Merle Norman Acne Defense Foaming Cleanser

Merle Norman Acne Defense Foaming Cleanser

Review

Does Merle Norman Acne Defense Foaming Cleanser work?

Merle Norman Acne Defense Foaming Cleanser is a type of skincare product designed to be rinsed off, peeled off, or otherwise removed from the skin. Research confirming the moisturizing, anti-wrinkle, and soothing effects of such products is very limited. Therefore, we do not provide efficacy ratings for these types of skincare products.

However, you can explore the roles of specific ingredients in the Ingredients Explained section below.

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Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Function:
Origin:
Decyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
Function:
Origin:
Acacia Concinna Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Gypsophila Paniculata Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sea Whip Extract
Function:
Origin:
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Elettaria Cardamomum Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Gardenia Taitensis Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hibiscus Abelmoschus Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hedychium Spicatum Extract
Function:
Origin:
Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower/Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Plumeria Rubra Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Retinyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Cocamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-9 Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Phospholipids
Function:
Origin:
Glucose
Function:
Origin:
Lactic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Balanites Aegyptiaca Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Bisabolol
Function:
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Ethoxydiglycol
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
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Butylene Glycol
Function:
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Xanthan Gum
Function:
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Disodium EDTA
Function:
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Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Cocamidopropyl BetaineA mildly cleansing ingredient derived from coconut. It also produces the foam that tells us our soap is actually working to remove dirt and oils.
Decyl Glucoside
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Decyl GlucosideA surfactant that can function as both a cleansing agent and emulsifier. As a cleansing agent, it is very mild on the skin. As an emulsifier, decyl glucoside will produce oil-in-water emulsions. It is naturally derived from vegetable oils and starch.
Glycerin
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Salicylic Acid
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Salicylic AcidThis effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Disodium CocoamphodiacetateA naturally-derived mild cleansing agent. It provides foam but does not leave skin feeling stripped or dry when properly incorporated.
Acacia Concinna Fruit Extract
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Acacia Concinna Fruit Extract
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceA gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Gypsophila Paniculata Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Gypsophila Paniculata Root Extract
Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) ExtractA soothing extract obtained from the Feverfew plant with alleged beneficial effects on skin inflammation and psoriasis.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract

An extract from the fruit of the sweet orange. It contains fragrant sweet orange essential oil, high amounts of antioxidant flavonoids (mainly hesperidin), and carotenoids – which give it the orange color.

Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit ExtractA soothing, cooling, and emollient extract derived from cucumbers. Cucumber has been used in skincare for centuries and is used to treat skin problems such as eye swelling, sunburn, and itchy and irritated skin.
Sea Whip Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sea Whip ExtractAn extract derived from soft sea corals called sea fans or sea whips. It allegedly contains some anti-inflammatory terpenoid compounds.
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower ExtractDerived from German chamomile flowers, this extract is especially known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits. It contains two soothing compounds called chamazulene and bisabolol, as well as antioxidant flavonoids.
Elettaria Cardamomum Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Elettaria Cardamomum Seed Extract
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem ExtractAn extract obtained from various parts of true lavender. It mainly contains fragrant essential oil and also offers other beneficial phytochemicals with antioxidant, astringent, and cleansing effects.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract

Citrus aurantium dulcis peel extract is the same extract as Citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) fruit extract. It has antioxidant properties and gives a skincare product a fresh orange scent. It also works as a thickener due to its pectin content. Read more about the extract here: Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract.

Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Extract
Gardenia Taitensis Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Gardenia Taitensis Flower ExtractA fragrant extract from the flowers of the Tahitian gardenia that contains essential oil which has a floral, tropical scent with fresh notes.
Hibiscus Abelmoschus Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hibiscus Abelmoschus Seed ExtractA rarely used fragrant extract derived from Musk mallow seeds that gives off a heavy, sweet, and musky aroma.
Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Fruit ExtractDerived from apricot fruits, this extract contains various antioxidant organic acids, vitamin C, carotenoids, and flavonoids. It gives the formula a nice, apricot scent.
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit ExtractAn extract derived from apple fruit that has humectant moisturizing and antioxidant properties, as well as gentle anti-pigment effects. It contains humectant sugars, anti-pigment organic acids, and flavonoids.
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit ExtractA fragrant and flavoring extract derived from vanilla pods. Vanillin is the main compound responsible for its scent and taste. Other compounds present in the vanilla pod are antioxidant and soothin tannins, polyphenols, and free amino acids.
Hedychium Spicatum Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hedychium Spicatum Extract
Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower/Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower/Leaf ExtractObtained from the leaves and fragrant flowers of jasmine, this soothing and occlusive moisturizing extract has a beautiful heavy, sweet, jasmine scent.
Plumeria Rubra Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Plumeria Rubra Flower Extract
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl PalmitateA form of vitamin C derived from ascorbic acid and palmitic acid. It is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. Unfortunately, Ascorbyl Palmitate lacks the studies to prove its anti-wrinkle efficacy.
Retinyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Retinyl PalmitateAn esterified form of retinol – it combines retinol and palmitic acid into one molecule. Retinyl palmitate is less irritating than retinol but also much less effective in its anti-aging and acne-reducing effects.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Cocamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cocamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride PhosphateOften derived from coconut oil, this ingredient has cleansing abilities while remaining gentle on the skin and feeling soft yet substantial.
PEG-9 Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-9 Dimethicone
Phospholipids
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhospholipidsA large group of lipids that are an essential component of every single cell membrane in the body. They have excellent emollient properties. Phospholipids are also utilized in the manufacturing of ‘fancy’ formulations such as liposomes.
Glucose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlucoseA simple sugar that is also one of two components of sucrose, or table sugar. It is used as a humectant in skincare products. Glucose is also used to flavor lip care cosmetics because of its mildly sweet taste.
Lactic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lactic AcidThe most popular AHA in skincare and less irritating than glycolic acid. It can be naturally found in sour milk. It is a humectant moisturizing, pH stabilizing, and gently exfoliating ingredient, able to soften dry, cracked, and peeling skin.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Panthenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Balanites Aegyptiaca Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Balanites Aegyptiaca Fruit Extract
Bisabolol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bisabolol

An anti-inflammatory compound found naturally in German chamomile essential oil. It has a pleasant, sweet, and floral scent. Bisabolol also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties but can cause an allergic reaction in more sensitive individuals.

Ethoxydiglycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthoxydiglycolA type of alcohol with humectant moisturizing properties. It also acts as a solvent, since it mixes well with a variety of other compounds, including water and even some oils.
Propylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Propylene GlycolA clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.