Murad Age Reform AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser Review

Murad Age Reform AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser Review

IMBB Sponsored Product Review

For a person who has struggled with acne since her teens, I have wanted to try the Murad products since the longest time and thanks to Team IMBB’s generosity, I did get to try Murad – their AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser.

Murad+Age+Reform+AHABHA+Exfoliating+Cleanser+Review

AHA and BHA are exfoliants. AHA refers to alpha hydroxy acid such as glycolic and lactic acids and BHA refers to beta hydroxy acid, better known as salicylic acid. Skin naturally sheds billions of skin cells each day. When this natural shedding slows or stops due to sun damage, dry skin, oily skin, genetics, or different skin disorders, the results are unmistakable: dull, dry, or flaky skin; clogged pores; blemishes; white bumps; and uneven skin tone. Using an exfoliant steps in to help put everything in balance again. When you gently get rid of built-up skin cells you can undo clogged pores, stop breakouts, smooth out wrinkles, even make dry skin become a thing of the past!

When properly formulated, both AHAs and BHA are brilliant options for exfoliating the surface of skin. They both work to reduce wrinkles, stimulate collagen, and firm skin.

Murad Age Reform AHABHA Exfoliating Cleanser 2

  • AHAs are preferred for sun-damaged and dry skin because they exfoliate on the surface of skin and have the added benefit of also improving moisture content.
  • BHA is preferred for oily, acne-prone skin and for treating blackheads and white bumps because BHA can get through the oil that’s clogging your pores, normalizing the lining of the misshapen pore that contributes to acne.
  • BHA has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action. Those are two more reasons to use a BHA exfoliant if you have acne or sensitive, reddened skin. So you will note that a lot of products for acne prone skin have salicylic acid.
  • Here is a product, which has both AHA and BHA exfoliants in it along with Jojoba beads to help the exfoliation.

A little bit about the Company:

One of the first dermatologist-developed skin-care lines. Dr. Murad was one of the first doctors to appear on an infomercial selling his own line of skin-care products, and quite successfully so. This was largely because the company paid for independent clinical studies to establish the efficacy of Dr. Murad’s products.  Dr. Murad’s skin-care philosophy, stated on his Web site, includes the following statement: “Take all the necessary steps to achieve healthy skin—including the right products, the proper nutrients (from both food and supplements) and positive lifestyle choices.” Rightly said!

Murad Age Reform AHABHA Exfoliating Cleanser 3

The Product Details (from the website):

Smoothes texture while cleansing impurities with a trio of gentle exfoliating acids. Salicylic, Lactic and Glycolic Acids provide clarity, brightness and improve cell-turnover by dissolving dead skin cell buildup. Jojoba beads further polish and smooth skin.

Cleanses and refines skin by:

  • Polishing away dullness and dehydration.
  • Improving texture and tone.

Why you need it:

Polishes away dullness and locked-in impurities.

Price:

$36 in US / INR 4647 for 200ml (Purchased online; shipped from US)

Packaging:

It comes in a plastic tube with 200 ml product.  Loved the fact that the box itself had a seal.  Further, upon opening the tube, the opening of the tube too was sealed. Refer pics.  After having some bad encounters while buying makeup products in malls, I am thrilled when I see seals on products – meaning the product is safe, hygienic, unused prior to it being opened by me. It’s a welcome change! The spout of the tube is fairly narrow – ensuring that too much product does not spill out and get wasted or make the tube messy. Thanks to Murad paying attention to the packaging, the product should easily last me for 6 months.

My Experience with Murad Age Reform AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser:

A brief on my skin type – I have oily and sensitive skin, which is extremely prone to acne. For me, acne will happen at the drop of a hat – lack of sufficient water consumption, too much sugar, too much spice in food, weather too cold, certain makeup products clogging the pores, certain time of the month. So, I really have to work on keeping my skin clear.

