You’ve probably seen ads for Murad skincare products, but have you ever wondered who is behind the brand, and how it all started? Murad is named for its founder, Dr Howard Murad, who is a pioneer in the fields of skincare and wellness. He’s also an artist and author, and take a holistic approach to skincare.
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Who is Dr Murad?
Dr Murad is a board-certified dermatologist, a trained pharmacist and an Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at the Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA. He is the founder of Murad Skincare and author of multiple books, including “The Water Secret,” the “Cellulite Solution,” and “Wrinkle Free Forever.” He’s also the president of the University for Inclusive Health, and continues to see patients at his practice in California.
When Dr Murad launched his eponymous skincare line in 1989 it was the first physician branded product line to hit the market. He is also credited with launching the first medical spa, as well as pioneering the use of alpha hydroxyl and beta hydroxyl acids, and pinpointed stress as a major health threat.
What is Dr Murad’s philosophy?
Dr Murad championed the idea of “beauty from within” and takes a 360 degree approach to skincare and wellness. Put another way, he is also known as ‘The Father of Internal Skincare.” He is a big believer that good skincare starts with the right nutrition and has said in interviews that “80% of your skin’s health is from internal care – nutrition from a good diet and supplements. Only 20% is from topical products.”
To achieve optimal health as well as beautiful, healthy looking skin, Dr Murad believes in a multi prong approach that includes: cellular hydration, nutrition, exercise that brings joy, creative expression, reconnecting with your “inner toddler,” reducing stress, as well as the right skin care. One of the cornerstones of his philosophy is to get enough water at the cellular level. He believes that cellular hydration is the common thread linking aging, disease, obesity, and wrinkles. This translates into drinking more than the recommended eight glasses of water a day. People should also aim to eat their water from consuming raw fruits and vegetables.
Murad is also known for promoting the use of dietary supplements to improve the skin. He is a fan of pomegranates, which are antioxidants and packed with polyphenols, which may boost the effectiveness of sunscreen, as well as goji berries, which are high in amino acids and vitamin C.
When it comes to his skincare line, the workhorses are the serums, which he views as the heavy lifters of a beauty routine, and “have the power to change your skin.”
What products does Dr Murad sell?
Dr Murad has a wide range of products that are formulated to deliver antioxidants, have anti-inflammatory properties and boost hydration.
The Murad system is based on a three step process that comes down to cleansing, treatment and moisturizing, and each product is color coded. Products can be mixed and matched depending on a particular skin concern, and they are color coded for ease. The Murad line is meant to address virtually every skin care concern, from acne to anti-ageing and hyperpigmentation.
What are some Murad bestsellers?
Some of the most popular Murad products include the Multi-Vitamin Infused Oil ($72) which is packed with six vitamins, and is designed to target signs of aging, boost hydration, brighten skin, and defend from free radicals for a more youthful-looking complexion. Retinol Youth Renewing Cream ($82) received an award in 2017 from O, Oprah’s magazine. The cream is powered by Retinol Tri-Active Technology, a fast-acting Retinoid, time-released Retinol and a booster, which works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while peptide-rich Red Algae Extract helps improve firmness and elasticity. The Pore Extractor Pomegranate Mask ($38) is a clay based mask that is meant to draw out impurities, while Rapid Age Spot Correcting Serum ($75) targets dark spots.
Are there any new Murad products?
Some of the newest Murad products include a new line of “prebiotics,” which are good-for-you bacteria that can help nourish the skin. Dr Murad believes that too many people are overwashing their skin, which strips it of oils and good bacteria. This line is meant to add good bacteria in the form of probiotics back to the skin to achieve balance and radiance. The line includes a Prebiotic 4-In-1 MultiCleanser ($36), Prebiotic 3-In-1 MultiMist ($32) to replenish the skin and set makeup; and Revitalixir Recovery Serum ($89) a face and eye serum that is design to tackle dehydration, wrinkles and puffiness.
What ingredients are in Murad products?
According to the company, Murad products use clinical–strength ingredients and the formulas are a mix of naturally derived extracts and lab created ones.
Murad products rely on the power of antioxidants, which includes green tea, pomegranates and vitamin C. These ingredients are thought to protect the skin against the environmental free radicals and they may have anti-inflammatory properties. Mushroom peptides work to fight the visible signs of aging and improve elasticity and skin resilience. Other ingredients include yam extract and the marrubium plant, which is thought to boost skin’s own natural detoxification and defense system.
