Murad Essential-C Facial Cleanser - Foaming Gel Face Wash- Vitamin C & Antioxidant Rich Treatment Backed by Science Review
Our verdict
Murad's Essential-C Facial Cleanser is a foaming gel built around vitamin C, and a 4.7 star average across more than 3,300 ratings makes it one of the best reviewed washes in this facial gel lineup.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Combination, dry, normal, or oily skin looking for a vitamin C forward foaming gel cleanser with an antioxidant angle.
Skip if
You are sensitive to scent, since this cleanser carries an orange scent that some noses may find too strong for a daily wash.
- Priced 80% above the category median ($19.99 across 238 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.7/5
4.7 average across 3,300 owner ratings
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Popularity4.3/5
3,300 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other women's everyday face care: moisturizers, face mists, facial kits, rollers, cleansing brushes and steamers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
This foaming gel cleanser is built around vitamin C, an antioxidant ingredient, with brightening listed among its additional features. It comes in a clear gel with an orange scent, and it is positioned to work across combination, dry, normal, and oily skin.
As a rinse off step rather than a leave on treatment, the foaming gel format is meant to clear away the day without leaving residue behind, while still bringing an antioxidant ingredient into the routine. The 5 fluid ounce size is a fairly typical amount for a cleanser used once or twice daily.
With more than 3,300 ratings averaging 4.7 stars, this is one of the most reviewed and highest rated cleansers in this lineup, even though its current monthly purchase count is on the lower side relative to that large review base.
Pros
- Vitamin C and antioxidant ingredients support the look of a brighter complexion
- Foaming gel texture rinses clean without residue
- Suits combination, dry, normal, and oily skin
- 4.7 star average across more than 3,300 ratings, one of the highest review counts in this lineup
Cons
- Priced higher than most other gel cleansers in this category at $36
- Orange scent may not suit those who prefer unscented formulas
- Current monthly purchase volume is modest relative to its large review base
Performance notes
Vitamin C is well known as an antioxidant, and building it into a foaming gel cleanser brings that ingredient into a rinse off step rather than a leave on treatment. Because the formula washes away, any brightening benefit is likely to come from consistent daily use over time rather than from a single wash.
What buyers say
With more than 3,300 ratings averaging 4.7 stars, this is one of the most reviewed and highest rated cleansers in this lineup, even though its current monthly purchase count is on the lower side.
More from Brand
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Frequently asked questions
Does this cleanser have a strong scent?
It carries an orange scent as part of the formula, which most shoppers seem to enjoy given the rating, but anyone who prefers fragrance free products should keep that in mind.
What skin types is this cleanser suited for?
It is listed for combination, dry, normal, and oily skin, which covers most skin types looking for a vitamin C forward daily wash.
Is vitamin C in a cleanser actually useful?
Because a cleanser rinses off rather than staying on the skin, vitamin C here is more of a supporting antioxidant touch with daily use over time rather than a leave on treatment you would rely on for a dramatic change.