When it comes to widely-beloved skincare, most of the brands that have been in the game for as long as Murad has, have their hero products they are known and loved for. Murad has multiple ‘cult status’ products including their Retinol Youth Renewal Serum, Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture moisturiser, and honestly, there are so many that we will be here all night if we continue to list them. But while some brands have their hero products and rest on their laurels, Murad continues to innovate and evolve, bringing out new products that are equally as good as their cult-favourite staples year after year.
Having been a beauty editor for years, I was lucky enough to do Goldilocks-level product testing for my job, which means that I know a good product from a great one if you know what I mean. So, when I caught wind of the latest and great from Murad; the Retinol Youth Renewal Oil Drops and the Cellular Hydration Barrier Repair Oil Drops I knew I had to get my hands on some.
In the interest of transparency, Murad is my favourite brand of all time, and I am not just saying that. My skin and Murad just work together, and when you find that brand that really connects with your skin, you run with it. I have an arsenal of products that I have on rotation, some firm fixtures and others that swap out throughout the changing seasons. But one of my all-time favourite Murad products is their Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil. This is because, contrary to popular belief, a great facial oil is actually incredibly difficult to come by. What appears to be a simple glow-inducing formulation can so easily miss the mark. Some are too thick, and leave your skin feeling greasy hours after you’ve finished applying it. And others, well, just don’t appear to be doing anything, and personally I want all my skincare products to earn their keep, or they’ll have to give up that prime real estate in my bathroom cabinet. Basically, all of this background is just to let you know that when it comes to Murad, and more specifically Murad face oils, I do have credentials.
So without boring you any further, here is what I think of the latest to grace the Murad lineup.
First impressions
No matter what people tell you, first impressions do matter. And so when I eagerly ripped open my new package of goodies I was very impressed to see two sleek glass bottles with droppers. I personally will not even entertain a facial oil that doesn’t come with a dropper, it is simply too hard to control how much product you are using, and can lead to disasters on the bathroom floor. It also means that you can apply the dropper directly to your face rather than waste half of it absorbing into your hands, which I am pretty sure is a myth, but you can never be too careful.
Whether you're using one drop or several, this luxe packaging and functional design make both products feel like a treat and something you look forward to putting on at the end of the day. The oils are lightweight, not at all greasy, and absorb quickly into the skin. This is important, especially for those of us who have tried oils in the past and found ourselves struggling with that heavy, tacky feeling. With these, you won’t need to worry about an oily residue. They leave your skin feeling hydrated, plump, and ready for whatever comes next in your routine.
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Oil Drops
Let’s delve deeper into what’s on offer with each of the products so you can figure out which one is right for you. By now, I am sure we are all well versed on retinol and how amazing it is. Often hailed as the holy grail of anti-ageing, known for its ability to visibly smooth wrinkles, improve skin texture, and even out skin tone blah blah blah. But, even with all its many man accolades, retinol can sometimes be intense and if applied incorrectly, or to the wrong skin type, it can leave your skin irritated and dry. If you’ve experienced this in the past with retinol products, these oil drops may be the solution to your problems. Murad is known to expertly pair their retinol with other ingredients that mitigate these side effects, and the oil is no exception.
Formulated to deliver the smoothing and firming benefits of retinol while ensuring that your skin stays hydrated and nourished. Let’s break down the key ingredients that make this oil a star product:
Retinol
This powerhouse ingredient is the driving force behind the oil’s age-defying properties. It works by accelerating cell turnover, revealing fresher, younger skin while tackling fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture. The result? Smoother, firmer skin over time.
Omegas (3 and 6)
These essential fatty acids are responsible for keeping the skin hydrated and balanced. They lock in moisture while nourishing the skin, ensuring that even though retinol is working its magic, your skin won’t feel dry or tight.
Biofermented Antioxidants
These antioxidants help neutralise free radicals that cause premature ageing, giving your skin a protective shield from environmental stressors. They also complement retinol’s anti-ageing benefits, making sure you’re getting all-round protection.
