Murad Acne Control Clarifying Cleanser 16.9oz/500ml

Common questions

Is Murad Acne Control Clarifying Cleanser 16.9oz/500ml healthy?

Murad Acne Control Clarifying Cleanser 16.9oz/500ml scores 70/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This face wash contains beneficial ingredients like urea, yeast amino acids, and green tea extract, which provide moisturizing and antioxidant benefits.

How processed is Murad Acne Control Clarifying Cleanser 16.9oz/500ml?

Murad Acne Control Clarifying Cleanser 16.9oz/500ml is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Murad Acne Control Clarifying Cleanser 16.9oz/500ml's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Urea, Yeast Amino Acids, Trehalose count in its favor; Polysorbate 80, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Murad Acne Control Clarifying Cleanser 16.9oz/500ml

70 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$31.00 · 5 fl oz · $6.20 / fluid ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 15
Harmful ingredients 5
Category Face Wash
Summary

This face wash contains beneficial ingredients like urea, yeast amino acids, and green tea extract, which provide moisturizing and antioxidant benefits. However, the presence of synthetic fragrance, which can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, detracts from its overall safety profile. Additionally, the inclusion of PEG compounds and other synthetic ingredients indicates a moderate level of processing, which affects the overall rating.

Key ingredients 38

Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
Very Good

Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, also known as green tea extract, is rich in antioxidants. It helps to protect the skin from environmental damage and reduce inflammation. It is highly beneficial for skin health.

Benefits

Offers strong antioxidant protection and reduces inflammation.

Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil
Very Good

Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil is used for its emollient and moisturizing properties. It helps to soften and hydrate the skin. It is highly beneficial for maintaining skin moisture and improving texture.

Benefits

Provides excellent emollient and moisturizing benefits.

See more about Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil →
Urea
Good

Urea is a humectant that helps to retain moisture in the skin. It also has keratolytic properties, which help in exfoliating dead skin cells. It is generally well-tolerated and beneficial for dry skin.

Risks

High concentrations may cause irritation.

Benefits

Improves skin hydration and aids in exfoliation.

See more about Urea →
Yeast Amino Acids
Good

Yeast amino acids are used for their moisturizing and skin-conditioning properties. They help to improve the skin's barrier function. They are generally considered safe and beneficial for the skin.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Enhances skin hydration and barrier function.

Trehalose
Good

Trehalose is a sugar that acts as a moisturizer and antioxidant. It helps to protect the skin from dehydration and environmental stress. It is well-tolerated and beneficial for maintaining skin moisture.

Benefits

Provides moisture and antioxidant protection to the skin.

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Inositol
Good

Inositol is a carbohydrate that helps to improve skin hydration and elasticity. It is often used in skincare for its moisturizing properties. It is generally safe and beneficial for the skin.

Benefits

Enhances skin hydration and elasticity.

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Taurine
Good

Taurine is an amino acid that helps to protect the skin from oxidative stress. It also has moisturizing properties. It is considered safe and beneficial for skin health.

Benefits

Provides antioxidant protection and hydration to the skin.

See more about Taurine →
Betaine
Good

Betaine is a natural humectant that helps to retain moisture in the skin. It is derived from sugar beet and is known for its soothing properties. It is generally safe and beneficial for maintaining skin hydration.

Benefits

Improves skin hydration and soothes irritation.

See more about Betaine →
Cimicifuga Racemosa Root Extract
Good

Cimicifuga Racemosa Root Extract is used for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It helps to soothe and protect the skin. It is generally considered safe and beneficial for skin health.

Benefits

Provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Leaf Oil
Good

Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Leaf Oil is used for its fragrance and potential antioxidant properties. It provides a refreshing scent and may help protect the skin from oxidative stress. It is generally considered safe and beneficial for skin health.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Offers a refreshing scent and antioxidant protection.

Cymbopogon Nardus (Citronella) Oil
Good

Cymbopogon Nardus (Citronella) Oil is used for its fragrance and potential insect-repelling properties. It provides a fresh scent and may help protect the skin from insect bites. It is generally considered safe and beneficial for skin health.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Offers a fresh scent and potential insect-repelling benefits.

Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil
Good

Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil is used for its fragrance and potential antioxidant properties. It provides a refreshing scent and may help protect the skin from oxidative stress. It is generally considered safe and beneficial for skin health.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Offers a refreshing scent and antioxidant protection.

See more about Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil →
Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil
Good

Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil is used for its fragrance and potential antioxidant properties. It provides a refreshing scent and may help protect the skin from oxidative stress. It is generally considered safe and beneficial for skin health.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Offers a refreshing scent and antioxidant protection.

See more about Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil →
Lavandula Hybrida Oil
Good

Lavandula Hybrida Oil is used for its fragrance and potential calming properties. It provides a soothing scent and may help reduce stress and anxiety. It is generally considered safe and beneficial for skin health.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Offers a soothing scent and calming benefits.

See more about Lavandula Hybrida Oil →
Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil
Good

Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil is used for its fragrance and potential antioxidant properties. It provides a refreshing scent and may help protect the skin from oxidative stress. It is generally considered safe and beneficial for skin health.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Offers a refreshing scent and antioxidant protection.

See more about Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil →
Water
Neutral

Water is a common solvent used in cosmetics to dissolve other ingredients. It helps in forming the base of the product. It does not have any direct benefits or risks.

