On August 12, 2025, Merit quietly launched something new: the Great Skin Double Cleanser. I’ll admit, as someone who already swears by Merit’s low-fuss, feel-good approach to beauty—hello, Flush Balm and Retrospect perfume—I didn’t see a cleanser coming. But with my skin constantly testing me (breakouts love to sneak in when I least expect them), trying a new formula from a brand I already trust felt like a safe bet.
And wow—this isn’t just any cleanser. Merit has a way of taking something ordinary and turning it into a ritual you actually look forward to. Here’s why the Great Skin Double Cleanser has quickly become a standout in my routine…
Why Merit’s Great Skin Double Cleanser Feels Different
Merit’s Great Skin Double Cleanser isn’t just another face wash—it’s a little ritual in a bottle. The formula is bi-phase, which means you shake it up to blend the two layers, creating a foaming, color-changing experience that somehow feels like science and self-care all at once.
Inside, gentle oat-derived surfactants lift away makeup, sunscreen, and impurities without stripping your skin, while plant-based humectants keep hydration intact. The real star, though, is PHA (polyhydroxy acid), a gentle exfoliant that smooths and brightens, helping glow-prone, breakout-prone skin feel soft and balanced.
Merit designed this cleanser to be effective enough for a single wash both morning and night, cutting down on extra steps while supporting a healthy skin barrier. For anyone who wants simple, thoughtful skincare that actually works—and feels a little luxurious in the process—this is a formula that delivers.
Pros
- Removes makeup, SPF, and daily grime without stripping your skin
- Gentle enough for morning and night use
- Hydrating, with plant-based humectants that leave skin soft
- PHA boosts glow and keeps breakouts in check
- Feels like a little luxury every time you cleanse
Cons
- Can sting eyes if you get too close (so gentle it is!)
- On heavy makeup days, a second cleanse might still be needed
How It Feels on the Skin
Foaming cleansers often get a bad rap, but Merit’s Great Skin Double Cleanser proves that texture isn’t everything. I usually approach foams with caution, yet this one feels surprisingly luxurious. I use 1–2 pumps on no-makeup days and up to 4 pumps when I’m wearing a full face, massaging it into dry skin for a few seconds before rinsing.
As it foams, it gently lifts away makeup, SPF, and everyday impurities without stripping or leaving that tight, dry feeling some foaming cleansers give. My skin feels refreshed, soft, and balanced—no toner or extra swipe needed to feel truly clean. There’s barely any fragrance, which is a win for sensitive skin like mine.
One note: while the brand says it can remove eye makeup, I wouldn’t recommend rubbing it into stubborn mascara—it can sting. A dedicated eye makeup remover or cleansing balm first will keep things safe and gentle.
My Thoughts
Merit’s Great Skin Double Cleanser has quickly become a staple in my routine. After weeks of testing, my skin feels clean, balanced, and radiant—without a hint of irritation or dryness. For anyone who’s breakout-prone or just wants a simple, effective cleanser that cuts down on extra steps, this formula truly delivers.
I’ve adjusted my routine slightly, skipping it in the morning to avoid over-cleansing, but in the evenings, it replaces my usual double cleanse effortlessly. One gentle wash removes makeup, SPF, and impurities while keeping my skin hydrated and glowing.
If you’re looking for a cleanser that feels thoughtful, works hard, and makes your nightly skincare feel like a little indulgence, this one is worth adding to your shelf. Merit, as always, has nailed it.
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