How long does the MERPHIL AC+ Magic Cleanser 500g last for a single user?

At twice-daily use with a coin-sized amount per wash, 500g provides approximately 150 to 200 washes - roughly three to four months for a single user. This makes the 500g a quarterly repurchase item for daily users. The large format is also the best value per gram in the MERPHIL cleanser range. If you are trying the cleanser for the first time and are unsure whether it suits your skin, the standard sizing makes a reasonable commitment before buying the large format.

My skin is acne-prone but also dehydrated - should I use the AC+ Magic Cleanser or the Deep Moist Magic Cleanser?

Dehydrated acne-prone skin is the primary use case for the Deep Moist AC+ Magic Cleanser. Dehydration in acne-prone skin often occurs because of past use of drying acne products (benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid washes) that stripped the barrier. The Deep Moist version maintains the AC+ anti-acne framework while adding hydration actives that support barrier recovery alongside acne control. If the standard Magic Cleanser leaves your skin feeling tight or visibly dry after washing, the Deep Moist version is the correct switch. Using both is not necessary - choose one based on your skin's baseline hydration needs.

Will the MERPHIL AC+ Magic Shampoo 300ml help with hairline and temple breakouts?

Hairline and temple breakouts are frequently driven by scalp sebum and scalp microbiome imbalance - the same factors that the AC+ Magic Shampoo addresses. When scalp oil accumulates at the hairline, it transfers to the adjacent facial skin and clogs pores at the forehead edge and temples. Switching to an anti-acne shampoo reduces the sebum transfer rate and the bacterial load at the scalp-face junction. Most users who make this change report improvement in hairline and temple breakouts within four to six weeks of consistent use alongside the facial AC+ routine.

When should I start using the MERPHIL Redskin Overnight Pack on a red mark - immediately after a pimple, or after it heals?

Apply the Redskin Overnight Pack after the active pimple has fully resolved - no open wound, no raised surface. Applying treatment actives to an active inflamed lesion or an open wound can cause stinging and may interfere with the healing process. Once the pimple is fully healed and only the red flat mark (PIE) remains, that is the point to begin nightly application of the Overnight Pack to the specific area. Apply it as a spot treatment on the red mark rather than across the full face unless widespread redness is the concern.

How often should I use the MERPHIL Pore-sized Tightener Pack 120ml for visible results?

Two to three times per week is the standard application frequency for a pore-treatment pack. Daily use of pore-targeting packs that contain astringent actives can cause dryness and irritation; once a week may produce results too slowly to be satisfying. At two to three sessions per week, 120ml typically lasts two to three months depending on the amount applied per session. Visible pore reduction - specifically, a reduction in the appearance of enlarged pores on the nose and forehead - is usually noticeable after consistent use over four to six weeks.

How often should I use the MERPHIL AC+ Body Scrub 200ml for back acne?

Two to three times per week is the recommended frequency for a body exfoliant targeting back acne. Daily scrubbing of acne-prone back skin causes friction-induced irritation that worsens inflammation and can trigger new breakouts - this is a common mistake with body acne treatment. At two to three sessions per week, the scrub removes accumulated dead skin cells and sebum plugs at a pace that matches the skin's natural cell turnover rate. Always use the scrub on damp skin during the shower (not dry skin) and rinse thoroughly, as residue left on the skin can clog pores and counteract the clearing goal.

Should I apply the MERPHIL AC+ Magic Lotion 400ml with hands or a cotton pad?

Cotton pad application is preferred for an acne-control lotion. Sweeping the lotion across the face with a cotton pad removes any residual cleanser, dead cell debris, or excess sebum that remains after washing - a second-pass cleansing effect that bare-hand application skips. The mechanical action of the pad also provides a very mild surface exfoliation at the toner step that supports the lotion's anti-acne actives. Use a gentle sweeping motion rather than vigorous rubbing; the goal is removal and delivery, not friction-based exfoliation.

Can I use MERPHIL AC+ products alongside a retinol or tretinoin prescription?

The AC+ Magic Cleanser and Lotion are compatible with retinol or tretinoin-based prescription routines. Use the MERPHIL cleanser as your morning and evening wash step, and apply the AC+ Magic Lotion in the morning. Apply retinol or tretinoin in the evening after cleansing and before any moisturiser - do not apply the AC+ Lotion before a retinoid on the same evening session, as layering multiple anti-acne actives simultaneously can cause irritation. The Redskin Overnight Pack should also be held for non-retinoid nights, as overlapping overnight active treatments can compromise the skin barrier. Simplify: retinoid nights get cleanser + moisturiser only; non-retinoid nights get the full MERPHIL active routine.

