Product Reviews Rated 4.49 out of 5 stars
172 Reviews
Most Helpful Positive Review Is it good? I'm so thankful to receive these gifts from Murad, as I'm a dark skinned girl with a combination skin, the hyperpigmentation on my face is very visible and I started using vitamin c products from various brands 4 months ago and barley saw any improvements. I started using Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum, Vitamin-C Glycolic Brightening Serum and Vitamin-C Dark Circle Corrector two weeks ago, but I did some research on them and saw it mentioned darker complexion won't see any major changes. So, I had that in my mind as I used them and I have to admit that it wasn't a huge impact but it wasn't a small one too. My skin isn't as dull as it used to be, these certainly brightened my face a bit. In a few months, I can see my skin being healthier, I definitely recommend them to people who have the same skin issues as me and have the patience for improvements. Please ignore the stickers on my eyebrows :)
Most Helpful Critical Review There are better Murad's out there First impressions Murad BzzzKit!!
Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum, Vitamin-C Glycolic Brightening Serum and Vitamin-C Dark Circle Corrector
Shipment recvd on April 10, 2020!!!!
They were very informative of when I was going to get my products in the mail, date it was shipped, etc. I was very excited to actually receive it in the mail, to be honest I thought it was quite too good to be true but here it is in it's glory, and per the rules of this trial I should:
-receive awesome Murad products in the mail
-test them out for two weeks
-give an honest, DETAILED review with awesome pictures and my opinion on whether I think these rock or not.
Alright beauties just so your aware...
Prior experience with Murad- none really but have heard great things until just recently I received a youth renewal serum and eye cream sample in one of my beauty subscription boxes (I think) and I was using those every other night (the youth renewal serum) and every night (the eye cream) I had only been using them for about a week or two and im sure I missed a couple days.
**Disclaimer** I replaced these products with any other facial serum I would have used (including the 2 murad products I was trying). I typically only use a cleanser, makeup remover, occasional light exfoliator cleanser, and moisturizer daily-ish and continued with that routine but used these 3 serums (Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum, Vitamin-C Glycolic Brightening Serum and Vitamin-C Dark Circle Corrector) everyday over a 2 week period. I also continued my make up application normally but I did use these every day and night.. I took pictures throughout to show the progress of before and after application, morning and evening
Note-I love the Aveeno brightening facial cleanser for a mild face wash, this is what I use. I do feel like I have sensitive skin and this does not break out your face.
And now to the good stuff!!
Night one. Revealing my products!!!
And application...
Let's start with naming the products. It looks like they all come from the Murad "Environmental Shield" line and are all part of step 2 the "treat". I believe that step one is the cleanser. I got the Vitamin-C Glycolic Brightening Serum (which is said to be used daily am and pm FIRST) applying over face and neck. The Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum was included also and it says to apply this after the brightening serum as an extra "boost" at NIGHT all over face as well. Lastly I received the Vitamin-C Dark Circle Corrector which I will apply am and pm patting gently under the eye area.
Application day one
(Evening application after shower and cleansing face)
#1 The brightening serum has made my skin feel very soft and dewy. It was a thick liquid that was yellow in color and had a shimmery tint throughout that was very pretty. Upon application however it was very painful to the existing acne patches on my skin. I'm not sure I would apply to these areas again until maybe healed a bit better. It stung very bad on those areas, but left my skin looking need I say brighter? You all can be the judge. My skin is very soft however after application but left a little sticky. Absorbed well and didn't flake off...yet
Onto the rapid age spot lightening serum.
#2The lightening serum is a clear liquid. It applied like a gel consistency. Dried quickly and went on smoothly and easily. It was not burning to the skin and left it feeling like a smooth buttery texture but sticky. Very sticky. (May be a great primer!) Will tell in the morning.
And lastly but not least, I feel the most important!
#3Under eye was a thicker lotion and same color as the brightening serum. It applied smoothly and easily patting under my eye. Appeared light the other creme with the shimmer, brightening sheen. It's light reflecting like the brightening creme. It did not hurt and blended very easily.
