Works for
3 of 3 advertised claims delivered
Anti-blemish3 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“It resets your skin and can offer relief to those experiencing discomfort as a result of breakouts.”
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.
Exfoliation3 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Blended with Salicylic Acid, the moisturiser has a gentle exfoliating action buffing carefully away at the surface of your skin to leave it looking refined and smoother.”
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: hydroxyethyl urea, salicylic acid.
Moisturizing22 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“It locks essential water deeply within the surface of your complexion, leaving you with a suppler, moisturised look.”
This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.
The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from
within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job:
betaine, glycerin.
This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: dimethicone, ethylhexyl hydroxystearate.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: urea
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claimModerate support
This product contains serine. This ingredient might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy5 strong irritants: Hamamelis virginiana water, Zingiber officinale root extract + 3 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Hamamelis virginiana water~4.6–5.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating
More about Hamamelis virginiana waterGlycerin~4–4.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 GlycerinHydroxyethyl urea~3–3.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A derivative of urea, a compound that is naturally present in skin. Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients
More about Hydroxyethyl ureaHydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~2.3–2.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish
More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerPropanediol~1.9–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolPolymethylsilsesquioxane/silica crosspolymer~1.6–2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps add a "soft focus" effect on the surface of the skin and create a nice product texture
More about Polymethylsilsesquioxane/silica crosspolymerDimethicone~1.5–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
More about DimethiconeTapioca starch~1.2–1.4%
Diisopropyl sebacate~1–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin without creatng a greasy finish
More about Diisopropyl sebacateSalicylic acid~0.6–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- High
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 acidUrea~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 UreaYeast amino acids~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Trehalose~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin
More about TrehaloseInositol~0.45–0.65%
Taurine~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 TaurineBetaine~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about BetaineZingiber officinale root extract~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can contain an irritating essential oil. Might have some anti-oxidant effect, but evidence is lacking
More about Zingiber officinale root extractBisabolol~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties
More about BisabololSodium hyaluronate~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateLysolecithin~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Lecithin derivative. It helps oil and water mix together and can enhance penetration of other ingredients. It helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LysolecithinSclerotium gum~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create gel-like formulas and stabilize emulsions
More about Sclerotium gumPolyisobutene~0.25–0.5%
Polysilicone-11~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that forms a light film on the skin surface helping to bind water and temporarily absorb oils creating a matt and powdery feel
More about Polysilicone-11Polydextrose~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Dextrin~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A sugar that is used to stabilize the product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about DextrinEthylhexyl hydroxystearate~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce water loss from it
More about Ethylhexyl hydroxystearatePullulan~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
Creates a thin drying film on the skin resulting in a short-term tightening effect
More about PullulanCaprylhydroxamic acid~0.25–0.45%
Xanthan gum~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumAmylopectin~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Niacinamide~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamideDisodium edta~0.25–0.45%
Pentylene glycol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolSerine~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
More about SerineButylene glycol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycolPeg-7 trimethylolpropane coconut ether~0.25–0.5%
Hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to stabilize product formulations and help soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Hydroxypropyl cyclodextrinGlyceryl polyacrylate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to create a nice product texture and spread the product more easily on the skin
More about Glyceryl polyacrylateAlgin~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Used to thicken product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about AlginDisodium phosphate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps adjust the product pH and stabilize the formulation
More about Disodium phosphateSilica~0.35–0.65%
Dipropylene glycol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying
More about Dipropylene glycolPinus densiflora leaf extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Decyl glucoside~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating
More about Decyl glucosidePotassium phosphate~0.25–0.45%
Lactobacillus ferment~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus. The fermented product has anti-bacterial properties and might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but studies are lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can be used as a preservative
More about Lactobacillus fermentCaprylyl glycol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycol1,2-hexanediol~0.15–0.3%
Sodium hydroxide~0.2–0.35%
Citric acid~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidLimonene~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneHydroxycitronellal~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
A fragrance. A likely allergen and can be irritating
More about HydroxycitronellalParfum~0.1–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumCi 42090~0.1–0.15%
Ci 17200~0.1–0.15%
Ingredient list view
Water, Hamamelis virginiana water, Glycerin, Hydroxyethyl urea, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Propanediol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane/silica crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Tapioca starch, Diisopropyl sebacate, Salicylic acid, Urea, Yeast amino acids, Trehalose, Inositol, Taurine, Betaine, Zingiber officinale root extract, Bisabolol, Sodium hyaluronate, Lysolecithin, Sclerotium gum, Polyisobutene, Polysilicone-11, Polydextrose, Dextrin, Ethylhexyl hydroxystearate, Pullulan, Caprylhydroxamic acid, Xanthan gum, Amylopectin, Niacinamide, Disodium edta, Pentylene glycol, Serine, Butylene glycol, Peg-7 trimethylolpropane coconut ether, Hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin, Glyceryl polyacrylate, Algin, Disodium phosphate, Silica, Dipropylene glycol, Pinus densiflora leaf extract, Decyl glucoside, Potassium phosphate, Lactobacillus ferment, Caprylyl glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, Sodium hydroxide, Citric acid, Limonene, Hydroxycitronellal, Parfum, Ci 42090, Ci 17200
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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.
| MuradClarifying Oil-Free Water GelYOUR PRODUCT | CeraVePsoriasis Moisturizing Cream | Paula's choiceInvisible Finish Moisture Gel | BiodermaHydrabio Gel-Creme | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 80% | 79% | 79% |
| Price | $33.51 | $21.82−$11.69 | $42.00+$8.49 | $17.50−$16.01 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 5 of 16 | 4 of 16 | 4 of 16 |
| Key difference | — | Ceramide Ap | Oatmeal Extract | Peg/Ppg-18/18 Dimethicone |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Low | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
Judging from the ingredient list, "Murad - Clarifying Oil-Free Water Gel" works well for improving skin hydration As we expect from a proper moisturizer, the formula includes a combo of effective humectants and emollients. These are the two different types of ingredients that are essential for improving the skin hydration and supporting a healthy skin barrier. Urea, betaine, glycerin, hydroxyethyl urea and inositol in this product (humectants) attract water molecules to the upper layer of the skin (the water comes from the outside air or from the deeper layers of the skin if the air is dry). Dimethicone, ethylhexyl hydroxystearate, diisopropyl sebacate, caprylyl glycol and pentylene glycol in this product help decrease the water evoporation from the skin, so that it stays hydrated for longer. These ingredients also soften the skin and take away the feeling of tightness and dryness.
Irritation risk
We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Murad" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.
Price
The product retails from 70.00A$ up to 75.00A$ in Australia, from 25.35£ up to 44.85£ in the United Kingdom and from 48.00$ up to 50.70$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 25 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 6Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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