Merit Beauty has caught my attention for quite some time. Many of my readers have been eager to know my opinions, prompting me to dive deep and try their products. In this comprehensive Merit Beauty Review, I’ll explore their offerings in detail and analyze the ingredients to determine if Merit truly embodies a clean beauty brand.

*Affiliate Disclosure: This blog post includes affiliate links. When you make a purchase through my link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I take my partnerships seriously and only align with brands I genuinely believe in.

Discover Merit Beauty: A New Player in Clean Beauty

Merit Beauty has emerged as a fresh and exciting addition to the beauty landscape. Founded by Katherine Power in 2017 while she was pregnant, her journey began when she sought beauty products that were cleaner than those on the market but not specifically targeted at younger consumers.

Located in Los Angeles, CA, Merit Beauty officially launched online in January 2021, shortly thereafter making its debut at Sephora in February 2021. Katherine envisioned a line of essential beauty products that encapsulate their philosophy of being

a clean, luxury beauty brand inspired by minimalism.

Merit Beauty takes pride in their minimalist approach to makeup, focusing on enhancing natural beauty rather than masking it.

Explore the Essential Products Offered by Merit Beauty

Merit Beauty provides a range of essential products designed for a simple yet effective makeup routine that enhances your natural beauty. Their offerings ensure you can look effortlessly polished without feeling overdone.

Currently, their product lineup includes:

• Instant Glow Serum
• Perfecting Complexion Stick
• Blending Brush
• Bronze Balm Sheer Bronzer
• Flush Balm Cheek Color
• Day Glow Highlighting Balm
• Clean Lash Lengthening Mascara
• Brow 1980 Volumizing Pomade
• Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil
• Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick

What enhances the appeal of Merit Beauty is their curated kits. Not only do these kits offer savings, but they provide exactly what you need—nothing more, nothing less. This is a true embodiment of minimalism.

Understanding the Ingredients in Merit Beauty Products

In an era rife with greenwashing, I approach claims of being a true clean beauty brand with skepticism. Why is this the case?

There is currently no universal definition or standard for what constitutes clean beauty. What might be acceptable for me may not be the same for someone else, and this variability extends to formulators and brands alike.

For example, the standards set by Clean at Sephora (which Merit adheres to) are not nearly as stringent as those established by Credo Beauty. Therefore, simply claiming compliance with Clean at Sephora’s guidelines doesn’t convey much assurance.

Here are some ingredients that raised concerns in the ingredient lists of Merit Beauty’s products:

-Microcrystalline Wax- Found in the Minimalist Perfecting Stick, Balm Blush, and Bronze Balm, this ingredient is often used in cosmetics to enhance texture and product spreadability. While derived from petroleum, and lacking concrete studies linking it to harm, I remain cautious and believe further research is essential to ascertain its safety. It’s also worth noting that handlers must exercise care when dealing with microcrystalline wax, raising questions about its safety when in solid form.

-Acrylates- Present in the Clean Lash Mascara and Brow 1980, these compounds are used to stabilize and bind product ingredients. However, they have been flagged as potential carcinogens that can cause reproductive harm and developmental issues.

-Polyethylene- This microplastic, found in the Signature Lipstick and Brow 1980, is created from ethylene. Some argue that its large molecular structure prevents absorption, yet daily application raises exposure risks. Additionally, polyethylene contributes to environmental pollution, affecting air and water quality, and may be contaminated with 1,4 dioxane, a known carcinogen.

-Phenoxyethanol- Found in the Signature Lipstick, Brow 1980, and Clean Lash Mascara, this preservative requires scrutiny regarding sourcing and concentration. While amounts under 1% are generally considered safe, there is still potential for contamination with harmful substances like 1,4 dioxane.

-Synthetic colors like red 7, blue 1 lake- Present in the Tinted Lip Oils, Balm Blush, and Signature Lipstick, synthetic dyes create a gray area. While I occasionally use products with these dyes, it’s crucial to understand their sourcing and amounts. Many makeup colors rely on these dyes, which are often present in minuscule quantities. Personally, I’m comfortable with minimal synthetic color in makeup but avoid them in products that cover larger skin areas.

-PVP (Polyvinylpyrrolidone)- Used in the Clean Lash Mascara, this ingredient can act as a lacquer or carrier in creams and has shown tumor-causing potential in animal studies.