Application
day 2: morning
**Every morning prior to any facial application I do wash off my face with a mild cleansing water.
I began my facial routine this am with only the three Murad products. I first applied about 4 pumps of the brightening serum directly to my face. (Too much) Rubbed it in gently and there was a mild irritation and stinging again. My Face felt smooth after application and I waited about 10 mins before applying the next serum. I went ahead and did the eye cream second. I only use about half a pump per eye and I gently pat and kindof push it into my under eye area melting it in until absorbed completely. It does create a warmth underneath your eye that intensifies if you rub it in so only pat. I like this creme. Lastly the gel like brightening serum. Dried quickly and left my skin feeling sticky, prefect for a primer.
Day 2: evening
Same old but through the day I wore no make up and I had to wipe my face off to remove the flaky lotion pieces that were on my face. Conclusion less is more.
AppLied all three, a sparse amount. Patted under eye creme only until absorbed. Again leaves skin feeling sticky and I think it's the light serum, the gel one. This is my least favorite so far.
Day 3: am
I tried a different approach this am and I think im liking this better. Again less is more. I started with a light layer, only 2 pumps of the brightening cream, concentrating on the cheek area and forehead. I then applied the under eye creme, about half a pump per eye and gently patted into eye and corner if eye near nose till absorbed. I only pat now. And then the gel light serum I pump 2 squirts into my hands and rub it in then gently pat onto my face until absorbed. I'm waiting before I apply anything else. I think this is going to make a huge difference. Overall however I think I mag avoid using the gel light serum bc it flakes off my skin, the other two seem to be working well the favorite being the under eye creme.
Day 3 only applies eye cream today
Day 4 am
Skin feels better so applied again all three
Less is more!
Day 5-10
Again messed up my face with fAce razors ahhh! Had to take a couple days rest of everything on my face. I did continue to use the eye creme however and I used the first brightening serum. A few times.
I will say less is certainly more. You do not need a lot of this product.
Day 11- 14
Am application
Applied all three serums. Used one good squirt of the bright serum, a 3/4 squirt of the eye creme to use on both eyes and about a squirt and a half of the light serum.
With the light serum I now apply to my palm and rub it on all my fingers then pat it on my face lightly all over like the eye creme. I also before applying this gel like serum will use a cotton round to wipe around my eye area and get any excess eye creme removed. The eye creme needs to stay under the eye area only. If any gets rubbed lower down it will flake off. So pat the eye creme directly under the eye where your dark circles lay ONLY. If it goes anywhere else and mixes with anything else it will flake off. I think this works best. I am learning as I go, still unsure if it is helping. All of the creme's are less harsh and do not burn or tingle on my face now either.
Final thoughts:
I see now I am requested to review each item individually so I will attach the above with my pictures to all and then attach my final thoughts on each item also. Thanks everyone for reading my extensive review. I hope it helps.
*disclaimer I am not new to makeup but I am slightly fresher in the skincare so my techniques are my own and no one elses. I don't claim to be better or worse at anything and these are just my personal thoughts and review on these products and how they worked on MY skin. Everyone is different and beautiful and what may not work on some may work wonders on others. Always keep that in mind!!!!
Final thoughts
Lightening serum - overall less is way more. I would suggest using it as a toner almost. Apply last and lightly pat onto skin until dry. It feels and resembles hair gel and is sticky as such. Less is more. Worked okay as a primer, I never wanted to use too much makeup over top these products because I figured it would ruin it. I never personally saw much of a difference but maybe my face isn't super dull? I dunno.
Brightening Cream - this product is intended to go on first and again less is more. I applied about a good pump to my face, make sure you have no cuts or irritations already on your skin as it will burn. My face started off a little sensitive so this creme wAs a bit harsh at first but after a few days my face calmed down (unrelated to these products) and these serums no longer burned or tingled. Again I never really could tell a difference though. It did make me wear less makeup however and I wouldn't say I hated this. I will say if you apply more then it does tend to flake off so remember less is more. Overall I probably wont add these creme's and serums to my daily routine. I don't think it made a huge difference and I didn't like the flaking of the product. That did stop after I started using less.
