Clarifying Water Gel

Size
  • 2.0 FL. OZ.
Hydrate your way to clearer skin. Non-comedogenic, water-light hydrator purifies, refines and interrupts bacteria signals that can lead to irritated skin


  • Hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates dry skin while salicylic acid exfoliates and refines for a balanced, non-greasy finish
  • Korean red pine extract helps stop quorum sensing—a process known to cause microbiome imbalance and irritation
SKU: 15402
FREE Delivery by
+2 Free Minis (up to $30 value)
Deliver to
Use my
This item does not qualify for additional discounts or promotional offers.

Complete Your Regimen & Unlock Savings

Balancing the microbiome: a revolutionary route to clearer skin

DETAILS

Your skin is home to millions of perfectly balanced, individual bacteria known as your microbiome. Your microbiome protects like a second layer of skin. Scientific research shows that bacteria can sense and “talk” to each other to form a group. And as a group, these bacteria can throw off skin barrier balance, triggering the irritation associated with breakouts, including maskne. Clarifying Water Gel contains innovative technology that interrupts communication so bacteria can’t form a group and cause an imbalance. The result? Your microbiome stays balanced, dryness is reduced, and you see clearer, healthier-looking skin!

Which skin type is it good for?
  • Balanced·
  • Oily·
  • Combination·
  • Sensitive
Video

Hydrate your way to clearer skin

With Clarifying Water Gel! Murad’s non-comedogenic, water-light hydrator purifies, refines and interrupts bacteria signals that can lead to irritated skin. 92% noticed a clearer complexion after 4 weeks

RESULTS

Unretouched real results

Proven results reported by trial participants in a 4-week clinical study

Immediately

  • Skin looks less shiny and feels soothed
  • 84% said skin feels immediately balanced (not too oily or dry)


After 4 weeks

  • 92% noticed a clearer complexion
  • 100% felt smoother skin
  • 92% said product did not clog pores
  • 92% agreed skin is less shiny
  • 88% saw less irritated skin over time
  • 88% said skin feels soothed
INGREDIENTS

Expert, science-backed ingredients and patented technologies

IN DOCTOR'S WORDS

"Clarifying Water Gel checks all the boxes for acne and oily-prone skin types. It hydrates, balances and calms for healthier-looking and clearer-looking skin"
—Board-certified dermatologist and founder Dr. Howard Murad

HOW-TO

To Use: AM and PM

  • Step 1

    Cleanse with Clarifying Cleanser

  • Step 2

    Massage Clarifying Water Gel evenly over face, neck and chest

  • Step 3

    Follow with a Murad SPF during the day

Get the Facts

  • Clear Skin: What’s Bacteria Have to Do With It?

    More than we ever thought. Learn all about bacteria’s revolutionary new role in clearer skin

    Learn More

  • How to Hydrate Oily and Acne-Prone Skin

    Follow Dr.’s tips for avoiding “moisturizer mishaps" and zero in on your perfect match

    Learn More

Overall rating: 4.5454545 / 5 from 66 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

The Clarifying Water Gel is a hydrating moisturizer praised for its mild, pleasant smell and ability to soften and supple acne-prone skin. However, opinions on its effectiveness and feel vary, with some users experiencing dryness or a greasy sensation.

Summary topics

  • Skin Compatibility: 40%
  • Product Scent: 8%

Review topics: ["weight","quality","feels","works","skin","spots","formula","use","residue","consistency","pores","moisturizer","hydration","gel","lotion","grail","buy","break","cream"].

Review highlights

  • "My skin feels smooth after I apply it too." — Mariah
  • "Excellent moisturizer for acne-prone skin" — Mariah
  • "It makes my skin look better and feels good on" — Jannah H.

Reviews

Love the feel

"Love how my skin feels and looks after using this product for a couple years."

— Barbara D. (5/5)

"I love this product. I’m in my 50’s and i still have issues with acne and this helps keep it under control."

— Janet (5/5)

Clarifying Water Gel

"Works well. . ."

— Adrian S. (5/5)

Clarifying Water Gel

"It’s quite pleasant in the morning, refreshing and adds a supple quality to my skin."

— Jane H. (4/5)

Awesome

"I've been using this product for years! Its never let me down"

— April (5/5)

LOVE

"I’ve been using this product for years and I think it’s an amazing hydrator for combination,acne prone skin."