-Tromethamine– Found in the Clean Lash Mascara, it serves as a pH adjuster and can contain carcinogenic compounds when combined with nitrosating agents, necessitating thorough testing.

-Steareth-20- Present in the Clean Lash Mascara, this synthetic polymer acts as an emulsifier and may be contaminated with 1,4 dioxane due to PEG presence.

Ceresin- Found in the Tinted Lip Oils, this mineral wax, derived from coal or shale, enhances product texture and can be contaminated with carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate- Present in the Bronze Balm and Tinted Lip Oils, this ingredient acts as an antioxidant but has been noted for its potential environmental harm.

BHT- Found in the Minimalist Perfecting Stick, Bronze Balm, and Balm Blush, this antioxidant can disrupt hormones and has been classified as a potential human carcinogen.

Chloroxylenol- Present in Brow 1980, this ingredient acts as a biocide and preservative. Although less common, it can be absorbed by the body and was detected in human urine, raising potential irritant concerns.

Aroma- Found in the Signature Lipstick, I was initially puzzled by the term “Aroma” on the label. After contacting the company, I learned it refers to raspberry oil extract.

In-Depth Review of Merit Beauty Products

After testing the entire range from Merit Beauty, I’m excited to share my insights on each product, including my thoughts on whether I would repurchase them.

Instant Glow Serum: Achieve Radiant Skin

This hydrating serum aims to enhance your skin’s vitality, utilizing nourishing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, cacao seed extract, and Japanese goldthread root to deliver optimal hydration and plumpness.

---

Full Ingredient List

Water, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isononyl Isononanoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract, Tocopherol, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Dextrin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate.

Cost

$38

Review: I had high hopes for this product, but unfortunately, it fell short. It felt more like a self-tanner without delivering on the promised glow. Instead, it left my skin feeling excessively greasy with minimal color enhancement. Overall, I wouldn’t consider this a successful product and wouldn’t repurchase it.

Perfecting Complexion Stick: Your Go-To for Flawless Skin

This versatile product serves as both foundation and concealer, offering light to medium coverage with a buildable formula free from acne-triggering ingredients.

---

Full Ingredient List

Hydrogenated Polydecene, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Octyldodecanol, Silica, Polyethylene, Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Cera Carnauba (Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Cire de Carnauba), Synthetic Wax, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Cera Microcristallina (Microcrystalline Wax, Cire Microcristalline), Sorbitan Isostearate, Pancratium Maritimum Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dimethicone, Caprylyl Glycol, Propylene Carbonate, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Glycerin, Aqua (Water, Eau), Mica, BHT, CI 77491/77492/77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide)

Cost

$38

Review: Unfortunately, this product didn’t meet my expectations. It left my face feeling greasy throughout the day without lasting coverage. My skin appeared excessively shiny, and I was disappointed by its lack of longevity. I would not recommend or repurchase this stick.

Bronze Balm: Your Go-To Sheer Bronzer

This sheer bronzer is buildable and perfect for adding warmth and depth to your makeup look.

---

Full Ingredient List

Octyldodecyl Myristate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Synthetic Wax, Diisostearyl Malate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Silica, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Diisostearoyl Polyglyceryl-3 Dimer Dilinoleate, Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Microcrystalline Wax, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Lecithin, Methicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum Hydroxide, Water, BHT. May Contain (+/-): Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxide Yellow (CI 77492), Iron Oxide Red (CI 77491), Iron Oxide Black (CI 77499)

Cost

$30

Review: Sadly, this bronzer also left a greasy finish on my skin. The color leaned too orange for my liking, giving an unnatural bronzing effect. I wouldn’t purchase this product again.

Flush Balm: Creamy Cheek Color for a Lasting Glow

This creamy tint offers buildable color and promises a lasting glow.

---

Full Ingredient List

Octyldodecanol, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Hydrogenated Poly (C6-14 Olefin), Polyethylene, Silica, Diisostearyl Malate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Synthetic Wax, Sorbitan Isostearate, Cera Microcristallina (Microcrystalline Wax, Cire Microcristalline), Tocopherol, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Methicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, BHT, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77492/77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 15850 (Red 7 Lake), CI 19140 (Yellow 5 Lake)

Cost

$30

Review: While I appreciated the creamy application of this blush, it lacked staying power and faded quickly, which was disappointing. I wouldn’t buy this product again.