Murad Clarifying Cleanser Versus REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic
Updated on August 20, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe . They have a total of 3 ingredients in common
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances and oils
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
Murad Clarifying Cleanser 31 ingredients
REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic 16 ingredients
Free from
Safety & Ethics
American Brand
Free from
Safety & Ethics
British Brand
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Murad Clarifying Cleanser 31 ingredients
REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic 16 ingredients
Ingredients, at a glance
What's in this product, and how it might affect your skin.
Notable Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients, at a glance
What's in this product, and how it might affect your skin.
Notable Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
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.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a fatty acid created by mixing similar compounds in coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine, a compound with two amino groups.
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is a cleansing agent made from a mixture of long chain sulfonate salts. It can also help produce foam.
Methyl Gluceth-20 is a humectant. Humectants help draw moisture from the air to your skin.
Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is derived from castor oil and polyethylene glycol (PEG). It is used as a emollient and emulsifier.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Cimicifuga Racemosa Root Extract is from a flowering plant native to Eastern US and Canada.
This type of green tea plant is native to China. It is closely related to Camellia sinensis. Both plants have very similar properties.
Menthol is a compound found in mint plants, such as peppermint. In its pure form, it is a clear crystalline substance.
Peg-150 Distearate is an emulsifier and thickening agent. It is created from stearic acid.
Zea Mays Starch is starch made from corn. You might know this as cornstarch . It is used to thicken a product. It can replace talc as an absorbent.
We don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Corn Starch Octenylsuccinate yet.
Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine comes from the fatty acids of coconut oil. It is an emulsifier, meaning it helps stabilize and mix ingredients.
Polysorbate 80 is a surfactant and emulsifier. It is used to keep ingredients together, and prevent oils and waters from separating.
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
5 BenefitsMay worsen Rosacea
Tetrasodium EDTA is the salt formed from neutralizing ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid with sodium hydroxide. It is a chelating agent and used to prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps keep the product and ingredients stable.
Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
MI is a preservative and known skin irritant. In the past, MI was used for its ability to prevent bacteria, yeast, and fungi growth in low doses.
2 Concerns
Limonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
2 Concerns
Angelica Archangelica Leaf Oil is a fragrance and is an oil.
Oil
Citrus Limon Peel Oil is created from the peels of the lemon. It is used to add a lemon-scent to products. Lemon peel oil also has antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. However, it may also cause phototoxicity and sensitize skin.
Oil2 Concerns
Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil is oil from the kernels of the Apricot, Prunus armeniaca L., Rosaceae. This oil is non-fragrant and non-volatile.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
2 Concerns
Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Methyl Gluceth-20, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Butylene Glycol, Cimicifuga Racemosa Root Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Silver Citrate, Menthol, PEG-150 Distearate, Zea Mays Starch, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch Octenylsuccinate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Polysorbate 80, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Chlorphenesin, Methylisothiazolinone, Limonene, Angelica Archangelica Leaf Oil, Cymbopogon Nardus Oil, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia Oil, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Orange Roughy Oil, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Parfum
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.
Sodium Lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid, an AHA. It is a humectant and sometimes used to adjust the pH of a product.
Lactic Acid is an AHA that is derived from fermenting lactose, a carbohydrate from milk. It removes the top layer of old and dead skin cells and helps increase cell turnover.
7 Benefits2 Concerns
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate (PAD) comes from the condensation of azelaic acid mixed with glycine.
Glyceryl Caprylate comes from glycerin and caprylic acid, a fatty acid from coconut. It has emollient and emulsifier properties.
Benzoic Acid is used to preserve and adjust the pH of products.
May worsen Eczema
Citrus Grandis Peel Oil is an essential oil that is derived from the peel of a Grapefruit. It is composed largely of limonene, which is a fragrance that can cause irritation for sensitive skin.
Oil
Citrus Tangerina Peel Oil comes from the peels of the tangerine, or mandarin.
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
2 Concerns
Limonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
2 Concerns
Water, Sodium Lactate, Lactic Acid, Heptyl Glucoside, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Triethyl Citrate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Salix Nigra Bark Extract, Benzoic Acid, Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Flower Oil, Citrus Grandis Peel Oil, Citrus Tangerina Peel Oil, Heptanol, Parfum, Limonene
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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
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.
Learn more about LimoneneParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient 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 by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
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 ParfumIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Murad Clarifying Cleanser 31 ingredients
REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic 16 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Murad Clarifying Cleanser 31 ingredients
Amelia 🩷
Pretty good for teen acne and fa prone skin, can be quite drying from the salicylic acid though so use hydrating products
Fatima Drammeh
I am disappointed because I had high hopes in this product. I have oily Sensitive skin and I was hoping using this product will help my clear my...
I am disappointed because I had high hopes in this product. I have oily Sensitive skin and I was hoping using this product will help my clear my skin. When I used this, it only clogged my pores and caused my skin to be very dry and cause texture all over my forehead
REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic 16 ingredients
Senna Gujral
This product is too harsh for most skin types. I used it for close to a month and it caused the worst break out of my life. I ended up giving it...
This product is too harsh for most skin types. I used it for close to a month and it caused the worst break out of my life. I ended up giving it away to a friend who had a different skin type and it broke her out as well. Stay away!
