Murad Clarifying Toner Review

Murad Clarifying Toner
3.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
6.1 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Ingredients

Murad Clarifying Toner Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Allantoin, Palmitoyl Hydroxypropyltrimonium Amylopectin/Glycerin Crosspolymer, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Menthol, Menthoxypropanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Citral, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil, Blue 1 (CI 42090), Ext. Violet 2 (CI 60730)
Review

Does Murad Clarifying Toner Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Murad Clarifying Toner has to offer:
 
✅ Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 3.2 out of 10.
✅ Soothing: Murad Clarifying Toner contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.

  

Key Benefits of Murad Clarifying Toner

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Murad Clarifying Toner:
 

🔵 Lightweight Moisturizer Well-Suited for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Murad Clarifying Toner is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 3.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.2 out of 10 and a high humectancy of 6.1 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈4.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is well-suited for oily skin, providing moderate hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It can also be a good option for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

💧 A Humectant Enhancement for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant enhancement will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

🔴 Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Murad Clarifying Toner is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water (est. ≈6.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Murad Clarifying Toner

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Murad Clarifying Toner to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Murad Clarifying Toner is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, this ingredient does not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

📌 Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of Murad Clarifying Toner

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Murad Clarifying Toner to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing well-suited for oily skin
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing enhancement, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
✅ Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, specifically Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Murad Clarifying Toner

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Murad Clarifying Toner
, when used alone, delivers lightweight, humectant-rich moisturizing that is well-suited for oily skin. As part of a moisturizing routine, it provides a humectant enhancement, beneficial for all skin types.
 
With a high concentration of soothing ingredients, Murad Clarifying Toner has the potential to calm and comfort irritated skin. Whether you’re experiencing redness, irritation, or general sensitivity, its soothing properties may help restore balance and provide relief.
 
That said, there are some things about Murad Clarifying Toner worth noting.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Murad Clarifying Toner is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.15
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
PPG-5-Ceteth-20
Function:
Origin:
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Hydroxypropyltrimonium Amylopectin/Glycerin Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
PEG-12 Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Menthol
Function:
Origin:
Menthoxypropanediol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Methylparaben
Function:
Origin:
Citral
Function:
Origin:
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil
Function:
Origin:
Blue 1 (CI 42090)
Function:
Origin:
Ext. Violet 2 (CI 60730)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
6.1
4
1.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
3.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 6.1 10
6.1
4
1.5
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
0.3
Moisturizing rating
3.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
1.5
0.3
0.3
All humectants 6.1 10
6.1
All humectants
6.1
4
1.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 1.2 3 No
All antioxidants
1.2
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
0.3
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
6
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 8.2 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
8.2
6
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) WaterA fragrant, astringent essential water obtained by steeping and distilling the twigs and leaves of the witch hazel plant. It leaves the skin feeling tight and refreshed after application and helps with the healing of small cuts on the skin.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Alcohol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
AlcoholAn effective antimicrobial ingredient that kills bacteria, fungi, and even some viruses. It is also an excellent solvent and astringent. Alcohol helps to create lighter and less viscous products. It can, however, be dehydrating and skin-sensitizing.
PPG-5-Ceteth-20
Est. %2
Function
Origin
PPG-5-Ceteth-20A synthetic emulsifier that can also contribute to the smooth feel of a product.
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Chondrus Crispus ExtractAn extract from the species of red marine algae called Irish moss or carrageen moss. It is edible and widely used to produce carrageenan, a polysaccharide with humectant moisturizing and soothing properties.
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit ExtractA soothing, cooling, and emollient extract derived from cucumbers. Cucumber has been used in skincare for centuries and is used to treat skin problems such as eye swelling, sunburn, and itchy and irritated skin.
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract

A fragrant extract from lemon peels that contains various antioxidant flavonoids, organic acids, and limonoids – which are currently under investigation as potential anti-wrinkle and anti-pigment compounds.

Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Calendula Officinalis Flower ExtractAn extract derived from the flowers of the pot marigold. Its yellow to bright orange flowers contain carotenoids, triterpenoids, and flavonoids. They all have fantastic anti-inflammatory activity and can help to soothe inflamed skin.
Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LecithinA humectant, emollient, and emulsifier best suited for water-in-oil emulsions. Lecithin can come from sunflowers, soy, and eggs. The downside to lecithin is that it causes an extra burden on the formula’s preservative because it is nutritious.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Magnesium Ascorbyl PhosphateOne of the best-researched derivatives of vitamin C. It is more resistant to light and air and retains all the properties of ascorbic acid – antioxidant, collagen-boosting, and anti-pigmentation, but with less irritation.
Allantoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AllantoinA fluffy, white powder that acts as a humectant due to its water-loving chemistry and as an exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells. It has also been shown to be very soothing to irritated and inflamed skin.
Palmitoyl Hydroxypropyltrimonium Amylopectin/Glycerin Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Hydroxypropyltrimonium Amylopectin/Glycerin Crosspolymer
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed ExtractA potent antioxidant and emollient extract derived from grape seeds. It contains antioxidant flavonoids, tannins, proanthocyanidins, phytosterols, carotenoids, and vitamin E. It is often used in skincare products aimed at soothing and healing irritated skin.
PEG-12 Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-12 DimethiconeA synthetic silicone that improves lubricity and absorption.
Menthol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MentholA volatile compound isolated from peppermint oil. It causes a cooling sensation on the skin that can be very soothing. Menthol can also act as a topical painkiller. In more sensitive individuals, however, it may cause skin irritation or an allergy.
Menthoxypropanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Menthoxypropanediol
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Methylparaben
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MethylparabenA preservative that keeps a product unspoiled. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding parabens, although the concentrations found in cosmetic formulations are generally considered to be safe.
Citral
Est. %0.15
Function
Origin
Citral

A fragrant compound found in many essential oils (especially lemon myrtle and lemongrass essential oil). It has a sweet, lemon-like scent. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid products with citral, or at least do a patch test before using.

Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus OilAn essential oil with a fresh, minty, and lemony scent. It is obtained from the West Indian lemongrass, also known as camel grass, and some studies suggest that it has an antibacterial effect.
Blue 1 (CI 42090)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Blue 1 (CI 42090)A synthetic dye commonly known as Brilliant Blue FCF that produces rich blue colors for various cosmetic uses. FD&C Blue #1 can also be found in foods, medications, and dietary supplements, as it is considered non-toxic and safe for use.
Ext. Violet 2 (CI 60730)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ext. Violet 2 (CI 60730)