Minimalism has been a trend for several years, including in skincare – but for Claire, founder of MERME Berlin, it was never a trend, but a necessity. Long before "skinimalism" became a buzzword, MERME was founded on a clear idea: fewer ingredients, more transparency, and simply formulated products that truly work – especially for sensitive skin. In this interview, I spoke with Claire about MERME's philosophy, the reality of "Clean Beauty," and one of the brand's most innovative products: Oxygen Water.
From Australia to Berlin: How MERME Came to Be
The idea for MERME didn't originate from a business plan, but from a very personal problem.
"When I moved to Berlin in 2014, I couldn't find one of my favorite products from Australia anymore – a rosehip oil," Claire recounts.
What initially seemed like a minor everyday problem quickly became an inspiration:
Her grandmother Mary – affectionately called "Merme" – also played an important role. She taught Claire a very natural, minimalist approach to skincare early on. "She showed me how to care for my skin minimally – without any unnecessary extras."
Why Less Really Is More
MERME stands for so-called "Ingredient Heroes" – products that consciously focus on a few selected ingredients.
For Claire, this is not a marketing approach, but a logical consequence: "I've always had very sensitive skin and reacted to many things. Minimalism was the only way for me to truly understand and soothe my skin."
At the same time, she observed that this approach was particularly well-suited to the German market. "I had the feeling that many people here prefer to have their few favorite products – rather than constantly trying new things."
"Clean Beauty" – A Term with Question Marks
Although MERME is often categorized as "Clean Beauty," Claire is critical of the term.
"I don't really like the word," she says openly. "It often works with fear – as if certain ingredients are inherently bad. That's not true." For her, "clean" primarily means one thing: clarity.
Ingredients: Between Innovation and Proven Efficacy
When developing new products, MERME focuses on a balance of innovation and proven active ingredients. However, she finds the strict division into "good" and "bad" for the skin when it comes to skincare and certain ingredients frustrating:
"We are always looking for effective, well-tolerated ingredients," Claire explains. "But we must not forget that many traditional ingredients are already very well researched and work excellently."
A key point here is the combination: "Just because two ingredients are good individually doesn't automatically mean they work perfectly together. That's why we test a lot – also with independent laboratories."
Oxygen Water: A New Way to Treat Skin
A real highlight in the range is the so-called Oxygen Water – a product that consciously sets itself apart from classic mechanisms of action.
What's special: The oxygen is incorporated into the formulation in the form of micro-bubbles. "We actually work with pure oxygen, which is incorporated into the water. This is not a marketing claim – it is physically present."
Claire describes the effect with a vivid comparison: "Imagine your pores like a room. If it's stuffy, you open the window and let in fresh air. That's exactly what Oxygen Water does – only on the skin."
Claire also has other valuable insider tips about Oxygen Water:
MERME – Oxygen Water
Who is Oxygen Water suitable for?
Oxygen Water is primarily aimed at people with:
- blemished or acne-prone skin
- oily skin
- sensitive skin that reacts irritated to classic active ingredients
"It's gentle enough to be used daily – even twice a day," Claire explains. "And it doesn't dry out the skin."
Particularly exciting: According to studies, initial results can be visible after just a few days – especially for redness and inflamed skin.
The product is also suitable for the body, for example for "bacne" or after sport: "After training, the skin is often irritated and the pores are open – here Oxygen Water can help to gently soothe the skin," explains Claire.
Skincare Basics: What Really Matters
Despite all the innovations, Claire remains consistent with the basics: "For me, the most important steps are clearly: cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection."
Especially when it comes to SPF, she often sees mistakes: "Many people don't reapply sunscreen sufficiently – or combine different products, so the protection is no longer optimal." In Australia, she was taught as a child that sunscreen was absolutely essential.
MERME – Milky Drops Moisturizer
MERME – Pore & Line Refine Serum
MERME – Gentle Barrier Cream
Patience Instead of Quick Results
Another point that is important to Claire: realistic expectations.
"Many people expect immediate results – but that's not how skincare works," she says. While improvements in skin texture or blemishes can be visible relatively quickly, issues like pigmentation spots or skin aging require significantly more time.
"You should plan at least a month to see initial changes – and several months for sustainable results," Claire explains. She believes it is primarily the brands' responsibility to communicate this so that customers approach the products with realistic expectations.
A Look into the Future: Skincare Becomes More Holistic
For the future of the industry, Claire sees a clear trend: skincare as part of self-care with a more holistic approach.
"I believe that topics like inner health, nutrition, and hormones will play an even greater role," she says. "Skincare alone cannot solve everything."
At the same time, she expects more innovation – especially in the "well-aging" sector. "We are already seeing how technologies are developing. Much more is yet to come," she elaborates and teases two new products that I am particularly looking forward to:
MERME stands for an approach that seems almost radical in an often-overloaded beauty world: fewer products, fewer ingredients, less complexity.
Or, as Claire herself summarizes it: "It's about giving the skin exactly what it needs – and nothing more."
