Murad Acne Pills Review- Any Side Effects? UPDATED 2023

Murad acne pill reviews are found on the web, but does it really work?

The Murad acne pill is formulated for pimple-prone skin to help provide nutrients that the body needs to fight blemishes.

It is not a drug, rather an over the counter supplement for people with combination or oily skin looking for a clear complexion.

Read more about what you should know about the Murad acne pills.

oily skin pills

Do Murad Acne Pills Work? Murad Pills for Acne Review

acne vitamins murad

On the first day of starting the Murad pills for acne I had no visible acne as I have been previously taking another acne supplement at one tablet a day. I also take a biotin pill, a multi-vitamin, and other supplements daily which may help with keeping acne at bay.

I noticed that a few hours after taking the second dose of two pills I was experiencing a strong diuretic effect from the Burdock, Yellow Dock, and Horsetail.

Does Murad Work for Acne?

The following morning I noticed a new, mild, small red pimple on my cheek. It was not raised or white-headed, just a bit inflamed and red. I took my first dose of two tablets after breakfast and noticed all day that my skin looked blotchy. I took the second dose of two tablets after dinner and still noticed blotchiness into the night.

I thought that the blotchiness may have been caused by my rosacea, but I use a prescription topical cream to reduce any redness in my cheeks which works like a charm every time. The blotchiness was still there after using my rosacea cream.

I can only speak personally, but If you are wondering "does Murad work for acne?", it unfortunately doesn't and only made my skin worse after a few days.

This may not be the case for everyone, but this is what I experienced. I did not want to continue taking it for another week or months for that matter.

murad acne treatment

Actual size murad pills.

The pills themselves are very dark brown in color. They have a slight smell which smells like a multivitamin as there are many ingredients contained in it.

They are a little longer than the length of a dime, but are thick which may turn people off as many people have trouble swallowing tablets.

I don't have trouble swallowing pills so the size does not bother me although they are quite large.

Should You Trust the Dr. Murad Acne Pills Reviews?

There are over 200 Murad acne supplement reviews on Amazon with an overall rating of 4 out of 4 stars. Below are two of the most helpful and most critical reviews of the Murad acne pills.

UPDATE 2021- It seems all of their reviews have been erased. They may have started a new listing and also have a new look to the bottle design.

murad acne pill review

The majority of people who left positive reviews on Murad pills for acne said that it helped their hormonal acne caused by menstrual cycles, testosterone issues, or birth control.

murad acne pills review

People who left clear negative reviews about Murad many times said that the pill it did nothing for their skin or that they had to take it for a long time before they started seeing any results.

According to fakespot.com Murad scores a high grade of 'A' which means that almost all of their Amazon reviews can be trusted.

There are over 300 reviews on the Murad website, but because these acne supplement reviews are from their website you can not be sure if they are real or fake. A website owner can easily manipulate the reviews.

We did not include any of the Murad dietary supplement before and after photos as you do not know what is real or fake on the internet.

One example of this is how Facebook banned before and after pictures in advertisements on their site.

Murad Acne Pills Side Effects

Murad supplement side effects may include excessive urination due to the diuretics that are in this acne supplement. It would be dangerous to take a diuretic pill if you are already dehydrated.

Symptoms of dehydration include muscle cramping, fatigue, dry skin, and bright yellow urine. It is recommended to drink plenty of water when taking this product.

You should not take any other diuretics while taking this supplement unless you are certain that you are consuming enough water throughout the day.

One Murad acne pill review on Amazon said that they experienced a rash all over their body as a Murad supplement side effect.

This is probably rare as each person reacts to supplements differently, but it is something to keep in mind before taking the product.

This is why it is important to consult your doctor before taking any supplement or pill that you are not familiar with.

Murad contains vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) which may interfere with the absorption and effectiveness of antibiotics such as Tetracycline which is used to treat severe breakouts. It is recommended to take Riboflavin at a different time of day than when you take Tetracycline.

Problems And Warnings

Read all labels and warnings before consuming this product. Check with your doctor if you experience any side effects or skin problems. Also as mentioned above you want to be certain your current supplement and prescription regimen does not interfere with the Murad pills.

What are the Murad Acne Pills Ingredients?

INGREDIENT:

DOSE:

Vitamin A

5000 IU

Vitamin C

280 mg

Vitamin E

240 IU

Vitamin B1

13 mg

Vitamin B2

13 mg

Niacin

25 mg

Vitamin B5

25 mg

Biotin

150 mcg

Pantothenic Acid

13 mg

Calcium

28 mg

Magnesium

100 mg

Zinc

8 mg

Selenium

100 mcg

Chromium

49 mcg

L-Lysine HCL
L-Proline
Burdock Root
Yellow Dock Root
Horsetail Extract
Grape Seed Extract

Proprietary Blend of .90 g

The main ingredients in this product that are promoted on their website are Yellow Dock and Burdock Root. 

