October 2, 2024

For those who want to simplify their makeup routines and go back to basics, the clean beauty brand Merit Beauty has just what you need. Founded in 2021, the brand was developed by Katherine Power (who you might know from affordable skin-care favorite Versed and Who What Wear) to create a curated minimalist lineup that’s ideal for five-minute face routines. She also wanted the products to be thoughtfully formulated with clean ingredients.

MERIT’s clean lineup is vegan, cruelty-free, and certified Leaping Bunny, and the company is committed to reducing waste by using recycled packaging. The line is also held to EU standards, which are stricter than US requirements, and excludes artificial fragrance. The brand worked with Hollywood aesthetician Biba de Sousa on the complexion products to ensure they were free of her hard no-list of 73 acne-causing ingredients.

The products are easy to use and work well. However, there are some things to keep in mind before you shop:

Acrylate Copolymer: Found in MERIT’s Brow 1980 Volumizing Pomade and Clean Lash Lengthening Mascara, acrylates are a group of synthetic polymers made by treating phenol with ethylene oxide. These compounds release benzene, a known human carcinogen, when it comes into contact with water or air.

Chloroxylenol: Found in MERIT’s Flush Balm Cheek Color, this chemical is associated with dermatitis and has been linked to post-inflammatory depigmentation. It’s also a possible endocrine disruptor and accumulates in the environment.

Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate: Found in MERIT’s Shade Slick Tinted Lip Oil, this ingredient is an endocrine disruptor and has been linked to acne breakouts and rosacea. It’s a possible carcinogen and also contaminates the environment. Merit Beauty Review

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