If you’ve got a medicine cabinet full of expired serums and solutions you paid hundreds for and then forgot about, listen up. We’ve all fallen for the 10-step skincare routine, the miracle-in-a-jar promises, and the late-night Instagram hauls including products that claim they’ll change our skin forever. But here’s the truth: Great skin doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or require a chemistry degree. In fact, three products can help you build a powerful, no-fuss routine that actually works: a cleanser, a moisturizer, and a hyaluronic acid serum. That means no trendy tools, no 14-layer rituals, and absolutely no stress.
If you’re wary of the idea that this streamlined trio is all your skin needs, we’re here to explain how each of these products works — both individually and together — to keep your face looking fresh. We’ll also take the guesswork out of choosing the right brand, since Merit Beauty has perfected each item. This way, you can finally declutter your beauty shelf (yes, you can toss that toner from 2021) and get back to basics.
Step 1: Cleanse
Refreshing your skincare routine starts with a good cleanser, and we found your new MVP: Merit’s Great Skin Double Cleanse. This 2-in-1 formula cleanses the skin while removing makeup — so feel free to throw your dried-out old remover wipes in the trash. Most cleansers are made with surfactants, which help water mix with the oil and dirt on your face, so you can rinse it away. But they’re often harsh, and can leave your skin feeling tight and stripped. Great Skin Double Cleanse is made with gentle, oat-derived surfactants, which give the cleanser a light, creamy foam texture. Even though it’s gentle, it still packs a punch: Thanks to PHA (polyhydroxy acid, the gentler cousin of your favorite exfoliators), this cleanser can melt away sunscreen, face makeup, and oil buildup, leaving you with smooth, brighter-looking skin after every wash. Use it morning and night — just shake it up, massage it into wet skin, and rinse. While it’s designed to pair with Merit’s Instant Glow Serum and Priming Moisturizer, this cleanser is a one-step wonder all on its own.
Step 2: Hydrate
Let’s be real — there are lots of serums that promise miracles, but Great Skin Instant Glow Serum actually delivers. The lightweight formula is like a giant drink of water for your face, instantly plumping and hydrating. Its power comes from four types of hyaluronic acid that penetrate different layers of your skin to lock in moisture, while 2 percent niacinamide (a type of Vitamin B3) helps even out tone and smooth texture. Cacao seed extract adds a subtle plumping effect, and Japanese goldthread root (a beloved medicinal herb) brings a bit of calming magic to the mix. The result? Skin that looks dewy, feels bouncy, and is perfectly prepped for makeup — or no makeup at all. Just shake, press 1–2 pumps into clean skin, and seal the deal with the Great Skin Priming Moisturizer.
Step 3: Moisturize
Meet the multitasking wonder ready to claim a permanent spot in your morning routine: Great Skin Priming Moisturizer. This lightweight cream hydrates, blurs, soothes, and preps your skin for makeup, all in one silky-smooth step. A blend of peptides (which stimulate collagen production and reduce inflammation), spermidine (which promotes cell growth), and polysaccharides (which help your skin barrier keep moisture in and irritants out) work hard to make skin look firmer, bouncier, and more even-toned. Add in hyaluronic acid and glycerin for all-day moisture, oat extract to calm any irritation, and a biomimetic emulsifier for a cashmere-soft finish, and you’ve got a moisturizer that doesn’t just sit under makeup — it upgrades your makeup. Designed to pair perfectly with Great Skin Double Cleanse and Instant Glow Serum, it layers easily and never clogs pores.
Merit’s priming moisturizer, glow serum, and double-cleanse face wash are available separately, but if you’re ready for a full-face transformation, Merit offers them in a bundle: Buying the Great Skin Trio set gives you a nice discount. Use those bucks you saved to stock up on our other favorite Merit products… because once you’ve tossed all your old skincare items, you’ll have plenty of room for new ones.