These ingredients are great not very complex as they are detoxifiers and diuretics that are frequently used in teas to promote a healthy digestive and urinary tract.

These two ingredients may help acne, but there are no studies currently showing this.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is helpful for reducing oily skin and is found in many over the counter blemish products in the form of retinol. By eating vegetables you will also consume vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene.

Vitamin A at high doses can be toxic to the body, but it is added into this product at a safe dose of 5000 IU.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C contains antioxidant properties which will help prevent against the breakdown of healthy skin cells and also helps skin elasticity.

The recommended daily amount of this vitamin is between 65-90 mg. There are 280 mg of vitamin C in one serving of Murad which is a safe dose, but since it is a water-soluble vitamin you can take more than the daily recommended amount. However, vitamin C in really high doses may cause side effects like nausea and diarrhea.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E also contains antioxidant properties and can help reduce inflammation. This vitamin can be found in many topical products like serums for healthy skin as it helps smoothen out fine lines and reduces redness.

It comes in different forms which all have different potencies. Vitamin E from food sources is described as "d-alpha-tocopherol" and synthetic vitamin E is described as "dl-alpha tocopherol". The natural or food sources of vitamin E is more potent than the synthetic version. (1)

There is 240 IU of vitamin E in Murad which is more than the recommended natural intake of 16 mg for adults, but since it is synthetic it is less potent than a natural source which means you can take more. Vitamin E is not known to be toxic at high doses, but may interfere with the body's ability to clot blood.

Murad contains 6 of the 8 B-vitamins in vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B7(Biotin). The B-vitamins work best as a group for skin and overall health.

Vitamin B1

Thiamine is part of many B-vitamins which are needed for healthy skin, hair, nails, and joints. B1 may help increase our body's immune system which is important for keeping clear skin.

Thiamine supplements are usually taken at doses between 50 mg and 100 mg. B1 is added into this supplement stack at 13 mg.

It is not a vitamin that you would take specifically for acne, but will help overall health.

Vitamin B2

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) is also part of the group of 8 B-vitamins which help convert food into fuel specifically carbohydrates into glucose.

Most people who eat a balanced diet receive enough of this vitamin through food, but elderly people and alcoholics may be at risk of deficiency because of an unhealthy diet.

The daily recommended dose for adults is 1.1-1.6mg. (2) The dose of B2 in Murad is 13mg.

Riboflavin is added in at a higher dose than the recommended daily amount, but since it is a B-vitamin it is water soluble and whatever excess the body does not use will be excreted out through urine.

Niacin

Niacin is also known as vitamin B3. Many people use niacin to help severe acne as it helps to reduce inflammation, irritation, and redness.

Vitamin B3 also comes in the form of niacinamide which is used in topical treatments for pimples and clear skin. In this acne Niacin PubMed study, it is concluded that niacinamide helps smoothen wrinkles, improves complexion, and protects against skin cancer.

For adults, the daily allowance of Niacin is 14-18 mg. There are 25 mg of Niacin in this supplement and since it is a B-vitamin, you can not take too much.

Vitamin B6

This vitamin is water soluble and can help reduce sebum production caused by hormonal fluctuations in the body as it decreases the effects of testosterone which is a male sex hormone and the main androgen that is responsible for acne. (3)

50-100 mg of B6 have been shown to help reduce acne, but higher amounts may actually increase acne in some people especially in women as noted in this vitamin B6 acne PubMed study. This is because B6 can reduce estrogen levels and increase progesterone which leads to higher testosterone levels and more sebum (oil) production.

Vitamin B6 is added into this stack at 25 mg.

Biotin and Pantothenic Acid

Murad contains 150 mcg of Biotin which is only 50% of the amount that you are supposed to receive in a day. Biotin is needed for healthy skin as well as nail and hair growth.

Pantothenic Acid is also known as vitamin B5 and in large doses helps reduce sebum (oil) production from our sebaceous glands. There is only 13 mg of Pantothenic Acid in this stack which is on the low side for helping acne.

Pantothenic Acid can reduce the amount of Biotin our body making it necessary that they are supplemented together. (4) Reducing the amount of Biotin will cause hair loss.

acne pills murad

Calcium helps the skin by producing new skin cells after damage.

It may also help keep our body from becoming too acidic as it is a mineral that is alkaline.

If our pH levels are not balanced we can see side effects such as pimples.

Most people get enough calcium through food, but if you are deficient in this mineral your skin may be dry or itchy.

There are 28 mg in the Murad acne treatment.

murad pills for acne

Many people are deficient in Magnesium. It is needed for all major functions of the body like synthesizing proteins, proper bone development, and nervous system activity.

