Works for
ExfoliationSalicylic acid, UreaWorks well
“The lightweight formula is powered by 2% Salicylic Acid (the highest percentage of the Murad Blemish Control range), which works to exfoliate the surface layer of skin to clear out excess oil, bacteria and dead cells from pores.”
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: salicylic acid.
Anti-blemishSalicylic acid, TaurineWorks well
“Target blemishes with the Murad Rapid Relief Spot Treatment ; a fast-acting, invisible gel that penetrates pores to visibly reduce the size and redness of spots within as little as 4 hours*.”
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.
MoisturizingSide benefit the brand mentions · Urea, Glycerin + 7 moreWorks well
“Inspired by pine and thyme extracts, a patented complex fights irritants while preserving skin’s healthy balance.”
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: urea
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Alcohol, Hamamelis virginiana waterMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Salicylic acid2%
- 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 acidWater~45–55%
Alcohol~10–13%
- 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 AlcoholHamamelis virginiana water~5.9–7.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating
More about Hamamelis virginiana waterPropanediol~3.5–4.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolPentylene glycol~2.8–3.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolGlycerin~2.3–2.8%
- 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 GlycerinSilica~2–2.5%
Butylene glycol~1.6–2%
- 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 glycolPolyacrylate crosspolymer-6~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
C12-15 alkyl lactate~1.2–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Aesculus hippocastanum seed extract~0.95–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
Plant extract. Might have some anti-oxidant properties. Can be irritating
More about Aesculus hippocastanum seed extractAvena sativa kernel extract~0.75–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An effective moisturizing and skin barrier repair ingredient. Helps calm down inflammation and has some anti-oxidant properties
More about Avena sativa kernel extractUrea~0.65–0.95%
- 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~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Trehalose~0.6–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin
More about TrehaloseInositol~0.5–0.75%
Taurine~0.45–0.7%
- 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~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about BetaineThymol~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Terpineol~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Hydroxyphenyl propamidobenzoic acid~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might help to reduce inflammation in skin, but solid research is lacking
More about Hydroxyphenyl propamidobenzoic acidShea butter ethyl esters~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Shea butter ethyl esters4-t-butylcyclohexanol~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Disodium edta~0.05–0.1%
Sodium hydroxide~0.05–0.15%
Ingredient list view
Salicylic acid, Water, Alcohol, Hamamelis virginiana water, Propanediol, Pentylene glycol, Glycerin, Silica, Butylene glycol, Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, C12-15 alkyl lactate, Aesculus hippocastanum seed extract, Avena sativa kernel extract, Urea, Yeast amino acids, Trehalose, Inositol, Taurine, Betaine, Thymol, Terpineol, Hydroxyphenyl propamidobenzoic acid, Shea butter ethyl esters, 4-t-butylcyclohexanol, Disodium edta, Sodium hydroxide
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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 Relief Spot TreatmentYOUR PRODUCT | First Aid BeautyPharma BHA Acne Spot Treatment Gel 2% Salicylic Acid | Vivant Skin CareBrightening & Gently Exfoliating Peel Pads | skincode-SwissClarifying Spot Treatment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 76% | 74% | 73% |
| Price | $27.30 | $23.85−$3.45 | $86.00+$58.70 | $59.44+$32.14 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 7 | 3 of 7 | 2 of 7 |
| Key difference | — | Colloidal Oatmeal | Niacinamide | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: freezeframe Blemish BombCeraVe Blemish Control Gel Moisturiser with 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide for Blemish-Prone Skin
Product summary
"Murad - Rapid Relief Spot Treatment" is effective for: Moisturizing, Exfoliation and Anti-blemish
Ingredient callouts
- Salicylic acid (0.85% - 1.25%). This is an oil-soluble exfoliating acid. Because of this property, it can work inside pores and help reduce the congestion. It has an anti-inflammatory effect and is used to treat acne. Because it is a quite strong exfoliator, be careful with using this product too often: it could result in over-exfoliation.
- Humectants (betaine 0.10% - 0.45%, inositol 0.15% - 0.60%, trehalose 0.20% - 0.75%, urea 0.30% - 0.70% and glycerin 1.70% - 2.60%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Murad" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.
Price
The product retails from 21.00£ up to 479.00£ in the United Kingdom, from 20.00$ up to 27.30$ in the United States and for 48.00A$ 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 8 studies and safety reviews.
- 1Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 2Beta Hydroxy Acidsfda.gov
- 3A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparationssciencedirect.com
- 4
- 5
- 6
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