Murad Age Reform AHABHA Exfoliating Cleanser 4

I have been using this product for 3 weeks now – I was pleasantly surprised how fast I received it since it was an online purchase shipped from US. The product carton clearly states “To use: Massage a small amount over dampened face and neck. Rinse with warm water and pat dry. For optimal results, use 2 to 3 times weekly. Caution: Avoid contact with eyes. Do not use on irritated skin.”

I have used it on alternate days since the time I received it. The product is slightly runny, white, with fine jojoba beads, which work towards light physical exfoliation.

The product has a light medicinal smell – however, it is not off-putting.

Having used it for the last 3 weeks, I feel my skin more fresh and hydrated. My trip to Chandigarh had really impacted my skin because of the drastic weather change. While Mumbai is still hot, I found Chandigarh to be fairly cold. This had made my skin look dry, dehydrated and dull. That seems to have changed with regular usage of this product.

Murad Age Reform AHABHA Exfoliating Cleanser 5

While using the product,  initially I felt no different from the regular scrubs. However, over a 3-week period, the result has been more pronounced. Initially, all I felt was a feeling of clean skin. However, with continued usage, I feel my skin to have brightened and feels more hydrated– probably because the product has worked not just on the surface, but the AHA/BHA exfoliants have worked on the clogged pores, removing dead cells, helping clear skin resurface.

The product gave a more hydrated look to the skin, prior to that my skin had been feeling very dry and dull. The exfoliant did not further dry or inflame it or make it turn red. On the contrary, the skin felt more relaxed and supple.

Second week of usage, I also had some acne. You might wonder, why I would develop acne if I was already using this. My acne was hormonal – happens every month like clockwork! My hormone-induced acne is generally bad and takes about a week to clear out completely as I keep getting new zits. While using this, I felt my acne cleared faster, about 3 days for zits to subside and another day for them to disappear. Also, I felt there was lesser redness. Since, nothing else in my skin care had changed, I attribute the changes to this product.

The product is part of the “Age Reform” line. Since the product is on the skin for very short time, I doubt that it can do much in terms of anti-aging reforms. I presume its benefit towards mature skin are more towards how gentle the exfoliation is due to the fineness of the jojoba beads.

Murad Age Reform AHABHA Exfoliating Cleanser 6

There are very few products, which have both AHA and BHA exfoliants in them. In that sense, it is unique – however, considering the placement on the ingredient list, I feel the quantity of these is not that high. The product worked as well as a gentle exfoliant does; however, I don’t feel dazzled by the product.

The product cost over INR 4.6K. However, the product quantity justifies it. The 200 ml should easily last me for 6 months, especially since it is not required to be used daily.

To sum this up for you:

Pros of Murad Age Reform AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser:

  • Will work well for all skin types, is very gentle on the skin.
  • Exfoliates through fine jojoba beads.
  • Has both AHA and BHA.
  • Does not cause the skin to feel tight, like some harsh cleansers do.
  • Leaves no residue or stickiness on the face.
  • Feel that the skin is becoming radiant, hydrated and supple with regular use.
  • Did not cause any skin irritation or breakouts.
  • Easy to dispense – tube packaging. Tube has a small spout.
  • Easy to store and carry.

Cons of Murad Age Reform AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser:

  • Availability in India.
  • It has a medicinal smell.

IMBB Rating:

3/5.

Murad Environmental Shield Essential-C Renewal Complex
Murad Hybrids Skin Perfecting Primer Dewy Finish
Murad Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel
Olay Age Protect Anti-Ageing Cream
Jergens Age Defying Multi-Vitamin Moisturizer
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer
Clinique Age Defense BB Cream with SPF 30
Mario Badescu A.H.A. Botanical Body Soap
AHAGLOW Skin Rejuvenating Face Wash Gel
Freeman Pink Grapefruit Facial Exfoliating Scrub
Clinique Exfoliating Scrub
Himalaya Herbals Gentle Exfoliating Apricot Scrub
Clean and Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Scrub
Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective White Purifying Cleanser
Neutrogena Deep Clean Foaming Cleanser
Clean and Clear Blackhead Clearing Cleanser
Make Up For Ever Brush Cleanser
Vichy Normaderm 3 in 1 Cleanser Scrub Mask
The Body Shop Vitamin E Cream Cleanser
Liquid Neutrogena Pure Mild Facial Cleanser
Lush Aqua Marina Cleanser

IMBB RECOMMENDS

24 thoughts on “Murad Age Reform AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser Review

    1. *thankyou* Anuradha! Yes, very limited roducts have both AHA and BHA – generally its either or or depending on the target audience.

