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Murad is a clinical skin care company that we’ve found ourselves often covering at HuffPost, not because of any kind of brand loyalties, but simply because the products seem to have effective formulations that go over well with those who make the splurge to try them. After recently conversing with a board-certified dermatologist, Murad products generally seem to be worth the price tag. At least that’s the case for this “sculpting” face and neck serum that employs a potent twist on a well-known ingredient — and it happens to be on sale for 40% off right now at Amazon.
The Murad Retinal ReSculpt overnight treatment is a very lightweight cream that the brand and reviewers claim can boost elasticity, target volume loss in areas like the neck and jowls, smooth wrinkles and boost moisture — all with the help of retinal (not to be confused with retinol).
Retinal is a more recent iteration of the more commonly known retinol and an ingredient that skin care experts determine is potentially more potent, and therefore more effective and faster working than retinol. And because the retinal is encapsulated, it’s delivered deeper into the skin with less irritation compared to more traditional retinol preparations, especially those that are prescription-strength.
Retinoids (a general term for actives like retinol and retinal) have been proven to promote cellular turnover rate, thus increasing collagen production for more youthful-looking skin.
Aside from this modern hero ingredient, the ReSculpt serum contains other anti-aging helpers in its formulation like kangaroo paw flower, an extract that may be able to support collagen production and create a more tightened and “sculpted” appearance, though it’s worth noting that these claims are fairly under-studied.
It also features a hydrating base of olive, oat and alpha glucan that work together to restore the skin’s barrier, which can get thinner and more compromised with age.
Granted, these fancy ingredients and lofty price tag mean nothing if the serum doesn’t yield results. But based on some very convincing reviews, we have reason to believe that it really does.
One reviewer wrote that after just four nights of continued use, the ReSculpt managed to deliver a dramatic improvement in the tone and texture of their skin, diminishing wrinkles, especially in tricky areas like the neck.
Other reviews possessed similarly impressive endorsements, many of which you can read just below. Or, if you want to save yourself a whopping $42 on this, as another reviewer put it, “miracle cream” then hurry and head over to Amazon.
Check out more promising Amazon reviews of this Murad overnight treatment for mature skin:
“Best over the counter retinol I have found. I have been using this product for about 7 months now and I have had great results. Retinols take a long time to work so you won’t see overnight results. I used it nightly for about 3 months and my skin started looking better at that point. I have continued to use it 4 nights a week and have seen a dramatic improvement in texture and tone. In addition, my wrinkles are much diminished, especially in my neck area. The product is expensive but a little goes a long way. Using it every night a bottle lasted me about 2 months.” — Sue
“This is a miracle cream!!! I have struggled with excess neck skin for a long time. I have tried different creams that promise results and I saw no change. Like nothing…..My neck is still not perfect but holy smokes. The very first time I used this on my neck, I woke up the next morning and honestly could not believe the difference. Yes in just one night. So obviously I’ve been using it for a while now and it just keeps getting better and better. I will never stop using this. It’s truly life changing.” — Isabela Malinka
“I think the price is a little high but it does such a great job I buy it anyway. I’m an older woman with older skin problems. I noticed a change for the better it seems immediately. Every day it looks better. It has even helped some scars to get smoother. I won’t be without it!!!” — Susan robinson
“This retinal has changed my facial routine game. Everyone who touches my face accidentally always proceeds to say how soft my face is and ask what I do to keep my face smooth. This is my second bottle. It is a little bit pricey I must say, but totally recommend.” — Dr Anita YFai
If you’re interested in more retinol- and retinal-containing products, take a look at some other options in the list ahead that we’ve covered in the past.
A dermatologist previously told HuffPost that this internet-viral French cream contains three different types of retinol in effective concentrations, without being as overly sensitizing as prescription preparations. In fact, some users who had been using prescription-strength Tretinoin then made the switch to this alternative, say they prefer A313 and have maintained the same results that they had with the prescription-strength formula.
Its distinctive occlusive texture is closer to a balm, which according to reviewers, can be more hydrating compared to other pricier formulations that you might find on the OTC market. The brand claims that the 2% retinol concentration can help unclog pores, minimize fine lines, reduce hyperpigmentation and even out skin texture.
The Medik8 Crystal Retinal serum can help to address typical signs of aging like wrinkles, texture and tone quickly and efficiently. It’s balanced with hyaluronic acid and glycerin to help keep skin supple, soft, smooth and hydrated. It’s a great mid-price jumping-off point for anyone curious about trying a retinal.
This cream is the highest run on Medik8’s Crystal Retinal ladder, boasting 0.2% retinal (if you’re wondering about the difference between retinol and retinal, read this). It’s for the most advanced skin care lovers and has double the concentration of the previous highest strength.
This Paula’s Choice multi-action cream uses the addition of 3% bakuchiol to boost the retinol’s efficacy and can also mitigate the symptoms of irritation that can occur in products that contain just retinol alone. This is because bakuchiol is a less irritating plant-based alternative to traditional retinoids that still has the capacity to promote cellular turnover.
This fast-absorbing serum has a lotion-like texture and is also formulated with peptides that support collagen production to improve the look of firmness while delivering multi-level support and nourishment to the skin.
Differin, probably the best known of adapalene-based products, claims that the more toned-down nature of this active ingredient compared to other retinoids makes it a good all-over face treatment that is suitable for everyday use, even sensitive skin types. Like other forms of retinoids, adapalene, which until 2018 was only available by prescription, works by increasing the skin’s cellular turnover rate — a process that slows down naturally as we age — and prevents new acne from forming.
This high-dose retinoid serum from Sunday Riley has been a recurring character in skin care lineup and I highly recommend it to anyone that wants to up their retinol dosage without over-sensitizing their skin. What makes Sunday Riley’s A+ serum so great is that it uses a 6.5% retinoid blend composed of encapsulated retinol, retinoid ester and retinol-alternative extracts that can work to dramatically improve skin tone and texture.