Want the truth? You probably don’t need a separate blur cream. Most moisturizers these days come with silicones that blur imperfections and make your skin look smoother instantly. Why pay extra for something you already have?
I had to say that. Dr Dennis Gross The DermInfusions™ Blur + Repair Cream isn’t cheap, and I don’t want anyone thinking they need to splurge on it to achieve smooth, flawless-looking skin. That said, some people prefer using dedicated products for specific concerns and don’t mind investing in them. If that’s you, you want the best blur cream money can buy (your skin deserves it, right?).
So while you don’t need a separate blur cream, if you want one, this is what I recommend. Here’s why:
About The Brand: Dr. Dennis Gross
NYC dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross founded his namesake brand in 1990 to bring professional-grade skincare solutions to the retail market. The brand’s first breakthrough was their iconic AHA/BHA peel, which revolutionized at-home exfoliation when few brands were using active ingredients. Since then, Dr. Dennis Gross used his dermatological expertise to create products that promise to deliver the same results you’d get at the derm office. Spoiler alert: they can’t – but some of the get close.
Key Ingredients: What Makes It Work?
HYALURONIC ACID FOR DEEP HDYRATION
This blur cream contains 4 different forms of hyaluronic acid in multiple molecular weights. Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid penetrates deeper into the skin, while higher weights create a protective barrier on the surface. They all work by attracting and binding water into the skin for extra hydration. This much hyaluronic acid will plump up your fine lines and make you look younger.
PEPTIDES FOR SKIN REPAIR?
The formula includes several peptides that stimulate collagen production and strengthen the skin barrier:
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1: Boosts collagen synthesis
Heptapeptide-6: It hydrates skin.
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7: Has anti-inflammatory properties
Sounds impressive, right? Sadly, there’s no proof that peptides work. Most of the research on these peptides comes from the manufacturer. *sighs*
Related: The Truth About Peptides: Do They Really Work?
The Rest Of The Formula & Ingredients
NOTE: The colours indicate the effectiveness of an ingredient. It is ILLEGAL to put toxic and harmful ingredients in skincare products.
Green: It’s effective, proven to work, and helps the product do the best possible job for your skin.
Yellow: There’s not much proof it works (at least, yet).
Red: What is this doing here?!
Water/Aqua/Eau: The main solvent in the product, it dissolves other ingredients.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate: It has hydrating properties that makes skin softer and smoother.
Isopropyl Palmitate: It makes skin softer and smoother, but can be comedogenic for acne-prone skin.
Glycerin: A humectant that attracts and binds water into the skin to keep it hydrated for longer.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride: Derived from coconut oil, it makes skin softer and smoother without clogging pores.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter: Super moisturising, it creates a protective barrier on the skin that slows down water loss.
Propanediol: It helps dissolve other ingredients and makes the texture thinner.
Glyceryl Stearate SE: Another moisturising ingredients.
Cetearyl Alcohol: A moisturising type of alcohol (yes, alcohol can be moisturising too!).
Ectoin: An amino acid that moisturises skin.
Resveratrol: An antioxidant found in grapes, it helps to fight free radicals.
Linolenic Acid: An essential fatty acid that makes skin softer and smoother.
Linoleic Acid: Another fatty acid that moisturises skin and helps protect against acne.
Ceramide NP: A natural component of the skin’s barrier, it makes skin softer and smoother and protects it against environmental aggressors.
Ceramide AP: A natural component of the skin’s barrier, it makes skin softer and smoother and protects it against environmental aggressors.
Ceramide EOP: A natural component of the skin’s barrier, it makes skin softer and smoother and protects it against environmental aggressors.
Phytosphingosine: A natural component of your skin’s barrier, it helps skin to retain moisture.
Phospholipids: A group of fatty acids that strengthens the skin’s protective barrier and makes skin softer and smoother.
Leontopodium Alpinum Callus Culture Extract: It’s said to protect skin from blue light, but most of the research on it comes from the manufacturer.
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil: A lightweight oil that creates a protective barrier on the skin and makes it softer and smoother for hours. Unlike other oils, it doesn’t clog pores.
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil: A moisturising oils with soothing properties that can reduce redness and irritations.
Squalane: It makes skin softer and smoother without clogging pores.
Saccharide Isomerate: It binds moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated for longer.
Adenosine: A water-soluble yeast with soothing and hydrating properties.
Dimethyl Isosorbide: A solvent that helps dissolve other ingredients in the product.
Ethylhexylglycerin: A preservative with mild hydrating properties.
Pentylene Glycol: A solvent with hydrating properties.