How does the MERPHIL approach to acne differ from Western acne products like benzoyl peroxide?

Western acne products often rely on high concentrations of benzoyl peroxide (2.5-10%) or salicylic acid for antibacterial and comedolytic action. These are effective but also drying and irritating, particularly at higher concentrations. Korean acne-control brands like MERPHIL typically use lower concentrations of multiple complementary actives - including plant-derived anti-inflammatory extracts, mild BHAs, and barrier-supporting humectants - that manage acne with less barrier disruption. The Korean approach favours daily maintenance over episodic high-potency treatment. For skin that has found Western acne products too drying or reactive, the MERPHIL AC+ system is a practical alternative. For very severe acne (cystic or nodular), a dermatologist-prescribed treatment may still be necessary alongside or instead of an OTC system.

Merphil

MERPHIL is a Korean skincare brand focused on acne control and problem-skin treatment under its AC+ line. The range on Skinsli covers facial cleansing (AC+ Magic Cleanser 500g, Deep Moist Magic Cleanser 500g), a scalp acne shampoo (AC+ Magic Shampoo 300ml), an acne lotion (AC+ Magic Lotion 400ml), a pore-tightening pack (120ml), a redness overnight treatment (Redskin Overnight Pack 100ml), and a dedicated back-acne set combining AC+ Body Wash and body scrub. Products are formulated for consistent daily use on acne-prone skin across multiple body zones. Skinsli carries 10+ MERPHIL SKUs imported from Korea.

AC+ acne control line
Back acne body set
Pore-tightening pack
Imported from Korea

By Skinsli editorial Updated June 11, 2026

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Buying guide

MERPHIL AC+ Skincare: A Guide to Acne Control and Pore Treatment

MERPHIL's AC+ line is a Korean acne-focused skincare range covering the full body - facial cleansing, scalp care, pore treatment, redness overnight packs, and dedicated back acne body products. The 10+ products on Skinsli address acne at multiple stages: cleansing to remove excess sebum and bacteria, treatment to reduce inflammation and pore size, and overnight repair for persistent redness. This guide covers each product and how the AC+ range fits into a problem-skin daily routine.

What the MERPHIL AC+ line targets and how it approaches acne

MERPHIL's AC+ designation stands for acne control - the line is built for skin that produces excess sebum, has persistently enlarged pores, experiences regular breakouts, or carries post-acne redness. Korean acne-control brands approach acne management with a daily maintenance philosophy rather than episodic spot treatment: cleansing and lotion steps are used every day to prevent new breakouts rather than only addressing existing ones. MERPHIL follows this model - its cleansers and lotions are formulated for twice-daily use without the over-drying effect that strong Western acne products (high-percentage benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid) can produce. The approach suits skin that needs ongoing management rather than a short-course active treatment.

AC+ Magic Cleanser 500g and Deep Moist Magic Cleanser 500g: two facial cleanser options

MERPHIL offers two variants of its core Magic Cleanser at 500g - the standard AC+ Magic Cleanser and the Deep Moist AC+ Magic Cleanser. Both are acne-control cleansers formulated to remove excess sebum, dead cells, and bacteria without stripping the skin's baseline moisture. The standard AC+ Magic Cleanser prioritises oil control and pore cleansing - better suited to oilier skin types where sebum removal is the primary cleansing goal. The Deep Moist version adds a stronger hydration component for acne-prone skin that is also dry or compromised - a combination that presents in post-treatment skin, skin on acne medication (which is often drying), or skin in dehydrating climates. At 500g, either cleanser is a substantial supply: used twice daily, 500g lasts roughly three to four months for a single user.

The Deep Moist Magic Cleanser is the better first choice for anyone who has found that most acne cleansers leave skin feeling too tight or dry after washing. The standard cleanser is the choice when thorough oil removal is the primary need and post-wash dryness is not a concern.

