Dr. Dennis Gross SkincareserumTreat step

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum

This serum combines retinol with ferulic acid and a blend of botanicals to target texture, pores, and blemishes. It's designed for daily use, aiming to provide results without significant irritation, making it a good option for those new to retinol or with sensitive skin.

Sephora price

$79.00

Price matters most when you are trying to learn whether this lane belongs in your routine without turning the test into a luxury gamble.

Sephora reviews

4.4 / 5

About 381 reviews on the current Sephora source, so there is real volume behind the reputation.

Shoppers keep mentioning

Anti-AgingVeganPoresUneven TextureBlemishesOily, Combo, Normal Skin

These are the shopper themes that keep showing up around this listing and shape why people open it in the first place.

Glass take

4.4 / 5 overall fit

A solid retinol serum for texture and tone, best for those who can tolerate daily retinol and are looking for a multi-tasking treatment.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum

Sephora snapshot refreshed April 23, 2026

Price, rating, review count, and source status come from Sephora. Glass adds the routine fit, overlap risk, and what to compare next.

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What Sephora says

What this product is supposed to do

A gentle, daily texture-renewing serum powered by ingredients that promote clearer-looking skin and a visibly smooth texture and target the appearance of pores, oil, and fine lines.

NormalDryCombinationOilyPoresUneven TextureBlemishes

For AM/PM use.

Massage eight to ten drops into clean, dry skin—and remember your neck and décolleté.

For optimal results, apply after your Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare® peel.

Designed for morning use, this retinol treatment is formulated with Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare’s Phyto-Retinol Blend™ that contains antioxidants and botanicals to soothe skin and help prevent irritation caused by UV exposure.

Don’t forget to always apply a minimum of SPF 30 in the AM.

For stubborn blemish concerns, add Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Texture Renewal Peel (sold separately) to smooth and resurface skin.

What Glass adds

What actually matters before you buy it

A well-formulated retinol serum that balances efficacy with gentleness. It's a good choice for targeting texture and pores, especially when paired with the brand's peels. Ensure you're not using too many other strong actives simultaneously.

Texture and pore improvement

Users frequently mention smoother skin texture and a visible reduction in the appearance of pores after consistent use.

Gentle yet effective

Many reviewers appreciate that the serum delivers noticeable results without causing excessive redness or peeling, especially when compared to other retinol products.

Best for

When this is a smart buy

Oily, combination, normal, and dry skin
Those targeting uneven texture, pores, and blemishes
Users looking for a daily retinol treatment

Skip if

When this is the wrong lane

You are already using multiple strong retinoids or exfoliants
You have extremely sensitive skin that reacts to most retinols

Routine fit

Where this serum fits in

Apply eight to ten drops to clean, dry skin in the morning or evening. It's designed to be used after your Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare peel for enhanced results. Always follow with SPF 30 or higher if using in the morning.

Why it works

Where it earns the slot and where it does not

The useful question is not whether this product is good in a vacuum. It is whether it makes your routine easier to run or just adds one more bottle with a familiar ingredient on it.

What it actually does well

Multi-acid and retinol blend for texture renewal
Contains soothing botanicals to minimize irritation
Suitable for daily use
Pairs well with Dr. Dennis Gross peels

Where it starts to feel redundant

Higher price point
Requires consistent SPF use in the morning
May be too active for very sensitive skin types without careful introduction

Routine fit

Where it belongs in the stack

Morning or Night

This serum can be used both morning and night. For morning use, it's formulated with soothing ingredients to help combat UV exposure, but diligent SPF application is crucial. For nighttime, it works to renew skin as you sleep.

Glass rating

How this formula scores in real life

4.4/ 5 overall

A solid retinol serum for texture and tone, best for those who can tolerate daily retinol and are looking for a multi-tasking treatment.

Routine fit

4.5 / 5

Fits well into AM or PM routines, especially after a peel. Remember SPF in the AM.

