Murad Skincare finally available in Germany – My reviews

It wasn’t that long ago (January 2019, to be precise, I caught it on video here) that I moaned about the fact that Murad Skincare, a brand I was very curious to try, was not available in Germany. The Murad Skincare Reviews I had read put it right at the top of my “To Buy” list, and only my Low Buy Year 2019 was to blame for the fact that I hadn’t already placed a huge order.

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A few Murad Skincare Reviews coming your way.
A few Murad Skincare Reviews coming your way.
It is funny how things work out though, because now, three months later, buying Murad in Germany is as easy as walking into your local Douglas, and I am sitting here with quite a few Murad Skincare Reviews up my sleeve, coming at you over the course of the next weeks.
Before I go in depth about each product though, I wanted to introduce you to the brand and give you a quick overview, Murad Mini Reviews if you want, so should you stumble upon the brand in the next few days, you’d know what products to spend your money on.

Brand Testimonial

At Murad we believe there is a powerful connection between the mind, body and skin, which we call Connected Beauty. It inspires you to take care of your skin not only with our efficacious products, but also with proper nutrition, physical activity and stress management.

 

Murad Skincare Background information

The brand was founded in 1989 by dermatologist and pharmacist Dr. Howard Murad. He suffered from acne in his teens, so after finishing his training he decided to focus on helping people with skin problems.
Over the course of time several lines, targeting different skin concerns, were created, all easy to distinguish by the color-coordinated packaging.
The product I tested are from the Environmental Shield line (yellow packaging, with a focus on antioxidants and protecting against environmental aggressors) and the Age Reform line (purple packaging, aimed at aging skin).
The brand is pricey, no denying that, and I do understand that this is not for everyone, but I believe that in some products the price is absolutely justified.

So without further ado, lets dive into the Murad Skincare (Mini-) Reviews.

 

Murad Environmental Shield Essential-C Cleanser
Murad Environmental Shield Essential-C Cleanser

Murad Environmental Shield Essential-C Cleanser (43,99€ for 200 ml)

What Murad Essential-C Cleanser claims

Patented antioxidant-rich cleanser using Vitamins A, C and E neutralize and rehydrate environmentally damaged skin by removing impurities and awakening the senses with a burst of citrus.

What it is

A refreshing gel cleanser using gentle surfactants that contains humectants, Vitamin C, E and A (as Retinol Palmitate, so very weak) and leaves my skin refreshed, clean and hydrated. Despite it saying “burst of citrus” on the packaging, the scent is very subtle and more fresh than citrussy.

It does contain Fragrance and Citrus Essential Oils.

Who do I recommend it to

All skin types as a refreshing morning cleanse or as second cleanse in the evenings for normal, combination and oily skin.

 

Murad Age Reform AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Murad Age Reform AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

Murad Age Reform AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser (43,99€ for 200 ml)

What Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser claims

This intensive cleanser polishes away dullness and impurities with three exfoliating agents—Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, and Glycolic Acid—and Jojoba beads revealing a smoother, younger-looking complexion.

What it is

A SLS based exfoliating cleanser that contains three different acids (Glycolic, Lactic and Salicylic) as well as gentle Jojoba beads for exfoliation. You might have guessed it already, this is NOT a gentle cleanser, despite the added humectants, and I personally found it to be quite drying. If you feel your skin is congested/ has texture/ needs a deep cleanse with exfoliation, this will help, but I would not reach for it more than once a week, and certainly not as my daily cleanse.

Who do I recommend it to

People with oily and congested skin as a once a week treatment. It leaves my skin soft and bright, but also in need of some extra hydration.

Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture
Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture (travel size pictured)

Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture (84 € for 50 ml)

What Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture claims

A luxurious, yet lightweight cream that provides 24-hour hydration to restore suppleness and visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

What it is

Exactly what it claims on the packaging – an ultra hydrating, yet lightweight cream that never feels heavy on my combination skin and has no noticeable scent.

It contains Shea Butter, Glycerin, Urea, Avocado and Sunflower Seed Oil for moisturizing, Bisabolol and Allantoin to soothe and hydrate as well as Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminobutyroyl Hydroxythreonine and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, two peptides aimed at stimulating collagen synthesis.

Another interesting peptide addition is Tetradecyl Aminobutyroylvalylaminobutyric Urea Trifluoroacetate (a tripeptide marketed as Syn-Hycan), which has been shown to have biological activity by boosting the production of hyauronan (HA). HA is a very important molecule for the hydration of the skin, however the levels of HA in the body decrease as the body ages. It has also been claimed that TAUT stimulates the production of the proteins decorin and lumican. Decorin and lumican provide collagen fibres with greater structural support by binding the fibres together, to give the skin a fuller and firmer look.

Psst, if you want to learn more about peptides, click here.

Who do I recommend it to

All skin types, but especially mature skin because of the peptides. If you are below 35, you probably not yet need it.
Murad Nutrient-Charged Water Gel
Murad Nutrient-Charged Water Gel

Murad Nutrient-Charged Water Gel (67,99€ for 50 ml)

What Murad Nutrient Charged Water Gel claims

Intensely hydrating oil-free water gel contains revolutionary Cumulative Hydration-Release Technology that instantly locks moisture to skin and increases retention for up to 5 days*. A nutrient-charged blend of peptides, vitamins and minerals strengthens the skin’s barrier for plump, smooth skin.

