It takes a lot to impress a mature skin beauty writer – but this anti-ageing cream won me over
Celebrity dermatologist Dr. Howard Murad was among the first dermatologists to start selling clinical skincare products to the general public. Today, his anti-ageing products are so well-loved and trusted that Murad is the number one dermatologist-founded skincare brand in the States.
The brand's marketing makes much of the claim that it only uses 'scientifically proven formulas' to create its products, but it's hard to measure up to that promise. When I saw that the brand launched a range of four new SPF moisturisers, with a high level of sunscreen and high-performance actives, I had to see if it really lived up to the hype.
Leading the pack is the Murad superactive moisturiser SPF50: brightening, an update to the essential-C day moisturise SPF30 (£69, Marksandspencer.com) with a new formula and a new look. This vitamin C-loaded day cream promises to act like a 3-in-1 moisturiser, skin-brightener and sunscreen all in one, and it certainly lives up to the claim. It's so good it's earned itself the top spot in my guide to the best anti-ageing day creams.
How I tested
To put the new SPF moisturiser to the test, I've been trialling it for six weeks in place of my daily serum, moisturiser and SPF. This was through two heat waves when UV levels were high. During testing, I assessed the moisturiser using the following criteria.
Texture: I noted how the formula felt on the skin. Did it feel greasy and heavy, or was it more lightweight?
Hydration: And, as a moisturiser, its formula should be hydrating, so I noted how hydrated my skin felt. Additionally, I assessed how well the formula sat beneath my make-up, and whether it left a white cast, as SPFs sometimes can.
Results: I looked at how well the cream rejuvenated my skin. Specifically, whether it brightened and evened my skin tone, and had any effect on dark spots, as these are the effects the brand claims the product will have. At the same time, I noted any skin irritation.
Ease of use: Murad has introduced new packaging, so I assessed if, and how, this helped with ease of application.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Sabine Wiesel is a beauty journalist with years of experience trialling and recommending skincare to IndyBest readers. As a woman in her 40s, she has reviewed plenty of neck creams, retinol eye creams and similar products formulated to address the signs of ageing, such as fine lines, dullness and dark spots. With this in mind, she knows which actives to look for, and has a wealth of relevant testing experience. Having tried many anti-ageing day creams for our round-up of the best, Sabine named Murad's superactive moisturiser SPF50 the best on test. This is her full, honest review.
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