  1. Great detailed review kk.. *clap* though I also have same skin concerns bt I think it needs a skip for me.. *nababana* price n results as u mentioned.. *hifive* thanks for clearing all doubts abt this cleanser. *clap*

    1. *thankyou* for the encouraging words Neetu! Ya, i think you can skip this…there are equally good products at a better pricing. Alternatively, its ok to use a separate AHA and BHA product – one in the morning, one in the nite.

  2. Ohhh my my that is such a detailed review *woot* *woot* looks like a very good one *woot* glad it worked great for you *happy dance* *happy dance* never ever tried murad due to its low availability *nababana* *nababana* however they should do something about the packaging na *headbang*

    1. *thankyou* Saloni! Murad packaging is no-fuss and no-nonsense. Their entire line is like that. Probably because its created by a dermatologist, so they want to emphasise the product rather than the aesthetics of the packaging. Having said that, I had no complaints from the packaging perspective – loved that it provided tamper-proffing at 2 points. Also, the nozzle is small, so that only appropriate amount is dispensed out and no mess is created at the nozzle area.

  3. I always love to read your reviews *haan ji* . They are so detailed. *clap*
    I am someone who suffer from hormonal acne *cry* *cry* I understand you completely. I wonder whether it will ever stop *headbang*

    1. *thankyou* Sowmya for your encouraging words! My pregnancies were blissful, coz hormonal acne did stop then! But thats too heavy (pun intended) a price to pay to stop the hormonal acne!! rofl rofl rofl

        1. rofl rofl

          When you all make the extra effort of writing your thoughts and leaving such kind words for me, its the least I can do. And anyways, this is my most favourite part of the entire blogging process – the interaction with the readers like you! *hifive*

    1. *hihi* *hihi* People say that we, oily skinned people, will see signs of ageing later than our dry skinned counterparts. That is no solace in the light of the daily struggle to maintain decent (cant even say good) skin condition!! *waaa* *waaa*

      1. KK…would love to know your skin care routine…plzzzzzzzzzzzz….I hate it when they say we wont have wrinkles later, I want wrinkles now, I don’t want acne *cry* *cry* *cry* *cry* *cry* *cry*

        1. I agree Jomol! Im ok with a couple of wrinkles if this acne would go away permanently!!!

          My skin care routine is little weird. I use which fash wash / cleanser i am trying. But prefer Neutrogena Anti Acne face wash – its been a staple since its discovery by me a year back. This is generally followed by a serum – which ever i am trying currently – used Loreal one for very long time but not convinced that it showed much results. Like the EL one I tried through IMBB sponsored products. This is followed by a face cream (I use a Pranic/Energy Cream – I order it from someone in Kolkatta – if you want details, will mail you) for nite and sunscreen in the day. I have been trying to incorporate sunscreen into my regime for sometime now. Finally found a couple of winning options. I generally dont use a toner – they invariably end up breaking me out. I use a daily scrub (like Neutrogena black head removal scrub or the MUrad one) 2-3 times a week.
          Drinking lots of water helps but I tend to forget. I can go the whole day without water (unconciously of course) except when it is Karvachauth – then I can think of only water!!! rofl rofl

    1. Ya….but you know that being expensive doesnt always guarantee a good product and vice versa! So thankful to IMBB for allowing us to try these brands which till now I had only dreamt of using one day!

      *thankyou* for the encouragement Mayuri!

Leave a Reply to sowmya Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *