An Honest Review of Murad Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment
Remember when Kylie Jenner uttered that infamous line, “This is the year of realizing stuff?” Well that’s how I feel about this year in regards to my skin. I’ve been trying things that I never had before, and quite frankly, was a little scared to, like facial oils, and retinoids. My fears mainly lay in the possibility that my skin would react, I’d break out, and be a victim of the so-called “retinol uglies.” But because I’m dealing with 40-plus skin concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, and dark spots, I’ve become more open to experimenting.
Which is why it was a good time to try the new Murad Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment ($79). It’s currently discounted (as is the entire site!) in honor of Murad’s bi-annual Friends and Family sale, so now is a good time to snag a bottle, since it’s normally pretty pricey.
The sale lasts from today (April 6) until April 10.
How it works:
Murad Retinal ReSculpt targets mild-to-moderate aging signs, specifically neck and jowl sagging, deep-set wrinkles, crepey skin, and loss of elasticity. As the name states, it contains retinal, which is a form of retinoid that’s great for more severe aging signs, and can deliver immediate results. “Retinal is stronger than retinol, and is often found at a lower concentration than retinol due to its potency,” Corey L. Hartman, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at Skin Wellness in Birmingham, Alabama, told Well and Good previously. “The benefits are greater and faster than traditional retinols.”
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In addition to the usual benefits that come with retinol—speeding up cell turnover to improve tone and texture, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, fighting and preventing acne, and stimulating collagen—retinal is quick. It specifically works up to 11 times faster than retinol. While one downside is retinal is typically unstable and hard to work with, the retinal in Murad’s Retinal ReSculpt is encapsulated in a special delivery system that allows it to be stabilized and penetrate deep into the skin. It also claims to be gentle which was very intriguing, as bad reactions were always my concern with retinoids.
Other key ingredients in the serum include kangaroo paw flower for more help fighting wrinkles and sagging, as well as and olive leaf extracts, oat, and alpha glucan to boost moisture, support the skin’s resilience, and cancel out and dryness and irritation that can happen from retinoids.
My honest review:
I don’t really have deep set wrinkles or sagging of the jowls, but I do have some pretty intense lines in my décollatege, which are most likely caused by side sleeping. (Though, aging, sun damage, and good ol’ genetics can all be factors for chest wrinkles.) Because of this, I focused more on my chest when testing the product for several weeks. Since I was a retinal newbie, I went low and slow at first, and used it every other day and only at night. Thankfully, I didn’t have any irritation, so I increased it to every day and still didn’t have a reaction. This was a good sign!
But then, things got really interesting. In just a couple of weeks, I noticed that the skin on my chest was softer and less red. But the biggest difference was the decrease in lines. My décollatege almost looked like it did in my late ‘20s. It was smoother, tighter, and it was shocking to say the least. The lines weren’t completely gone, as I do have some deep rings on the highest point of my chest, but still, this was beyond impressive. Murad Retinal ReSculpt is definitely for the more seasoned girlies like myself, but especially anyone whose concerns include more severe wrinkles, crepey skin, and sagging. Try it, ASAP.
More Murad favorites on sale
Retinol Youth Renewal Serum — $69.00
Originally $92, now $69
Another favorite in Murad’s retinol line, the Youth Renewal Serum is a tried-and-true formulation that stops fine lines and wrinkles in their tracks, and leaves the complexion brighter with every use. The brand’s well-known Retinol Tri-Active Technology and hydrating ingredients (like hyaluronic acid) make it potent—yet gentle—to use every night without experiencing inflammation or irritation.
“This product works great. It evens out my skin tone and provides a brighter appearance. Lines are less too! A win win,” a shopper writes.
Rapid Collagen Infusion — $67.00
Originally $89, now $67
If filler in a bottle could exist, it really would be this stuff, and we’re not being hyperbolic. The fact-acting treatment is made with ingredients that give you filler-like results, (temporarily) plumping skin and making it look fuller and more youthful minutes after applying. Formulated with collagen amino acids, it erases fine lines and creates a firming effect.
“Works like magic to plump up the tiny lines. Even improves deeper lines and helps to eliminate those make-up collecting crevasses,” one reviewers says.
Correct & Protect Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 45 — $52.00
Originally $69, now $52
Murad is famous for their pore-perfecting, gentle SPF formulas, and we love this mineral option that not only protects skin from UV rays, but color-corrects and evens out dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Hydrating, seamless to apply, and plays well with makeup, you’ll want a bottle of this stuff in your beach bag *and* your bathroom shelf.
One reviewer gushes, “I slept on this for too long! Thank GOD I did not give up on this product because I reached for it in January and it is empty as of today. This is flawless under my makeup and I have absolutely nothing bad to say about the formula and the way it blends perfectly with my skin type and conditions. I am 42, have dry skin, prone to redness and can become sensitive…Will Purchase Again 100%.”
Vita-C Triple Exfoliating Facial — $64.00
Originally $85, now $64
Formulated uses gold-stabilized vitamin C (meaning, it lasts a lot longer), this physical and chemical exfoliant works overtime to slough away dead skin cells and leave you with vibrant, smooth skin after one use. We love using this a couple times a week, especially when skin is looking extra dull. It truly delivers professional facial-like results.
One reviewer says, “Love this, feels like i just had a facial from a spa, skin feels clean, taut and fresh. Bonus is the orange scent!”
Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture — $62.00
Originally $83, now $62
One of Murad’s best-sellers, this deeply hydrating moisturizer is packed with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and sunflower oil, a blend that nourishes skin and retains hydration for the long run. We love applying this at night and waking up to baby-soft skin in the morning. While it’s ultra creamy, it’s still lightweight—so if you’re prone to blemishes or prefer a cream that doesn’t feel too heavy, this one is for you.
“What a great deep moisturizer. Makes my skin feel softer and supple,” says one shopper.
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