Magnesium can help acne by improving our sleep which will reduce cortisol levels. (5) High cortisol levels are a contributing factor to inflammation which makes acne worse.

Another way that Magnesium helps our skin is by producing an antioxidant called glutathione which stated in this acne study shows that people who are prone to acne have less of this antioxidant in their body.

There are numerous types of Magnesium and it is not stated on the bottle which type it is, but some forms have a higher bioavailability than others.

Magnesium is added in at 100 mg.

murad acne pills

Many people use zinc to help their breakouts as they may be deficient in this mineral and one side effect of zinc deficiency is pimples.

Zinc may raise testosterone in some people which may cause increased breakouts because testosterone is an androgen which causes pimples.

There are only 8 mg of Zinc in this supplement.

murad acne pills

Selenium is an antioxidant which prevents cells from damage and oxidation. When taken in conjunction with vitamins is how it works best. Acne can be helped by selenium because it may help reduce inflammation.

It is also used to help regulate our thyroid which is what controls our metabolism. If we have an under-active thyroid (hypothyroidism) we can see an increase in weight, dry skin, and lethargy.

Acne may also be present in someone who has hypothyroidism as there are many hormones in the body that are not being properly balanced in order to keep skin clear.

There are 100 mcg in Murad and the daily allowance for adults is up to 400 mcg.

murad dietary supplement

Chromium can help regulate blood sugar which helps decrease inflammation in our body resulting in less breakouts.

It is a necessary mineral that the body needs to keep stable insulin levels which are a potential cause of pimples.

The upper limit of mcg per day is 1000 and Murad contains only 49 mcg.



The following 6 ingredients are part of a proprietary blend. The specific amount of each ingredient does not need to be listed on the bottle, just the total amount which is .90 g.

L-Lysine HCL

L-Lysine HCL is Lysine in the form of salt (HCL). It is an amino acid which is essential for our health, but our body can not make it naturally which is why it is important to receive it from food and supplementation.

Many people use Lysine for viral issues such as cold sores, but it is helpful for our skin because amino acids are the building blocks of protein and protein is needed to help heal our skin.

Lysine along with other amino acids can increase collagen production which helps to strengthen the skin and protect it from cancerous cells, toxins, and bacteria which may ultimately lead to breakouts.

L-Proline

L-Proline is another amino acid which is necessary for our body to function. Like Lysine, Proline contributes to collagen production as well.

It works best to grow skin cells when taken in conjunction with vitamin B6, vitamin C, and Niacin as the necessary enzymes will be more potent. (6)

Burdock (Arctium Lapp) 4:1 Root Extract

Burdock is used as a natural detoxifier for our blood and Lymphatic system which is what rids the body of toxins and waste.

Many times pimples are caused by a buildup of bacteria in the pores of the skin which may be a result of unwanted materials in the body.

By taking Burdock we may possibly be able to excrete those toxins which may help clear out skin.

Yellow Dock (Rumex Crispus L.) 4:1 Root Extract

Yellow Dock also has blood purifying and detoxification effects on the body. It also contains anti-inflammatory effects which may help reduce inflammation throughout the body including pimples.

Horsetail (Equisetum Arvense l.) 6:1 Shoot Extract

Horsetail is a natural diuretic which may also be used to clear the body of unwanted waste and toxins.

Grape (Vitis Vinifera l.) Seed Extract

Grape Seed contains oligomeric procyanidins (OPCs) which are powerful antioxidants that have been shown to help protect against oxidation and damage from UV rays.

There is also another antioxidant in Grape Seed by the name of resveratrol which has anti-fungal and antibacterial effects on the skin.

Antioxidants also help with anti-aging.

Other Ingredients:

These ingredients must make up the rest of the pill so that it stays that shape, firmness, and lasts a while without going bad.

dl-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Calcium Ascorbate, Magnesium Oxide, Stearic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Croscarmellose Sodium, Zinc Glycinate Chelate, Pyridoxine HCl, Niacin, Magnesium Stearate, Selenomethionine, Silicon Dioxide, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Thiamine HCl, Riboflavin, Beta Carotene, Vitamin A Palmitate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Chromium Polynicotinate, Chromium Picolinate.

One ingredient that stood out to me as unnecessary and not healthful or pure is Caramel Color.

This is added into soft drinks to turn them brown and give them a better taste. Some types of this coloring contain a carcincogenic chemical 4-methylimidazole.

Caramel coloring is recognized by the FDA as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) and can be added to foods and supplements if it made according to FDA regulations.

Where to Buy

Other than online, Amazon, and Walmart, you can also find Murad at beauty stores such as Sephora and Ulta Beauty.