— Kristi A. (5/5)

Cleared my hormonal acne without drying

"When I tell you that I tried EVERYTHING to clear my adult hormonal cystic acne, believe me. I even went to an aesthetician and spent thousands of dollars on laser treatments and expensive creams, washes and exfoliants that they sold me. They made my skin worse. I then got an ad for this product, and decided to give it a try since I’ve liked other Murad products. The first night I used it, I woke up the next morning with calmer skin. The cysts were already getting smaller. Within a week, my skin was much clearer. Now, a month later, my skin is glowing and completely clear! Im so happy I could cry!! Literally the holy grail product for me!"

— Heather E. (5/5)

Clarifying Water Gel A MUST Have

"The Clarifying Water Gel is one of those products that you try once and wonder why you were using anything else. I envy anyone trying this for the first time. I have acne prone skin; oil based moisturizer on my face just feels wrong. The CWG is so lightweight AND moisturizing, no clue how Murad pulled that off. I think magic."

— Shirley (5/5)

Water Gel Moisturizer

"This is great for a night moisturizer. I found if I try to use under makeup it pills. Good scent and texture. Would have given 5 stars if not for the pills."

— Alexis W. (4/5)

Wouldn’t rebuy

"Doesn’t do much. The gel consistency feels nice going on, but it’s not particularly moisturizing. I do like that it doesn’t leave my skin with a greasy shine like a lot of moisturizers, but it doesn’t do much."

— Kay (3/5)

Q&A

Is this a rebrand of the “Acne Control Outsmart Acne Clarifying Treatment”?
No, actually, the treatment was a medicated serum using five acids to fight acne, whereas Water Gel is an oil-free moisturizer that hydrates and balances bacteria.
Is this an actual moisturizer or do I need moisturizer after this?
Yes, it is indeed a moisturizer.
Can I use Clarifying Water Gel after Vitamin C Serum?
Yes! You absolutely can.
Can I use the Clarifying Water Gel if I also use a retinoid in the evening?
Yes, you sure can!
I have cystic acne (I’m in my 30s) and Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion is the ONLY lotion that didnt cause more breakouts. I imagine it’s because it had retinol. The oil control lotion and the anti aging lotion from this line both cause major cystic flare ups. Is this actually similar to the Skin Perfecting lotion? I’m about to buy the good one on eBay which is so annoying.
First and foremost, we apologize for discontinuing your favorite. The Clarifying Water Gel contains salicylic acid which helps exfoliate the pores and hyaluronic acid which helps to balance the skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key actives include salicylic acid, niacinamide, sustained-release hyaluronic acid, Korean red pine extract, and ginger root extract.

Yes. The product is described as non-comedogenic and formulated not to clog pores.

Yes. The ingredient list includes fragrance (parfum) along with botanical extracts.

This is a water-light, non-greasy gel hydrator that absorbs quickly.

It contains salicylic acid, which exfoliates pores and helps manage excess oil that can contribute to breakouts.

It is not ideal for people with a known sensitivity to salicylic acid or to fragrances, or for those with very reactive skin. We recommend performing a patch test.

Clarifying Water Gel is ideal for balanced, oily, combination and sensitive skin types, especially those prone to breakouts and excess shine.

This moisturizer hydrates, purifies, and refines, while helping interrupt bacteria signals that can lead to irritation and breakouts.

Yes, it contains salicylic acid to help treat, clear, and prevent breakouts, and 92% of users said it did not clog pores in a clinical study.

The formula includes hyaluronic acid and glycerin to attract and hold water in the skin for intense, long-lasting hydration without a greasy feel.

In a 4-week study, 92% noticed a clearer complexion, 100% felt smoother skin, and many users reported less shine, less irritation, and a more balanced feel.

Use morning and night. Apply to clean skin by massaging evenly over the face, neck, and chest.

Yes, it is safe for sensitive skin and includes soothing ingredients like ginger root extract and bisabolol, with 88% of users seeing less irritated skin over time.

The Clarifying Water Gel is a moisturizer. Outsmart Acne Clarifying Treatment functions more like a serum that would be applied before moisturizing.

Murad carefully assesses our products and ingredients to ensure they are safe for use. Because every person and pregnancy is unique, we recommend you seek your doctor's advice if you are unsure or have any questions about the products you use during pregnancy and/or lactation.