Eye creme- Now the eye creme was my favorite of all three and I continue to use this one on the daily. Do I see a difference? No. Maybe you all can notice one but I don't but for some reason I still use it. I must like it! It is a lighter orange color that seems like it would brighten the under eye and I think that's about it. I think it will give a brightening effect but it does not cover up any darkness. Dark circles are still there as you can see. I would be hesitant to use this under another product bc it did get flaky but only in places outside the orbital eye area. Overall I seemed to like this product but I don't think there is much of a difference
I already stopped using the other two. I guess just personally this Murad trio was not my favorite but I have come to love Murad products such as the renewing eye creme and the retinol youth serum. Thanks beauties!
Reviewed by 172 customers Product review 4
Tracey from St. Louis Missouri
Ok. Product. Doesn't do a lot. Skin essentials is much better
Think My Skin Hated It 3
Echo from Springfield, OR
I received this as a sample from Ulta. I applied this in place of my regular serum and the first thing I noticed was a peppery smell. After applying it, my skin started to sting. When it absorbed, my skin felt tight like when you take a super hot shower. I don't think I'll be spending money on this
I would definitely buy this product again. 5
Gigi from Staten Island NY
Product works beautifully
Holy grail serum!!! 5
Chelsea from Philadelphia
I never write reviews, but this product is SO GOOD, and given how unsure I was purchasing it, I felt compelled to write one.
This serum has smoothed and brightened my skin so noticeably, and has given me the most amazing glow! I have rosacea, and while I wouldn't call this serum "gentle", it did not burn my skin and got my redness, bumps, and discoloration under control quickly! I read a lot of reviews that said it smells horrible- those reviewers must be incredibly sensitive to smell as it really doesn't have much of a smell at all.
I can now go without foundation and I am so grateful! My friends are even starting to notice, and strangers are complimenting my glowing skin. This one is worth every dang penny!
everyone needs to own this 5
Sweetpea101 from Jonesboro Ar
I bought this 5 days ago and have already seen a difference in my skin. I use it morning and night, just be sure to wear sun screen on top of this. It wears so beautifully under my makeup too! It is at a higher price point, which honestly is what kept me from buying it for so long, but now after using it, there is no way I can go without this!!
Great Product 5
dazride from Raleigh, NC
- Use this product every other day along with my Murad moisturizer
- Makes skin more even toned and brighter
This product works! 5
Marie from Atlanta, GA
Before I started using this product I felt as if my skin was very dull in addition to me having a few dark spots from acne. I used this product religiously and I noticed my skin was overall brighter and more radiant. The smell is light and it didn't bother me. It's worth a try.
Amazing!! Visible difference after one day! 5
Shany from El Paso
Works amazing! I've been looking for a new vitamin c serum since may and my husband decided to get me one for our anniversary! Thank you to the person who helped him because this serum is the truth! Visible difference in my skin after one day! If you want smooth, supple looking skin this is it. A bit pricey but it's worth it!
Did nothing and the smell is awful!! 3
nygirlll from ny
No improvement in skin and the smell is very nauseating. Waste of money. No stars. Returned.
Worst smelling serum 1
Dgal25 from Florida
I got this serum as a gift with purchase and it has the worse smell ever that makes me sick. I would not take this product even for free. It didn't do much to brighten my skin either and I don't feel any noticeable changes after a couple weeks
Actually Diminished My Acne Scars! 5
Archaeogirl from NC
I received this in a Trendmood box a few months ago and wow. The results have been amazing. I use this once a day at night after cleansing. Within a month, I noticed my skin looking clearer and less clogged up. Within two months, my skin looks brightened and smooth and healthy, my acne scars SO much lighter than what they were, my pores not as clogged. Even my BF commented "wow your skin has been looking really nice lately" - he knows I've been insecure about my skin texture and discoloration.
As a grad student I don't have much money to spend but...I'm seriously considering purchasing another bottle once mine runs out. It's the first thing I've found that has had such impressive results for me. Might have to wait for a 20% off coupon near the holiday season, though.
It's ok?!?! 1
Blueyed_chells from Las Vegas, NV
I am just on the fence! I received this from BzzAgent for free to try and give my honest review. The smell is awful but I could live with that if it worked. Honestly, I didn't see much improvement. I would be very irritated had I spent money on it. Murad is quite pricey.
good stuff but... smells HORRIBLE 4
ya gurl from LA
for reference i am young, have cystic acne, with oily and sensitive skin.
i got this as a sample from a gift in an ulta beauty order, and i used it for a bit(applied it in the mornings). it works pretty well, meaning my acne and acne scars cleared up a bit, and the overall texture of my skin improved; the smell is just putrid. i like products with no perfume because i have allergies, but i mean, this stuff just smells bad. i mean really bad.
