Merle Norman AHA Toner Normal/Oily Versus Murad Clarifying Toner
Updated on August 20, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and fungal acne (malassezia) safe toners. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances and silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Merle Norman AHA Toner Normal/Oily 23 ingredients
Murad Clarifying Toner 25 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Merle Norman AHA Toner Normal/Oily 23 ingredients
Murad Clarifying Toner 25 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
PPG-12-Buteth-16
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Saccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingLactic Acid
Buffering
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingCitrus Medica Limonum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
Emollient
Triethanolamine
BufferingPropylene Glycol
Humectant
PEG-12 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Lactate
BufferingTetrasodium EDTA
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Disodium EDTA
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Menthol
Masking
Parfum
Masking
Water, Alcohol Denat., Butylene Glycol, PPG-12-Buteth-16, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Lactic Acid, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum Fruit Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Triethanolamine, Propylene Glycol, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Sodium Lactate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Allantoin, Sodium Benzoate, Menthol, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
PPG-5-Ceteth-20
EmulsifyingChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin Conditioning
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Citrus Medica Limonum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Lecithin
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Hydroxypropyltrimonium Amylopectin/Glycerin Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Seed Extract
Antimicrobial
PEG-12 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Menthol
Masking
Menthoxypropanediol
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Methylparaben
Preservative
Citral
Perfuming
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil
Masking
CI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 60730
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum Fruit Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Allantoin, Palmitoyl Hydroxypropyltrimonium Amylopectin/Glycerin Crosspolymer, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Menthol, Menthoxypropanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Citral, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil, CI 42090, CI 60730
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is usually an astringent alcohol.
These alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.
Fatty alcohols come from plant oils such as coconut oil. These can help hydrate the skin and are non-irritating. Some fatty alcohols include cetyl and stearyl alcohol.
Learn more about AlcoholAllantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.
Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolHamamelis Virginiana Water is made by distilling parts of the witch hazel plant. You can also call this ingredient "witch hazel water".
The name 'Hamamelis Virginiana Water' refers to the distillation product used in cosmetics. On the other hand, 'Witch Hazel' refers to the active drug ingredient.
Unless it is specified to be non-alcohol, many types of witch hazel ingredients are distilled in denatured alcohol.
Witch Hazel water is an astringent, anti-inflammatory antioxidant, and antibacterial ingredient.
It contains tannins. Tannins have a drying effect when used on skin by constricting proteins. The constriction also minimizes the appearance of pores.
Both the tannins and fragrance found in witch hazel may be skin-sensitizing.
Witch hazel water gets anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties from its catechin and gallic acid content.
Indigenous groups have used witch hazel to help treat inflammation in North America for centuries.
Learn more about Hamamelis Virginiana WaterMenthol is a compound found in mint plants, such as peppermint. In its pure form, it is a clear crystalline substance.
Menthol is known for its cooling sensation; however, the cooling is actually from your skin being sensitized. Menthol can worsen rosacea. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Menthol also has antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about MentholPEG-12 Dimethicone is a type of silicone.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterWe don't have a description for Citrus Medica Limonum Fruit Extract yet.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
