Anti-Aging Items From Murad That Dermatologists Say Are Worth The Splurge | HuffPost Life
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Anti-Aging Items From Murad That Dermatologists Say Are Worth The Splurge | HuffPost Life

Oct 15, 2024

The clinical skin care company Murad is by no means a recent institution. In fact, according to both the brand and board-certified dermatologist with MDCS Dermatology, Dr. Brendan Camp, it’s been around since the late ’80s and has managed to stick around for a few different reasons.

“[It’s} been a reliable and established skin care line because of its emphasis of developing products backed by science that improve the health of the skin and the well-being of the user,” Camp said, making particular note of Murad’s many formulations aimed at slowing the signs of aging.

In a time when the beauty market is oversaturated with expensive skin care products that claim to do all kinds of wonders for aging complexions, this can make the Murads of the world worth the investment because, let’s be honest, the selection isn’t the most affordable.

“The price of a skin care product can be influenced by a number of factors, such as the purity, stability, and sourcing of ingredients,” Camp explained.

He added that ingredient potency is also a factor when it comes to cost. Products like Murad’s Retinol Youth Renewal eye serum (a particularly effective formulation, according to Camp), based on a close read of its ingredient list, has a higher and more powerful concentration of “actives.” (Actives are essentially the effective ingredients in a formulation that are meant to target a specific skin concern.

You can learn more about this eye serum and other Camp-mentioned anti-aging products from Murad in the list ahead, along with other products that we deem to be worth the price tag.

HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change. The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.

Dr. Brendan Camp, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, cited this potent eye serum as a favorite anti-aging product from Murad's Renewal line.

"Retinol, cotton wool grass extract, and marine kelp complex are featured in this eye serum to improve the appearance of tired eyes, improve hydration, and limit the formation of fine lines," Camp said of this formula.

According to Camp, retinol is an ingredient that appears in many anti-aging products because of its ability to improve collagen production to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. This formula utilizes three different types of gradual-release retinol, an ingredient that's clinically proven to promote collagen production. The serum also addresses skin dryness for up to 24 hours.

According to Camp, this mineral-based SPF 50 sunscreen protects the skin from damaging UV rays as well as aging blue light from screens and overhead lighting. This is because of the inclusion of iron oxides, which gives the formula a slightly peach tint and a luminous and radiance-boosting finish that won't look dry and chalky, even on deeper skin tones, according to the brand.

The City Skin also offers antioxidant benefits in the form of lutein, a carotenoid that further defends the skin, as well as a polymer matrix that blocks environmental pollutants that can cause premature skin aging.

Based on Camp's previous guidance on retinol, we found this very well-known night cream that features a triple retinol complex as its main active ingredient. This preventative and corrective cream is intensely hydrating on the skin using glycerin, an effective humectant that draws moisture into the skin.

Additionally, it contains brightening and antioxidant-rich niacinamide and a plumping peptide, two ingredients that Camp also mentioned were effective inclusions featured in many anti-aging Murad products.

Just as Camp explained how retinol works preventatively to treat signs of aging like the formation of fine lines and collagen loss, retinals can help correct the aging of skin that's already occurred. We chose to include this overnight encapsulated retinal treatment because it's one of the brand's best-selling and highly reviewed products designed to lift and improve skin sagging and smooth deeper-set wrinkles.

The encapsulated component of this serum means that active ingredients are more stable and will be delivered deeper into the skin. This treatment also contains olive, oat and alpha glucan to help boost moisture and strengthen the skin barrier.

Promising Murad reviews: "Been using this stuff for over a month & have noticed drastic improved around eye area & elasticity. Glad I bought it & will highly recommend it!" — Yolanda

"This product is great. The overall appearance of my skin has dramatically improved. In fact after going in to see my dermatologist regarding something else, my Dr. said “your skin looks fabulous what ever you’re doing keep it up.” Which only gave me more motivation to continue, because that’s her field, she’d know best." — Abby

Another ingredient that Camp said is present in many of Murad's anti-aging formulations is glycolic acid — a standout part of this dark spot-eliminating serum that we selected based on Camp's guidance,

"Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that gently exfoliates skin to improve texture and improve brightness," he said.

In addition to featuring glycolic acid, this correcting treatment also contains a skin-evening complex that's exclusive to the brand. Plus, the formula list also includes tranexamic acid, a trendy and new-on-the-scene ingredient that we've been previously told by dermatologists is excellent for lightening dark spots, reducing hyperpigmentation and lessening the appearance of acne scars.

In the same spirit of of glycolic acid, we selected this daily replenishing skin peel specifically developed to rapidly accelerate cell renewal, thus eliminating sun damage, irregular skin texture and improving overall skin clarity over time — all without being overly aggressive like the in-office chemical peels that probably come to mind.

The reason for this is Murad's choice to include adaptogenic holy basil, an antioxidant that's packed with omega-rich oils to help soothe, defend and strengthen skin.

The triple blend of acids used in this toner include glycolic, tranexamic acid and salicylic, which is a trusted and well-studied beta hydroxy acid essential for deep cleaning pores.

Promising Murad reviews: "Very hydrating. I use it every other day- leaves my 58 year old skin very dewy!" — Jody H.

"The multi acid peel works wonders. It completely obliterated a wrinkle line on my neck. it does exactly what it says it’s gonna do. Would definitely purchase again." — Deanna

"This product is like the Fountain of Youth. My best friend asked me what I was using on my face!" — Kathleen

We're big fans of peptides at HuffPost because, as Camp reminded us, "the inclusion of peptides in skincare may encourage cellular production of structural proteins like collagen and elastin, which help skin stay firm and youthful."

