Great Skin Priming Moisturizer
Great Skin Priming Moisturizer
Product Description
Product overview
A lightweight priming cream with peptides, spermidine, and hyaluronic acid that provides time-release hydration, helps skin feel firmer and more elastic in as little as one week, and creates a smooth, dewy canvas for makeup application.
Great Skin™ Complex
Proprietary blend of peptides, spermidine, and barrier polysaccharides derived from arctic microalgae food waste grown in Icelandic reactors.
Texture & feel
SENSORYGreat Skin™ Complex
Proprietary blend of peptides, spermidine, and barrier polysaccharides derived from arctic microalgae food waste grown in Icelandic reactors.
Time-Release Hydration
Hyaluronic acid and glycerin deliver deep, long-lasting moisture throughout the day with a plumping effect on skin.
Skin Barrier Soothing
Oat extract calms and nourishes skin while biomimetic emulsifiers create a cashmere-like, blurred finish.
Makeup Primer Action
Absorbs with zero residue so makeup goes on smooth and wears better throughout the day. Doubles as a primer and moisturizer.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Contains Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Stearic Acid, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Isostearate, and Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate which may feed malassezia yeast.
Certified non-comedogenic by the brand. Dermatologist tested and suitable for acne-prone skin despite some individual ingredients having moderate ratings.
Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, and silicone-free. Formulated to EU standards and Clean at Sephora certified.
Can be used alongside retinol treatments. The soothing oat extract and glycerin may help buffer retinol-related irritation. Apply retinol first, then this moisturizer.
Formulated to be pH-balanced to support a healthy skin barrier. Compatible with vitamin C serums and AHA/BHA treatments when used at different steps.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSGreat Skin™ Complex (Peptides + Spermidine + Polysaccharides)Proprietary
A first-to-market proprietary blend of low-molecular-weight peptides, spermidine, and barrier polysaccharides sourced from arctic microalgae byproducts. Designed to support skin elasticity, firmness, and tone.
- Clinical study: 80% of 51 participants reported firmer-feeling skin after 1 week of use
- Source: Derived from Haematococcus Pluvialis (arctic microalgae) sustainably grown in Icelandic reactors
- Spermidine: A polyamine that supports cellular renewal and autophagy processes in skin cells
Sodium Acetylated HyaluronateProven
A modified form of hyaluronic acid with enhanced skin penetration and longer-lasting hydration compared to standard HA. The acetyl group improves its affinity to the skin surface.
- Benefit: Provides deeper and more sustained hydration than regular sodium hyaluronate
- Function: Humectant that draws moisture into skin and helps maintain plumpness
- Study: 100% of participants said skin felt moisturized immediately after application
Glycerin Mid-rangeProven
A powerful humectant naturally found in skin. A 2016 study found glycerin to be more effective at hydrating than AHAs and hyaluronic acid. Has antimicrobial and antiviral properties.
- Comedogenicity: 0 — completely non-comedogenic
- Irritancy: 0 — suitable for all skin types including sensitive
- Function: Keeps skin lipids in a healthy liquid crystal state, protects against irritation
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel ExtractProven
A well-researched soothing and antioxidant ingredient that calms irritation, reduces redness, and nourishes the skin barrier. FDA-recognized skin protectant.
- Function: Soothing, antioxidant, emollient — helps calm reactive and sensitized skin
- Clinical: 98% of participants said skin felt soothed after 1 week of use
- Barrier: Helps strengthen and repair the skin's natural moisture barrier
Squalane 5th positionProven
A skin-identical emollient that mimics the natural oils in human sebum. Provides superb moisturization with extreme cosmetic elegance — not heavy or greasy.
- Comedogenicity: 1 — very low pore-clogging potential
- Irritancy: 0 — non-irritating even at 100% concentration
- Function: Emolliency, surface occlusion, and transepidermal water loss prevention
Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract (Astaxanthin)Promising
A microalgae extract rich in astaxanthin, one of the most powerful natural antioxidants. Provides protection against free radical damage and environmental stressors.
