Kicking up the potency of retinoid serums with the Murad Retinal Resculpt Overnight Treatment Serum

A while ago, I previewed the Murad Retinal Resculpt Overnight Treatment, which promises to lift sagging skin in just 2 weeks. I’d recommend reading the details and nitty gritty about the product in my earlier post, because I won’t be rehashing it here. I’d just be sharing my experience with the product.

Retinal Resculpt Overnight Treatment Serum

Just briefly, ‘retinal’ is a retinoid that is converted from retinol. This means that it is just one step to being converted to retinoid acid vs retinol (2 steps), which means that it works more quickly. This is why Murad says that their Retinal Resculpt Overnight Treatment serum works quickly, in just 2 weeks to show results.

RELATED READING: I’ve shared an overview of the ingredients and how the Retinal Resculpt Overnight Treatment Serum works previously. READ HERE

Comfortable, non-irritating retinoid serum

The thing about retinol is that it is known to be an ingredient that is irritating to the skin. It encourages the cell turnover and renewal, so it can sometimes mean that your skin will peel or flake or dry out.

Retinal is a stronger ingredient, and is more likely to be more irritating. I was therefore rather cautious when using the Murad Retinal Resculpt Overnight Serum.

I started out using it just twice a week, before moving up to using it every other day, and then even daily. I’m happy to report that the formula of the product is so comfortable and non-irritating. I did not even experience any redness, tingling nor any adverse reactions at all.

At this juncture, I must pause to note that I am a regular user of retinol and retinol-based products, so my skin is probably more used to this ingredient than most. If you are new to using it, I’d suggest starting with retinol first, before jumping into this Retinal Resculpt serum.

The serum comes in a white lightweight cream texture that is easy to spread on skin. It is heavier in texture than most serums, but it is not uncomfortable. In fact, it felt like nothing going on.

I also like that it is not fragranced at all.

While I usually use a retinol sandwiched with oils for better moisture and protection, it did not feel like I needed it at all with this Murad serum. I could use it on its own, and then go straight to a moisturiser (I do use a heavier moisturising cream at night). My skin felt comfortable, did not dry out, and I experienced no flaking nor dryness nor sensitivity.

Does it lift skin in 2 weeks?

This one’s debatable LOL

Despite my age, my skin is not exceptionally saggy nor is it excessively lined, for which I am thankful of course. In our quest to slow down the process of aging, we must remember that aside from our lifestyle and products we use, genetics play a large part as well.

I will however, attest to an anecdotal feeling of skin that feels more taut. My jawline seems to be a little more defined, which is nice of course. When I touch my skin, it feels more elastic.

I have not been as religious with using a retinoid serum in recent times, but made an exception trying out this Murad Retinal Resculpt serum. So, any benefits I perceive I can attribute it to this one.

What I can definitely notice, within just a few days, was that my skin was noticeably smoother to the touch. This is something I noticed within just a few days of adding the serum into my skincare routine.

My sun spots and hyperpigmentation too seem to be under control. I won’t say that it’s lightened, because I’m beyond the help of topical products, but it isn’t getting worse. Consider my more outdoorsy lifestyle these days, with increased sun exposure, and I’d chalk this up to a win! 😀

While I acknowledge that all this is anecdotal, what is important of course, is how I feel about this serum, and I do like it.

I like the texture, which feels more creamy, and I like how it isn’t drying nor irritating to my skin. I like that it seems to work very quickly, and that my skin takes to it well. There is a scent, which is light and floral and not irritating. I could do without, but it could be worse.

What I don’t like however, is the price tag. Granted, I acknowledge that good products with good quality ingredients can cost more, but I am also conscious of the sustainability of it all. If it’s too expensive, then the odds are that someone wouldn’t use it consistently nor use enough of the product to benefit from it.

At RM598 (US$105) for a bottle, this is rather steep. Effective, no doubt, but steep. The upside is that you can make a bottle last quite a while using it every other day or every other 2 days, instead of everyday. That is some consolation, right? 😛

It is a little more pricey than the Skin Rocks Retinoid, which I also found very effective, and I think it’s a good alternative to it, if you don’t want to pay the shipping for Skin Rocks and can get Murad locally. I think it might be because both these retinoid serums are stronger, and therefore I see better results from using them. Does this mean I’m really just getting old and need stronger products?! 😛

IN A NUTSHELL

The Murad Retinal Resculpt Overnight Treatment serum is a more effective retinoid serum and targets sagging skin and wrinkles. The product is unscented, and has a slightly thick cream texture. I do not find it drying nor irritating to my skin, but it is to be noted that my skin is used to products that contain retinol and its like. I did notice that my skin feels more taut, and feels smoother. I cannot attest to lifting of sagging skin or reduction of wrinkles and lines as I do not have an major issue with them. It is certainly one of the better retinoid serums I’ve used in recent times, and one of the more effective. I’d recommend this, if you are already used to using a retinol and want to kick things up a notch. It’s not for you young ‘uns! 😛

PROS:
Not irritating to skin
Not drying
No discernible scent
Skin feels smooth and more taut
Skin looks better with prolonged regular use

CONS:
Pricey

WHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who is already used to a retinol serum and want something more effective

PRICE: RM598 | US$105 | £105 for 30ml

WHERE TO BUY: Murad website, Murad on Lazada, Murad on Shopee, Sephora USA, Zalora, Cult Beauty

Here’s the ingredients list for the Murad Retinal Resculpt Overnight Treatment serum.

Water/Aqua/Eau, Diisostearyl Malate, Pentylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Zea Mays (Corn) Kernel Extract, Squalane, Propanediol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Ricinoleate, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Retinal, Urea, Yeast Amino Acids, Trehalose, Inositol, Taurine, Betaine, Anigozanthos Flavidus Extract, Phosphatidylcholine, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Mannitol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Cetyl Alcohol, Hectorite, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Chloride, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Chlorphenesin, Potassium Sorbate, Citronellol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Fragrance (Parfum)

Have you tried this Murad Retinal serum?

It’s pricey, but it can last a while, so if you think your skin need something stronger than the retinol you’re presently using, this is worth a shot, if the price is palatable to you.

Paris B