Dennis Gross
Board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare, the award-winning brand he launched in 2000 and sold to Shiseido for $450 million in 2023.
Dennis Gross's Bio
Dr. Dennis Gross is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon who founded Dr. Dennis Gross Dermatology on Fifth Avenue in New York City. In the early 1990s, he developed a no-downtime chemical peel for his patients, which became the foundation for the Alpha Beta Peel.
In 2000, he and his wife Carrie launched MD Skincare, bringing clinical skincare to consumers. The brand was renamed Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare in 2010 after a lawsuit settlement. Over two decades, Gross remained actively involved in product formulation while maintaining his dermatology practice, which he calls the brand's "living lab."
In 2023, Shiseido acquired the company for approximately $450 million, and Gross continues to create products and innovate with the brand.
Career Timeline
1992 — Opened dermatology practice
Founded Dr. Dennis Gross Dermatology on Fifth Avenue in New York City, developing the 'living lab' approach to skincare innovation.
1995 — Developed Alpha Beta Peel
Created a two-step at-home peel system for patients, which became the proof of concept for the consumer brand.
2000 — Launched MD Skincare
Co-founded the brand with Carrie Gross, initially selling to spas and Nordstrom before expanding to Sephora.
2002 — Opened first office
Moved into the first official office on Madison Avenue and hired the first full-time employee.
2005 — Published book and broke even
Released a book, began winning industry awards, and led the company to break-even status.
2006 — Achieved profitability
Company turned profitable and launched its e-commerce site, marking the start of sustained growth.
2010 — Rebranded to Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare
Changed the brand name after settling a lawsuit with MD Formulations, putting his own name on the products.
2020 — Private equity investment
Brought in Main Post Partners as a minority stakeholder to support international expansion after a pandemic-delayed deal.
2023 — Acquired by Shiseido
Sold Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare to Shiseido for approximately $450 million while remaining full-time with the brand.
