Merit knows a thing or two about creating serious game-changers. Bursting onto the scene in 2021, it quickly set pace on an oversaturated beauty space obsessed with consumption and newness with its back to basics, streamlined approach that is rooted in minimalistic, fool-proof make-up and skincare essentials that are 'the antidote to the overwhelming world of beauty.' Designed to get you ready in five minutes flat, Merit's offerings are simple, hardworking and more often than not multifunctional. It's no wonder everyone, from TikTokers to A-listers, is obsessed. Having already come for our 90s-inspired brows and niche fragrance collection, now Merit has set it sights on our cleansing routine with it's first-ever cleanser, the Great Skin™ Double Cleanse, £28.
Fans of the brand will be familiar with Merit's existing skincare line up, aptly named Great Skin, which all began with the Great Skin Serum, £34. Launched three years ago before quickly becoming a celebrity favourite thanks to its featherweight, bi-phase, instantly glow-giving formula, Merit soon expanded the range to include the Great Skin Moisturizer, which promises to do it all.
What is the Merit Great Skin™ Double Cleanse?
The Great Skin™ Double Cleanse is primed to complete the brand's skin collection, which now covers all of the three essential steps in any good (or Great) skincare routine: cleanse, treat and moisturise. While many of our skincare regimes have fallen victim to double cleansing with various products (guilty as charged), Merit is offering an alternative solution, which combines the process of removing make-up then cleansing into one single step.
The Great Skin™ Double Cleanse takes notes from the brand's serum and boasts an elevated bi-phase formula. Instead of a typical oil phase that sits at the bottom of the bottle, it contains lightweight emollients that dissolve dirt, make-up and sunscreen sans that heavy, greasy residue that doesn't play ball with acne-prone, sensitive skin types. The water base phase sits at the top and is made up of mild oat-derived surfactants as well as plant-based humectants to restore hydration. You'll just need to shake to activate.
The cocktail of skin-hugging ingredients forms the perfect environment for the addition of polyhydroxy acid (PHAs), which gently works to exfoliate and tackle texture on a surface level, without causing the usual fall out that sometimes comes with using actives, read: irritation, dryness or a broken barrier. PHAs also have humectant properties, which help pull more moisture into the skin. An exfoliating cleanser? The juxtaposition may be confusing, especially as most experts advise using a gentle, non-active cleanser as the foundation of your skincare routine. But trust Merit to flip the script.
'We believe that your cleanser should be gentle enough for everyday use but also hard-working, allowing you to get more than one benefit from one single product. We wanted Great Skin Double Cleanse to achieve an effective cleanse – removing makeup, SPF, and dirt – while also leaving your skin feeling smooth and hydrated, with the added exfoliating and hydrating ingredients,' explains a Merit spokesperson.
My honest thoughts on Merit's Great Skin™ Double Cleanse
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'As with most things, I'm picky about my cleanser. Having spoken to a great deal of skin experts and dermatologists, I've long favoured the position of using a gentle cleanser that prioritises cleaning and calming ingredients instead of those that help to resurface and shed your dead skin. So it's safe to say, when I was first met by Merit's Great Skin™ Double Cleanse, I had my doubts. As someone with irritable, reactive skin, I look to my cleansing routine to help wash the day away (obviously), while setting the tone for what follows next with balanced, soothed, fully prepped skin. But the Great Skin™ Double Cleanse proved me wrong. While the bi-phase formula contains exfoliating ingredients that work away at texture to reveal more smooth and even skin, I never felt stripped, tight or any stinging while using it. That's likely all down to the nourishing, skin softening ingredients that counteract the usual issues that can arise from using exfoliants. The foam itself is rich and morphs into a soft lather that feels comforting, non-stripping and provides enough slip for me to actually work away impurities. After a few weeks of using it, my skin looks brighter and more even, make-up, sunscreen and daily build-up has become a breeze to remove, but the best part? I no longer need two products to get the job done.'
Shop: Merit's Great Skin™ Double Cleanse
www.meritbeauty.com
Great Skin Double Cleanse is a first of its kind bi-phase formula that combines the power of a makeup remover and a gentle cleanser into a single rich foaming texture — no additional oils, balms, or makeup wipes required.
Sameeha Shaikh, beauty writer, says: 'While the bi-phase formula contains exfoliating ingredients that work away at texture to reveal more smooth and even skin, I never felt stripped, tight or any stinging while using this. That's likely all down to the nourishing, skin softening ingredients that counteract the usual issues that can arise from using exfoliants. After a few weeks of using it, my skin looks brighter and more even, make-up, sunscreen and daily build-up has become a breeze to remove, but the best part? I no longer need two products to get the job done.'
Pros
- Bi-phase formula
- Suitable for acne-prone, senstive skin
Cons
- You'll need to remember to shake the product before use
Sameeha Shaikh is Grazia's beauty writer, covering all categories to bring you insights on the latest trends, industry news and the products you need to know about, viral or not (most probably viral).
