Murad

Murad Retinal.

Retinoids

About this product

A retinol treatment designed to address signs of aging and support skin renewal with a formulation positioned as a moderately potent retinoid option.

Guru Score

67%

Mixed

Early verdict · Few reviews so far

What the gurus are saying

One expert praised Murad as a stronger retinol option for mature skin. However, a dermatologist found the formula problematic: water and silicones create a silky base, but the third ingredient is isopropyl alcohol (which can clog pores), and it contains fragrances like citronellol that can irritate, particularly risky for anyone with a compromised skin barrier or acne. That same dermatologist also experienced significant irritation when using it under the eyes, where skin is thinner and more reactive. The verdict splits sharply on whether this product's price matches its safety profile for sensitive areas.

Synthesized from 2 expert reviews · most recent take March 2026

What they liked

Stronger retinol formulation

What they flagged

Irritating fragrance ingredients
Comedogenic isopropyl tape in formula
Can severely irritate delicate eye area

Best for

Mature skin

Type

RetinoidsCream

Where to buy

Sephora → Ulta → Amazon → Google → iHerb →

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What the gurus are saying.

Every take we've logged from this product's reviews across YouTube. Click any row to watch the moment they said it.

All takes Yay takes Nay takes Mixed takes Hide sponsored

Darnell Cox | 50+ Healthy Aging Expert

55k subs

~Yay

"This is Murad, a retinol that's a little bit stronger than the over-the-counter ones I'd shown, one step closer to prescription strength. This is a great product as well."

All 6 takes from Darnell Cox | 50+ Healthy Aging Expert

Which Retinoid is right for YOUR skin❓ Watch this IG LIVE SHOW as I walk you through all of the dif

"Murad makes a good retinal which is a little bit more irritating than some of the others because it's stronger and this also is a retinal formula so a little bit more stronger than some of the other retinols that you can get without a prescription."

All of your pressing questions answered in today’s Instagram live show!

"Murad, which is a retinol which is a little bit stronger"

All of your pressing questions answered in today’s Instagram live show!

"Murad is a retinol which is a little bit stronger."

Why is Skincare so Important for Healthy Aging?🤔 Find out on today’s IG LIVE SHOW! 🤩 Let’s start w

"The Murad Resurgence retinol resculpt overnight treatment is an encapsulated vitamin A and it's 2.5 times as effective as free retinol. It has complimentary ingredients which is great, so it's ideal for balanced, oily, combination, and dry skin."

Which Retinoid is right for YOUR skin? Watch this IG LIVE SHOW as I walk you through all of the dif

"I love Murad. I was in my 20s when I discovered Murad and since then I've gone on to other things but my mother still uses Murad and has their whole system. [...] It's a great company. This is Murad Resurgence with retinal. [...] You know that this is a stronger over-the-counter retinoid. [...] There's a lot of other ingredients in it but it does say potent treatment with retinal, one of the most efficacious forms of retinoid, helps to restore firmer appearance."

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"This is Murad, a retinol that's a little bit stronger than the over-the-counter ones I'd shown, one step closer to prescription strength. This is a great product as well."

Dr. Vanita Rattan

1.23M subs

~Nay

"My impression is this price tag is very unfair and it's just not worth your money"

All 2 takes from Dr. Vanita Rattan

I TESTED every RETINOL in Sephora

"My impression is this price tag is very unfair and it's just not worth your money"

BRIDAL SKINCARE MISTAKES

"I tried retinol under my eyes [...] and essentially burnt my skin. [...] It was the Murad range so I can't remember what percentage, but I'm not a fan of [...] it. I've got [...] dry, thin skin under my eyes and no matter what I do with makeup it's damaged. The skin barrier is [...] just wrinkles basically. I never used to have them until I did that."

What the evidence says.

Independent of what the gurus think, this is what the published research supports about the main active ingredients here.

Frequently asked.

What is Murad Retinal?

A retinol treatment designed to address signs of aging and support skin renewal with a formulation positioned as a moderately potent retinoid option.

Is Murad Retinal worth it?

The gurus mostly approve it, but with enough reservations to keep it in the middle at a Guru Score of 67%.

What is Murad Retinal's Guru Score?

Murad Retinal holds a Guru Score of 67%. That is our read on how warmly the experts talk about it, based on the verdicts of 2 expert reviewers we have collected.