Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum Review

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum
5.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Review

Does Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.
  • Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.5 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.

Key Benefits of Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum:
 

Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.3 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈9.0%), Butylene Glycol (est. ≈6.0%) and Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract (est. ≈4.0%).

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

It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost 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.

Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 2.5 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Retinol (est. ≈0.1%), 
 the most effective non-prescription anti-wrinkle ingredient. Numerous clinical studies have shown its positive effects at concentrations as low as 0.1%. A study with 36 participants (Kafi et al.) confirmed that a lotion containing 0.4% retinol reduced wrinkle severity by 21% after 24 weeks of use, compared to the same formulation without retinol (vehicle).
 
Among others, Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum also contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Retinyl Propionate, Swertia Chirata Extract, and Fucus Vesiculosus Extract. 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.

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

Things to Be Aware Of: Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum to your skincare routine:
 

May Increase Skin Photosensitivity Due to Retinol

This product contains retinol, which offers powerful anti-wrinkle benefits. The mechanism behind retinol’s action is boosting cell turnover. This process exposes new, more delicate skin, making it more vulnerable to sun damage.

As a result, using products with retinol may increase the skin's sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays.

To protect the skin, dermatologists recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 throughout the duration of retinol treatment, along with avoiding direct sun exposure. Retinol should be used at night, as it is sensitive to sunlight and can lose its potency when exposed to UV rays.

Please always check the manufacturer's instructions for using the retinol-containing products, either on their website or product label.

Pros & Cons of Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy

Cons: 

  • May increase skin photosensitivity due to retinol

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
9
6
4
3
2.5
2
0.1
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Function:
Origin:
Meadowfoam Delta-Lactone
Function:
Origin:
Retinyl Propionate
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Swertia Chirata Extract
Function:
Origin:
Urea
Function:
Origin:
Yeast Amino Acids
Function:
Origin:
Trehalose
Function:
Origin:
Inositol
Function:
Origin:
Taurine
Function:
Origin:
Betaine
Function:
Origin:
Fucus Vesiculosus Extract
Function:
Origin:
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Isopropyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
PVP
Function:
Origin:
Hexylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Punica Granatum Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
PVM/MA Decadiene Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Function:
Origin:
PEG-8
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Bisulfite
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Function:
Origin:
Red 4 (CI 14700)
Function:
Origin:
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
21.7
9
6
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 21.7 10
10.0
9
6
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
9
6
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 21.7 10
10
All humectants
21.7
9
6
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
All occlusives
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
10 /10 0.4 0.1 2.5
n/a
- 4 -
n/a
- 2 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
2.5
Retinol
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
4
Retinyl Propionate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
2
Swertia Chirata Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Fucus Vesiculosus Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 1.2 3 No
All antioxidants
1.2
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract
0.3
Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract
0.3
Punica Granatum Seed Oil
0.3
Sodium Bisulfite
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.6 5 No
All soothing
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %65
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.

Butylene Glycol
Est. %6
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.

Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Imperata Cylindrica Root ExtractAn extract obtained from cogongrass roots. According to the patent holder, it contains significant amounts of potassium, a humectant and anti-wrinkle compound, as well as sulfur-containing proteins.
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Dimethyl IsosorbideA solvent for active ingredients that is claimed to help them better penetrate the outer layer of skin. It also helps to reduce the thickness of a product.
Meadowfoam Delta-Lactone
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Meadowfoam Delta-Lactone
Retinyl Propionate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Retinyl PropionateAn esterified vitamin A that has better stability and, according to studies, works just as well as retinol in anti-aging and acne-reducing products. It speeds up skin cell regeneration and boosts collagen production.
Retinol
Est. %0.1
Function
Origin
Retinol

One of the most famous and well-researched anti-aging ingredients with a maximum anti-wrinkle power of 10 out of 10. It is proven to decrease wrinkles and help the skin regain its thickness, firmness, and texture. Retinol is also effective in treating pigmentation issues such as dark spots and acne.

Swertia Chirata Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Swertia Chirata ExtractAn extract from Swertia chirata, a popular medicinal herb. The plant is a source of various skin healing compounds and has been shown to have the ability to increase skin regeneration and reduce the appearance of vertical wrinkles.
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.
Fucus Vesiculosus Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Fucus Vesiculosus ExtractAn extract from a brown sea algae called bladderwrack. It was shown to increase skin elasticity in one study and boost collagen and HA production in another. Polysaccharides are able to treat irritated and dry skin.
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycine Soja (Soybean) ExtractExtracted from soybeans, this ingredient contains antioxidant and soothing phytochemicals and is especially suitable for aging skin.
Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) ExtractAn extract obtained from Giant kelp that is rich in gel-forming and thickening polysaccharides.
Isopropyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isopropyl PalmitateAn emollient ester of palmitic acid and isopropanol that gives the skin a smooth, soft, dry, non-oily after-feel. Isopropyl palmitate is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
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.
PVP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PVPAn excellent film-former used in hairsprays, peel-off masks, and even some self-tanning products. These films are strong and hold onto the skin.
Hexylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexylene GlycolA multifunctional ingredient that is best known for its use as a solvent. It can dissolve both water-based ingredients and oils. For this reason, it can also function as an emulsifier, allowing oil and water ingredients to mix and remain stable.
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.
Punica Granatum Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Punica Granatum Seed OilAn emollient and occlusive moisturizing pomegranate seed oil that is rich in a rare fatty acid called punicic acid, and that contains a high content of the antioxidant vitamin E.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
PVM/MA Decadiene Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PVM/MA Decadiene Crosspolymer
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.
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Vegetable ProteinA blanket term used for plant-based proteins that have been processed into smaller chunks. They add to the skincare product's film-forming and water-binding properties.
PEG-8
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-8A synthetic liquid that serves as a humectant. It also works as a solvent because of its ability to dissolve a wide range of ingredients.
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Sodium Bisulfite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BisulfiteAn inorganic salt that kills bacteria and protects against oxidation.
Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
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.

Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChlorphenesinA preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.
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.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)One of two the most commonly used mineral sunscreens. It can absorb UV light, including UVB – which causes burning, tanning, and even skin cancer. Also used as a colorant, titanium dioxide gives a product a bright white color.
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Synthetic FluorphlogopiteAlso known as synthetic mica, this ingredient’s best property is its ability to form thin, sheet-like crystals. This gives products (mostly makeup) great slip.
Red 4 (CI 14700)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Red 4 (CI 14700)A synthetic dye that is also known as FD&C Red No. 4. This colorant produces a warm red hue that has an orange or yellow undertone.
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)A bright yellow colorant that is often also listed as FD&C Yellow 5.