There is international shipping available for the UK, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Cyprus, Denmark, Greece, Guatemala, Indonesia, Iraq, Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Philippines, Romania, Singapore, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, UAE (United Arab Emirates), UK (United Kingdom), and Vietnam.

Website Information

Ordering Murad

  • I chose the one time payment of $43.00 and plus tax the total came to $46.23.
  • My order also shipped free.
  • At checkout I was offered 3 free samples. I was able to pick from creams, serums and one powder. I chose Invisiblur Perfecting Shield, Retinol Youth Renewal Serum, and Instamatte Oil Control Mask.
  • You can pay with a PayPal account which I prefer as it is easier and trustworthy.
  • After I placed my ordered I received an e-mail with a 15% off coupon for my next purchase.

Returns & Refunds

Murad offers a 60 day money back guarantee (from ship date) for full refund of the purchase price.

Murad Customer Service

It is easy to get in contact with the company, but you have to call them instead of contacting an email address in order to receive a refund.

The representatives are very friendly and professional, but they do try to sell you their products too much.

About the Company

Murad, INC develops and manufactures all of their own products in the United States and internationally.

They offer products such as acne pills, Murad supplements, cleansers, moisturizers, supplements, eye care products, makeup, body care products, cleansing masks, sun care products, toners for various skin concerns such as wrinkles, fine lines, age/dark spots, pimples, acne scars, clogged pores, blackheads and redness.

The company also provides services such as massages, facial therapies, body treatments, waxing, and hair and nails which are offered throughout spas, salons, and stores.

You can view all of their products and services on their website.

It was also nice to see that they give back to the community by supporting several organizations like Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

Product Information

Price: $43.00. You can choose "Auto Delivery" to save 20% on your order.

Shipping: Free.

Serving Size: Two tablets twice a day.

Dosage: 120 tablets - 30 day supply.

Packaging:

My bottle came packaged in a branded box that said Murad on it. The supplement itself was protected by styrofoam.

Underneath the styrofoam were my three free gel samples, a $25 coupon, and product booklet that highlighted the benefits of many of their acne products as well as another coupon to save $10 on my next order.

acne pills murad
When I applied the Invisiblur Perfecting Shield to my face it made my skin flare-up with redness. I thought this moisturizer would be helpful for me as it contains SPF which is something I need to apply every day even when I am not fully in the sun, but it actually became a problem and something that I would not use in my skin care regimen.

The rosacea flare-up was a sign that this free sample contained some kind of irritant. When I looked at the ingredients I realized that they added fragrance to this solution which is a no-no for people with rosacea as we have sensitive skin. This product also contains a numerous amount of ingredients which may negatively effect people with certain skin issues like myself.

Unfortunately the Retinol Youth Renewal Serum and Instamatte Oil Control Mask also contained fragrance so I could not use them.

murad supplements

Although I am unsure because I could not use the product, the Retinol Youth Renewal Serum may help with marks left over from severe blemishes so it could be helpful for overall skin care.

What are the Pros & Cons of Murad Acne Pills?

PROS:

  • The clarifying dietary supplement contains potent detoxifying ingredients.
  • Some people do experience results.
  • Reviews seem to be real.
  • Both men and women can take it.

CONS:

  • Tablets may be big for people to swallow.
  • Some people may be turned off by the smell of the pills.
  • Exact mechanism of how this pill clears pimples is not obviously known.
  • Diuretic effect causes urination, dehydration, and increased water intake.
  • The price of one bottle is expensive.

CONCLUSION: Does Murad Really Work for Acne?

Do the Murad acne pills work effectively? The Murad acne treatment pills may work for some or may not work at all for others. My Murad acne medication review show that personally I feel that it didn't work effectively enough or change my skin to where I wanted to continue taking it. I can not recommend it to others based on my experience.

It could be possible that people who experienced results from the Murad acne medication had a vitamin deficiency as there are numerous B-vitamins in this stack which are needed for the body to function properly which translates into healthy skin. It will not cure breakouts, but it may help with clearing breakouts.

The Murad supplement side effects are not too severe, but may occur in some people which is why it is recommended to speak with your medical dermatologist to see how your skin may react.

Many people have been using brands like Murad for years with good results, but since we are all individuals some people may react better to certain products than others.

Hopefully this review has helped you learn about the product so that you have the knowledge to have a complete skincare routine.

What has worked best to help you with your acne? Please leave a comment below and let us know!

References

  1. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-Consumer/
  2. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/vitamin-b2-riboflavin
  3. http://www.progressivehealth.com/acne-b6.htm
  4. http://www.drweil.com/vitamins-supplements-herbs/vitamins/vitamin-b7-for-metabolism/
  5. http://www.clearskinforever.net/magnesium-acne/
  6. http://www.xtend-life.com/information/ingredients/l-proline