Product Reviews Rated 4.49 out of 5 stars
397 Reviews
Most Helpful Positive Review Very strong glycolic acid serum! Note— I received this product as a gift as part of a bzzkit, in exchange for a review but that does not affect my opinion. In fact, I did not like the other product I received (the dark circle corrector, and left that one a negative review). I have used other products with glycolic acid before, so I know that my skin responds well to that ingredient, however when I tried this Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum— it is super strong! It's definitely the strongest glycolic acid product I have ever used. I had to use it every other day because i was a bit too strong for me to use every day, but I have very sensitive skin. This serum stings for a few minutes over the whole face, But particularly around the nose for me because that area gets a bit dry in the winter. The stinging is not painful, but indicates how strong it is because other glycolic acid products I have tried did not cause any sensation. A little goes a long way— i try to use just one pump for my whole face, but sometimes i have to use 1.5 pumps to get everything, but 2 would be way too much. The directions say to apply to face, neck and chest. I didn't put it on my neck, but I did also apply the product to my chest area and it cleared up some acne I was having there (that's not the main point of this product, but it's a nice side effect). When the serum dries it is very sticky, but this is solved by putting face lotion over the top of the serum. The face lotion goes on easily over the top of the serums and does NOT cause any "pilling" issues that I sometimes have when putting lotion on over other serums.
I don't really have any dark spots to correct at the moment, although sometimes I get dark scars from acne that last several months, and I am excited to try this product on them the next time that happens. My skin looks bright, but I was using a glycolic acid toner every day before I switched to this serum, so there was not a noticeable change for me since I was already using another glycolic acid product in my routine (note— don't use two at once, that would be too much, i stopped using the other one to try this). This serum is easier to put on than the glycolic acid toner I had been using because it is Spreadable and a little sticky, whereas the toner is a liquid an needs cotton pads to apply.
However, this product is a bit strong for me to use long term— I think i will use it in 2-3 week bursts, when I have a skin issue I want to clear up. I have super sensitive skin, so if you don't, then you could use it more often. But if you have very sensitive skin like me I recommend using it every other day instead of every day. Additionally, it caused a small amount of purging on my skin, which is normal when trying a new or stronger acid. Normally purging stops after a few weeks, but I have only been using this for two weeks, which isn't enough time for that to end.
Most Helpful Critical Review No You know when you read reviews and the reviewer is clearly heated and says "I wish I could give this product zero stars"? Ok well I am that person right now lol. This product is just bafflingly awful. I really don't think this is something anyone should put on their face. I received it for free from BzzAgent for review purposes; this is not something I'd ever buy.
Rubbing alcohol is one of the first ingredients and it's HIGHLY and unpleasantly fragranced. Those are both huge no-no's in skincare and one would presume such a high end and expensive brand would be aware of these basic tenets and like...abide by them?
Since I automatically knew I was not putting it on my face in this or any universe, I decided to try it out on the dark/red marks I have on my arms as a result of keratosis pilaris (aka KP aka chicken skin etc, it's like little ingrown hairs on your arms.) I figured ok, it will be on my arms, the smell won't bother me. Nope. Wrong. It was awful. I am sensitive to artificial fragrances, but it was legit burning my eyes. I can't even imagine it being on or near my face.
If your skin is at all sensitive, or you don't want to smell like artificial orange flavored orange candy mixed with gross flowers and an industrial cleaning agent, do not buy this. Also the name is laughable - "Environmental Shield"'lol. This will not shield you from anything; it will literally cause skin damage. It's bluntly embarrassing to see from a brand like Murad.
Reviewed by 397 customers Great Product 5
Kat from Corona, CA
I used to use the Proactiv Dark Spot Correcting serum, but it became difficult to find (I think the company may be phasing it out). My skin is extremely sensitive to new products, but using this brand has been great. I have not had any adverse reactions and the few spots I had are fading quickly. I cannot say enough about this product, it is good.
This really really works for me 5
seasoned and sassy from Charlotte NC
I used this product for a couple years and then tried the latest greatest skin lighteners? Well, I sure learned my lesson. In 2 wks there is a noticeable improvement in my complexion. Not only is it brighter but my skin looks amazing. Smooth and pores are less visible.
So worth it! 5
Kaitlin from West Des Moines, IA
I have a bunch of dark spots and and acne scars that I have gotten within the past 6 months. I have only used this product twice (once every other day) and have noticed a HUGE improvement already!
