What's In My Jar
Murad Acne Body Wash
Murad

Murad Acne Body Wash

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Cleansing
Sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl betaine + 2 more
Cleanses gently
What the product description says
“Acne Body Wash”
From product name

This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (cocamidopropyl betaine, peg-200 hydrogenated glyceryl palmate, peg-7 glyceryl cocoate, sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate) and should be able to cleanse the skin gently. Still keep in mind that any cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, and most people do not need to cleanse their skin more than once per day.

Even though this formulation is mild, the following cleansing agents could trigger an irritation or allergy for some people: cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate

Sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together and used as a cleansing agent. Can be irritating and is better avoided for sensitive skin~8.8–10.8%
Cocamidopropyl betaineEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergen~3.3–4.1%
Peg-200 hydrogenated glyceryl palmateEffect: High~1.7–2.1%
Peg-7 glyceryl cocoateEffect: HighHelps oils and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent~0.3–0.6%
Exfoliation
Urea, Salicylic acid + 3 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Salicylic acid penetrates deep into pores to clear active breakouts and prevent new ones from forming while date seed powder and glycolic acid exfoliate for clearer, smoother skin.”
Source: Murad

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: glycolic acid, salicylic acid.

UreaKey activeEffect: MediumNaturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations~1.4–1.7%
Salicylic acidKey activeEffect: HighUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)1%
Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid~0.35–0.6%
Retinyl palmitateEffect: LowThree steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effect~0.5–0.75%
Zinc gluconateEffect: Low, below effective doseTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin~0.4–0.6%
Anti-blemish
Salicylic acid, Chitosan + 4 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Acne Body Wash”
From product name

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: salicylic acid. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

In addition, this product contains chitosan. It can help in reducing blemishes, even though it is less effective.

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: glycolic acid, retinyl palmitate

Salicylic acidHeroEffect: HighUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)1%
ChitosanKey activeEffect: HighInhibits acne-causing bacteria on the surface of the skin. Can help to reduce inflammation caused by bacteria. Helps neutralize free radicals in skin. Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.5–0.75%
Retinyl palmitateKey activeEffect: MediumThree steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effect~0.5–0.75%
Glycolic acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid~0.35–0.6%
TaurineEffect: LowCould be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, evening out the skin tone and neutralizing free radicals, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness~0.6–0.95%
Zinc gluconateEffect: Low, below effective doseTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin~0.4–0.6%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
6 strong irritants: Retinyl palmitate, Menthol + 4 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 25 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Salicylic acidUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)High1%
Sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonateHelps oil and water mix together and used as a cleansing agent. Can be irritating and is better avoided for sensitive skinHigh~8.8–10.8%est.
Cocamidopropyl betaineHelps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergenHigh~3.3–4.1%est.
Retinyl palmitateThree steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effectHigh~0.5–0.75%est.
Ascorbic acidThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of agingHigh~0.35–0.65%est.
Glycolic acidAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acidHigh~0.35–0.6%est.
Menthol—High~0.3–0.55%est.
Sodium bisulfiteA preservativeHigh~0.1–0.2%est.
Benzyl salicylateA fragrance. Is a likely irritantHigh~0.2–0.35%est.
Hexyl cinnamalA fragrance with jasmine smell. A likely irritantHigh~0.15–0.25%est.
Butylphenyl methylpropionalA fragrance. Can trigger allergic reactions and be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.2%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.15–0.25%est.
Jojoba estersAn emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier functionMedium~5.6–6.8%est.
Acrylates copolymerUsed to stabilize product formulation, help create an even product layer over skin (for example, in sunscreen) and create a thicker product consistencyMedium~2.3–2.8%est.
TaurineCould be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, evening out the skin tone and neutralizing free radicals, but more research is needed to confirm its effectivenessMedium~0.6–0.95%est.
Tocopheryl acetateA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.Medium~0.45–0.65%est.
Zinc gluconateTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skinMedium~0.4–0.6%est.
ChitosanInhibits acne-causing bacteria on the surface of the skin. Can help to reduce inflammation caused by bacteria. Helps neutralize free radicals in skin. Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.5–0.75%est.
Propyl gallateHelps preserve product formulations and can mask the smell of other ingredients in a productMedium~0.35–0.6%est.
Peg-7 glyceryl cocoateHelps oils and water mix together and works as a cleansing agentMedium~0.3–0.6%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.3–0.5%est.
Benzoic acidA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.5%est.
Dehydroacetic acidA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
PvpHelps evenly disperse other ingredients in a formulation and create an even layer on the surface of the skinMedium~0.35–0.65%est.
Ci 42090A colorant (dye)Medium~0.15–0.25%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Breakout Banisher Body Wash
Peach Slices Breakout Banisher Body Wash
Cheaper79% match
$17.99
The Body Wash Hinoki - Treatment Softening Cleanse with AHA/BHA/PHA + Resveratrol
Nécessaire The Body Wash Hinoki - Treatment Softening Cleanse with AHA/BHA/PHA + Resveratrol
Cheaper78% match
$22.40
View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Salicylic acid1%
Hero · Anti-blemishIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishExfoliationAntibacterialEvens skin tone

Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)

More about Salicylic acid
Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate~8.8–10.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together and used as a cleansing agent. Can be irritating and is better avoided for sensitive skin

More about Sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate
Jojoba esters~5.6–6.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function

More about Jojoba esters
Glycerin~3.3–4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
Cocamidopropyl betaine~3.3–4.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergen

More about Cocamidopropyl betaine
Acrylates copolymer~2.3–2.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to stabilize product formulation, help create an even product layer over skin (for example, in sunscreen) and create a thicker product consistency

More about Acrylates copolymer
Peg-200 hydrogenated glyceryl palmate~1.7–2.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Peg-200 hydrogenated glyceryl palmate
Urea~1.4–1.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingExfoliation

Naturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations

More about Urea
Yeast amino acids~1.2–1.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Yeast amino acids
Trehalose~1–1.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Trehalose
Inositol~0.7–1.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing
More about Inositol
Taurine~0.6–0.95%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-blemishAnti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin tone

Could be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, evening out the skin tone and neutralizing free radicals, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness

More about Taurine
Betaine~0.55–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Betaine
Retinyl palmitate~0.5–0.75%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-blemishAnti-agingExfoliation

Three steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effect

More about Retinyl palmitate
Phoenix dactylifera seed~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Phoenix dactylifera seed
Dipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin tone

A salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening

More about Dipotassium glycyrrhizate
Butylene glycol~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol
Camellia oleifera leaf extract~0.45–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation, even though it is not usually used in sufficient concentration in cosmetics

More about Camellia oleifera leaf extract
Tocopheryl acetate~0.45–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.

More about Tocopheryl acetate
Zinc gluconate~0.4–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-blemishAnti-agingAnti-oxidationEvens skin toneAnti-inflammatoryExfoliation

Typically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin

More about Zinc gluconate
Ascorbic acid~0.35–0.65%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging

More about Ascorbic acid
Chitosan~0.5–0.75%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
AntibacterialAnti-blemishAnti-oxidationMoisturizing

Inhibits acne-causing bacteria on the surface of the skin. Can help to reduce inflammation caused by bacteria. Helps neutralize free radicals in skin. Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Chitosan
Propyl gallate~0.35–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps preserve product formulations and can mask the smell of other ingredients in a product

More about Propyl gallate
Glycolic acid~0.35–0.6%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-agingEvens skin toneExfoliationAnti-blemish

An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid

More about Glycolic acid
Sodium hydroxide~0.35–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Hydrogen peroxide~0.3–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Hydrogen peroxide
Menthol~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Menthol
Peg-7 glyceryl cocoate~0.3–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oils and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent

More about Peg-7 glyceryl cocoate
Sodium benzoate~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Sodium bisulfite~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative

More about Sodium bisulfite
Disodium edta~0.3–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Propylene carbonate~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Is used to dissolve other ingredients and create nice product texture

More about Propylene carbonate
Benzoic acid~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Benzoic acid
Dehydroacetic acid~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Dehydroacetic acid
Propanediol~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol
Pvp~0.35–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps evenly disperse other ingredients in a formulation and create an even layer on the surface of the skin

More about Pvp
Benzyl salicylate~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Is a likely irritant

More about Benzyl salicylate
Hexyl cinnamal~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance with jasmine smell. A likely irritant

More about Hexyl cinnamal
Butylphenyl methylpropional~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can trigger allergic reactions and be irritating

More about Butylphenyl methylpropional
Parfum~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Ci 42090~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A colorant (dye)

More about Ci 42090
Ext. violet 2
Not recognized
Ci 60730~0.1–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Ci 60730
Ingredient list view

Salicylic acid, Water, Sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate, Jojoba esters, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl betaine, Acrylates copolymer, Peg-200 hydrogenated glyceryl palmate, Urea, Yeast amino acids, Trehalose, Inositol, Taurine, Betaine, Retinyl palmitate, Phoenix dactylifera seed, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Butylene glycol, Camellia oleifera leaf extract, Tocopheryl acetate, Zinc gluconate, Ascorbic acid, Chitosan, Propyl gallate, Glycolic acid, Sodium hydroxide, Hydrogen peroxide, Menthol, Peg-7 glyceryl cocoate, Sodium benzoate, Sodium bisulfite, Disodium edta, Propylene carbonate, Benzoic acid, Dehydroacetic acid, Propanediol, Pvp, Benzyl salicylate, Hexyl cinnamal, Butylphenyl methylpropional, Parfum, Ci 42090, Unknown, Ci 60730

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Dermstore8.5 oz
$49.00
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Murad
$49.00
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Amazon US2.3 ounces
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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
MuradAcne Body WashYOUR PRODUCTPeach SlicesBreakout Banisher Body WashNécessaireThe Body Wash Hinoki - Treatment Softening Cleanse with AHA/BHA/PHA + ResveratrolMedix 5.5Glycolic + Lactic Acid
Match—79%78%76%
Price$49.00$17.99−$31.01$22.40−$26.60$19.99−$29.01
Shared key ingredients—5 of 173 of 174 of 17
Key difference—NiacinamideNiacinamideLactic Acid
Irritancy High Medium High High
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 26 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Beta Hydroxy Acidsfda.gov
  3. 3
    A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparationssciencedirect.com
  4. 4
    Glycolic Acid Peels Versus Salicylic–Mandelic Acid Peels in Active Acne Vulgaris and Post‐Acne Scarring and Hyperpigmentation: A Comparative Studyonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  5. 5
    Final Report On the Safety Assessment of Sodium Alpha-Olefin Sulfonatesjournals.sagepub.com
  6. 6
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Murad Acne Body Wash
MuradAcne Body Wash
Buy at Dermstore$49.00Amazon

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy at Dermstore$49.00Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.