Butylene Glycol: Another solvent with hydrating properties.
Cetearyl Glucoside: An emulsifier that helps the oily and watery parts of a formula from separating.
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate: Another emulsifier that helps the oily and watery parts of a formula from separating.
Glyceryl Undecylenate: An emulsifier with anti-microbial properties.
Glyceryl Caprylate: An emulsifier with moisturising properties.
Caprylyl Glycol: It makes skin softer and smoother.
Cholesterol: Another component of your skin’s protective barrier, it makes skin softer and smoother.
Carbomer: It’s used to create gel-like formulations.
Coco-Glucoside: It’s mainly a gentle cleansing agent, so not sure what it’s doing here.
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate: An emulsifier and thickening agent.
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer: It helps to improve the texture of skincare formulations.
Sodium Lactate: A preservative that keeps the product safe from bacteria.
Hydroxyapatite: A mineral that helps blur imperfections.
Sodium Hydroxide: It helps to adjust the pH of skincare products.
Sodium Polyacrylate: A stabilizer, absorbent, and film-forming agent in skin care products
Xanthan Gum: It helps thicken the texture of skincare products.
Chlorphenesin: A preservative that helps increase the product’s shelf-life.
Sodium Citrate: A pH-adjuster.
Citric Acid: A pH-adjuster.
Sodium Gluconate: It helps to keep formulas stable.
Phenoxyethanol: Another preservative that inhibits bacterial growth.
Texture
The cream has a unique, lightweight gel-cream texture that feels silky on application. It creates an immediate blurring effect without feeling heavy or greasy.
Fragrance
Fragrance-free, which is ideal for sensitive skin. While it might not smell exciting, this is better for your skin in the long run.
How To Use It
Apply a small amount to clean, slightly damp skin
Can be used morning and night
Works well under makeup
Layer over serums but before sunscreen (during day)
Packaging
Comes in an airless jar that makes application hygienic. No need to put your finger in the jar. Just press it down and it’ll release the amount of product you need.
Performance & Personal Opinion
I must admit it: the immediate blurring effect is impressive. It really does make skin look smoother and younger-looking instantly. But it’s just a temporary effect. Once you wash it off, the effect is gone. On the plus side, it does play well with other skincare products and makes an excellent makeup base. However, if you have very dry skin, this may not be moisturising enough on its own for you.
What I Like About Dr Dennis Gross The DermInfusions™ Blur + Repair Cream
Instant blurring effect
Lightweight texture
Fragrance-free
Works well under makeup
Hygienic packaging
What I DON’T Like About Dr Dennis Gross The DermInfusions™ Blur + Repair Cream
Expensive
Could be more hydrating for dry skin
Blurring effect is only temporary
Who Should Use This?
Anyone looking for an instant blurring effect
Normal to combination skin types
Does Dr Dennis Gross The DermInfusions™ Blur + Repair Cream Live Up To Its Claims?
CLAIM
TRUE?
An ultra-hydrating, lightweight cream that visibly blurs fine lines, smooths, plumps, and firms skin, reducing redness and improving the look of skin’s elasticity.
True. Note that it doesn’t claim to improve skin’s elasticity. It only claims to make skin LOOK less elastic. Big difference there.
Packed with peptides and multiple weights of hyaluronic acid, this cream visibly fills fine lines and restores skin’s moisture barrier.
True. Again, note that they don’t say peptides help with this (they don’t). But by having them in the same sentence, they imply they do. It’s how brand get away with so many false claims.
Skin is left feeling smooth, supple, and ready for flawless makeup.
True.
Is Dr. Dennis Gross Cruelty-Free?
Yes, Dr. Dennis Gross doesn’t test on animals, including through third parties.
Price & Availability
$68.00/£68.00 at Cult Beauty, Sephora, Space NK, and Nordstrom
The Verdict: Should You Buy It?
If you’re looking for a blurring cream and are willing to pay the price, this is a good option to consider. But it’s most definitely not a must-have.
Dupes & Alternatives
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA ($14.00): A basic but effective moisturizer with similar hydrating ingredients. Available at Cult Beauty, Sephora, SpaceNK, The Ordinary, and Ulta
Paula’s Choice RESIST Barrier Repair Moisturizer ($39.00): A very hydrating cream that deeply moisturises skin. Plus, it’s loaded with antioxidants for younger-looking skin. Available at Cult Beauty, Paula’s Choice, Sephora, and SpaceNK
About Gio
Hi, I’m Gio. I’m a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever – every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what’s worth the splurge and what’s best left on the shelf – using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.