- Potency: Astaxanthin is up to 6,000x more potent than vitamin C as an antioxidant
- Source: Sustainably grown in Icelandic reactors — sourced from food industry byproducts
- Dual form: Contains both whole and hydrolyzed extract for enhanced bioavailability
33 ingredients
Water (Aqua/Eau), Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Butter, Squalane, Propanediol, C12-16 Alcohols, Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract, Hydrolyzed Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sclerotium Gum, Palmitic Acid, Polyacrylate-13, Hydrogenated Lecithin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Lysolecithin, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Pullulan, Xanthan Gum, Arginine, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Silica, Tocopherol, Caramel.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse after cleansing (and serum, if desired). Follow immediately with sunscreen or makeup before the moisturizer dries down. Pairs best with MERIT Great Skin Instant Glow Serum for enhanced efficacy.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse Your Skin
Start with a clean face. Pat skin dry gently with a soft towel.
Apply Serum (Optional)
For added glow, apply MERIT Great Skin Instant Glow Serum first by warming 2–3 pumps in hands and pressing into skin.
Dispense 1–2 Pumps
One pump is usually sufficient. Start with less — a little goes a long way with this concentrated formula.
Massage into Skin
Gently massage the cream into your face and neck using upward motions until fully absorbed.
Follow Immediately
Apply your next step — sunscreen or makeup — before the moisturizer fully dries down for best priming results.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You want a moisturizer that doubles as a makeup primer
- You prefer a dewy, glowing finish under makeup
- You want to address fine lines and firmness with daily moisturizer
- You have normal, dry, or combination skin
- You prefer clean, fragrance-free skincare
- You want a simplified routine with multi-tasking products
- You're dealing with skin dryness, redness, or sensitivity
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne — this formula is not malassezia-safe
- You prefer a completely matte finish
- You have very oily skin and dislike any dewiness
- You're on a tight budget — $38 for 50ml is mid-to-high range
- You dislike products with any material scent (faint plasticky note)
- You prefer very thin, watery moisturizer textures
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESIdeal match. Provides balanced hydration and a beautiful dewy glow without being too heavy or too light. Works perfectly as a primer.
Rich, concentrated formula soaks into dry and flaky skin beautifully. Glycerin and squalane deliver deep, lasting hydration. A standout for dry skin types.
Works well in dry areas but may feel slightly rich on the T-zone. Use one pump only and focus on drier areas. Set with powder if needed.
The dewy finish may feel too rich for very oily skin. Some users report greasiness when worn alone. Best paired with a mattifying foundation or powder.
Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, silicone-free formula with soothing oat extract. Dermatologist tested. Well tolerated even during retinol use.
Certified non-comedogenic, but not fungal acne safe. Low comedogenic rating (1/5). Formulated without 73 potentially acne-triggering ingredients.
Results timeline
2–4 WEEKSInstant Hydration & Smoothing
Skin feels moisturized, smooth, and hydrated right after application. Creates a dewy, cashmere-like finish that preps skin beautifully for makeup.
100% felt moisturized instantlyAll-Day Hydration & Makeup Wear
Time-release hydration keeps skin comfortable throughout the day. Makeup sits smoothly and wears longer without sliding or breaking apart.
96% said skin felt smooth and hydratedFirmer, Plumper Skin
Skin begins to feel noticeably firmer and more elastic. The Great Skin™ Complex starts delivering visible improvements in skin tone and plumpness.
80% reported firmer-feeling skinImproved Skin Barrier & Elasticity
Cumulative benefits of peptides, spermidine, and barrier polysaccharides lead to improved skin barrier function, better moisture retention, and enhanced elasticity.
86% noticed improved elasticity and plumpnessRatings by platform
1K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Beautiful dewy, blurred finish that works as both primer and moisturizer
- Clinically proven results — 100% felt smoother skin after 1 week
- Truly fragrance-free, vegan, and cruelty-free (Leaping Bunny)
- Excellent for dry and sensitive skin — soothing and non-irritating
- A little goes a long way — only 1 pump needed per application
- Clean formulation without parabens, sulfates, silicones, or phthalates
- Makeup applies smoothly and lasts longer when used as a primer
- Unique proprietary complex with sustainably sourced ingredients
Criticized
- Can pill when applied too heavily or layered with certain products
- May feel too rich or greasy for very oily skin types
- Faint plasticky/material scent that some users find unpleasant
- 50ml for $38 may feel small for a daily moisturizer
- Product can dry inside the pump mechanism over time
- Not suitable for fungal acne sufferers
- Very dewy finish may not suit those who prefer matte looks
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSimilar hyaluronic acid-based hydration in a lighter gel formula. Lacks the peptide complex and priming benefits but provides comparable hydration at half the price. Contains fragrance.
