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Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide vs Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Firming & Smoothing Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide scores 9.3/9.8 vs Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Firming & Smoothing Serum with Hyaluronic Acid at 8.5/9.8. Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide wins for active ingredients.

Head to head

Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide
Kiehl's Since 1851

Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide

serumpremium
9.3
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

Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide edges ahead, winning 2 of 5 attributes.

2
2
1
Kiehl's Since 1851 wins 2
Tied 2
Murad wins 1
9.3Kiehl's Since 1851
+0.8vs
8.5Murad

Scores last verified: July 2026

Attribute battle

Hydration Efficacy

Murad WINS
9.4
9.8
Kiehl's Since 1851
Murad

Irritation Risk

TIE
9.5
9.5
Kiehl's Since 1851
Murad

Active Ingredient Strength

Kiehl's Since 1851 WINS
7.7
5.1
Kiehl's Since 1851
Murad

Ingredient Transparency

TIE
8.5
8.5
Kiehl's Since 1851
Murad

Formulation Safety

Kiehl's Since 1851 WINS
9.0
8.5
Kiehl's Since 1851
Murad

Ingredient face-off

19% overlap
39Kiehl's Since 1851
9Shared
48Murad

Why Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide comes out ahead

Where Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide really shines is active ingredient strength, scoring 7.7 compared to Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Firming & Smoothing Serum with Hyaluronic Acid's 5.1. Its formula features Niacinamide, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, and Adenosine in high positions, signalling meaningful concentrations.

Formulation Safety is another area of separation. Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide scores 9.0 here versus 8.5 for Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Firming & Smoothing Serum with Hyaluronic Acid. That difference comes down to how each formula is built — the ingredient list tells the story.

Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide brings Niacinamide, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, and Adenosine 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

Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide 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 premium pricing with a score of 9.3, Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide 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
+0.8 lead

Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide edges ahead with a slightly stronger formulation, but Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Firming & Smoothing Serum with Hyaluronic Acid is still a solid pick.

9.3Kiehl's Since 1851
vs
8.5Murad

Frequently asked questions

Which is better: Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide or Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Firming & Smoothing Serum with Hyaluronic Acid?

Based on ingredient analysis, Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide scores higher overall. See the full score breakdown above for details on each attribute.

Do Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide 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 Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptide 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.