Dermatologist Review of Murad

Murad, Inc. is an eclectic dermatologist led skin care company which approaches skin aesthetics from a health and wellness perspective. Murad the company is a reflection of Murad the dermatologist. Howard Murad, MD is, first and foremost, a practicing dermatologist. Dr. Murad’s passion for dermatology and his commitment to patient care provide inspiration for continual refinement of his company’s philosophy and product offerings. In addition to being a leading dermatologist with a thriving practice, Dr. Murad is a trained pharmacist, an Associate Professor of Dermatology at my alma mater, UCLA, a health and wellness devotee, and a successful author and businessman.

Murad’s unique product offerings have been very well received in the United States and abroad. Murad products fill diverse niches ranging from supplements to acne regimens and from hormonal aging regimens to sunscreens. Murad’s product offerings reflect Dr. Murad’s pharmacy background and are finely crafted formulations comprised of highest quality component ingredients.

Murad’s approach to skin care regimens is clear and concise. Regimens are broken into three distinct steps. Each step may have one or two components depending on the specific regimen and individual needs. The distinct steps are Cleanse/Tone, Treat/Repair, and Hydrate/Protect. I like this form of regimen organization as it facilitates recommended daily regimen understanding and compliance.

Murad products have pleasant and functional packaging. The packaging style appears to reflect Murad’s background in pharmacy. Murad products suggest the look and feel of prescription offerings which certainly rings true with the Murad corporate motto - where skincare meets healthcare. I like the packaging which is partially color coded for skin type and regimen type. While it isn’t overly fancy in appearance, it is entirely pleasant and remains attractive with familiarity. Murad’s packaging philosophy appears to give preference to tubes and pumps over jars. I personally very much prefer this form of packaging because jars may have issues regarding ease of use and product purity over time which are avoided with Murad’s packaging choices.

While packaging and marketing are certainly important in the ultimate popularity of skin care products, the quality and functionality of the formulations is the essence of every skin care line and, in the final analysis, is what separates good from great products. Murad has clearly taken advantage of his extensive trpharmacy training in the formulation of his product line as the ingredients are balanced, finely crafted and, generally speaking, have pleasant and functional properties.

The popularity of supplements for skin health and wellness reflect an evolving concept in dermatology. Murad’s product offerings include several supplements that are targeted to various skin and health issues including hormonal aging. Certainly the utility of supplements for skin, nail and hair wellness has been established. Biotin, zinc and iron for example are all recognized as essential dietary elements necessary for optimal skin wellness. Yet Murad somehow seems ahead of his time in recognizing the importance of nutrition and supplementation on skin health. It will be interesting to see how the field of skin supplements progresses over time as many presumptively beneficial supplemental compounds demonstrate their value.

One of the most popular regimens in Murad’s product line is Acne Complex. This product line is tremendously popular and offers some distinct advantages. The key to Acne Complex’s success is that the product line is very well tolerated and efficacious. Murad has forgone benzoyl peroxide which, while effective, can be irritating and may bleach clothing. Instead, Acne Complex relies on gently formulated salicylic acid, retinol and sulfur products that are designed to control acne with a minimum of dryness and irritation. Acne Complex, while very effective, is not as effective for more severe cases of acne as prescription products including prescription retinoids such as Accutane. Nevertheless, Acne Complex can be very helpful in the treatment of milder acne and its wide availability and extensive promotion have certainly allowed this product line to benefit many acne suffers.

The Cellulite Solution is Dr. Murad’s latest book on the science of cellulite. Cellulite Solution is also Murad’s latest product line which makes bold promises on a tough and treatment resistant adversary. Cellulite Solution has only recently been introduced so there is not yet a tremendous amount of patient feedback but initial reports are favorable (for at least temporary improvement.) Dr. Murad has put his outstanding reputation on the line with Cellulite Solution and he stands behind both the product and the science behind it in every way right down to the money back success guarantee for Murad’s cellulite regimen.

In summary, Murad has a diverse product offering that contains thoughtfully packaged intelligently formulated products that are designed to address not only more mundane skin care issues such as sun protection and moisturization but also some of the more challenging skin conditions such as cellulite and hormonal aging. Murad’s promotion of supplements in optimization of skin wellness and beauty is also bold. I admire Dr. Murad for working diligently to effect therapeutic options in ways that have required him to ‘think outside the box.’ Murad, Inc. is a large and diversified dermatologist led company with a great product mix and reputation. I am looking forward to further cutting edge research and product development from this leading skin care company.