Full ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient, what it does, and whether I care

Solvent

Water/Aqua/Eau

Badness

0.0 / 10

The base for many skincare formulations.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Humectant

Propylene Glycol

Badness

2.0 / 10

A common humectant that helps draw moisture to the skin, but can be irritating for some.

Usually helps with

Dry, normal skin

Watch for

Potential for irritation or sensitivity in some individuals.

Solvent

Dimethyl Isosorbide

Badness

1.0 / 10

A solvent that can improve the penetration of other ingredients.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate

Badness

0.0 / 10

A gentle emulsifier derived from plant sources.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Humectant

Glycerin

Badness

0.0 / 10

A classic humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Solvent

Ethoxydiglycol

Badness

1.0 / 10

A solvent that aids in the delivery of active ingredients.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Exfoliant

Lactic Acid

Badness

2.0 / 10

An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the surface of the skin, hydrates, and helps with cell turnover.

Usually helps with

Dry, normal, combination skin

Watch for

Can increase sun sensitivity; start slowly.

Thickener

Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate

Badness

0.0 / 10

A starch derivative used to thicken formulations.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Exfoliant

Mandelic Acid

Badness

2.0 / 10

An AHA with a larger molecule size, making it gentler and suitable for sensitive skin, helping with exfoliation and acne.

Usually helps with

Sensitive, acne-prone, combination skin

Watch for

Can increase sun sensitivity; start slowly.

Active

Retinol

Badness

4.0 / 10

A form of Vitamin A that is a gold standard for anti-aging, texture improvement, and acne treatment. It works by increasing cell turnover and stimulating collagen production.

Usually helps with

Aging, acne-prone, textured skin

Watch for

Can cause irritation, redness, and peeling, especially when first starting. Always use SPF during the day.

Active

Bakuchiol

Badness

1.0 / 10

A plant-derived ingredient often considered a natural alternative to retinol. It offers antioxidant and anti-aging benefits with less potential for irritation.

Usually helps with

All skin types, especially those sensitive to retinol

Watch for

Generally well-tolerated.

Antioxidant

Nephelium Lappaceum Leaf Extract

Badness

1.0 / 10

An extract from rambutan leaves, rich in antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental stressors.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Ferulic Acid

Badness

1.0 / 10

A potent antioxidant that helps protect skin from free radical damage and can enhance the stability and efficacy of other antioxidants like Vitamin C and E.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emollient

Squalane

Badness

0.0 / 10

A stable, saturated form of squalene, it's a lightweight, non-comedogenic emollient that mimics the skin's natural oils to hydrate and soften.

Usually helps with

All skin types, including oily and acne-prone

Watch for

None

Emollient

Linoleic Acid

Badness

1.0 / 10

An essential fatty acid that helps support the skin barrier and improve hydration.

Usually helps with

Dry, compromised skin

Watch for

None

Exfoliant

Salicylic Acid

Badness

3.0 / 10

A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate pores to exfoliate and help clear congestion and blemishes.

Usually helps with

Oily, acne-prone, combination skin

Watch for

Can be drying; may increase sun sensitivity.

Soothing Agent

Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract

Badness

1.0 / 10

A natural source of salicylates, it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help soothe the skin.

Usually helps with

All skin types, especially sensitive or irritated

Watch for

None

Emollient

Phospholipids

Badness

0.0 / 10

Essential components of skin cell membranes, they help to maintain the skin barrier and improve hydration.

Usually helps with

All skin types, especially dry or compromised

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Soy Isoflavones

Badness

2.0 / 10

Plant-derived compounds with antioxidant properties that can help protect the skin from environmental damage.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

Some individuals may have sensitivities.

Humectant

Sodium Hyaluronate

Badness

0.0 / 10

The salt form of hyaluronic acid, it's a powerful humectant that attracts and holds water in the skin, providing hydration.