BREAKOUTSSSSS!!!! 1
Megan from Charlotte, NC
I got this as a free sample in an Ulta free gift sample bag. I have a specific skincare routine. I use First Aid Beauty cleanser (the one with red clay in it) followed by CorsX Poreless Power Liquid to help reduce larger pores and blackheads in my T-zone (LOVE THIS STUFF), followed by First Aid Beauty facial radiance pads (basically a different brightening/pigmentation corrector as opposed to this Murad stuff) and finish off with First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair moisturizer (also amazing stuff). I've been using this routine for about 3 weeks now and it's done nothing but improve. Pimples I did have are gone and the marks are healing. Nose blackheads reducing, complexion evening etc. today I decided to try this sample in place of the radiance pads. It's the same idea, different product, let's use this sample until it's gone right? Might as well.
I came in this evening for my routine (I do it AM and PM) and notice that my face has started breaking out like crazy. Pimples here and there and everywhere, showing up in places I don't usually get acne. The Murad Vita-C brightening serum was the only thing I changed so it's the only possible cause.
I should've known something was up when I finished and wiped my face and had it come caked off all weird as if it was a layer of product on my skin that didn't absorb. I know how to apply product I definitely didn't over apply. Will never buy, glad I didn't waste money on this. I only wish I hadn't screwed up my face for the time being.
I loved this stuff 5
LoveLoveLove from trussville, al
I really feel like I look younger after using this product
Best Brightening Serum Ever! 5
casey70526 from Syracuse,KS
I have used brightening serums before with no to few results and Murad's Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum did not disappoint! My skin was visibly brighter, softer and more youthful than ever before! I will continue to be a Murad purchaser for life!
THIS STUFF IS AWESOME 5
KATIE from COLUMBIA, TN
I RECEIVED THIS PRODUCT FOR TESTING PURPOSES. I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE 3 DIFFERENT PRODUCTS BZZAGENT SENT ME. I CAN SAY I HAVE NEVER HAD A LINE WORK SO WELL AND FAST ON MY SKIN BEFORE.
Good bye dull skin 5
Sara R from Buffalo NY
The Vitamin C Glycolic Brightening Serum by Murad is amazing! It adds so much color and pigment to your skin. It leaves my face glowing and my skin radiant. Murad has become my favorite product line and it should be yours too. This is a phenomenal product line!
Murad skin care 5
Ariana from Tx
Loved it it help alot brighting my skin
Its ok 2
Smelly from Shepherd TX
Worked good but had a horrible smell
Great 5
saragufa from Washington
When you can see some wrinkles and some skin damage, this is for you, using everyday you can see healthier, brighter skin..lot of difference. Highly recommended.
Vitamin C Glycolic Brightening Serum Works Wonders! 5
Teamartin from Ohio
I'd highly recommend this to my friends, family. anyone that wants to achieve a more youthful appearance without going under the knife! This serum will help even out and brighten your dull skin. If used in conjunction with other Murad products it's like going to the spa every day!! A++++++
Vitamin C Serum 5
Happycatt from Philadelphia
I received a free full size product of Murad Vitamin-C Glycolic Brightening Serum. I really liked it. I felt my skin looked and felt better. I have been staying in because of the pandemic and fell that it is looking better with this product. Before using the serum I felt my skin was dull and dry. I would definitely recommend this product and will continue using it in the future.
This is a miracle worker 5
SJ from Miami
I really started to see the results in my pictures when I noticed that my skin looked smoother and more glowy and I realized this stuff really works!!! AMAZING
Great product by Murad 5
Jackie from Minneapolis
The Vitamin-C Dark Circle Corrector is pretty good. It takes away the texture and color of the bags under your eyes and gives you a younger looking face within a few weeks but you have to use it twice daily, every day. It makes your eyes appear more brighter and not so tired. You really only need a little bit at a time though. The way the product is bottlers makes this easy.