# Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta® Pore Perfecting Cleansing Gel for oily acne-prone skin

**Lovi Fit: High fit for oily acne-prone skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: High · Safety: Excellent.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/dr-dennis-gross/alpha-beta-pore-perfecting-cleansing-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Australia.

Brand: [Dr. Dennis Gross](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/brands/dr-dennis-gross)
Category: [Cleansers](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/best/cleansers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily acne-prone skin: shine, breakouts, blemishes, and enlarged pores. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A great choice for oily acne-prone skin; a few cleansers fit it even better.

## Why this fit

- Excellent for your oily skin, this cleanser effectively addresses acne and breakouts with mandelic acid and glycolic acid, which exfoliate and decongest pores without causing irritation. Aloe barbadensis leaf juice and bisabolol further soothe your skin, ensuring a gentle yet effective cleansing experience.
- The inclusion of willow bark extract and phytic acid aids in refining skin texture and managing oiliness, complementing the primary exfoliating agents.
- This formula is safe for your skin, as it contains no harsh ingredients and is designed to minimize irritation potential.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/dr-dennis-gross/alpha-beta-pore-perfecting-cleansing-gel/for/oily-skin): High
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/dr-dennis-gross/alpha-beta-pore-perfecting-cleansing-gel/for/dry-skin): Average
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/dr-dennis-gross/alpha-beta-pore-perfecting-cleansing-gel/for/combination-skin): High
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/dr-dennis-gross/alpha-beta-pore-perfecting-cleansing-gel/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/dr-dennis-gross/alpha-beta-pore-perfecting-cleansing-gel/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/dr-dennis-gross/alpha-beta-pore-perfecting-cleansing-gel/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/dr-dennis-gross/alpha-beta-pore-perfecting-cleansing-gel/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/dr-dennis-gross/alpha-beta-pore-perfecting-cleansing-gel/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/dr-dennis-gross/alpha-beta-pore-perfecting-cleansing-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): High (this page)

## Key ingredients

Mandelic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Willow Bark Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

## What the research says

- Treatment with 45% mandelic acid peel showed nearly equal overall efficacy as 30% salicylic acid peel in patients with mild-to-moderate facial acne vulgaris, but with fewer adverse effects. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31553119/))
- A cream combining propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera reduced erythema scars, acne severity index, and total lesion count better than erythromycin cream in sixty patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris compared to placebo. ([Clinical Pharmacology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30588129/))
- A botanical face cleanser with hops and willow bark extract continuously reduced skin sebum levels without reactive seborrhea after treatment in 21 healthy volunteers compared to a sodium laureth sulfate cleanser, with neither cleanser causing skin irritation. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30022595/))
- Chemical peels using 35% glycolic acid, 20% salicylic-10% mandelic acid, and phytic acid reduce acne scores by 70.55%, 74.14%, and 69.7% respectively, and significantly decline the postacne hyperpigmentation index in Asian patients with mild to moderate acne. ([Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31619887/))
- Commonly used chemical peels showed no significant differences in effectiveness for acne vulgaris in most comparisons, though combined salicylic and mandelic acid peeling was superior to glycolic acid and glycolic acid was superior to placebo, based on twelve randomized controlled trials. ([BMJ Open, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29705755/))
- Treatment with 30% lactic acid peel showed a significantly greater reduction in pigmentation and higher patient satisfaction compared to 30% mandelic acid peel in patients with periorbital melanosis. ([Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41051381/))
- Repeated short-contact 70% glycolic acid peels provided superior results in atrophic acne scars compared to daily low-strength glycolic acid cream or placebo in 58 women over 24 weeks. ([International Journal of Dermatology, 2000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11095203/))
- Serial glycolic acid peels combined with a modified Kligman formula significantly reduced facial PIH severity in Indian patients compared to the modified Kligman formula alone. ([Dermatologic Surgery, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28114204/))
- Bioactive lipid nanocarriers co-loaded with willow bark or ivy leaf extracts and UV-filters provided pronounced UVA photoprotection up to an SPF-equivalent value of 13 and a maximum in vivo skin hydration effect of 97% when prepared with pomegranate oil. ([Nanomaterials, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35889587/))
- A topical serum containing 0.5% salicin applied twice daily reduced visible signs of skin aging, including wrinkles and tactile roughness, in 30 female subjects over 12 weeks compared to baseline. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20883292/))
- A novel emulsion containing niacinamide, lens esculenta seed extract, and white willow bark extract effectively improved acne, blackheads, and conspicuous facial pores in 30 subjects with oily skin. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38140770/))
- Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/))
- Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction. ([Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34623507/))
- Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days. ([BMC Oral Health, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31311529/))
- Topical aloe vera gel significantly accelerated split-thickness skin graft donor-site healing compared to placebo in 12 patients, but showed no significant difference in pain relief. ([Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29649056/))
- Topical application of Aloe vera cream reduced postoperative pain at rest and during defecation, accelerated wound healing at two weeks, and decreased analgesic requirements in patients after open hemorrhoidectomy compared to placebo. ([Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20569031/))
- Formulations containing 0.10%, 0.25%, and 0.50% freeze-dried Aloe vera extract increased stratum corneum water content compared with the vehicle in 20 female subjects, while transepidermal water loss was not modified. ([Skin Research and Technology, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17026654/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, this cleanser is highly praised for its deep cleansing abilities and pore refinement, leaving skin feeling soft and balanced, particularly for oily and combination skin types. Many users report smoother texture and reduced breakouts. However, a small number of users with sensitive or dry skin experienced irritation or purging, and some found the price point high for a cleanser.

