Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Merle Norman Skintelligent Cleanser versus Murad Essential-C Cleanser .
Published on May 31, 2021
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 13 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain retinoid, Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Face Cleanser
Face cleansers are used to remove makeup, dead skin cells, pollutants, oil, dirt, and/or clean out pores on the skin. Face cleansers may specialize in having one function (exa. just removing makeup) or may have multiple functions (exa. Removing makeup and cleaning pores).
Face Cleanser
Face cleansers are used to remove makeup, dead skin cells, pollutants, oil, dirt, and/or clean out pores on the skin. Face cleansers may specialize in having one function (exa. just removing makeup) or may have multiple functions (exa. Removing makeup and cleaning pores).
Ingredient Info
Merle Norman Skintelligent Cleanser 27 ingredients
Murad Essential-C Cleanser 36 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Merle Norman Skintelligent Cleanser 27 ingredients
Murad Essential-C Cleanser 36 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Build your routine, track which ingredients work for you, and much more with your free account.
Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Merle Norman Skintelligent Cleanser 27 ingredients
Murad Essential-C Cleanser 36 ingredients
Water • Decyl Glucoside • Phytelephas Aequatorialis Seed Powder • Methyl Gluceth-20 • Glycerin • Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate • 1,2-Hexanediol • Lactose • Mannitol • Cellulose • Ascorbyl Palmitate • Retinyl Palmitate • Tocopheryl Acetate • Triethyl Citrate • CI 77015 • Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer • Hydroxyacetophenone • Microcrystalline Cellulose • Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose • Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer • Xanthan Gum • Aminomethyl Propanol • Disodium EDTA • Parfum • Talc • CI 77492 • CI 77891
Water • Cocamidopropyl Betaine • Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate • Glycerin • Butylene Glycol • Aminomethyl Propanol • Polysorbate 20 • Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer • Panthenol • Phospholipids • Tocopheryl Acetate • Retinyl Palmitate • Ascorbyl Palmitate • Ascorbic Acid • Chitosan • Rice Amino Acids • Zinc Aspartate • Allantoin • Sodium PCA • Lactose • Cellulose • Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose • Propyl Gallate • Disodium EDTA • Phenoxyethanol • Caprylyl Glycol • Chlorphenesin • Limonene • Linalool • Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil • Orange Roughy Oil • Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil • Citrus Grandis Peel Oil • Ferula Galbaniflua Resin Oil • Parfum • CI 77492
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterMerle Norman Skintelligent Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 1.
Murad Essential-C Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 1.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinMerle Norman Skintelligent Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 5.
Murad Essential-C Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 4.
We don't have a description for Lactose.
Merle Norman Skintelligent Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 8.
Murad Essential-C Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 20.
Cellulose is the main component of plant cell walls. It is used as an emulsifier, absorbent, and texture enhancer.
This ingredient has many functions:
Fun fact: Cellulose is the most abundant form of organic polymer on Earth.
Learn more about CelluloseMerle Norman Skintelligent Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 10.
Murad Essential-C Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 21.
Ascorbyl Palmitate is created by combining pure Vitamin C and palmitic acid. It is an antioxidant and helps reduce hyperpigmentation.
Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, or molecules that may break down skin cells. Antioxdants help reduce signs of aging.
Ascorbyl Palmitate is a stable version of Vitamin C, meaning it does not disintegrate when exposed to sunlight. However, studies show it does not penetrate skin as well as pure Vitamin C.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Ascorbyl PalmitateMerle Norman Skintelligent Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 11.
Murad Essential-C Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 13.
Retinyl palmitate is a form of retinoid. It is created from palmitic acid and retinol.
This ingredient has antioxidant and exfoliating properties. Like other types of retinols, retinyl palmitate increases cell turnover. Removing dead skin cells and encouraging the growth of new ones improves skin tone and unclogs pores. This in turn promotes brighter looking skin and even skin texture.
As an antioxidant, retinyl palmitate helps neutralize free-radical molecules. These molecules have the potential to damage skin cells. Thus, antioxidants may help with anti-aging.
Retinyl palmitate can be good for be good for oily skin by helping to unclog pores. However, it may not be good for dry skin and fungal acne.
After using this product, you should follow up with sunscreen.
This ingredient is often added to low-fat milk to increase the levels of Vitamin A.
Learn more about Retinyl PalmitateMerle Norman Skintelligent Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 12.
Murad Essential-C Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 12.
Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateMerle Norman Skintelligent Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 13.
Murad Essential-C Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 11.
This ingredient is a semi-synthetic polymer created from cellulose. In case you need a refresher, cellulose is the main component of plant cell walls.
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose has many uses:
- emulsifier
- create a gel-like texture
- boost foam
Merle Norman Skintelligent Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 19.
Murad Essential-C Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 22.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is also an emulsifier. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.
Merle Norman Skintelligent Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 20.
Murad Essential-C Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 8.
Aminomethyl Propanol is used to adjust the pH of products. It is also used as a base to create other organic compounds. Having a balanced pH is important for protecting your skin.
Aminomethyl propanol is safe to use in cosmetics up to 1%. It is soluble in water.
Merle Norman Skintelligent Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 22.
Murad Essential-C Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 6.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAMerle Norman Skintelligent Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 23.
Murad Essential-C Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 24.
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give aroma to products. Parfum, or fragrance, can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "Parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
In the US, the alternative name for parfum is 'fragrance'. The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance. One example is Calendula flower extract. Essential oil ingredients still impart a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, it can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Products use parfum often to give products a scent or cover up smells of different ingredients.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumMerle Norman Skintelligent Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 24.
Murad Essential-C Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 35.
Ci 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77492Merle Norman Skintelligent Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 26.
Murad Essential-C Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 36.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Merle Norman Skintelligent Cleanser 27 ingredients
Murad Essential-C Cleanser 36 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Merle Norman Skintelligent Cleanser 27 ingredients
Murad Essential-C Cleanser 36 ingredients
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 7 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Merle Norman Skintelligent Cleanser.
See 7 alternativesOur Dupe Finder has found 18 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Murad Essential-C Cleanser.
See 18 alternatives
