Works for
Anti-agingGlycolic acid, Hexapeptide-2 + 1 moreWorks well
“This powerful all-in-one serum delivers brighter, smoother, more even-toned skin, while visibly improving wrinkles on all skin tones (light-deep) without irritation”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains glycolic acid.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: hexapeptide-2.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
ExfoliationGlycolic acid, Urea + 2 moreWorks well
“Glycolic acid, one of the first and most sought-after exfoliants in Dr. Murad's dermatology practice, removes dulling surface skin cells to quickly enhance natural radiance, penetration, and performance of ingredients for better results.”
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.
Evens skin toneGlycolic acid, Tranexamic acid + 3 moreWorks well
“Murad’s #1 bestselling intensive brightening treatment visibly fades dark spots starting in just 7 days and helps protect skin from future dark spots-”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glycolic acid, tranexamic acid
Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.
MoisturizingSide benefit the brand mentions · Hexapeptide-2, Urea + 11 moreWorks well
“CERAMIGHTY AF EYE BALM Formulated with strengthening ceramides and omega-rich plant oils, Drunk Elephant's latest eye treatment delivers long-lasting moisture and elasticity. SHOP NOW”
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": betaine, glycerin.
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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: hexapeptide-2, urea
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy8 strong irritants: Alcohol, Citrus aurantium bergamia peel oil + 6 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Alcohol~7.5–9.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties
More about AlcoholGlycolic acid~4.3–5.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
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 acidButylene glycol~3–3.7%
- 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 glycolGlycerin~2.4–2.9%
- 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 GlycerinMethyl gluceth-20~1.8–2.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and soften it
More about Methyl gluceth-20Tranexamic acid~1.5–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An amino acid that is effective in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out the skin tone. It can also help in skin barrier recovery. It is used to treat melasma, especially with injections and when taken orally
More about Tranexamic acid4-ethylresorcinol~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Hexapeptide-2~1.1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Hexapeptide-2Rice amino acids~0.75–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Rice amino acidsUrea~0.6–0.9%
- 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~0.5–0.8%
- 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~0.45–0.7%
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~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about BetaineZinc gluconate~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 gluconateDipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycyrrhizateAllantoin~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
More about AllantoinHydroxyethylcellulose~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures
More about HydroxyethylcelluloseSodium metabisulfite~0.1–0.2%
Sodium sulfite~0.1–0.2%
Sodium hydroxide~0.25–0.45%
Ppg-26-buteth-26~0.25–0.45%
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oilPolyquaternium-4~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Disodium edta~0.25–0.45%
Denatonium benzoate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
T-butyl alcohol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to dissolve other ingredients and to improve smell of products. It could be irritating
More about T-butyl alcoholPhenoxyethanol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolPotassium sorbate~0.25–0.45%
Benzyl alcohol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
More about Benzyl alcoholSodium benzoate~0.25–0.45%
Citrus aurantium bergamia peel oil~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
Citronellol~0.2–0.35%
Linalool~0.2–0.35%
Citrus limon peel oil~0.15–0.3%
Geranyl acetate~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Limonene~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 LimoneneBenzyl salicylate~0.15–0.25%
Citrus aurantium peel oil~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Parfum~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumIngredient list view
Water, Alcohol, Glycolic acid, Butylene glycol, Glycerin, Methyl gluceth-20, Tranexamic acid, 4-ethylresorcinol, Hexapeptide-2, Rice amino acids, Urea, Yeast amino acids, Trehalose, Inositol, Taurine, Betaine, Zinc gluconate, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Allantoin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium metabisulfite, Sodium sulfite, Sodium hydroxide, Ppg-26-buteth-26, Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, Polyquaternium-4, Disodium edta, Denatonium benzoate, T-butyl alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium sorbate, Benzyl alcohol, Sodium benzoate, Citrus aurantium bergamia peel oil, Citronellol, Linalool, Citrus limon peel oil, Geranyl acetate, Limonene, Benzyl salicylate, Citrus aurantium peel oil, Parfum
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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.
| MuradRapid Dark Spot Correcting SerumYOUR PRODUCT | BABORLIFTING RX Lift Serum | GLAMGLOWSuperserum by Glamglow | SkinMedicaGlyPro Antioxidant Serum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 53% | 52% | 51% |
| Price | $88.00 | — | $55.14−$32.86 | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 5 of 12 | 4 of 12 | 4 of 12 |
| Key difference | — | Niacinamide | Salicylic Acid | Cyclomethicone |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: skintific 2% SALICYLIC ACID ANTI ACNE SERUMISDIN Isdinceutics Night Peel
Product summary
"Murad - Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum" is effective for: Anti-inflammatory, Anti-aging, Exfoliation, Evens skin tone and Moisturizing
Ingredient callouts
- Exfoliating acids (glycolic acid 4.40% - 5.40%). In this concentration, they will have a noticeable exfoliating effect. They can also have an anti-aging effect and stimulate collagen production in a long-run.
- Peptides (hexapeptide-2 1.20% - 1.40%). Peptides are a very big group of ingredients. They all consist of a different combination of aminoacids. Our skin produces Peptides naturally. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The scientists are still studying how effective the topical application of Peptides is, but it is very likely that theynare helpful. Peptides might be able to support skin barrier restoration and even have an anti-aging benefit. At the very least, they certainly help attract water to the skin and support the hydration in this way.
- Humectants (urea 0.65% - 1.00%, trehalose 0.50% - 0.75%, rice amino acids 0.95% - 1.15%, inositol 0.45% - 0.70%, betaine 0.40% - 0.60% and glycerin 2.50% - 3.00%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Murad" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.
Price
The product retails from 29.00£ up to 86.25£ in the United Kingdom, from 26.00$ up to 97.50$ in the United States, from 32.50CA$ up to 100.00CA$ in Canada and for 145.00A$ in Australia.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 23 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3
- 4
- 5Effect of tranexamic acid on melasma: a clinical trial with histological evaluationonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 6Tranexamic acid accelerates skin barrier recovery and upregulates occludin in damaged skinonlinelibrary.wiley.com
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