Murad Vitamin C Glycolic Brightening Serum

Murad Vitamin C Glycolic Brightening Serum
4.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
7.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
2.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.2Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle

Review

Results you may expect from using Murad Vitamin C Glycolic Brightening Serum:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Murad Vitamin C Glycolic Brightening Serum:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.8 out of 10.
  • Some anti-wrinkle efficacy: Murad Vitamin C Glycolic Brightening Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.2 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.

How moisturizing is it?

Quite moisturizing: Murad Vitamin C Glycolic Brightening Serum has a moisturizing rating of 4.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 2.6 out of 10 and a high humectancy of 7.0 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Murad Vitamin C Glycolic Brightening Serum has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 2.2 out of 10.

It contains 3 active ingredients with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy:

  • Glycolic Acid (est. ≈6.0%),
     highly effective in peelings, yet with below-average anti-wrinkle efficacy when used in leave-on skincare products.
  • Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (est. ≈0.3%),
     the only derivative of Ascorbic acid with confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy. This ingredient has below-average efficacy, proven by one study.
  • Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈0.3%),
     or Vitamin C, a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, yet with average efficacy confirmed by only one study.
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, could deliver additional anti-wrinkle efficacy through its moisturizing action.
 

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

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
Water
6
Glycolic Acid
4
Glycerin
3
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
2
Dimethicone
1.5
Sodium Hydroxide
1.3
HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
1
Diisopropyl Sebacate
0.3
C13-16 Isoparaffin
0.3
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
0.3
Dimethyl Isosorbide
0.3
Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Urea
0.3
Yeast Amino Acids
0.3
Trehalose
0.3
Inositol
0.3
Taurine
0.3
Betaine
0.3
Glutathione
0.3
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
0.3
Cetearyl Isononanoate
0.3
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
0.3
Oleyl Alcohol
0.3
Silica
0.3
Hexylresorcinol
0.3
Polysilicone-11
0.3
Triheptanoin
0.3
Polyisobutene
0.3
Marrubium Vulgare Meristem Cell Culture
0.3
Zanthoxylum Bungeanum Fruit Extract
0.3
Hydrolyzed Verbascum Thapsus Flower
0.3
Butylene Glycol
0.3
Mica
0.3
Hexylene Glycol
0.3
Sodium Surfactin
0.3
Xymenynic Acid
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether
0.3
Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
0.3
Sorbitol
0.3
Tin Oxide
0.3
Xanthan Gum
0.3
t-Butyl Alcohol
0.3
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
0.3
Decyl Glucoside
0.3
Gold (CI 77480)
0.3
Citric Acid
0.3
Caprylyl Glycol
0.3
Phenoxyethanol
0.3
Ethylhexylglycerin
0.3
Sodium Benzoate
0.3
Potassium Sorbate
0.3
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycolic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Diisopropyl Sebacate
Function:
Origin:
C13-16 Isoparaffin
Function:
Origin:
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Function:
Origin:
Dimethyl Isosorbide
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:
Glutathione
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Isononanoate
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Oleyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Hexylresorcinol
Function:
Origin:
Polysilicone-11
Function:
Origin:
Triheptanoin
Function:
Origin:
Polyisobutene
Function:
Origin:
Marrubium Vulgare Meristem Cell Culture
Function:
Origin:
Zanthoxylum Bungeanum Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Verbascum Thapsus Flower
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Mica
Function:
Origin:
Hexylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Surfactin
Function:
Origin:
Xymenynic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether
Function:
Origin:
Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitol
Function:
Origin:
Tin Oxide
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
t-Butyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Function:
Origin:
Decyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Gold (CI 77480)
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
7.0
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
5.3
3.0
2.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 7.0 10
7.0
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 5.3 20
2.6
3.0
2.0
0.3
Moisturizing rating
4.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 7.0 10
7
All humectants
7.0
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
3
2
0.3
All occlusives 5.3 20
2.6
All occlusives
5.3
3.0
2.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
1.5 /10 5 6 1.5
2 /10 1 0.3 0.6
2.5 /10 5 0.3 0.1
Total
2.2
Glycolic Acid
1.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
1.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
6
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
0.6
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2 /10
when present at, %
1
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Ascorbic Acid
0.1
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.4 3 No
All antioxidants
2.4
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
0.3
Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Glutathione
0.3
Hexylresorcinol
0.3
Hydrolyzed Verbascum Thapsus Flower
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
0.3
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
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.
Glycolic Acid
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycolic Acid

The second most used AHA (after lactic acid) known for its potent exfoliating and smoothing effects. It increases skin cell turnover, which is beneficial for treating acne. When used in peels, glycolic acid has confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy, though it is less effective in leave-on products like creams and serums.

Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %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.
Dimethicone
Est. %2
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %1.5
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.

HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone CrosspolymerAn anticaking agent that prevents a product from forming lumps. It also increases slip and produces an elegant finish in skincare formulations.
Diisopropyl Sebacate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Diisopropyl SebacateDescription is coming soon
C13-16 Isoparaffin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
C13-16 IsoparaffinDescription is coming soon
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6A polymeric ingredient that works best in water-based formulas to create gel textures. It helps to stabilize emulsions and control viscosity.
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Est. %0.3
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.
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
TaurineDescription is coming soon
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.
Glutathione
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlutathioneA naturally occurring tripeptide that combats free radicals and acts as a reducing agent.
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate

Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (ATIP) is an oil-soluble derivative of ascorbic acid, or vitamin C. It is more stable than ascorbic acid, with studies supporting its collagen-boosting and anti-pigment effects.

Cetearyl Isononanoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetearyl IsononanoateA naturally-derived (coconut or palm oil based) oil with medium richness. It makes skin feel soft and smooth.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener that helps to create a pleasant, satiny, and light formula texture. It works by forming a gel-like network within water or oil, which both stabilizes other ingredients and produces a thickening effect.
Oleyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oleyl AlcoholDescription is coming soon
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.
Hexylresorcinol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HexylresorcinolA synthetic compound. It is an anti-pigment ingredient that has been shown to be effective in inhibiting tyrosinase activity.
Polysilicone-11
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysilicone-11A synthetic rubber-like substance of the silicone family that has no color or distinct scent. These are large molecules that cannot penetrate the skin but instead create a thin silky film on the skin's surface.
Triheptanoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TriheptanoinDescription is coming soon
Polyisobutene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PolyisobuteneA highly viscous liquid that is used in lip gloss formulations to prolong wear time and add shimmer. Polyisobutene dramatically increases the thickness of skincare products it is added to.
Marrubium Vulgare Meristem Cell Culture
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Marrubium Vulgare Meristem Cell CultureDescription is coming soon
Zanthoxylum Bungeanum Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zanthoxylum Bungeanum Fruit ExtractDescription is coming soon
Hydrolyzed Verbascum Thapsus Flower
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Verbascum Thapsus FlowerDescription is coming soon
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butylene GlycolA 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.
Mica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MicaA mineral powder made up of silicates with several functions (the main one being as a colorant). It has a shimmery appearance, making it highly desirable in certain cosmetic products. Mica also helps the product to apply more smoothly.
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.
Sodium Surfactin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium SurfactinDescription is coming soon
Xymenynic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xymenynic AcidDescription is coming soon
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut EtherDescription is coming soon
Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit ExtractExtracted from the fruits of the Kakadu plum (which is the richest source of vitamin C among all plants) this ingredient acts as an excellent antioxidant. Besides this, it is also an antimicrobial agent with some humectant properties.
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.
Tin Oxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tin OxideA multi-functional mineral that increases the physical space a product takes up, increases the viscosity of liquid products, and, when used as an opacifying agent, makes a transparent or translucent product become opaque or solid in color.
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.
t-Butyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
t-Butyl AlcoholDescription is coming soon
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chlorella Vulgaris ExtractA dried mass of tiny, single-cell green algae. It is widely used as a food source or dietary supplement since it is rich in proteins, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. This dark green extract is used as an antioxidant agent in skincare.
Decyl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Decyl GlucosideA surfactant that can function as both a cleansing agent and emulsifier. As a cleansing agent, it is very mild on the skin. As an emulsifier, decyl glucoside will produce oil-in-water emulsions. It is naturally derived from vegetable oils and starch.
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.

Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
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.