Murad Daily Clarifying Peel – Retinoid, Salicylic and...

Most Helpful Review

"If you have sensitive skin but still want to use and glean the exfoliating benefits from the Murad Daily Clarifying Peel, I recommend not using it daily but a couple of times a week, and only at night (per the product recommendation). Ease into use. Patch test first and give it a couple of days before the next application.This "peel" toner comes in two phases (a clear and blue oily-looking liquid you vigorously shake up immediately before use). The product separates quickly. It is formulated with witch hazel, retinyl propionate, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid. Alcohol-free for the win. No percentages are given, but it is fair to say with this blend of astringents, AHAs, BHAs, and a retinol derivative, users are going to experience some intense exfoliation. I can't use this every day or every other day. I have highly reactive, sensitive, congestion-prone skin, so I can only apply this 1-2x a week. This does have added fragrance. Completely unnecessary, in my opinion, but it isn't overpowering or unpleasant. The peel itself isn't heavy, sticky, tacky, or greasy but it does have something of a slip to it. Dimethicone is the second ingredient. So there are hits and misses with this formulation, depending on your skin's needs. Some people can't use silicones or certain types of chemical exfoliants.This is a PM-only leave-on treatment.To Use: I recommend cleansing with a non-medicated (no AHAs, BHAs, or things like vitamin C), no-frills wash. I double-cleanse with an oil balm to break down stubborn makeup and SPF. Then I do a second cleanse with a plain-jane water-based gel. Sometimes I'll use a basic toner too. Then you shake up the Murad Peel, dispense onto a cotton round, and sweep over the face. I only apply it to the congestion-prone areas of my face, not all over. But it can be used on the neck and chest, according to the box. Avoid the sensitive areas around the eyes and lips. Follow up with a moisturizer. Yes, even if you are oily and acne-prone. Moisturizer helps maintain the lipid balance of the skin's surface to keep skin from becoming dehydrated and triggering sebum production. Doesn't have to be expensive or thick. Also, regardless of if you are using this peel or not, use an SPF of 30 or higher daily. Exfoliants like this will make you more sensitive to UV, increasing the risk for burns, irritation, and discoloration. Yes, even if you are exfoliating in the evenings, you need to use an SPF in the daytime, year-round, not just in summer.Overall, this peel is good. It isn't my ride-or-die for treating my skin since it is sensitive and this peel is pretty intense for me. But it will bring about solid results in terms of clearing congestion and fading hyperpigmentation.Ingredients as of this writing:Water/Aqua/Eau, Dimethicone, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Butyl Avocadate, Butylene Glycol, Glycolic Acid, Retinyl Propionate, Allantoin, Zinc Gluconate, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Urea, Yeast Amino Acids, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Flower/Leaf Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, BHT, Betaine, Inositol, Taurine, Trehalose, Tocopherol, Salicylic Acid, Benzoic Acid, Fragrance (Parfum), Potassium Sorbate, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol"