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Score legend
HOW WE DETERMINE SCORES LEARN MORE ABOUT EWG VERIFIED™
Product score: 06

Data Availability:

Limited

Murad Rapid Age Spot And Pigment Lightening Serum (2018 formulation)

Murad Rapid Age Spot And Pigment Lightening Serum (2018 formulation)

WHERE TO BUY

CATEGORY

Serums & Essences

BRAND

Murad

DATA LAST UPDATED

September 2018

Ingredient concerns

See how this product scores for common concerns.

  • MODERATE
    Cancer
  • HIGH
    Allergies & Immunotoxicity
  • LOW
    Developmental and Reproductive Toxicity
  • HIGH
    Use Restrictions

Ingredient scores

Ingredients are scored based on their formulation and concentration in this product. Click on an ingredient for more information.

Ingredient score: 08
HYDROQUINONE
Data Availability: Good
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FUNCTION(S) antioxidant, fragrance ingredient, hair colorant, reducing agent, skin bleaching agent, hair dyeing
CONCERNS • Cancer (moderate)
• Developmental/reproductive toxicity (low)
• Allergies/immunotoxicity (moderate)
• Use restrictions (high)
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (high)
• Ecotoxicology (low)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 01
WATER
Appeared as: WATER (AQUA)
Data Availability: Robust
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FUNCTION(S) solvent
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Ingredient score: 01
ALCOHOL DENATURED
Appeared as: ALCOHOL DENAT.
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) antifoaming, antimicrobial, astringent, masking, solvent, viscosity controlling
CONCERNS • Enhanced skin absorption
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
• Multiple, additive exposure sources (low)
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Ingredient score: 04
GLYCOLIC ACID
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) exfoliant, ph adjuster, buffering
CONCERNS • Use restrictions (high)
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (high)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 01
BUTYLENE GLYCOL
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) fragrance ingredient, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, solvent, viscositydecreasing agent, humectant, masking, skin conditioning, viscosity controlling
CONCERNS • Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (moderate)
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Ingredient score: 02
GLYCERIN
Data Availability: Good
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FUNCTION(S) denaturant, fragrance ingredient, hair conditioning agent, humectant, oral care agent;oral health care drug, skin-conditioning agent - humectant, skin protectant, viscosity decreasing agent, perfuming, solvent
CONCERNS • Use restrictions (moderate)
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Ingredient score: 01
METHYL GLUCETH-10
Data Availability: None
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FUNCTION(S) skin-conditioning agent - humectant, emulsifying, humectant, moisturising
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Ingredient score: 01
DEXTRAN
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) binder, bulking agent, binding, viscosity controlling
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Ingredient score: 01
HEXAPEPTIDE-2
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, skin conditioning
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Ingredient score: 01
RICE AMINO ACIDS
Data Availability: None
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FUNCTION(S) hair conditioning agent, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, hair conditioning, skin conditioning
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 01
ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA) LEAF JUICE
Appeared as: ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE
Data Availability: Limited
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CONCERNS • Cancer (moderate)
• Developmental/reproductive toxicity (low)
• Use restrictions (low)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 03
UREA
Data Availability: Good
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FUNCTION(S) buffering agent, humectant, skin-conditioning agent - humectant, antistatic, buffering, skin conditioning
CONCERNS • Cancer (low)
• Enhanced skin absorption
• Use restrictions (moderate)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 01
YEAST AMINO ACIDS
Data Availability: None
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Ingredient score: 01
TREHALOSE
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) flavoring agent, humectant, moisturising
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 01
INOSITOL
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) hair conditioning agent, humectant, antistatic, hair conditioning
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Ingredient score: 01
TAURINE
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) fragrance ingredient, not reported, buffering
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 01
BETAINE
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) hair conditioning agent, humectant, skin-conditioning agent - humectant, antistatic, hair conditioning, skin conditioning, viscosity controlling
CONCERNS • Multiple, additive exposure sources (low)
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (low)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 05
ZINC GLUCONATE
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) cosmetic biocide, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, deodorant, skin conditioning
CONCERNS • Use restrictions (high)
• Persistence and bioaccumulation (moderate)
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
• Ecotoxicology (low)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 01
ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C)
Appeared as: ASCORBIC ACID
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) antioxidant, fragrance ingredient, ph adjuster, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, buffering, masking, skin conditioning
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Ingredient score: 01
CHITOSAN
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) film former, hair fixative, film forming, hair fixing
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Ingredient score: 03
PROPYL GALLATE
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) antioxidant, fragrance ingredient, perfuming
CONCERNS • Allergies/immunotoxicity (moderate)
• Use restrictions (low)
• Occupational hazards (high)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 04
NONOXYNOL-10
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) surfactant - emulsifying agent, emulsifying
CONCERNS • Cancer (low)
• Persistence and bioaccumulation (moderate)
• Contamination concerns (ETHYLENE OXIDE and 1,4-DIOXANE)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 03
LECITHIN
Data Availability: Good
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FUNCTION(S) skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, surfactant - emulsifying agent, antistatic, emollient, emulsifying, skin conditioning
CONCERNS • Developmental/reproductive toxicity (low)
• Allergies/immunotoxicity (moderate)
• Enhanced skin absorption
• Use restrictions (low)
• Multiple, additive exposure sources (low)
• Contamination concerns (NITROSAMINES)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 02
TOCOPHEROL
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) antioxidant, fragrance ingredient, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous;skin-conditioning agent - occlusive, skin conditioning
CONCERNS • Cancer (low)
• Allergies/immunotoxicity (low)
• Endocrine disruption (low)
• Contamination concerns (HYDROQUINONE)
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Ingredient score: 01
MAGNESIUM ASCORBYL PHOSPHATE
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) antioxidant
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Ingredient score: 01
DIPOTASSIUM GLYCYRRHIZATE
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) flavoring agent, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, humectant, skin conditioning
CONCERNS • Use restrictions (low)
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Ingredient score: 01
PALMITOYL HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM AMYLOPECTIN/ GLYCERIN CROSSPOLYMER
Data Availability: None
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FUNCTION(S) skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, skin conditioning
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Ingredient score: 01
VITIS VINIFERA (GRAPE) SEED EXTRACT
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) anticaries agent, antidandruff agent, antifungal agent, antimicrobial agent, antioxidant;oral care agent, oral health care drug, sunscreen agent, ultraviolet light absorber
CONCERNS • Multiple, additive exposure sources (low)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 01
CHITOSAN PCA
Data Availability: None
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FUNCTION(S) film former, skin-conditioning agent - humectant, film forming, humectant, skin conditioning
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Ingredient score: 01
ALLANTOIN
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous, skin protectant, skin conditioning, skin protecting, soothing
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Ingredient score: 01
POLYQUATERNIUM-10
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) antistatic agent, film former, hair fixative, antistatic, film forming
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 04
SODIUM METABISULFITE
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) antioxidant, reducing agent, preservative, reducing
CONCERNS • Allergies/immunotoxicity (low)
• Use restrictions (moderate)
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (high)
• Occupational hazards (high)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 02
SODIUM SULFITE
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) antioxidant, hair-waving/straightening agent, reducing agent, hair waving or straightening, preservative
CONCERNS • Allergies/immunotoxicity (low)
• Use restrictions (moderate)
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Ingredient score: 04
SODIUM HYDROXIDE
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) denaturant, ph adjuster, buffering
CONCERNS • Use restrictions (high)
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (low)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 02
PPG-26-BUTETH-26
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) fragrance ingredient, hair conditioning agent, skin-conditioning agent - miscellaneous;surfactant - emulsifying agent, hair conditioning, skin conditioning
CONCERNS • Use restrictions (low)
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
• Multiple, additive exposure sources (low)
• Contamination concerns (BUTYL ALCOHOL)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 03
PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL
Data Availability: Limited
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FUNCTION(S) fragrance ingredient, surfactant - emulsifying agent, surfactant - solubilizing agent, perfuming
CONCERNS • Use restrictions (low)
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (low)
• Contamination concerns (ETHYLENE OXIDE and 1,4-DIOXANE)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 01
HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) binder, emulsion stabilizer, film former, viscosity increasing agent - aqueous, binding, emulsion stabilising, film forming, stabilising, viscosity controlling
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 01
DISODIUM EDTA
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) chelating agent, chelating, viscosity controlling
CONCERNS • Enhanced skin absorption
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 06
LIMONENE
Data Availability: Good
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FUNCTION(S) perfuming
CONCERNS • Developmental/reproductive toxicity (low)
• Allergies/immunotoxicity (high)
• Use restrictions (moderate)
• Persistence and bioaccumulation (moderate)
• Ecotoxicology (low)
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (high)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 03
LINALOOL
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) fragrance ingredient, deodorant, masking
CONCERNS • Allergies/immunotoxicity (high)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT
Ingredient score: 08
FRAGRANCE
Appeared as: FRAGRANCE (PARFUM)
Data Availability: Fair
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FUNCTION(S) deodorant, masking, perfuming
CONCERNS • Allergies/immunotoxicity (high)
• Endocrine disruption (moderate)
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (moderate)
• Ecotoxicology (low)
• Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (moderate)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS INGREDIENT

Ingredients from packaging:

Active Ingredient: Hydroquinone (2.0%), Inactive Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Alcohol Denat., Glycolic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Methyl Gluceth-10, Dextran, Hexapeptide-2, Rice Amino Acids, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Urea, Yeast Amino Acids, Trehalose, Inositol, Taurine, Betaine, Zinc Gluconate, Ascorbic Acid, Chitosan, Propyl Gallate, Nonoxynol-10, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Palmitoyl Hydroxypropyltrimonium Amylopectin/Glycerin Crosspolymer, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Chitosan PCA, Allantoin, Polyquaternium-10, Sodium Metabisulfite, Sodium Sulfite, Sodium Hydroxide, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Disodium EDTA, Limonene*, Linalool*, Fragrance (Parfum)

Directions from packaging:

Massage evenly over clean face, neck and chest. Follow with a Murad Step 3 moisturizer.

Product's animal testing policies

Some cosmetics companies have taken People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and Leaping Bunny animal-testing pledges. For consumers who are concerned about companies’ policies on animal testing, Skin Deep reports this information.


PETA Cruelty-free Companies

Companies that join the "Caring Consumer" program of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, a leading international animal rights advocacy organization, attest that "neither they nor their ingredient suppliers conduct or commission any animal tests on ingredients, formulations or finished products, and that they pledge not to do so in the future."

LEARN MORE ON PETA.ORG

Understanding scores

Cosmetics and personal care products are not required to be tested for safety before being allowed on the market. The Skin Deep® scoring system was designed to help the public understand whether a product is safe to use or whether it contains ingredients of concern.

Every product and ingredient in Skin Deep gets a two-part score – one for hazard and one for data availability. The safest products score well by both measures, with a low hazard rating and a fair or better data availability rating.

HOW WE DETERMINE SCORES

Hazard score

The Skin Deep ingredient hazard score, from 1 to 10, reflects known and suspected hazards linked to the ingredients. The EWG VERIFIED™ mark means a product meets EWG’s strictest criteria for transparency and health.

Score legend
WEIGHT-OF-EVIDENCE APPROACH

A product’s hazard score is not an average of the ingredients’ hazard scores. It is calculated using a weight-of-evidence approach that factors in all of the hazards or health impacts associated with the ingredients.

Data availability

The Skin Deep data availability rating reflects the number of scientific studies about the product or ingredient in the published scientific literature.

NONE LIMITED FAIR GOOD ROBUST
Low Availability
Moderate Availability
High Availability
NONE

Ingredients have not been assessed.

LIMITED-FAIR

There is only a modest volume of research.

GOOD-ROBUST

Ingredients have been studied extensively.

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