Please bring back the original formula! 2
Anonymous from Los Angeles, CA
This new formula is a creamy like substance and doesn't work like the previous clear gel like formula. I have been a loyal user of this product and it was always so amazing. Did exactly what it promised. Cleared my face beautifully from dark spots. It is what I always used to manage my skin discoloration issues. But this new formula doesn't seem to work at all. I have gone through the entire bottle and it hasn't made one bit of difference. With the previous formula I never went through the entire bottle so quickly. I used it for a few weeks every other night or so and then discontinued use because it worked so well. I would let several months pass and continue use as needed. But now with this new formula, I've gone through the entire bottle with daily use and no results. This is such a let down. I'm not sure why Murad would mess with an already amazing product. I'm not happy about it, but I will be looking for a new product.
I saw a noticeable difference with this product 5
Diane from Cuyahoga Falls
I bought this product about 6 months ago, and still have a half bottle left. So don't let the price tag scare you off, it will last you all year.
I am 53 and blonde with light to medium skin tone. I noticed not only fading of dark spots, but also lightening of a scar on my chin.
I use one drop each evening (a little goes a long way) and follow with my moisturizer.
Early review 4
Mybaby from Brockton
The Murad dark spot serum and dark circles corrector came in nice packaging, enough to spark my husbands interest. The dispenser for the circle corrector is very cool. But I have reservations about so much going to the beauty product's container due to environmental waste and added costs. The circle corrector is a gold gel/cream product. It feels and looks cool when aptly applied. I didn't much notice a change in my circles but I think it early to judge still. I did like the reflective quality but noticed it getting kind of gunk-y, for a lack of a better description, and pulled and rolled on my face as a makeup/moisturizer free day went on. But it seems to spread away, disappearing, under my tinted lotion. The spot corrector is a light clear serum with a citrus scent / feel to it. A little goes a very long way...if your quick! It dries quickly and is quite tacky, so it's a fine line on what's comfortable to use without feeling too sticky. I did notice a very slight lightening in most of my freckles but not sure about my darker spots...still there was progress. I got these products for free so the cost and onward use will dictate whether I'd use it again. But so far so good.
Feels like silk during application 4
Great Skin Coming from Chicago
First Day using the product Sunday night 12/6/2020
The Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum feels like silk as you massage it into your face and neck. Tonight, after I applied the rapid dark spot correct serum; I felt a little tightness around the eye area. Hopefully, the serum is renewing my skin.
The product has a very soothing smell.
After I wash my face in the morning, my skin feels extremely hydrated and glows.
The skin around the crease of my left eye was broken a little bit in the morning. I had to put some antibacterial Ointment on there to heal my skin.
We will see what happen with continuous use.
Fantastic Dark Spot Correction 5
FrostyDaCodeman from San Francisco
Love this combination! I suffer from minor acne that will leave dark spots on my face for months after extraction. This has sped up the process of removing those spots to be gone within a week. I also love the dark circle corrector . It makes a noticeable difference in the morning before I moisturize. It lifts, brightens and smoothens the under eye area and it very easy to apply. A little goes a long way!
Bye Bye Dark Spots 5
Skincaregirl123 from Bay Area
I'm in the middle of a 2 week trial period for this product and I am starting to notice very gradual progress as my dark spots are fading quicker than normal! This may be my new go-to product for my dark spots.
I received this complimentary product from BzzAgent in exchange for my honest opinion.
No noticeable change 1
Lisa A from Los Angeles
This product was a dud for me. I just haven't notice any change in discoloration in my skin. Although it does have a pleasant scent and feels good on my skin. There just isn't any significant change.
Spot correction and bright skin 5
Vmanchik from Portland, or
I have been looking for a good vitamin c serum for ages now. When I tried this out I immediately was in love with the formula, and how my skin looked right away. The scent was not bad either, compared to some vitamin c serums I have tried. After using for about 2 weeks, I can drastically see a difference in my skin. A lot of my acne scars have faded almost completely! That in itself is enough for me to be a believer. The packaging is very sleek and cute too. Absolutely impressed with this product.
Works amazingly 5
Pita from CA
I have been using this for the past week & have seen a big difference in the color of my skin. I recently had an allergic reaction on my face which caused dark spots around my face & this serum has been diminishing the dark spots and I couldn't be happier!
Works great, makes it feel refreshing 4
Refreshing from Gilbertsville, PA
See above. This worked out very well and made my skin feel slightly tighter and very refreshed.
