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A moisturizer with a press-down lid – the Murad Daily Defense Colloidal Oatmeal Cream and I were off to a great start. Because even though I don’t have any issues with jar packaging, this version is my favorite.
With that and the other two products from the same line – the cleanser (review here) and the treatment (review here) – that I really loved, I was expecting to be head over heels for this one too.
But did that happen? Let’s talk.
What the Murad Daily Defense Colloidal Oatmeal Cream claims
Your daily defense moisturizer with a proprietary blend locks in critical moisture, while prolonging relief from eczema flare-ups.
To get away with the eczema claim, they use colloidal oatmeal that is indeed used in eczema treatment. (More info: The benefits of Colloidal Oatmeal in skincare explained)
Facts about the Murad Daily Defense Colloidal Oatmeal Cream
Prize and size
One pot with a press-down lid contains 50 ml and is available for 58 € on the website here.
Texture and smell
Just as expected the cream feels thick when you get it out of the tub, but spreads beautiful. It is slightly yellowish and has no noticeable scent.
How to use the Murad Daily Defense Colloidal Oatmeal Cream
One “pump” is just about enough for a thin layer on my face, if you want a generous amount, you would need two. The thicker nature of the cream means you need to be mindful of wiping the lid down after using it, otherwise some will stay on there and look crusty or messy over time. This is something I haven’t noticed with lighter formulas in similar packaging.
After applying it, it gets a little tacky and stays that way. Depending on your skin type you could use it morning or night, my more combination skin gets on with it best during the nights in winter, during the day it is a little too rich for my liking.
Ingredients of the Murad Daily Defense Colloidal Oatmeal Cream
sii|h 0 0, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter 
emo|vc, Propanediol solv|h, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride emo, Glyceryl Stearate emo|emu 0 1–2, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract aox|so|emo|abrasive/scrub, Betaine h, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Niacinamide cci|sb|aacne|h, Hydrogenated Lecithin emo|emu, Ethylhexylglycerin pres, Maltodextrin, Cetearyl Alcohol emo|vc|emu|surf 1 2, Cetearyl Glucoside emu|surf, Lauryl Laurate, Cetyl Myristate emo, Sodium Polyacrylate Starch vc, Carbomer vc 0 1, Hectorite vc, Caprylhydroxamic Acid chel, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate chel, Sodium Hydroxide buff, Chlorphenesin pres|amicHover the mouse over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.
The colloidal oatmeal content here is at 1%, which is lower than it is in the treatment version of the same line that is supposed to be used on affected areas only.
Then there is Glycerin as humectant, Niacinamide for additional soothing and shea butter as emollient. (More info: The benefits of Niacinamide in skincare explained) The mondo-grass sugars are probably in the Ophiopogon Japonicas Root Extract, an ingredient I can’t comment on.
More info: How to read the ingredient list in your skincare products.
Does it live up to its claims?
Yes.
Now I don’t have eczema flare ups at the moment (and haven’t had in a long time), but the thick nature of the balm would surely be a relief and the colloidal oatmeal would help against the itch.
How does it compare to…
Geek and Gorgeous Happier Barrier
The main difference between Murad and Geek and Gorgeous (other than the price of course) is their choice of active ingredients in a moisturizer aiming to repair the skins barrier. Murad has colloidal oatmeal and specifically addresses eczema prone skin, while Geek and Gorgeous has the focus on Squalane and skin identical lipids with additional Green Tea Extract and Allantoin.
While I enjoy Happier Barrier a lot, I think if eczema flareups are a problem for you, you will be better of with Murads version.
You can read my full review of the Geek and Gorgeous Happier Barrier here.
Would I repurchase and which skin types do I recommend it to?
Overall the Murad Daily Defense Colloidal Oatmeal Cream is a really nice, thick moisturizer that will probably be ideal for dry and itchy skin types. For me personally though it just wasn’t right – the texture a little too rich, the feeling on my skin a little too tacky – so despite it leaving my skin really soft and calm, it will not join my list of favorites.
Shop Murad skincare here
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