Rich, soothing cream that excels at barrier repair. Similar thick consistency and soothing properties. Lacks peptides, priming function, and dewy finish but is a dermatologist favorite for sensitive skin.
A ceramide-rich cream with hyaluronic acid for barrier support. More occlusive and less elegant texture. No priming or firming benefits but excellent basic hydration at an accessible price point.
Lightweight cream with hyaluronic acid and amino acids. Similar hydration approach at a fraction of the cost. Misses the peptide complex and primer function but delivers solid everyday moisturizing.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep pump cap secured to prevent product from drying inside the mechanism.
Frosted glass bottle with gold airless pump dispenser. 100% recyclable outer packaging.
Yes — 50ml is under the 100ml carry-on limit. Mini size (15ml / 0.5oz) also available for travel.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. This moisturizer does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide, or chemical sunscreens. The formula is free from known pregnancy-unsafe ingredients and is considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, as always, consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
No. This product contains several ingredients that may feed malassezia yeast, including Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Stearic Acid, Jojoba Butter, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, and Sorbitan Isostearate. If you are prone to fungal acne, consider alternatives like The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA or Avène Tolérance Extrême Emulsion.
Yes. This moisturizer is compatible with retinol — apply retinol first, then layer this moisturizer on top. The soothing oat extract may help buffer retinol-related irritation. For vitamin C serums, apply the serum first, let it absorb, then follow with this moisturizer. For AHA/BHA, use them at different times of day or wait at least 20 minutes between steps to maintain efficacy.
This moisturizer works best for normal, dry, combination, and sensitive skin types. It is especially excellent for dry and sensitive skin thanks to its rich, soothing formula. Those with very oily skin may find the dewy finish too rich when worn alone — consider pairing it with a mattifying powder or foundation. It is not recommended for those prone to fungal acne.
Hydration and smoothing are immediate — 100% of clinical trial participants felt moisturized right after application. After 8 hours, skin remains hydrated. After 1 week of consistent use, 80% of participants noticed firmer-feeling skin. Full benefits from the Great Skin™ Complex, including improved elasticity and skin tone, typically develop over 2–4 weeks of daily use.
Apply as the last step in your skincare routine before sunscreen and/or makeup. The recommended order is: Cleanser → Toner → Serum (optional: MERIT Great Skin Glow Serum) → This Moisturizer → Sunscreen → Makeup. Follow immediately with your next step before the moisturizer fully dries down for best priming results.
No — this product is certified non-comedogenic by the brand and has been dermatologist tested. It receives a low comedogenic rating of 1/5. MERIT also worked with celebrity aesthetician Biba de Sousa to eliminate 73 clean but potentially acne-triggering ingredients from their formulations. However, individual reactions vary, so patch testing is recommended for acne-prone skin.
The product has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the pump cap secured between uses to prevent the product from drying inside the pump mechanism. With daily use of 1–2 pumps, the 50ml bottle typically lasts approximately 2–3 months.
Verdict: MERIT Great Skin Priming Moisturizer is a well-formulated, multi-tasking cream that genuinely delivers on its promise of hydration and makeup priming in one step. The proprietary Great Skin™ Complex with peptides and spermidine sets it apart from competitors, and the clean, fragrance-free formula makes it safe for sensitive and pregnancy-conscious users. It excels for normal-to-dry and sensitive skin types looking for a dewy finish. The main drawbacks are its incompatibility with fungal acne, occasional pilling when applied too heavily, and a price point that may feel steep for 50ml. If you want a luxurious, clean-beauty moisturizer that simplifies your morning routine and leaves skin looking plump and glowing, this is an excellent choice.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient
|
|
|
| 0 |
Simmondsia Chinensis Butter
Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Squalane
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Hair Conditioning, Refatting
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|









