parts of the body or if you want to cut them in halves;
• There was a vivid change in the pores on my skin, especially on my nose. After a few uses, they looked tighter, much smaller, and a whole lot cleaner;
• I’ve also tested the pads during periods of acne breakouts and I can confirm that they truly help heal acne faster. In fact, I like the fact that you can use them as a general exfoliating solution but you can also spot-treat acne zones.

What to have in mind:

• Because of the presence of AHAs and BHAs in the product, it’s recommended to avoid using it together with Vitamin C products or other acids in the same routine;
• It’s best to stick to the evening when using these pads, as they can mildly sensitize your skin to the sun.

6. Jumiso Pore-Rest AHA BHA PHA Blackhead Wipe Toner Pads

Another discovery that I’d love to share with you is the Jumiso Pore-Rest AHA BHA PHA Blackhead Wipe Toner Pads. This is yet another cheap alternative that comes with 70 pads and, as you can tell from the title, there is a lot going on here.

Benefits:

• The product tackles two common problems at once – it peels dead skin cells from the skin’s surface and eliminates sebum and blackheads;
• It’s designed for all skin types but is especially effective for people suffering from excessive sebum production (oily or combo skin types);
• The AHA, BHA, and PHA mix in the formula offers water-soluble and fat-soluble exfoliating agents that have been specifically created using a Jumiso hypoallergenic recipe. They offer a good cocktail of exfoliating properties, which is all you can need in your routine;
• A range of soothing ingredients like willow bark, panthenol, and allantoin make the pads ideal for sensitive skin or if you’re overly sensitized for one reason or another;
• The antimicrobial properties of the betaine salicylate in the product are another benefit worth noting because this additionally helps with preventing acne.

What we like:

• The results I noticed were definitely visible – my skin looked glowy and radiant, all signs of irritation or redness were calmed and soothed, and the overall appearance of the skin was cleaner and more healthy-looking;
• The pores start looking smaller and tighter from the first use, which is great if you’re after quick results. I used the pads twice a week in my PM routine and loved the effects;
• The pads are really great for cleaning blackheads or clogged pores gently. I tested the product at a time when acne was a challenge for me (every month at *that* time) and I was pleased with the results.

What to have in mind:

• Although there is no artificial fragrance, the product contains caffeine, which does offer a slight scent. Nothing too pungent, though;
• This doesn’t have that glycolic acid boost to the exfoliation, so it might not feel like enough for some people. These pads are more of a gentle, every day-type of exfoliator;
• There’s no retinol in the mix either.

7. Peter Thomas Roth Peptide 21 Amino Acid Exfoliating Peel Pads

The last Dr. Dennis Gross alpha beta peel replacement that I’d like to draw your attention to is the Peter Thomas Roth Peptide 21 Amino Acid Exfoliating Peel Pads.

The product refines the skin and makes it smoother, it minimizes pore size and corrects uneven skin tone texture. It’s also capable of reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

Benefits:

• Just like the Dr. Dennis Gross original, the product contains salicylic acid, Vitamin E, and green tea extract;
• It’s also enriched with Vitamin A (retinol) and several forms of vitamin C, one of which (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate or SAP) is with a proven record of helping with acne;
• It’s fragrance-free and alcohol-free, making it ideal for all skin types, even sensitive ones;
• They’re also pH balanced and won’t cause any irritation.

What we like:

• I love the incredible pore-reducing capabilities of the pads, they’re very similar to Dr. Dennis Gross’ product in that sense. You can see a difference after just a few uses;
• I used them once or twice a week, which was enough to see results. I have acne-prone skin and large pores on my nose, and this really made a great and noticeable difference;
• These pads feel comfortable on the skin, and I didn’t notice any stinging;
• Compared to the original Dr. Dennis Gross peel pads, the price of these ones is 50% lower and the amount of product is 100% more – here you get 60 pads, while with Dr. Dennis Gross the treatments are only 30.

What to have in mind:

• These pads have only an ester form of retinol Retinyl Palmitate, while the original Dr. Dennis Gross peel pads also have pure retinol. I personally don’t mind that, as I tend to use a separate retinol product too;
• The instructions advise washing your face after you’ve treated it with these pads for the needed amount of time.

What to do if you can’t find an alternative?

We’ve now come to the end of my list. But what if you test these products and still can’t choose an alternative that works best for you? What should you do?

Here are a few tips that you can consider:

• Stay on the lookout for offers and discounts on the original Dr. Dennis Gross peel pads to get a good deal on the product. You won’t like this, but buying in bulk is always helpful when it comes to expensive skincare. If you know that you don’t want to use anything else but the original product, buy two jars when you see them discounted;
• If you’ve purchased the original you can try reducing the number of times you use it during the week. If you’re in the habit of using it daily, perhaps try spreading it out to a couple of times a week;
• Cutting peel pads in half helps you enjoy the product for longer as you can safely put the other half back for another day;
• You can always build a skincare routine that features the same star ingredients that you see in the Dr. Dennis Gross Peel Pads. I’m sure you can manage that for a fraction of the cost.

I hope that these Dr. Dennis Gross alternatives will be useful when you decide to shop for peel pads that are more affordable yet of high quality.

If you’ve had any experience with some of the products on this list or if you’ve discovered another alternative that you’ve fallen in love with, please don’t hesitate to share in the comments below!