Packaging

Merit uses post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic in its product packaging, though the percentages vary by product. All outer cartons are FSC-certified paper packaging. The brand's shipping materials are thoughtfully designed: the first order ships in the MERIT Signature Bag, a reusable, washable, double-lined fabric bag. Subsequent orders ship with Green Cell Foam, a cornstarch derivative that dissolves in water and is compostable. Mailer boxes are made from post-consumer waste and are fully recyclable.

However, a significant portion of the product packaging is still virgin plastic (57% in some cases). The brand does not use bioplastics, ocean plastic, or compostable primary packaging. There are no refillable product formats in the current line. There is no participation in a packaging take-back or mail-back recycling program (unlike some competitors who partner with Pact Collective). The PCR percentages, while positive, are moderate, and the continued reliance on virgin plastic across much of the line is a limitation.

Ingredient Sustainability

The ingredient lists reveal a significant reliance on petroleum-derived and non-biodegradable synthetic ingredients. Polyethylene (Complexion Stick) is a synthetic polymer that contributes to microplastic pollution and is classified among the most environmentally harmful cosmetic ingredients. Hydrogenated Polydecene and Hydrogenated Polyisobutene appear across multiple products (Complexion Stick, Lip Oil, Blush) and are petroleum-derived viscosity agents. Microcrystalline Wax (Complexion Stick, Blush) is a petroleum-derived wax. Synthetic Wax appears in the Blush and Complexion Stick. Nylon-12 (Lip Oil) is a synthetic polymer that contributes to microplastic pollution. Dimethicone (Complexion Stick, Mascara) is a non-biodegradable silicone. Acrylates Copolymer and Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate Copolymer (Mascara) are persistent, non-biodegradable film-forming polymers. BHT (Complexion Stick) is a synthetic antioxidant that is persistent in aquatic ecosystems and moderately toxic to marine life. Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer (Blush) is a petroleum-derived polymer.

On the positive side, the brand incorporates genuinely beneficial natural ingredients: rice bran wax, candelilla wax, carnauba wax, jojoba seed oil, rosehip oil, grapeseed oil, shea butter esters, squalane, and sunflower seed oil appear across the line. These are sustainably sourced plant-based ingredients when responsibly harvested.

The brand does not disclose specific sourcing practices for its natural ingredients (organic certifications, Fair Trade sourcing, etc.). There is no mention of RSPO certification for any palm-derived ingredients. The brand does not hold COSMOS, organic, or ingredient-sourcing certifications.

Energy & Footprint

Merit does not publish any information about its energy use, carbon footprint, or greenhouse gas emissions. There is no sustainability report, carbon accounting data, emissions targets, or third-party verification. The brand makes no claims of carbon neutrality, renewable energy use, or carbon offsetting.

The brand does not disclose where its products are manufactured beyond stating that they source "both domestically and internationally." As a small-to-mid-size indie brand, formal carbon accounting is resource-intensive. However, Merit has grown significantly since its 2021 launch, with Sephora distribution across the US and Canada and a growing product line. It is no longer a micro-startup, and some level of energy or emissions transparency would be expected at this stage. The complete absence of any public environmental performance data or commitments limits the score here.

Waste Management

Merit's waste management efforts are primarily consumer-facing through its shipping packaging design. However, the brand does not participate in any packaging take-back or mail-back program. There are no refillable product formats in the current line. There is no mention of upcycled materials in products or packaging. There is no publicly available information about waste management practices in manufacturing, production waste reduction, or water treatment processes.

Business Model

Merit's business model is fundamentally rooted in minimalism and slow consumption. The brand was explicitly founded as "the antidote to the overwhelming, saturated world of beauty." The product line is intentionally small and curated: roughly 15 to 20 core products designed to be "signatures of your routine" that consumers reach for daily and "live with for years to come." The brand's messaging consistently emphasizes "do more with less" and positions itself against the trend-driven, 50-palette approach of conventional beauty. Products are designed to be multi-use (the Flush Balm works on cheeks and lips, the Complexion Stick is both foundation and concealer). The focus is on quality, simplicity, and timelessness rather than novelty or trend chasing.

However, Merit has expanded its line steadily since 2021, adding skincare products (serums, moisturizers, sunscreen), new lip formats, and fragrance. While each addition appears considered, the brand is growing its catalog, which introduces some tension with its minimalist philosophy.