Jojoba Seed Oil: Known for its moisturising and radiance-boosting properties, jojoba seed oil helps improve the skin’s overall texture and appearance. Plus, it’s perfect for balancing out your skin’s oil production, leaving you with that enviable dewy glow.
How to use
One of the best things about these oil drops is their versatility. Not only are they designed to complement your existing skincare routine, but they also allow for customisation. Want more hydration? Layer it over your moisturiser. Need a simple, glowing finish? Use it solo after cleansing. No matter how you choose to use it, your skin will thank you with smoother, firmer, and more radiant skin.
Personally, I love using a facial oil in the morning as I use an oil-based foundation and I find it makes it go on like a second skin. However, you can use these drops morning, night or both depending on which way you like it. Simply shake the bottle well (because we all know skincare products feel fancier when you shake them), press once to load the dropper, and dispense one dose of the oil. Apply a thin layer to your face and neck, and you can either use it on its own or layer it over your serum or moisturiser.
If you’re like me and you prefer to use oil as part of your morning routine, simply follow the same instructions as above, follow with a sunscreen and then your makeup.
Murad Cellular Hydration Barrier Repair Oil Drops
Murad have really been expanding on their cellular range recently, and I am absolutely here for it. My skin has always been pretty good as far as skin goes, but since I have been actively and consciously working on repairing my skin barrier, it has never looked or felt better. The second oil in the stellar lineup with help you do exactly that. If retinol is the hero for anti-ageing, then the Cellular Hydration Barrier Repair Oil Drops are the hydration and barrier-strengthening hero your skin has been waiting for.
This oil is all about repairing the skin’s barrier, locking in moisture, and providing a much-needed hydration boost. Let’s break down the powerhouse ingredients that make this oil such an essential:
Refined Bilberry Seed Oil
Derived from handpicked bilberries, this ingredient is packed with omegas 3 and 6, essential fatty acids that are key to maintaining a healthy skin barrier. These omegas help keep the skin nourished, soft, and hydrated, even when facing harsh external elements. They’re like a drink of water for your skin!
Stabilised Multi-Vitamin Antioxidant Blend (A-F)
A unique blend of six vitamins, from A to F, that work together to repair and fortify the skin barrier. This antioxidant-rich mix helps protect the skin from environmental stressors, reduces inflammation, and supports the skin’s overall health.
Jojoba Seed Oil
Just like in the Retinol Youth Renewal Oil Drops, jojoba seed oil is included here for its moisturising and radiance-boosting benefits. It helps balance your skin’s natural oils and leaves you with smooth, glowing skin.
How to use
Just like its sibling, you can choose to use it morning or night. Just like before, shake the bottle, press once to load the dropper, and dispense one dose. You can apply it directly to your skin after cleansing, or mix it with your serum or moisturiser to lock in the benefits of those products.
This oil is designed to be multi-tasking, so it can be used on its own or as a boost to your existing routine. Whether you're looking to combat dry skin, or redness, or simply want a radiant glow, this oil has you covered. It’s the perfect complement to your skincare routine if you want to improve skin texture, boost hydration, and strengthen your skin’s barrier.
So, which is right for you?
Both oils serve unique purposes, and it really depends on your skin’s needs, but if I had to sum them up I would say the following.
If you're looking for an anti-ageing solution that visibly smooths wrinkles, firms the skin, and promotes a glowing complexion, the Retinol Youth Renewal Oil Drops should be your go-to. It’s a powerhouse for tackling fine lines and wrinkles while ensuring your skin stays hydrated and protected.
If you’re dealing with dryness, redness, or a compromised skin barrier, the Cellular Hydration Barrier Repair Oil Drops are the perfect choice. They offer intense hydration, barrier repair, and a radiant boost that will leave your skin looking fresh and healthy.
Or, if you’re like me and you simply can’t decide, get both and mix it up! It’s oil good.