Brand Comparison
Murad vs Krave Beauty
A head-to-head comparison of two popular K-beauty brands. Which one is right for your skin?
Our Pick
Krave Beauty
Higher editor rating (8.7 vs 8.1)
Murad
Founded by a dermatologist, built on AHAs, and now one of those brands that's in every US pharmacy and Sephora. The rapid-relief blemish line actually works. The rest is competent, if not boundary-pushing.
Pros
- ✓ AHA-forward formulations with real clinical roots
- ✓ Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment is a cult pick
- ✓ Widely available at Ulta, Sephora, and online
Cons
- ✗ Line has gotten sprawling and inconsistent
- ✗ Mid-high pricing with mid-range formulation ceiling
- ✗ Fragrance in too many formulas
Krave Beauty
Liah Yoo built Krave Beauty the way you wish more brands would — with a skincare-fatigued YouTube audience in mind, a commitment to stripping back rather than piling on, and one genuine cult hit in Great Barrier Relief. Small catalog, specific mission, loyal fans. Not for people who want a 10-step system. Very much for people whose skin has been yelled at for too long.
Pros
- ✓ barrier-first philosophy
- ✓ cult hero in Great Barrier Relief
- ✓ transparent founder storytelling
- ✓ no fragrance / no essential oils
Cons
- ✗ very small catalog
- ✗ ships mostly US/intl, harder to find in Asia
- ✗ limited range of price points
