Meet the Founder: Dr. Dennis Gross

In today's "Meet the Founder" article, we interviewed the face and namesake of the world-famous Dr. Dennis Gross brand. Find out the story behind the dermatological skincare product line established in New York.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career path up until now.

I grew up in New York and have always been fascinated by science. My career began with conducting extensive skin cancer research and I studied melanoma at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering. That was where I learnt the intricate behaviours of skin cell - what makes them "happy" and how one develops supply systems that are best-equipped to penetrate skin cells in order to unfold the corresponding treatment. In the beginning, I had no idea that I wanted to become a dermatologist. However, after spending day after day in the lab, I realised that I needed human interactions and to do something that would impact them directly. I opened my first practice 25 years ago - I now have a total of 2 practices: one in Manhatten and one in the Hamptons. We launched the skincare brand 21 years ago from my very own practice and now it is a global player.

What inspired you to establish your own company and what is the philosophy behind it?

My wife, Carrie, inspired me. We spoke for hours about skincare on our first date - she showed me the moisturisers that she was using at the time and I was shocked. The formulas contained no active ingredients. Essentially, they were fancy hydrators that had no real anti-aging benefits. This is when I began understanding the lack of effective skincare products on the market and knew that I could fill the gap. First, I developed the Alpha Beta Peel, an in-office peel that combines several acids to achieve excellent results without causing irritation, and Carrie insisted that there should be an at-home version too. And so Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare was born in the year 2000. I formulated each product on my own and combined a blend of the best natural antioxidants, vitamins and phytochemicals with the best scientific supply system.

The inspiration for this line was drawn from my patients. After hearing how dissatisfied they were with other skincare products, I created various, at-home solutions. My philosophy is a mix of high-quality ingredients and modern supply systems to achieve non-irritating solutions.

What is the story behind the brand name?

Our brand was one of the first, if not the first, clinical skincare brands on the market. We are unique in that I am a practising dermatologist that is responsible for the formulas that I develop. The brand is a namesake and serves as a promise made to the consumers that I have fully tested, researched and inspected each individual ingredient and supply system.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see our brand as a trustworthy, well-known name - not only with respect to our products but also the explanations shared with our consumers. We host skincare masterclasses where we speak about ingredients, skin types, skin concerns, etc. so that consumers are educated and are better able to make informed decisions.

What is your favourite Dr. Dennis Gross product?

After 21 years, the Alpha Beta Daily Peel still ranks top of my list.