Peptides — five to be exact — are predominantly featured in Murad's nutrient-charged water gel, a super lightweight moisturizer that instantly plumps, hydrates and potentially strengthens skin. Rated a near-perfect five stars on Murad, this formulation is also loaded with vitamins and minerals that claim to work together to support healthy skin and reduce dryness-related fine lines.

Camp would agree that sun protection is probably one of the most important aspects of anti-aging skin care. We selected this SPF-infused moisturizer from Murad's Resurgence line, formulated specifically for mature skin.

It contains a base of shea butter, sunflower grape seed and avocado oil to deeply hydrate, plant proteins for restoring skin's natural balance, as well as phytoestrogens, an ingredient that the brand claims can help improve elasticity.

Promising Murad reviews: "THIS IS AND I MEAN THIS IS THE ONLY CREAM THAT WORKS OVER AND BEYOND Been using 7 years maybe lomger) and only need a small amount because this cream IS BEYOND MOISTURIZING IT SPEADS ON YOUR FACE LIKE BUTTER! It is the only cream that not only keeps my face moisturized but even helps with oily spots! It is the only cream I can put on my face before my powder and makes my face look so good so young so good I get so many compliments I have TRIED SO MANY MANY EXPENSIVE AND IN EXPENSIVE CREAMS AND I AM DONE “TRYING” anything anymore as I HAVE FOUND THE ONLY CREAM THAT WORKS SO PERFECT IN EVERY WAY THAT ITS WORTH THE PRICE!' — Joy

"It is the best moisturizer for my naturally dry 70 year old skin. A more youthful appearance." — Theresa P.

"I am 68 years old and must have sun protection without breakouts. This lotion is seriously protective. But it also has evened out my skin tone and cleared up any spots or dryness. It does not cause breakouts. Simply perfect. Used with the matching cleanser improves the results." — Roxanne B.

We selected this recovery serum for the face and eyes for a few a different reasons, namely its 4.9 out of 5 stars on Murad, its promising selection of positive reviews and an ingredient list that includes neuropeptides, a chain of amino acids that may communicate with skin cells to produce more collagen.

The Revitalixier, which claims to use a unique ingredient delivery system in the form of spheres, contains cannabis sativa oil (don't worry, it's non-psychoactive) to restore suppleness to the skin, as well as caffeine, an ingredient useful in more than just your morning coffee. There is some evidence to support that, due to its antioxidant properties, topical applications of caffeine may aid in reducing the appearance of wrinkles caused by sun damage.

Promising Murad reviews: "I’m surprised I like this serum as much as I do. With so many options in the market it’s hard to pick - tried this to go with the retinal anti- aging products- they play well together. Serious hydration and plumping - not heavy or greasy. Skin feels soft and glowing. I’m new to Murad products and liking the array of products to cater to specific needs. In my 50’s. Addressing sun damage- melasma - fine lines." — Sharon E.

"I can actually see and feel the difference each time I use this, within minutes of applying it to my face and neck. I also apply it underneath my eyes, and it tightens and depuffs my skin. I had a feeling that it would be amazing for my skin and under my eyes, and it exceeded my expectations! It is a Murad product I will always keep in my skincare routine from here on out." — Laura

If fine lines and crepey skin is your main concern, we suggest this targeted wrinkle corrector because of its Camp-noted star ingredient, hexapeptide, a peptide that promises to boost skin elasticity and prevent the formation of future fine lines that form due to repeated facial expressions. It also addresses dryness by using plant-derived squalane and a filler-esque hyaluronic acid that draws moisture into the skin. You can apply this in high-expression areas like around the eyes, sides of the mouth and center of the forehead using the cooling metal applicator.

Tackling both dryness and other key signs of skin aging, applying this multi-vitamin infusion oil isn't like slapping on a greasy product that sits on the skin and causes breakouts. According to reviewers, it soaks in seamlessly and leaves skin plump, supple, hydrated and supremely soft.

Users can expect to find six different vitamins in this formula, each one aimed at common skin concerns like loss of firmness, dullness, irregular texture and a weakened skin barrier. The antioxidants vitamins C, E and D can also defend against environmental stressors that can cause premature skin aging.

Promising Murad reviews: "I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect of this oil, but WOW. I love it. It’ll definitely be a staple for me. As I write this, it’s July and I know I will love it even more in the cold winter months. What I love: my skin feels so soft and supple in the morning. I apply the oil at night and by morning my skin feels somehow so much more plump than the night before. I love that a little bit goes a long way. I love that the thinner consistency soaks into my skin without leaving it feeling greasy. I’m not sure when one is supposed to apply this oil, but I apply mine last in my evening routine and that’s been working well for me. Definitely recommend and will buy again." — Adrienne

"I’m 76 years old. I started using the Multi Vitamin Infusion Oil on my crepey arms and neck 3 months ago. Apply it morning and night. It has reversed the creepiness on my arms by at least 75% and while my neck was not really so bad, as I’ve always used good skin care products on it, my daughter asked me today what I’ve done differently because 'your neck looks the best ever!' She’s ordering the oil now!!" — Chris H.

Promising Murad reviews:Promising Murad reviews:Promising Murad reviews:Promising Murad reviews:Promising Murad reviews: What I love: my skin feels so soft and supple in the morning. I apply the oil at night and by morning my skin feels somehow so much more plump than the night before.It has reversed the creepiness on my arms by at least 75%