Benefits

Provides a medium for other ingredients to be delivered to the skin.

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Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Neutral

This is a surfactant used to help cleanse the skin by removing dirt and oils. It is considered less irritating than SLS. However, it can still cause dryness in sensitive skin.

Risks

Potential to cause dryness or irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Effective in cleansing and removing oils from the skin.

See more about Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate →
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Neutral

Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil. It is used to reduce irritation caused by other surfactants. It can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

Risks

May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Helps to create a rich lather and reduce irritation from other surfactants.

See more about Cocamidopropyl Betaine →
Methyl Gluceth-20
Neutral

Methyl Gluceth-20 is a humectant and emollient used to improve skin hydration. It is derived from glucose and is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It does not have significant risks or benefits.

Benefits

Helps to improve skin hydration.

See more about Methyl Gluceth-20 →
PPG-26-Buteth-26
Neutral

PPG-26-Buteth-26 is a synthetic polymer used as an emollient and surfactant. It helps to improve the texture and feel of the product. It is generally considered safe with no significant risks or benefits.

Benefits

Improves product texture and feel.

See more about PPG-26-Buteth-26 →
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Neutral

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is used as an emulsifier and surfactant. It helps to mix oil and water-based ingredients. It is generally considered safe but may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Risks

Potential for irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Helps to stabilize and emulsify formulations.

See more about PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil →
Butylene Glycol
Neutral

Butylene Glycol is a common solvent and humectant used in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and moisture content of the skin. It is generally safe but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Improves skin texture and hydration.

See more about Butylene Glycol →
Silver Citrate
Neutral

Silver Citrate is used for its antimicrobial properties. It helps to preserve the product and prevent bacterial growth. It is generally safe but may cause irritation in some individuals.

Risks

Potential for irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Provides antimicrobial protection to the product.

PEG-150 Distearate
Neutral

PEG-150 Distearate is used as an emulsifier and thickening agent. It helps to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It is generally considered safe with no significant risks or benefits.

Benefits

Stabilizes formulations and improves texture.

Menthol
Neutral

Menthol is used for its cooling and soothing properties. It provides a refreshing sensation on the skin. It may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Risks

May cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Provides a cooling and soothing effect on the skin.

See more about Menthol →
Zea Mays (Corn) Starch
Neutral

Zea Mays (Corn) Starch is used as an absorbent and thickening agent. It helps to improve the texture and feel of the product. It is generally considered safe with no significant risks or benefits.

Benefits

Improves product texture and absorbs excess oil.

See more about Zea Mays (Corn) Starch →
Hydrolyzed Corn Starch
Neutral

Hydrolyzed Corn Starch is used as a film-forming agent and moisturizer. It helps to improve skin texture and hydration. It is generally considered safe with no significant risks or benefits.

Benefits

Enhances skin texture and hydration.

See more about Hydrolyzed Corn Starch →
Hydrolyzed Corn Starch Octenylsuccinate
Neutral

Hydrolyzed Corn Starch Octenylsuccinate is used as an emulsifier and thickening agent. It helps to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It is generally considered safe with no significant risks or benefits.

Benefits

Stabilizes formulations and improves texture.

Glyceryl Stearate
Neutral

Glyceryl Stearate is used as an emulsifier and emollient. It helps to stabilize formulations and improve skin feel. It is generally considered safe with no significant risks or benefits.

Benefits

Stabilizes formulations and improves skin feel.

See more about Glyceryl Stearate →
Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine
Neutral

Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine is used as a conditioning agent and surfactant. It helps to improve the texture and feel of the product. It is generally considered safe with no significant risks or benefits.

Benefits

Improves product texture and conditioning properties.

See more about Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine →
Citric Acid
Neutral

Citric Acid is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It helps to maintain the stability and effectiveness of the product. It is generally considered safe with no significant risks or benefits.

Benefits

Maintains product stability and effectiveness.

See more about Citric Acid →
Caprylyl Glycol
Neutral

Caprylyl Glycol is used as a humectant and skin conditioning agent. It helps to improve skin hydration and texture. It is generally considered safe with no significant risks or benefits.

Benefits

Enhances skin hydration and texture.

See more about Caprylyl Glycol →
Chlorphenesin
Neutral

Chlorphenesin is used as a preservative to prevent microbial growth. It helps to extend the shelf life of the product. It is generally considered safe but may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Provides antimicrobial protection and extends shelf life.

See more about Chlorphenesin →
Polysorbate 80
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Benefits

Helps to stabilize and emulsify formulations.

See more about Polysorbate 80 →
Disodium EDTA
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Benefits

Improves product stability and prevents degradation.

See more about Disodium EDTA →
Phenoxyethanol
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Provides antimicrobial protection and extends shelf life.

See more about Phenoxyethanol →
Limonene
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

Potential for irritation or allergic reactions.

Benefits

Provides a pleasant citrus scent.

See more about Limonene →
Fragrance (Parfum)
Very Bad

Fragrance (Parfum) is used to provide a pleasant scent to the product. It is a common cause of allergic reactions and skin irritation. It is generally considered a negative ingredient due to potential sensitivity issues.

Risks

High potential for causing allergic reactions and skin irritation.

Benefits

Provides a pleasant scent to the product.

See more about Fragrance (Parfum) →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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