Murad Essential-C Firming Radiance Day Cream

Murad Essential-C Firming Radiance Day Cream
8.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
6.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.3Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Does Murad Essential-C Firming Radiance Day Cream work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Murad Essential-C Firming Radiance Day Cream:

  • Intense moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 8.2 out of 10.
  • Some anti-wrinkle efficacy: Murad Essential-C Firming Radiance Day Cream has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.3 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Perfect moisturizer for normal to dry skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Murad Essential-C Firming Radiance Day Cream is intensely moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 8.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈9.0%) and Butylene Glycol (est. ≈3.0%), and a high occlusivity of 6.3 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Ethylhexyl Olivate (est. ≈6.0%) and Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter (est. ≈2.5%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with normal skin who want intense hydration in a rich yet not overly thick formula. It combines a high concentration of humectants with a significant amount of occlusive ingredients to provide effective dual-action moisturizing.

The product’s occlusive profile suggests a texture that is rich and creamy but not overly thick, offering the potential to absorb into the skin without leaving a greasy afterfeel in most cases.

This product may also be a good choice for people with dry (but not very dry) skin for daily hydration, as it strikes a balance between significant moisturizing potential and a texture that is not too thick.

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

Some anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Murad Essential-C Firming Radiance Day Cream has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 2.3 out of 10.

It contains 2 active ingredients with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy:

  • Niacinamide (est. ≈1.5%),
     one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients. A clinical study involving 30 participants (Kawada et al.) confirmed that a cream with 4% niacinamide reduced the average depth of wrinkles around the eyes by 9% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without niacinamide).
  • Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈0.3%),
     or Vitamin C, a popular ingredient, yet with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy, as confirmed by a single clinical study involving 20 participants (Humbert et al.). This study showed that a cream with a relatively high concentration of 5% ascorbic acid reduced the average wrinkle depth by 7% after 6 months of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without ascorbic acid).
Among others, Murad Essential-C Firming Radiance Day Cream also contains contains Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate and Biosaccharide Gum-4, two ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do not contribute to 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.

Rich in skin-protecting antioxidants

We estimate that Murad Essential-C Firming Radiance Day Cream is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil (est. ≈2.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
55
9
6
4
3
2.5
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexyl Olivate
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Dipentaerythrityl Hexa C5-9 Acid Esters
Function:
Origin:
Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Urea
Function:
Origin:
Yeast Amino Acids
Function:
Origin:
Trehalose
Function:
Origin:
Inositol
Function:
Origin:
Taurine
Function:
Origin:
Betaine
Function:
Origin:
Bacillus Ferment
Function:
Origin:
Biosaccharide Gum-4
Function:
Origin:
Glutathione
Function:
Origin:
Jojoba Esters
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitol
Function:
Origin:
Arachidyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Behenyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Coco-Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Arachidyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax
Function:
Origin:
Cyclodextrin
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Function:
Origin:
Glucose
Function:
Origin:
Gold (CI 77480)
Function:
Origin:
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Salicylate
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
TEA-Sulfate
Function:
Origin:
Diethyl Phthalate
Function:
Origin:
Glutaral
Function:
Origin:
Mineral Oil
Function:
Origin:
Formaldehyde
Function:
Origin:
Oxybenzone
Function:
Origin:
Petrolatum
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
17.5
9
3
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
12.6
6.0
2.5
2.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3 x 2
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
8.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 17.5 10
10.0
9
3
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 12.6 20
6.3
6.0
2.5
2.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3 x 2
Moisturizing rating
8.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
9
3
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 17.5 10
10
All humectants
17.5
9
3
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
2.5
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3 x 2
All occlusives 12.6 20
6.3
All occlusives
12.6
6.0
2.5
2.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3 x 2
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 1.5 2.2
2.5 /10 5 0.3 0.1
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
2.3
Niacinamide
2.2
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
1.5
Ascorbic Acid
0.1
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Biosaccharide Gum-4
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 5 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
5
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
2
Niacinamide
1.5
Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract
0.3
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
0.3
Glutathione
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1.5
0.3
0.3
All soothing 2.1 5 No
All soothing
2.1
1.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %55
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.
Glycerin
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Ethylhexyl Olivate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Ethylhexyl Olivate
Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate
Butylene Glycol
Est. %3
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.

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterA semi-solid, buttery fat extracted from the seeds of the Shea tree that is a wonderful occlusive and emollient ingredient mainly comprised of fatty acids. Shea butter contains a large amount of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed OilAn emollient and occlusive moisturizing oil derived from grape seeds that are leftover after juicing or wine production. It contains linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids, squalene, as well as phytosterols and various antioxidant compounds.
Niacinamide
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Propanediol
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Dipentaerythrityl Hexa C5-9 Acid Esters
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Dipentaerythrityl Hexa C5-9 Acid Esters
Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit ExtractAn extract derived from pineapple fruits that contains various antioxidants, vitamin C, and bromelain - an enzyme mixture that acts as a mild exfoliant. Bromelain also has some anti-inflammatory activity and may help with the healing of wounds and scars.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tetrahexyldecyl AscorbateA lipid-soluble form of vitamin C that is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. According to a recent clinical study, THDA has all the capabilities of regular vitamin C, including anti-wrinkle and anti-pigment activity.
Ascorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbic Acid

Also known as vitamin C, this multi-benefit ingredient has proven anti-wrinkle, antioxidant, and anti-pigmentation efficacy. It degrades easily when exposed to air and light, so it requires proper packaging to maintain its stability.

