Murad The Derm Report on: Brighter, More Radiant Skin
Works for
CleansingCocamidopropyl betaine, Disodium laureth sulfosuccinate + 3 moreCleanses gently
“Essential-C Cleanser 60ml”
This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (cocamidopropyl betaine, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, polysorbate 20) 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
ExfoliationSide benefit the brand mentions · Glycolic acid, Urea + 3 moreWorks well
“This intensive serum promotes surface cell turnover for brighter, more even skin.”
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy6 strong irritants: Retinyl palmitate, Limonene + 4 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%
Cocamidopropyl betaine~6.8–8.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergen
More about Cocamidopropyl betaineDisodium laureth sulfosuccinate~5.2–6.4%
Glycerin~2.9–3.6%
- 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 GlycerinAcrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~2.3–2.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together
More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerButylene glycol~1.8–2.3%
- 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 glycolPolysorbate 20~1.6–1.9%
Retinyl palmitate~1.3–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
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 palmitateAscorbyl palmitate~1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Being 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 palmitateTocopheryl acetate~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 acetateRice amino acids~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Rice amino acidsAllantoin~0.2–0.35%
- 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 AllantoinPanthenol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolAscorbic acid~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
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 acidCellulose~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Can be used to help absorb oil as well as add volume and imporve texture of products.
More about CelluloseSodium pca~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer
More about Sodium pcaLactose~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about LactosePhospholipids~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Emollients that are naturaly present in skin. In addition, they help water and oil mix together in the product
More about PhospholipidsAminomethyl propanol~0.2–0.35%
Caprylyl glycol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolHydroxypropyl methylcellulose~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation
More about Hydroxypropyl methylcelluloseBenzyl alcohol~0.1–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
More about Benzyl alcoholPotassium sorbate~0.15–0.25%
Sodium benzoate~0.1–0.25%
Sodium citrate~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products
More about Sodium citrateDisodium edta~0.1–0.25%
Tetrasodium edta~0.1–0.2%
Citric acid~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidChlorphenesin~0.1–0.2%
Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolLimonene~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneParfum~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumIron oxides~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An umbrella term for the following three colorants: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499. They might be able to offer some protection against visible light, but the degree of the protection is not clear
More about Iron oxidesWater~0.15–0.25%
Alcohol denat.~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
More about Alcohol denat.Glycolic acid~0.15–0.25%
- 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~0.15–0.25%
- 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~0.2–0.35%
- 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-20~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and soften it
More about Methyl gluceth-20Tranexamic acid~0.15–0.25%
- 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~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Hexapeptide-2~0.15–0.25%
- 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~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Rice amino acidsUrea~0.15–0.25%
- 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~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Trehalose~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin
More about TrehaloseInositol~0.15–0.25%
Taurine~0.15–0.25%
- 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~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about BetaineZinc gluconate~0.15–0.25%
- 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~0.15–0.3%
- 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~0.1–0.25%
- 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~0.15–0.3%
- 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~0.15–0.3%
Ppg-26-buteth-26~0.2–0.4%
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oilPolyquaternium-4~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Disodium edta~0.15–0.25%
Limonene~0.15–0.3%
- 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%
Linalool~0.1–0.15%
Parfum~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumIngredient list view
Water, Cocamidopropyl betaine, Disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, Glycerin, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Butylene glycol, Polysorbate 20, Retinyl palmitate, Ascorbyl palmitate, Tocopheryl acetate, Rice amino acids, Allantoin, Panthenol, Ascorbic acid, Cellulose, Sodium pca, Lactose, Phospholipids, Aminomethyl propanol, Caprylyl glycol, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, Benzyl alcohol, Potassium sorbate, Sodium benzoate, Sodium citrate, Disodium edta, Tetrasodium edta, Citric acid, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Limonene, Parfum, Iron oxides, Water, Alcohol denat., 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, Limonene, Benzyl salicylate, Linalool, 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.
| MuradThe Derm Report on: Brighter, More Radiant SkinYOUR PRODUCT | Derma EVitamin C Daily Brightening Cleanser | MesoesteticPurifying Mousse Cleanser | AcnecidePurifide Ph Control Face Wash | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 46% | 44% | 44% |
| Price | — | $15.77 | $42.66 | $13.37 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 7 of 20 | 4 of 20 | 4 of 20 |
| Key difference | — | Retinol | Lactobionic Acid | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Akademikliniken Pure Radiance CleanserBioderma Sébium Active Foaming Gel
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 24 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulationspdfs.semanticscholar.org
- 4
- 5
- 6Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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