MuradcleanserCleanse step

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

This cleanser packs a punch with three types of exfoliating acids. It aims to polish away dead skin cells, leaving skin smoother and brighter. The inclusion of jojoba beads offers a physical exfoliation component, while licorice extract helps to soothe.

Sephora price

$37.00

Price matters most when you are trying to learn whether this lane belongs in your routine without turning the test into a luxury gamble.

Sephora reviews

4.5 / 5

About 823 reviews on the current Sephora source, so there is real volume behind the reputation.

Shoppers keep mentioning

DrynessUneven TextureSalicylic AcidGlycolic AcidLactic AcidJojoba BeadsLicorice Extract

These are the shopper themes that keep showing up around this listing and shape why people open it in the first place.

Glass take

4.5 / 5 overall fit

A potent exfoliating cleanser that effectively tackles dryness and dullness, but should be used judiciously.

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

Sephora snapshot refreshed April 23, 2026

Price, rating, review count, and source status come from Sephora. Glass adds the routine fit, overlap risk, and what to compare next.

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What Sephora says

What this product is supposed to do

An intensive, triple-action exfoliator with a custom blend of salicylic, lactic, and glycolic acids to polish away dry, dull-looking skin—without irritation.

DrynessDullnessUneven Texture

Use AM or PM.

Massage a small amount over a dampened face and neck.

Rinse and pat dry.

For optimal results, use two to three times weekly.

What Glass adds

What actually matters before you buy it

This is a powerful exfoliating cleanser. It's a good choice if you want to combine cleansing and exfoliation into one step, especially for tackling dullness and texture. However, it's not for daily use and requires careful integration into your routine to prevent irritation.

Texture transformation

Many users report a noticeable improvement in skin smoothness and a reduction in dry, flaky patches after consistent use.

Brightening effect

The combination of acids helps to reveal brighter, more radiant skin by sloughing off dull surface cells.

Best for

When this is a smart buy

  • Dry skin
  • Dull skin
  • Uneven texture
  • People who want a multi-tasking cleanser

Skip if

When this is the wrong lane

  • Your skin is sensitive or easily irritated
  • You are already using multiple exfoliating treatments
  • You need a gentle cleanser for daily use

Routine fit

How to use this exfoliating cleanser

Incorporate this cleanser into your routine two to three times per week. Use it after removing makeup and before applying any other treatments. Always follow with a moisturizer. Avoid using it on the same night as other strong exfoliants or retinoids to prevent over-exfoliation.

Why it works

Where it earns the slot and where it does not

The useful question is not whether this product is good in a vacuum. It is whether it makes your routine easier to run or just adds one more bottle with a familiar ingredient on it.

What it actually does well

  • Effective exfoliation from multiple acids
  • Combines cleansing and exfoliation
  • Addresses dullness and texture concerns

Where it starts to feel redundant

  • Can be too harsh for daily use
  • Potential for irritation if overused
  • Not suitable for very sensitive skin

Routine fit

Where it belongs in the stack

Morning or night

This cleanser can be used in either your morning or evening routine, depending on your skin's needs and tolerance. If used in the morning, it can help to brighten skin for the day. If used at night, it preps skin for overnight treatments.

Glass rating

How this formula scores in real life

4.5/ 5 overall

A potent exfoliating cleanser that effectively tackles dryness and dullness, but should be used judiciously.

Routine fit

4.0 / 5

Best used 2-3 times a week to avoid over-exfoliation. It's a strong first step for dull or dry skin.

Full ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient, what it does, and whether I care

Solvent

Water/Aqua/Eau

Badness

0.0 / 10

The base liquid for the formulation.

Usually helps with

Hydration

Watch for

None

Surfactant

Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate

Badness

3.0 / 10

A cleansing agent that creates lather.

Usually helps with

Cleansing

Watch for

Can be drying for some skin types.

Exfoliant

Jojoba Esters

Badness

1.0 / 10

Provides gentle physical exfoliation.

Usually helps with

Exfoliation

Watch for

None

Surfactant

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Badness

2.0 / 10

A mild surfactant that helps create foam and cleanse the skin.

Usually helps with

Cleansing

Watch for

Can be a mild irritant for very sensitive skin.

Emulsifier

Acrylates Copolymer

Badness

0.0 / 10

Helps to bind ingredients together and create a stable formula.

Usually helps with

Texture

Watch for

None

Emollient

Glycol Stearate

Badness

1.0 / 10

Softens and smooths the skin.

Usually helps with

Emollience

Watch for

None

Humectant

Propanediol

Badness

1.0 / 10

Attracts moisture to the skin.

Usually helps with

Hydration

Watch for

None

Active

Glycolic Acid

Badness

2.0 / 10

An AHA that exfoliates the skin's surface, improving texture and tone.