What it is

A silicone based gel that feels simultaneously like nothing and incredibly hydrating on the scent. It is pink in color and has a slightly sweet scent, which should both play no role, but make using it extra enjoyable.
Other than a blend of humectants it contains three different types of ceramics as well as sh-Ologopeptides (which mimick EGF in the skin and thus promote cell renewal), fermented ingredients and my favorite, niacinamide.
This gel works both mornings and night on my face, plumping and soothing my skin that can be a little irritated by my prescription retinoid. Without a doubt my favorite out of all products mentioned here.
It does contain fragrance, should you plan to avoid that.

Who do I recommend it to

While the creaminess and peptides make it seem more suitable for mature skin, I feel like every age could benefit from using this gel. It is light enough to even work on very oily skin, should it need help in restoring a disrupted skins barrier, but provides intense hydration, so even drier skin types would probably enjoy it.
If you try one thing, make it this one.

 

Murad Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil
Murad Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil

Murad Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil (81€ for 30 ml)

What Murad Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil claims

This revolutionary, non-comedogenic treatment oil is powered by 6 key vitamins, A through F, that synergistically target signs of aging, boost hydration, brighten skin, and defend from free radicals for a more youthful-looking complexion. Feather-light formula absorbs quickly for an instant dose of radiance while helping balance skin for a healthy, vibrant glow.

What it is

An ultra-nourishing, yet light weight facial oil. The base is Jojoba Oil, so it works on oily skin types too, and has Vitamins A to F added to the blend:

Vitamin A (as Retinyl propionate, a weak retinoid), Vitamin B ( as Panthenyl Triacetate, a Panthenol-Ester, which is soothing), Vitamin C (as Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, which is less irritating and more stable than L-Ascorbic Acid), Vitamin D (7-Dehydrocholesterol, converted to Vitamin D3 in the skin), Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate, an antioxidant) and Vitamin F (also known as fatty acids, Linoleic Acid and Linolenic Acid). On top of that it contains Hexylresorcinol (a skin brightening antioxidant) and Rice Bran Extract (again, brightening).

It does contain fragrance and linalool/limonene as part of essential oils too.

Who do I recommend it to

Again, any skin type could use it, but mature skins that need extra nourishment will probably benefit the most. I enjoy it very much.

 

Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30/PA+++
Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30/PA+++

Murad Age Reform Invisiblur Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30 / PA+++ (73,99€ for 30 ml)

What Murad Age Reform Invisiblur Perfecting Shield claims

Blurs. Primes. Protects. Skincare meets makeup in this non-comedogenic, colorless hybrid primer that flatters any skin tone. A skin-perfecting blend of mushroom peptides treats as Soft-Focus Complex primes for up to 12 hours of flawless makeup wear, visibly reducing the appearance of pores, fine lines and uneven texture. Invisible SPF shields against UVA/UVB damage without streaks or a white cast.

What it is

A skincare/makeup hybrid, and these always leave me a little confused. I don’t mind the added skincare benefits, but tend to rely on my serums for the heavy lifting there.

From a sunscreen perspective, it is important to know that this is a US based sunscreen, so can’t use many of the more modern filters we in the EU have access to. If you look at the filters used though, 2% Avobenzone (UVA), 4% Homosalate (UVB), 4% Octisalate (stabilizes Avobenzone, weak UVB protection) and 2% Octocrylene (stabilizes Avobenzone, UVB and a little UVA), you will find an effective and stabilized blend.

My main issue with using that as a sunscreen though is the fact that if you apply as much as recommended for your spa, it feels weird on the skin, so I guess most people will use a thinner layer, compromising on protection.

As a makeup primer though, this is beautiful. The silicone heavy formula means it never feels greasy, but almost powdery to the touch, it blurs my pores and fine lines and my makeup, applied on top, stays put all day long.

Red flags for some might be the added fragrance as well as alcohol, making its appearance mid way through the ingredient list.

Who do I recommend it to

As a makeup primer to everyone that wants a blurred complexion and long lasting makeup. As sunscreen I would personally only use it underneath my makeup for office days, but not for a beach day out.

 

Bottom line

Murad Skincare was worth the wait for me. While not every product would be repurchased by me (I don’t think I love the AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser enough), others like the Murad Nutrient-Charged Water Gel and the Murad Multi-Vitamin Infused Face Oil already earned their place in my regular routine.

More in-depth Murad Skincare Reviews will follow over the course of the next weeks, but until then I would love to know which products I should add to my wish list. I have a feeling I am just getting started here…

 

Murad Skincare - What is worth your money?
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Shop the post

If you notice the prices here are lower here than the ones mentioned above, that is because the links below go to UK websites were the products are still more affordable. You have to of course take shipping into account when deciding where to get them. In Germany, Murad Skincare is exclusively available at Douglas.

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