Dr Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol: A Review

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Since first dipping my toe into the world of retinols a couple of years ago I’ve tried a variety of formulas, from retinol serums to moisturisers and eye creams.

And while they’ve all delivered to some degree on their claims to brighten and even skin tone, there’s one that really stands out (and that I continue to rebuy despite its pretty ouch price tag), the Dr Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Wrinkle Recovery Peel.

The Brand

Created by New York-based celebrity dermatologist Dr Dennis Gross, his line aims to recreate the results of an in-office treatment with at-home products benefiting from proven ingredients like retinol, Vitamin C and AHAs/BHAs.

I first came across the brand a couple of years ago when I was breaking out with cystic acne. I decided to give their Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel a go and within a few weeks my acne (and its accompanying pigmentation) had gone.

It’s no exaggeration to say that they are now one of my absolute favourite brands, and it’s also fair to say that every friend I have recommended one of their products to has continued to use the line.

Dr Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol

Having been so impressed with the Universal Daily Peel I decided to dip my toe into another of Dr Dennis Gross’s peel products, the Ferulic + Retinol Wrinkle Recovery Peel.

Containing 16 treatments, designed to be used two or three times a week, these individually wrapped peels are massaged over dry skin after cleansing.

Boasting retinol to increase cell turnover, brighten, reduce pigmentation and boost firmness, these pads also benefit from ferulic acid (an antioxidant), aloe vera, squalane and glycerin to soften skin.

WebMD says that “when spread on the skin, retinoids can unclog pores, allowing other medicated creams and gels to work better. They also reduce acne outbreaks by preventing dead cells from clogging pores.

“By clearing acne and reducing outbreaks, they may also reduce the formation of acne scars.”

The other main ingredient in these pads, ferulic acid, “has garnered a lot of interest due to its ability to fight free radicals while also boosting the effectiveness of other antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, and E,” says Healthline.

They also contain a host of acids including lactic and mandelic acids to gently exfoliate.

I’ve included the full list of ingredients at the bottom of this post.

Forming part of Dr Dennis Gross’s Ferulic + Retinol line, these peels are ideally used before a serum and moisturiser.

The Full List of Ingredients

Water, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, SD Alcohol 40-B, Butylene Glycol, Hydroxyethyl Urea, PEG-8 Dimethicone, Ethoxydiglycol, Retinol, Ferulic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Bisabolol, Soy Isoflavones, Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Phospholipids, Sphingolipids, Squalane, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Sodium PCA, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, BHA, Trideceth-9, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Sorbate, Benzoic Acid, BHT, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol.

On the Skin

Before I go into how much I love these, I will point out that they do contain both alcohol and silicones- ingredients I normally avoid in my skincare.  They also contain lavender and lemon peel extract, which sensitive skin may not enjoy.

Having said that, my own slightly sensitive skin loves these. Genuinely brightening, as well as plumping and able to even out some of my pigmentation, these peels give me what I want from my retinol, just in less time.

I also find that the results are impressive whether I follow this with the Ferulic + Retinol serum or moisturiser or not, making this the only retinol product I feed the need to buy regularly (and saving me money on multiple products).

The Takeaway

These offer some of the most impressive (and speedy) results of any retinol I’ve ever used.

The price is pretty steep though, and there is some alcohol and essential oil here, so really sensitive types might want to skip these.

Great for: Anyone who wants to tackle various signs of ageing at the same time as getting in a little exfoliation.

Not-so-great for: Really sensitive skin or those who don’t like alcohol or silicones in their skincare products.