Really effective! 5
Liz D from Eau Claire, Wisconsin
The very first time I used this product I had some other products on my face—it did not feel comfortable & I had a slight irritation. The next time I used it I went in with a clean face & a mild toner & I was thrilled with how it felt on my skin. So this isn't a product that layers well; but it was so effective that I didn't need anything else outside of a basic moisturizer. It has Tranexamic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Resornicol & Peptides that break through hardened & dead cells & work deeply. I've been using this on my rosacea heavy areas on my face for about 2 weeks & have seen improvement in skin tone, hyperpigmentation & radiance. My face has begun to glow & just looks more even. I've fought rosacea & Melasma for years & have tried every product under the sun to varying effects. Rarely have I tried a product that seemed to even things in such a short time span. I was shocked when I had people tell me how radiant I looked. And when other people tell you that I know that it is working!
The negatives of the product is that with its active ingredients it could be too strong for some people, especially those with sensitive skin. It also has indentured alcohol in it which gives me pause, but despite that it didn't feel drying on my skin whatsoever. It also has fragrance added to it, but it's a very mild & fresh orange scent that was really lovely. Overall the positives far outweigh any negatives & I will wholeheartedly repurchase
Didn't do much 3
Gia from Braidwood, il
I used this product for a few weeks & didn't see too much difference in my dark spots. Maybe a little bit
Kinda worked 4
Duece from San Jose
It kind of worked for me as soon as I applied I can feel my face looking glowy. The color was orange and non greasy but clear on my skin. I used it for a week and a half and seen a slight difference on my face. I however did not use sunscreen and I think I should've because my face started to peel a bit. My face did look a bit more brighter then usual.
Love this product 5
Tinabow from Wellington, FL
This handy little dark spot corrector, applied after washing your face in the morning and at night, is incredible. I'm 35 and just starting to see some of the dark spots my mom has. They've improved in just two weeks of using this product twice a day. It goes on nice and smooth and has a pleasant smell.
Decent correcting serum! 4
AmyL from Southbridge, MA
I received the Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum for my honest review. I have used the serum for about two weeks and have noticed a change in my skin appearance. The serum is to be used twice a day, after cleaning. It is very light and easy to apply. I noticed that my skin appears brighter and my pores seem a little smaller. I do still have dark spots, but they seem a little lighter and less noticeable. Overall, my complexion looks better.
Pleasantly surprised 5
Veronica from Atwater
I have always been pretty pleased with Murad's skin care products and this one was ni o different. I really liked the quality and effectiveness of this serum. It was very light and fast absorbing which I love because it allows me to get on with my skin routine fairly quickly. I also live the gentle scent, its not too strong or overpowering. All in all I pretty much only have good things to say about this product.
Lovely Serum! 5
Dallasmom from Dallas, TX
This is a really great serum with some of my favorite ingredients! My skin loves glycolic acid and urea and these feature prominently along with Murad's patented antioxidant technology. I can say my skin looks so much brighter, fresher, and smoother already. Make sure to wear your sunscreen - it's very important when using this.
Worked somewhat.... 3
SimpleScorpio from Virginia
It has an orange type tint to it. I still saw darkness I did not get the chance to use it the full 2 weeks Yet. I may have a difference of opinion as I continuw to use it. I did not see a marked improvement so I do not know if it is something I would fully invest in yet. I was given this as a sample to try for free in return for my honest unbiased opinion. Frankly I need more time to see if it is really going to work.
Dark spots be gone 4
Loritaylor from Arkansas
I have a few dark spots on my face and was hoping this would make a difference. So far I haven't seen much improvement. I'm hoping that continued use will help. I'm not giving up. I'm gonna keep trying it for awhile.
Obsessed 5
MamaHynson from Washington
I'm always skeptical when trying a new skin product but this did not disappoint and will be in my regular routine from now on. My face really does look brighter and more youthful. I'm excited to see what continued use brings about.
I also want to point out how nice the packaging is, I love the bottle size and it doesn't pump out too much product resulting in waste.
Love!! 5
sls222 from oklahoma
Murad is becoming one of my favorites!! Does not stay sticky, no redness, or burning. Did not break my skin out. And left my skin bright and fresh!
Lovely 4
Kylie from Ohio
I'm so happy I was able to test this product. It is a lovely consistency that absorbs well and leaves no stickiness or tackiness. The ingredients in this is phenomenal! I can. I can not speak for the effectiveness yet as I have not used it long enough but I definitely have high hopes.