3 of 4 advertised claims delivered
This product does not offer good protection against UVA rays.
This product contains antioxidants (vitis vinifera seed extract) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
The following ingredients - ginkgo biloba leaf extract also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.
“Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 / PA+++”
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:
glycerin, rice amino acids.
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, ethyl linoleate.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: panthenol
“Shield and restore environmentally stressed skin with next generation Vitamin C and Murad's patented Skin Repair System to improve radiance, firmness and elasticity while protecting skin from sun and free radical damage.”
This product contains retinyl palmitate, vitis vinifera seed extract. These ingredients 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. The biggest anti-aging effect in this product comes from sun protection. Sun damage is the main factor causing early signs of skin aging. We, however, do not recommend using this product as a sunscreen because the protection it offers is not strong enough).
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: ethyl linoleate, retinyl palmitate.
The biggest effect for evening out skin tone in this product comes from sun protection. Sun damage is the main factor causing age spots, darkening of post-acne marks and other discolorations. This is why sun protection is the best strategy for maintaining an even skin tone. We, however, do not recommend using this product as a sunscreen because the protection it offers is not strong enough).


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Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Octinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritating
More about Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateWorks as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin
More about Titanium dioxideUsed 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 glycolHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidA silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin
More about CyclopentasiloxaneHelps soften the upper layer of the skin without creatng a greasy finish
More about Diisopropyl sebacateHelp soften the upper layer of the skin and make it easier for oil and water mix together. Recently, a rising number of allergic reactions to cocoglycerides and other coconut-derived surfactants has been reported. As there is a significant overlap between frequent irritants and allergens, we flag this ingredient for attention of those with very sensitive, reactive skin
More about CocoglyceridesAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearateHelps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateAn emollient that helps soften the skin. It also forms a protective on its surface to reduce water loss.
More about Isodecyl neopentanoateA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholA 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 DimethiconeHelp attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Rice amino acidsCan help reduce acne and blemishes and reduce inflammation in skin
More about Zinc aspartateEmollients that are naturaly present in skin. In addition, they help water and oil mix together in the product
More about PhospholipidsA 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 acetateThree 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 palmitateBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.
More about Ascorbyl palmitateHelps reduce acne and blemishes. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce inflammation. Might be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out the skin tone, but evidence of effectiveness in skin are lacking
More about Ethyl linoleateHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in skin. It can be irritating
More about Ginkgo biloba leaf extractA plant extract that contains resveratrol and other anti-oxidant compounds that can help neutralize free radicals, reduce inflammation in skin and even out its tone. Can be also used to stabilize the product formulation
More about Vitis vinifera seed extractNaturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
More about Sodium pcaMight be helpful in restoring skin barrier function and, when combined with zinc carbonate and malonic acid, reducing fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating elastin production. Also helps stabilize the product formulation
More about Magnesium aluminum silicateOne 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 GlycerinUsed to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumIs used to add opaque (non-transparent) appearance to formulations. Can be used to coat other ingredients for even dispersion. This is a different ingredient compared to the ones used in antipersperants (aluminium chloride and aluminium chlorohydrate)
More about Aluminum hydroxideA preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolUsed as a fragrance. It can be irritating and cause photosensitivity
More about Citrus aurantium dulcis oilA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skin
More about Citrus nobilis peel oilA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skin
More about Citrus grandis peel oilEthylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Titanium dioxide, Water, Butylene glycol, Stearic acid, Cyclopentasiloxane, Diisopropyl sebacate, Cocoglycerides, Glyceryl stearate, Peg-100 stearate, Isodecyl neopentanoate, Lauryl lactate, Cetyl alcohol, Dimethicone, Lysine lauroyl methionate, Rice amino acids, Zinc aspartate, Chitosan ascorbate, Phospholipids, Tocopheryl acetate, Retinyl palmitate, Ascorbyl palmitate, Ethyl linoleate, Panthenol, Ginkgo biloba leaf extract, Vitis vinifera seed extract, Passiflora incarnata flower extract, Hydrolyzed ulva lactuca extract, Hydrolyzed enteromorpha compressa, Sodium pca, Cetyl phosphate, Magnesium aluminum silicate, Glycerin, Xanthan gum, Aminomethyl propanol, Aluminum hydroxide, Disodium edta, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Citrus aurantium dulcis oil, Citrus nobilis peel oil, Ocimum basilicum oil, Citrus grandis peel oil, Ferula galbaniflua resin oil, Ci 15985, Ci 17200
Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.
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.
| MuradEssential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 / PA+++YOUR PRODUCT | THE FACE SHOPNatural Sun Eco No Shine Hydrating Sun Cream SPF50 PA 1 | skinmadeSuper Vitamins Broad-Spectrum + Blue Light Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ | MANAVISUV Milk SPF 40 PA++++ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 55% | 53% | 53% |
| Price | $49.95 | $14.50−$35.45 | — | $50.80+$0.85 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 6 of 13 | 6 of 13 | 5 of 13 |
| Key difference | — | Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride | Niacinamide | Hydrated Silica |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Low |
| SPF | SPF 30 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 40 |
| Drying alcohol | — | Contains drying alcohol | — | Contains drying alcohol |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
"Murad - Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 / PA+++" does not provide enough UVA protection. UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage the skin, leading to early signs of aging and pigmentation issues.
This moisturizer should also be hydrating enough to use without an additional moisturizer during the day.
This is a "mixed" sunscreen in the sense that it uses both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") sun filters. The organic filters in the product are: octinoxate. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses titanium dioxide.
This moisturizer contains a bunch of common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide any known benefit for the skin. It might not be the best choice if your skin is sensitive. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Murad" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.
The product retails from 49.95$ up to 84.50$ in the United States, from 87.00CA$ up to 140.82CA$ in Canada and from 33.00£ up to 96.50£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 21 studies and safety reviews.
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