Usually helps with

Exfoliation, dullness, texture

Watch for

Can cause stinging or redness, especially when first starting.

Active

Lactic Acid

Badness

2.0 / 10

An AHA that exfoliates and hydrates, helping to soften and smooth the skin.

Usually helps with

Exfoliation, hydration, smoothness

Watch for

Can cause mild irritation.

Active

Salicylic Acid

Badness

3.0 / 10

A BHA that penetrates pores to exfoliate and help clear congestion.

Usually helps with

Acne, pores, oiliness

Watch for

Can be drying and may cause peeling or irritation.

Soothing Agent

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate

Badness

1.0 / 10

Derived from licorice root, it helps to calm and soothe the skin.

Usually helps with

Soothing, anti-inflammation

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Badness

2.0 / 10

A stable form of Vitamin C that offers antioxidant protection and can help brighten skin.

Usually helps with

Brightening, antioxidant protection

Watch for

Generally well-tolerated, but some may experience mild irritation.

Humectant

Sodium PCA

Badness

1.0 / 10

A component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor, it helps attract and retain moisture.

Usually helps with

Hydration

Watch for

None

Humectant

Urea

Badness

2.0 / 10

Helps to moisturize and soften the skin.

Usually helps with

Moisturizing

Watch for

Can be irritating in higher concentrations.

Skin Conditioning Agent

Yeast Amino Acids

Badness

1.0 / 10

A blend of amino acids that help condition and improve skin texture.

Usually helps with

Skin conditioning

Watch for

None

Humectant

Trehalose

Badness

1.0 / 10

A sugar that helps to retain moisture and protect skin cells.

Usually helps with

Hydration, protection

Watch for

None

Skin Conditioning Agent

Inositol

Badness

1.0 / 10

Helps to condition and improve skin's feel.

Usually helps with

Skin conditioning

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Taurine

Badness

2.0 / 10

An amino acid that can help protect skin from environmental stressors.

Usually helps with

Antioxidant protection

Watch for

None

Humectant

Betaine

Badness

1.0 / 10

A moisturizing ingredient derived from sugar beets.

Usually helps with

Hydration

Watch for

None

pH Adjuster

Citric Acid

Badness

2.0 / 10

Used to adjust the pH of the formula, can also have mild exfoliating properties.

Usually helps with

pH balance

Watch for

Can be an irritant in high concentrations.

pH Adjuster

Sodium Hydroxide

Badness

3.0 / 10

Used to adjust the pH of the formula.

Usually helps with

pH balance

Watch for

Can be corrosive in high concentrations; safe in small amounts for pH adjustment.

Conditioning Agent

Polyquaternium-4

Badness

2.0 / 10

Helps to condition the skin and hair.

Usually helps with

Conditioning

Watch for

None

Viscosity Adjuster

Sodium Chloride

Badness

0.0 / 10

Used to thicken the product.

Usually helps with

Texture

Watch for

None

Chelating Agent

Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate

Badness

1.0 / 10

Helps to stabilize the formula by binding to metal ions.

Usually helps with

Stability

Watch for

None

Chelating Agent

Tetrasodium EDTA

Badness

3.0 / 10

Helps to stabilize the formula by binding to metal ions. Concerns exist about its environmental impact.

Usually helps with

Stability

Watch for

Environmental concerns.

Preservative

Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A natural preservative derived from fermented radish root.

Usually helps with

Preservation

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Tocopherol

Badness

1.0 / 10

A form of Vitamin E that helps protect skin from free radical damage.

Usually helps with

Antioxidant protection

Watch for

None

Preservative

Ethylhexylglycerin

Badness

2.0 / 10

A preservative that also has skin-conditioning properties.

Usually helps with

Preservation, skin conditioning

Watch for

Can be a mild irritant for some.

Preservative

Chlorphenesin

Badness

3.0 / 10

A preservative that helps prevent microbial growth.

Usually helps with

Preservation

Watch for

Can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.

Preservative

Sodium Benzoate

Badness

2.0 / 10

A common preservative used to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.

Usually helps with

Preservation

Watch for

Can be irritating for sensitive skin, especially in combination with Vitamin C.

Compare before you buy

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FAQ

The fast answers people actually need

How often should I use the Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser?

It is recommended to use this cleanser two to three times per week to avoid over-exfoliation and potential irritation.

Can I use this cleanser if I have dry skin?

Yes, this cleanser is formulated to help with dryness and dullness. However, start by using it once or twice a week and monitor your skin's reaction, ensuring you follow up with a good moisturizer.

Is this cleanser suitable for sensitive skin?

While it contains soothing ingredients like licorice extract, the combination of AHAs and BHAs can be too potent for very sensitive skin. It's best to patch test or use it sparingly if you have sensitivity.