Essential-C Cleanser

Name: Murad Essential-C Cleanser
Brand: Murad

cleanserpremium

Overall score8.0

✶ Hero ingredients

#2Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Gentle coconut-derived surfactant

#3Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate

Holds the formula together

#4Glycerin

One of the most effective humectants

Score breakdown

Overall

8.0

Hydration Efficacy8.4

Irritation Risk9.5

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Ingredients

Niacinamide
Retinol
Hyaluronic Acid
Salicylic Acid

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Honest skincare intel. No jargon, no gatekeeping — just the ingredients decoded.

Active Ingredient Strength4.4

Ingredient Transparency8.5

Formulation Safety9.0

Estimated — based on ingredient analysis. Scores refine as user reviews are added.

What makes Murad Essential-C Cleanser stand out

Murad Essential-C Cleanser is an excellent cleanser with an overall score of 8.0/9.8. Positioned in the premium bracket, it delivers a well-rounded formulation that balances efficacy with gentleness. The formula leads with Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Panthenol — ingredients that support the skin barrier and moisture levels.

It performs well on hydration (8.4) and low irritation risk (9.5). On the flip side, active ingredient concentration is on the lighter side.

Is this right for you?

Great for

✓Dry or dehydrated skin — strong moisture-binding profile
✓Sensitive skin — low irritation risk with a gentle formulation
✓Safety-conscious shoppers — clean formulation with minimal flags

Key ingredients

✶
Glycerin
Draws in moisture — #4 in the INCI list
✶
Butylene Glycol
Draws in moisture — #5 in the INCI list
✶
Panthenol
Draws in moisture — #9 in the INCI list
✶
Tocopheryl Acetate
Works on your skin — #11 in the INCI list
✶
Retinyl Palmitate
Works on your skin — #12 in the INCI list

Full ingredient list

32 ingredients — listed in INCI order (highest concentration first)

#1Water (Aqua)#2Cocamidopropyl Betaine #3Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate #4Glycerin #5Butylene Glycol #6Aminomethyl Propanol #7Polysorbate 20 #8Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer #9Panthenol #10Phospholipids #11Tocopheryl Acetate #12Retinyl Palmitate #13Ascorbyl Palmitate #14Ascorbic Acid #18Allantoin #19Sodium Pca #20Lactose #21Cellulose #22Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose #23Propyl Gallate #24Disodium Edta #25Phenoxyethanol #26Caprylyl Glycol #27Chlorphenesin #28Limonene #29Linalool #30Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil #31Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil #32Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Oil #33Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil #35Fragrance (Parfum)#36Iron Oxides (Ci 77492)

Compare with similar products

Kate Somerville DeliKate Soothing Cleanser8.4
cerave Hydrating cream-to-foam cleanser8.2
cerave Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser8.1
e.l.f. Cosmetics Holy Hydration! Daily Cleanser7.9
cerave Hydrating Cleanser7.8

Ingredient breakdown

Other ingredient6
Holds the formula together6
Works on your skin5
Draws in moisture4
Softens and smooths4
Keeps the product fresh3
Added scent3
Formula balancers1

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