- Liked: Deep clean (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Improves texture (often mentioned)
- Liked: Helps acne (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Luxurious lather (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Expensive price (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Can be drying (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Caused breakouts (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Scent dislike (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this cleanser as part of your AM and PM routine. Start using it daily to help clear your breakouts.
- Apply this cleanser as the first step in the morning and right after your pre-cleanser in the evening. Follow it with your toner and moisturizer.
- Gently massage a small amount of the cleanser onto your face using circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry.
- Apply the cleanser on slightly damp skin to help clean deeply and remove excess oil. This works best for oily skin types.
- Avoid the sensitive eye area during application. Do a patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/6a08416bd9315041c09c72f61cf27cc1.mp4

## Questions and answers

### What makes Dr. Dennis Gross Pore Perfecting Cleansing Gel a great fit for oily acne-prone skin?

This cleanser is a great fit because it uses mandelic acid and glycolic acid to clear away oil and clear out pores without causing irritation. Willow bark extract and phytic acid help refine your skin texture, while aloe keeps your skin calm.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30022595/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31553119/)

### Which ingredients make this cleanser a good fit for oily acne-prone skin?

Mandelic acid and glycolic acid make this cleanser a great fit by exfoliating and clearing pores without causing irritation. Willow bark extract and phytic acid help manage oiliness and refine texture, while aloe barbadensis leaf juice and bisabolol soothe the skin.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30022595/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31553119/)

### What does Mandelic Acid do for oily acne-prone skin?

Mandelic acid helps clear breakouts and manage oil on acne-prone skin with a lower chance of irritation than many other acids. It gently removes dead skin cells to keep pores clean and smooth.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31553119/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41715896/)

### What does Glycolic Acid do for oily acne-prone skin?

Glycolic acid helps clear acne-prone skin by reducing pimples and soothing breakouts. It exfoliates the surface to keep pores clear and leaves the skin feeling smooth.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30858720/), [Dermatologic Surgery, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24447110/)

### Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin?

This cleanser is used in the morning and evening steps of your routine. It helps clear breakouts and manage oiliness while keeping your skin calm.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30022595/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31553119/)

### Can I use this cleanser with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this cleanser alongside retinol by applying it first to clean your skin, followed by your retinol treatment in your evening routine. This cleanser helps clear out pores with exfoliating acids without causing irritation, while soothing ingredients like aloe keep your skin calm.

### How often should I use this cleanser?

You can use this cleanser twice a day as part of your morning and evening routine. It features mandelic acid, glycolic acid, and willow bark extract to clear pores and manage oiliness while keeping your skin calm.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30022595/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31553119/)

### Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily acne-prone skin?

This cleanser is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for oily acne-prone skin, as it uses exfoliating acids and willow bark extract to clear pores and keep oiliness in check. Aloe leaf juice and bisabolol help soothe the skin, minimizing the potential for irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30022595/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31553119/)

### Can I use this cleanser around the eyes or on my body?

You can use this cleanser on your body, but it is best to avoid the very thin skin directly around your eyes. Because the eyelids are exceptionally thin, stronger exfoliating ingredients like glycolic and mandelic acids may cause irritation there.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31553119/)

### Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It contains fragrance (farnesol) and drying alcohol (alcohol).

## Alternatives for oily acne-prone skin

- [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$13.99 at Amazon
- [Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cetaphil/daily-facial-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$11.39 at Amazon
- [Eminence Organic Skin Care Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/eminence-organic-skin-care/clear-skin-probiotic-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$73.69 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$42.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$22.99 at Amazon
- SPF: [La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/la-roche-posay/anthelios-clear-skin-dry-touch-sunscreen-spf-60/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — A$27.99 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.com.au: A$119.21 (https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07BKZW331?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 2 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Propanediol, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Disteareth-75 Ipdi, Glycereth-7 Caprylate Caprate, Sodium Chloride, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Mandelic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Willow Bark Extract, Phytic Acid, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Citric Acid, Farnesol, Barosma Betulina Leaf Extract, Sodium Pca, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tremella Fuciformis Extract Mushroom Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Bisabolol, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Alcohol, Sodium Phytate, Jasmine Leaf Extract Flower, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract Grape Fruit Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Stem Extract Flower Leaf Lavender Stem Extract Flower Leaf, Clove Flower Extract, Polyglyceryl-3 Laurate, Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Benzoic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/dr-dennis-gross/alpha-beta-pore-perfecting-cleansing-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/dr-dennis-gross/alpha-beta-pore-perfecting-cleansing-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
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- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dr-dennis-gross/alpha-beta-pore-perfecting-cleansing-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/dr-dennis-gross/alpha-beta-pore-perfecting-cleansing-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin (this page)
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/dr-dennis-gross/alpha-beta-pore-perfecting-cleansing-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/dr-dennis-gross/alpha-beta-pore-perfecting-cleansing-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/dr-dennis-gross/alpha-beta-pore-perfecting-cleansing-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin