Murad Renewing Cleansing Cream

Murad Renewing Cleansing Cream

Efficacy62/100IrritancyMedium

Works for

Cleansing
Sodium cocoyl isethionate, Glyceryl stearate se + 6 more
Can be harsh
What the product description says
“Renewing Cleansing Cream is a luxurious, silky cream cleanser that washes away oils and impurities while refreshing & renewing the skin, providing a more youthful-looking complexion.”
Source: Murad

This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin.

It contains the following cleansing agents that tend to be harsh on the skin: benzalkonium chloride.

The following cleansing agents are typically mild, but still can cause an irritation or allergy for some people cocamidopropyl dimethylamine.

Keep in mind that cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, and most people do not need to cleanse their skin more than once per day.

Sodium cocoyl isethionateEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent~10–12.2%
Glyceryl stearate seEffect: HighUsed to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient~4.1–5%
Stearic acidEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~2.4–3%
Cetyl alcoholEffect: HighA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~2–2.4%
Cocamidopropyl dimethylamineEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together. Can work as a cleansing agent. Can be irritating~1–1.2%
CarbomerEffect: HighHelps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations~0.15–0.3%
Xanthan gumEffect: HighUsed to create a thicker product consistency~0.15–0.3%
Benzalkonium chlorideEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together and works as a cleansing agent (detergent). Also used as a preservative. Can be irritating~0.05–0.1%
Exfoliation
Urea, Lactic acid
Not delivered
What the product description says
“Luxurious creamy lather removes impurities and gently exfoliates without over-drying skin”
Source: Murad

This product might help exfoliate the skin with urea, but This ingredient is not the most effective.

UreaEffect: MediumNaturally 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~0.5–0.7%
Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.7–1.05%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
2 strong irritants: Benzophenone-4, Parfum
Medium risk
We flagged 16 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Cocamidopropyl dimethylamineHelps oil and water mix together. Can work as a cleansing agent. Can be irritatingHigh~1–1.2%est.
Phenylethyl resorcinolMight help reduce hyperpigmentation in skin and help neutralize free radicalsHigh~0.6–0.85%est.
Chamomilla recutita flower extractPlant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.5%est.
Benzophenone-4Sulisobenzone. A UV filter. Is typically used to improve the product stability under exposure to UV light. It is effective against both UVA and UVB rays. It can be used is larger concentrations as a sun protection ingredient for the skin, but can be irritatingHigh~0.45–0.7%est.
Benzalkonium chlorideHelps water and oil mix together and works as a cleansing agent (detergent). Also used as a preservative. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.1%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.05%est.
Sodium cocoyl isethionateHelps water and oil mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agentMedium~10–12.2%est.
Prunus armeniaca kernel oilAn emollient that helps soften the skinMedium~1.7–2.1%est.
Lactic acidAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)Medium~0.7–1.05%est.
TaurineCould be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, evening out the skin tone and neutralizing free radicals, but more research is needed to confirm its effectivenessMedium~0.35–0.65%est.
Oenothera biennis seed extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties but evidence is lackingMedium~0.3–0.55%est.
Serenoa serrulata fruit extractA plant extract that might help calm down inflammation in skin but evidence of effectiveness is lackingMedium~0.3–0.55%est.
Imperata cylindrica root extractA plat extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin and attract water to its upper layerMedium~0.25–0.5%est.
Peg-8Used to create a nice product consistencyMedium~0.25–0.4%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.15–0.25%est.
ChlorphenesinA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.2%est.
Comedogenic
3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
3 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Butyrospermum parkii butter extractA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals3/5~1.3–1.5%est.
Chondrus crispus extractRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency3/5~0.3–0.6%est.
Glyceryl stearate seUsed to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient2/5~4.1–5%est.

User reviews

Would you recommend?
No community reviews yet.

Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Sodium cocoyl isethionate~10–12.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent

More about Sodium cocoyl isethionate
Glyceryl stearate se~4.1–5%
Comedogenic 2/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Used to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient

More about Glyceryl stearate se
Glycerin~3.1–3.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 Glycerin
Stearic acid~2.4–3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid
Cetyl alcohol~2–2.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol
Prunus armeniaca kernel oil~1.7–2.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Prunus armeniaca kernel oil
Palmitoyl tripeptide-5~1.4–1.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Palmitoyl tripeptide-5
Butyrospermum parkii butter extract~1.3–1.5%
Comedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals

More about Butyrospermum parkii butter extract
Cocamidopropyl dimethylamine~1–1.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Can work as a cleansing agent. Can be irritating

More about Cocamidopropyl dimethylamine
Lactic acid~0.7–1.05%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
ExfoliationEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-aging

An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)

More about Lactic acid
Hydrated silica~0.95–1.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Mattifying
More about Hydrated silica
Phenylethyl resorcinol~0.6–0.85%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Evens skin tone

Might help reduce hyperpigmentation in skin and help neutralize free radicals

More about Phenylethyl resorcinol
Hydrolyzed corn starch~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps improve the product texture

More about Hydrolyzed corn starch
Sodium hydroxide~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Urea~0.5–0.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingExfoliation

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 Urea
Yeast amino acids~0.45–0.7%
Formula
Trehalose~0.45–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Trehalose
Inositol~0.4–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing
More about Inositol
Taurine~0.35–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-blemishAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidationEvens skin tone

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 Taurine
Betaine~0.3–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Betaine
Borago officinalis seed oil~0.35–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryReduces irritationMoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A plant oil that is effective in reducing irritation in skin, restore the barrier function and support its hydration

More about Borago officinalis seed oil
Oenothera biennis seed extract~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties but evidence is lacking

More about Oenothera biennis seed extract
Serenoa serrulata fruit extract~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-inflammatory

A plant extract that might help calm down inflammation in skin but evidence of effectiveness is lacking

More about Serenoa serrulata fruit extract
Panthenol~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingReduces rednessReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol
Chondrus crispus extract~0.3–0.6%
Comedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency

More about Chondrus crispus extract
Chamomilla recutita flower extract~0.3–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatory

Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Chamomilla recutita flower extract
Sodium hyaluronate~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate
Imperata cylindrica root extract~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-inflammatory

A plat extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin and attract water to its upper layer

More about Imperata cylindrica root extract
Benzophenone-4~0.45–0.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Sun protection

Sulisobenzone. A UV filter. Is typically used to improve the product stability under exposure to UV light. It is effective against both UVA and UVB rays. It can be used is larger concentrations as a sun protection ingredient for the skin, but can be irritating

More about Benzophenone-4
Butylene glycol~0.25–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 glycol
Peg-8~0.25–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product consistency

More about Peg-8
Benzalkonium chloride~0.05–0.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together and works as a cleansing agent (detergent). Also used as a preservative. Can be irritating

More about Benzalkonium chloride
Carbomer~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer
Xanthan gum~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Caprylyl glycol~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Chlorphenesin~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Chlorphenesin
Parfum~0.05%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Ingredient list view

Water, Sodium cocoyl isethionate, Glyceryl stearate se, Glycerin, Stearic acid, Cetyl alcohol, Prunus armeniaca kernel oil, Palmitoyl tripeptide-5, Butyrospermum parkii butter extract, Cocamidopropyl dimethylamine, Lactic acid, Hydrated silica, Phenylethyl resorcinol, Hydrolyzed corn starch, Sodium hydroxide, Urea, Yeast amino acids, Trehalose, Inositol, Taurine, Betaine, Borago officinalis seed oil, Oenothera biennis seed extract, Serenoa serrulata fruit extract, Panthenol, Chondrus crispus extract, Chamomilla recutita flower extract, Sodium hyaluronate, Imperata cylindrica root extract, Benzophenone-4, Butylene glycol, Peg-8, Benzalkonium chloride, Carbomer, Xanthan gum, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl glycol, Chlorphenesin, Parfum

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Amazon USPrice as of 11/9 12:00 GMT
$121.50
Buy

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

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.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
MuradRenewing Cleansing CreamYOUR PRODUCTBaleaMed Ultra Sensitive Cleansing FoamCeraVeGel Moussant Anti-Imperfectionsendota spaGlycolic Exfoliating Cleanser
Match—51%48%47%
Price$121.50$4.69−$116.81—$35.11−$86.39
Shared key ingredients—3 of 255 of 255 of 25
Key difference—AllantoinSalicylic AcidMineral Oil
Irritancy Medium Low Low Low
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop

More alternatives: Olival Amino GelSimple Smoothing Gel Cleanser with 5% AHA and Hyaluronic Acid

Cheaper alternatives? See how this stacks up against similar formulas.
We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.
Open dupe finder

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 18 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
    Topical urea in skincare: A reviewpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.