Urea
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
UreaUrea can be found in urine, skin, and other tissues as a degradation product of proteins. In concentrations below 5%, urea is humectant moisturizing. At concentrations above 10% it is keratolytic, that helps to break away old, flaking, and cracked skin.
Yeast Amino Acids
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Yeast Amino AcidsYeast amino acids are both essential and non-essential amino acids derived from yeast proteins. Some of the amino acids found in yeast are histidine, lysine, and cysteine. This ingredient is a humectant that moisturizes skin by attracting water.
Trehalose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TrehaloseA sweet-tasting saccharide that can be found in various yeasts and fungi and that is manufactured from starch for cosmetic purposes. It is one of the most popular sugars in skincare and is mainly used for its humectant properties.
Inositol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
InositolA humectant moisturizing, sugar-like compound that is present in all the cells of the body, but especially the brain. It is manufactured from sugar beets or carob tree pods for skincare purposes.
Taurine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Taurine
Betaine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BetaineAn ingredient derived from the sucrose in sugar beets. It has a negative chemical charge and a positive chemical charge on the same molecule. This allows betaine to be hygroscopic or humectant and thus provide moisturization by drawing water to the skin.
Bacillus Ferment
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bacillus FermentAn exfoliating mixture of fermentation products made by Bacillus subtilis. Its main active compound is a set of enzymes called proteases – which provide gentle exfoliation.
Biosaccharide Gum-4
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Biosaccharide Gum-4A sugar-derived gel which forms a water-binding film on the skin’s surface. This film allegedly protects the skin from environmental stressors.
Glutathione
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlutathioneA naturally occurring tripeptide that combats free radicals and acts as a reducing agent.
Jojoba Esters
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Jojoba EstersA mixture of various wax esters from jojoba oil. It is used in skincare products as a fantastic emollient, soothing, and occlusive moisturizing agent that won't leave a sticky, oily feeling on the skin.
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.

Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Squalane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Sorbitol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SorbitolA sweet-tasting alcohol derived from glucose. Aside from its sweet taste (for which it is used as a very common sweetener), Sorbitol is also very good at retaining water and is used in skincare as a humectant.
Arachidyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Arachidyl AlcoholA non-drying fatty alcohol that functions as an emollient, emulsion stabilizer, and viscosity controlling agent. It also produces a mattifying effect when applied in a skincare product onto the skin.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetearyl AlcoholA blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
Behenyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Behenyl AlcoholA fatty alcohol with emollient properties. It is used as a co-emulsifier and thickener and tends to result in a product with a smooth and creamy application texture.
Coco-Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Coco-GlucosideA mild cleansing and foaming agent. It can be used on its own as a gentle cleanser in a skin cleansing product or can be combined with more powerful cleansing agents, called anionic surfactants, to make them milder on the skin.
Arachidyl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Arachidyl GlucosideA mild cleanser and emulsifier that helps oil and water to mix and form emulsions.
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl AlcoholA waxy solid fatty alcohol derived from palm oil. It is most commonly used as a co-emulsifier and affects the final aesthetic of the product, leaving a soft and silky feeling on the skin. Cetyl alcohol is also used as a viscosity controlling agent.
Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax
Cyclodextrin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CyclodextrinA naturally derived ingredient with the ability to absorb other compounds and remove harmful metal ions from water.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerA synthetic ingredient that is used to thicken water and alcohol. It results in a more lightweight formula and is commonly found in gel products.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment FiltrateA biotechnological fermentation ingredient that is created by feeding radish root to Leuconostoc kimchii. It allegedly contains organic acids and a mixture of peptides known as bacteriocins – which have antimicrobial activity.
Glucose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlucoseA simple sugar that is also one of two components of sucrose, or table sugar. It is used as a humectant in skincare products. Glucose is also used to flavor lip care cosmetics because of its mildly sweet taste.
Gold (CI 77480)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Gold (CI 77480)

A colorant used in skincare, typically processed into fine particles for uniform dispersion. Its luxurious hue enhances product aesthetics, while its role as a slip and surface modifier improves texture and application. Despite touted anti-aging benefits, definitive scientific evidence is lacking.

Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tetrasodium Glutamate DiacetateA biodegradable chelating agent that chemically captures the heavy metal ions naturally present in water and disarms their harmful effects.
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.

Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChlorphenesinA preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Benzyl Salicylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl Salicylate

A fragrance ingredient with a sweet, floral, and slightly balsamic scent. It is one of the twenty-six fragrances that are considered allergens according to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), and so its use is restricted.

Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Limonene

One of the most used fragrances in skincare products. It is produced from the peels of citrus fruits and has a fresh, pleasant, citrusy smell. People who are sensitive to citrus should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.

Linalool
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LinaloolA fragrant, volatile compound naturally present in many essential oils. It has a pleasant scent and is often used in skincare products as a fragrance. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.
TEA-Sulfate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TEA-Sulfate
Diethyl Phthalate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Diethyl Phthalate
Glutaral
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glutaral
Mineral Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Mineral OilAlso known as liquid paraffin, it is an amazing moisturizer (the second most occlusive one after Petrolatum). It is also an excellent emollient that fills the micro-cracks on the surface of the skin, making it appear smoother. Mineral oil is considered safe.
Formaldehyde
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Formaldehyde
Oxybenzone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
OxybenzoneA chemical sunscreen that protects against burning caused by UVB radiation.
Petrolatum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PetrolatumAlso known as Vaseline, this is the most powerful occlusive moisturizer and at least twice as effective as other occlusives. This is why we multiply the petrolatum score by 2 when calculating the Occlusivity of the product. Petrolatum is not comedogenic.