The acne line relies on salicylic acid, as well as glycolic acid. Both are exfoliators that works by dissolving dead skin cells to reveal fresher looking skin. Salicylic acid also helps to quickly treat acne breakouts. Hydrating products rely on ingredients such as barley, sunflower and cucumber extracts along with olive fruit oil, a fatty acid that is deeply nourishing. Hyaluronic acid is another key ingredient in products such as Eye Lift Firming Treatment ($70). Hyaluronic is a star moisturizer as it can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Retinols are the key ingredient in the anti-aging line.
Do Murad products work?
One way to judge the efficacy of a product is to see what (if any) awards it has garnered. Murad’s Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment ($22) won a coveted Allure Best of Beauty award in 2018. Good Housekeeping has bestowed awards on Murad Intensive-C Radiance Peel ($52) more than once. In 2016, a Good Housekeeping Laboratory test results noted that Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum firmed skin by 24% and reduced the appearance of fine lines. That same year Murad’s Invisible Face Protector, a clear sunscreen with an SPF 30, won a Breakthrough Beauty Award, also from Good Housekeeping. When the British edition of Good Housekeeping tested Murad Retinol Youth Renewal in 2018, it gave it a score of 80/100 and said that “after 28 days, testers saw improvement in their skin and said it ‘looked refreshed’ and that ‘fine lines around the eyes and mouth were noticeably reduced”. Other testers have said that the cream felt luxurious, was easily absorbed into the skin and had a pleasant but subtle smell.” The media accolades go on and on- in 2015 Allure gave the Acne Body Wash ($43) a Best of Beauty award, while that same year, Shape magazine declared Invisible Face Protector ($65) its Best Sunscreen for Face.
While Murad products are certainly popular in the media, they also seem to garner positive reviews from customers. Murad products sold on Amazon consistently get 3.5-5 star ratings. Some of the hands down winners are the Murad Age Reform AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser which has 4.5 stars from 294 customer reviews, and Murad Acne Clarifying Cleanser, which gets 4 stars from 221 reviews. Customer feedback on Sephora is also similar, with most products getting 4-5 stars.
Where are Murad products sold?
Murad products are sold individually as well as in kits on the Murad’s own website. There are multiple kits designed to treat acne prone skin, including 30 and 60 day kits, as well as kits targeting the signs of aging. Murad is also sold at Sephora, Ulta, CVS and department stores such as Nordstrom.
What are alternatives to Murad?
Murad certainly has a strong fan base but it may not be right for everyone- especially at the high price tag that accompanies those color coded products. Many of the key ingredients used in Murad products, such as retinols, antioxidants and peptides, can be found in other brands, such as Formulyst.
Formulyst champions long-term and effective skincare, rather than covering up any imperfections. Like Murad, the cornerstone of Formulyst is a serum. Serums are the workhorses of any skincare regimen, as they are lightweight, penetrate the skin and are highly concentrated.
Formulyst’s Pro-Collagen Serum contains a potent mix of peptides and proteins. Gently pat a few drops of this hydrating serum on the face to help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Formulyst’s Active Serum – Vitamin B, C, E, Ferulic + Niacinamide, is packed with a cocktail of antioxidants and vitamins to help protect skin and keep it looking bright and healthy.
Many of the other ingredients found in Murad’s line are also in Formulyst. Formulyst Blemish Clearing Complex helps dry out acne with a whole cocktail of bacteria fighting, pimple drying ingredients ncluding zinc oxide, salicylic acid, and camphor. Retinol is the force behind Formulyst’s Anti-Aging Night Cream. The cream delivers a high dose of retinol but also pulls double duty to leave it feeling soft and hydrated, thanks to nourishing jojoba and safflower seed oil.
If you like the idea of a skincare kit, consider Advanced Dermatology. The Advanced Dermatology line includes everything you need to address the signs of aging. The system can help diminish the appearance of wrinkles, reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation. The regimen also works to minimize redness, even out skin tone and improve the appearance of eye bags and dark circles. The kit includes a cleanser, serum, anti-wrinkle treatment, moisturizer, day cream and eye cream- in other words, everything you need for glowing, beautiful, healthy skin.
There’s no need to compromise when it comes to finding skincare that is effective and safe. Carrot & Stick takes a tough love approach to skincare, perfectly balancing the power of plants with cutting edge science. Not only is Carrot & Stick good for your skin, it is also good for the environment as the formulas skip harmful chemicals as well as the preservatives, emulsifiers and thickeners commonly found in skincare products.
Anabel Palacios Original review: Aug 04, 2020.
Murad received my returned products on July 14, 2020. Their website claims to process your refund 5-10 days upon receipt of products. As of today, August 4, 2020, I have not been refunded. I have heard multiple excuses on their end regarding the refund issue. Beware that obtaining your refund is not an easy process, at least not according to my experience.