Gracie

Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum vs Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Firming & Smoothing Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum scores 8.9/9.8 vs Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Firming & Smoothing Serum with Hyaluronic Acid at 8.5/9.8. Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum wins for active ingredients.

Head to head

✶
Anua

Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum

serumbudget
8.9
VS
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Firming & Smoothing Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
Murad

Retinol Youth Renewal Firming & Smoothing Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

serumluxury
8.5

Score comparison

Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum edges ahead, winning 3 of 5 attributes.

3
1
1
Anua wins 3
Tied 1
Murad wins 1
8.9Anua
+0.4vs
8.5Murad

Scores last verified: July 2026

Attribute battle

Hydration Efficacy

Murad WINS
8.6
9.8
Anua
Murad

Irritation Risk

TIE
9.5
9.5
Anua
Murad

Active Ingredient Strength

Anua WINS
8.6
5.1
Anua
Murad

Ingredient Transparency

Anua WINS
8.8
8.5
Anua
Murad

Formulation Safety

Anua WINS
9.0
8.5
Anua
Murad

Why Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum comes out ahead

Where Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum really shines is active ingredient strength, scoring 8.6 compared to Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Firming & Smoothing Serum with Hyaluronic Acid's 5.1. Its formula features Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, and Alpha-Arbutin in high positions, signalling meaningful concentrations.

Hydration Efficacy is another area of separation. Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Firming & Smoothing Serum with Hyaluronic Acid scores 9.8 here versus 8.6 for Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum. That difference comes down to how each formula is built — the ingredient list tells the story.

Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum brings Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, and Alpha-Arbutin as actives, while murad Retinol Youth Renewal Firming & Smoothing Serum with Hyaluronic Acid relies on Retinol, Ceramide Np, and Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract. Both approaches have merit, but the positioning and supporting ingredients make the difference.

Best for your skin type

Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum is better if you have

  • Sensitive skin — the low-irritation formula keeps things gentle
  • Dry or dehydrated skin that craves moisture, thanks to Glycerin
  • Targeting specific concerns like aging or uneven tone — Niacinamide does the heavy lifting

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Firming & Smoothing Serum with Hyaluronic Acid is better if you have

  • Sensitive skin — the low-irritation formula keeps things gentle
  • Dry or dehydrated skin that craves moisture, thanks to Propanediol
  • Anyone who prefers clean, well-vetted formulations

Value comparison

At budget pricing with a score of 8.9, Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum delivers strong value. Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Firming & Smoothing Serum with Hyaluronic Acid sits at the luxury level with a 8.5 score — the extra cost doesn't translate to better scores here.

Our verdict

✶ Our verdict
+0.4 lead

Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum edges ahead with a slightly stronger formulation, but Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Firming & Smoothing Serum with Hyaluronic Acid is still a solid pick.

✶
8.9Anua
vs
8.5Murad

Frequently asked questions

Which is better: Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum or Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Firming & Smoothing Serum with Hyaluronic Acid?

Based on ingredient analysis, Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum scores higher overall. See the full score breakdown above for details on each attribute.

Do Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum and Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Firming & Smoothing Serum with Hyaluronic Acid share ingredients?

Yes, they share common ingredients. Check the ingredient face-off section above for a detailed comparison.

What's the main difference between Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum and Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Firming & Smoothing Serum with Hyaluronic Acid?

The key differences are in their active ingredients and formulation approach. Check the attribute battle above for a detailed breakdown.