Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ Versus Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++
Updated on December 09, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free . They have a total of 14 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain SPF, Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain 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
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ 50 ingredients
Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ 50 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
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ 50 ingredients
Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ 50 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV Absorber
Homosalate 6.5%
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5%
UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV Absorber
Benzophenone-3 2%
UV Absorber
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Diisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientCocoglycerides
Emollient
Lauryl Lactate
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Isodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientDimethicone
Emollient
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingUrea
Buffering
Yeast Amino Acids
HumectantTrehalose
Humectant
Inositol
Humectant
Taurine
BufferingBetaine
Humectant
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Retinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Pelvetia Canaliculata Extract
Skin ProtectingEctoin
Skin Conditioning
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract
Antimicrobial
Passiflora Incarnata Extract
AstringentTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Tripleurospermum Maritimum Extract
Skin ProtectingZinc Gluconate
Skin Conditioning
Ethyl Linoleate
Emollient
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Parfum
Masking
CI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 6.5%, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Benzophenone-3 2%, Water, Butylene Glycol, Stearic Acid, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Cocoglycerides, Lauryl Lactate, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Dimethicone, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetyl Phosphate, Urea, Yeast Amino Acids, Trehalose, Inositol, Taurine, Betaine, Phospholipids, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Pelvetia Canaliculata Extract, Ectoin, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Passiflora Incarnata Extract, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Sodium PCA, Panthenol, Tripleurospermum Maritimum Extract, Zinc Gluconate, Ethyl Linoleate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Xanthan Gum, Aminomethyl Propanol, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Limonene, Linalool, Parfum, CI 15985, CI 17200
Titanium Dioxide 2.7%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 10%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialGlycerin
Humectant
Triheptanoin
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
C13-16 Isoparaffin
Solvent
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Polyurethane-35
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
Abrasive
Bisabolol
Masking
Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Skin Conditioning
Urea
Buffering
Yeast Amino Acids
HumectantTrehalose
Humectant
Inositol
Humectant
Taurine
BufferingBetaine
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Biosaccharide Gum-4
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid
Skin ConditioningSilica
Abrasive
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Aluminum Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantAlumina
Abrasive
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Methylpropanediol
SolventDipropylene Glycol
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPhenylpropanol
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantTitanium Dioxide 2.7%, Zinc Oxide 10%, Water, Dimethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glycerin, Triheptanoin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C13-16 Isoparaffin, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polyurethane-35, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Bisabolol, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Urea, Yeast Amino Acids, Trehalose, Inositol, Taurine, Betaine, Tocopherol, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Silica, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum Stearate, Alumina, Ethylhexylglycerin, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Methylpropanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenylpropanol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, CI 77491, CI 77492
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ascorbyl Palmitate is created by combining pure Vitamin C and palmitic acid. It is an antioxidant and helps reduce hyperpigmentation.
This ingredient is a more stable version of Vitamin C, meaning it does not disintegrate as quickly when exposed to sunlight. However, studies show it does not penetrate skin as well as pure Vitamin C.
Ascorbyl Palmitate is oil soluble.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Ascorbyl PalmitateBetaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.
This ingredient is best for improving hydration and soothing irritated skin. Studies also show it helps even out skin tone.
Fun fact: Betaine is naturally created in the skin and body. The kind found within cosmetic products can be either plant-derived or synthetic.
Learn more about BetaineButylene 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 GlycolCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolChlorphenesin 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.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeInositol is a sugar alcohol naturally found in the human body. Our bodies use this ingredient in the process of growing new cells.
Studies show inositol to be a key component for keratinocyte growth.
Keratinocytes make up the majority of the outermost layer of skin. These cells protect our skin from UV exposure, infection, and help keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient is also considered a humectant. Humectants help hydrate the skin by drawing moisture to it.
Learn more about InositolPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
We don't have a description for Taurine yet.
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 AcetateTrehalose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules (glucose is sugar!). Trehalose is used to help moisturize skin. It also has antioxidant properties.
As a humectant, trehalose helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
Due to its antioxidant properties, trehalose may help with signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, unstable molecules that may damage your skin.
In medicine, trehalose and hyaluronic acid are used to help treat dry eyes.
Some animals, plants, and bacteria create trehalose as a source of energy to survive freeze or lack of water.
Learn more about TrehaloseUrea is also called carbamide and is the diamide of carbonic acid. In cosmetics, urea is used to hydrate the skin. It also provides exfoliation in higher concentrations.
As a humectant, urea helps draw moisture from the air and from deep within the skin. This helps hydrate your skin. Studies show urea is an effective moisturizer for dry skin conditions. 40% urea is typical in medications for treating eczema and other skin conditions.
Urea has the strongest exfoliation effect in concentrations higher than 10%. It is a keratolytic agent, meaning it breaks down the keratin protein in the top layer of skin. This helps remove dead skin cells and flaking skin.
In medicine, urea has been shown to help increase the potency of other ingredients, such as fungal treatments.
Humans and animals use urea to metabolize nitrogen-containing compounds. Urea is highly soluble in water. Once dissolved, it is neither acidic nor alkaline.
Learn more about UreaWater. 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 Yeast Amino Acids yet.
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Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ 50 ingredients
Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ 50 ingredients
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