Usually helps with

All skin types, especially dehydrated

Watch for

None

Humectant

Saccharide Isomerate

Badness

0.0 / 10

A carbohydrate complex that binds to skin cells to provide long-lasting hydration.

Usually helps with

All skin types, especially dry

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Ubiquinone

Badness

2.0 / 10

Also known as CoQ10, it's a naturally occurring antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and supports skin energy.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Humectant

Sodium PCA

Badness

0.0 / 10

A component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), it helps to attract and bind moisture to the skin.

Usually helps with

All skin types, especially dry

Watch for

None

Brightening Agent

Hexylresorcinol

Badness

3.0 / 10

A skin-brightening ingredient that inhibits tyrosinase, helping to reduce the appearance of dark spots and even skin tone.

Usually helps with

Hyperpigmentation, uneven tone

Watch for

Can be irritating for some; start slowly.

Antioxidant

Quercetin

Badness

1.0 / 10

A flavonoid found in many plants, it has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Soothing Agent

Adenosine

Badness

1.0 / 10

A naturally occurring compound that can help soothe and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Usually helps with

All skin types, especially aging

Watch for

None

Brightening Agent

Morus Alba Bark Extract

Badness

2.0 / 10

An extract from the white mulberry tree, known for its skin-brightening properties that can help reduce hyperpigmentation.

Usually helps with

Uneven tone, dark spots

Watch for

None

Humectant

Panthenol

Badness

0.0 / 10

A provitamin of B5, it hydrates, soothes, and helps to improve skin barrier function.

Usually helps with

All skin types, especially dry or irritated

Watch for

None

Exfoliant

Glycolic Acid

Badness

3.0 / 10

An AHA that effectively exfoliates the skin's surface, improving texture, tone, and reducing the appearance of fine lines.

Usually helps with

Normal, combination, aging skin

Watch for

Can increase sun sensitivity; start slowly.

Thickener

Maltodextrin

Badness

0.0 / 10

A polysaccharide used as a texturizer or thickener in formulations.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Thickener

Xanthan Gum

Badness

0.0 / 10

A common thickening agent derived from fermentation.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Preservative

Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A natural preservative derived from fermented radish root, offering antimicrobial properties.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emollient

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Badness

0.0 / 10

A derivative of coconut oil and glycerin, it's a lightweight emollient that replenishes skin.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

pH Adjuster

Potassium Hydroxide

Badness

1.0 / 10

Used to adjust the pH of a formulation.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Polysorbate 20

Badness

2.0 / 10

A synthetic emulsifier and solubilizer. Can be a skin irritant for some.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

Potential for irritation in sensitive individuals.

Chelating Agent

Sodium Phytate

Badness

0.0 / 10

Derived from phytic acid, it helps to improve the stability and efficacy of the formulation by binding to metal ions.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

pH Adjuster

Citric Acid

Badness

1.0 / 10

An alpha hydroxy acid used to adjust pH and provide mild exfoliation.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

Can increase sun sensitivity; start slowly.

pH Adjuster

Sodium Citrate

Badness

0.0 / 10

The salt form of citric acid, used to adjust pH.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Preservative

Phenoxyethanol

Badness

2.0 / 10

A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

Can be irritating for some sensitive individuals.

Preservative

Sodium Benzoate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A common preservative that inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Preservative

Potassium Sorbate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A preservative that prevents the growth of mold, yeast, and fungi.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

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FAQ

The fast answers people actually need

Can I use this serum every day?

Yes, this serum is formulated for daily use, both morning and night. However, if you are new to retinol or have sensitive skin, it's recommended to start slowly and gradually increase frequency.

What skin types is this serum best for?

This serum is suitable for normal, dry, combination, and oily skin types. It is particularly beneficial for those concerned with uneven texture, pores, and blemishes.

Do I need to wear sunscreen with this product?

Yes, it is essential to wear a minimum of SPF 30 sunscreen every morning when using any product containing retinol or exfoliating acids, as they can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun.

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