AC+ Magic Shampoo 300ml: treating scalp acne alongside facial breakouts

Scalp acne and hairline breakouts are a common but under-addressed co-occurrence with facial acne. MERPHIL's AC+ Magic Shampoo extends the acne-control approach to the scalp, using the same anti-acne active framework as the facial cleanser line but in a shampoo base appropriate for scalp and hair use. The shampoo controls excess sebum at the scalp - a driver of scalp acne and, via transfer, hairline and forehead breakouts - while remaining mild enough for regular use without scalp over-drying. For buyers who notice that their forehead or temple breakouts correlate with scalp oiliness or existing scalp congestion, introducing an acne-control shampoo often improves facial breakouts at the hairline more effectively than facial treatment products alone.

AC+ Magic Lotion 400ml: daily toner-lotion for acne-prone skin

The AC+ Magic Lotion (400ml) sits after cleansing in the MERPHIL routine as a toner-lotion step - a lightweight liquid that delivers anti-acne actives to the skin surface before any heavier treatment or moisturiser. In Korean skincare, a lotion in the toner position provides both hydration and active delivery (unlike a purely astringent toner). At 400ml the bottle is generous for a daily lotion - it lasts two to four months at twice-daily use. The large format positions the Magic Lotion as a consistent daily step rather than an occasional treatment. Applying with a cotton pad sweeps away any residue from cleansing that remains and delivers the lotion's anti-acne actives to a clean skin surface, where absorption is highest.

Pore-sized Tightener Pack 120ml: reducing pore appearance with a weekly mask

The Pore-sized Tightener Pack is a leave-on or wash-off mask format applied to areas with visibly enlarged pores - typically the nose, forehead, and chin on acne-prone skin. Pore size is partly determined by genetics and partly by the state of the sebaceous filaments that occupy them; enlarged pores are commonly caused by excess sebum stretching the pore opening, and secondary sun damage that reduces the skin's collagen matrix around pore walls. The Tightener Pack works on both axes: astringent actives reduce current sebum filling the pore, and treatment components support the skin structure around the pore. The pack format allows a longer dwell time than a rinse-off cleanser, improving the effect per session. At 120ml it provides sufficient volume for a weekly use protocol lasting several months.

Redskin Overnight Pack 100ml: targeting persistent post-acne redness

Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) - the red or pink marks left behind after an acne lesion resolves - is one of the most persistent post-acne concerns. It differs from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH, the brown marks more common in deeper skin tones) in that it is vascular rather than pigment-based, making it responsive to different treatments. MERPHIL's Redskin Overnight Pack addresses this by delivering anti-redness actives in an occlusive overnight format that allows extended skin contact during sleep. Overnight packs work on the sleep recovery cycle when the skin is in repair mode and transepidermal water loss is lowest. At 100ml the pack provides a generous supply for a targeted nightly treatment on specific red zones for two to three months.

Back Acne Improvement AC+ Body Wash and Body Scrub Set: a two-step body acne protocol

Back and body acne (truncal acne) responds to a different mechanical approach than facial acne because the body skin is thicker, the sebaceous glands are larger, and the area is harder to see and treat precisely. MERPHIL's back acne set combines two products: the AC+ Body Wash for daily cleansing and the AC+ Body Scrub (200ml) for periodic exfoliation. The daily Body Wash controls bacterial levels and excess sebum on the back and chest. The Body Scrub provides physical exfoliation that removes the dead skin cell buildup that blocks pores and accelerates comedone formation - particularly relevant on the back where cell turnover rate can be slower and physical desquamation more sluggish. Used together, the set creates a two-step weekly protocol: Body Wash on shower days (daily or near-daily), Body Scrub two to three times a week as the exfoliation layer.

Back acne responds to consistency more than to potency - daily anti-acne cleansing over two to three months typically produces clearer results than a short aggressive treatment. The AC+ Body Wash and Scrub set is sized for this sustained-use approach.

Building a full MERPHIL acne routine from cleanser to overnight pack

Morning: AC+ Magic Cleanser (or Deep Moist version depending on dryness) → AC+ Magic Lotion (cotton pad application) → light SPF moisturiser. Evening: AC+ Magic Cleanser → AC+ Magic Lotion → Pore-sized Tightener Pack as a weekly treatment (leave for 15 minutes then rinse, two to three times a week) → Redskin Overnight Pack on any red zones from existing or resolved breakouts. For body: AC+ Magic Shampoo in the shower three to four times a week; AC+ Body Wash daily on back/chest; AC+ Body Scrub two to three times a week on the back. On days using the Pore-sized Tightener Pack, skip the Overnight Pack in the same session - one treatment mask per evening is sufficient. The Redskin Overnight Pack is most useful on nights without a pore pack, as the overnight window is when it delivers maximum benefit.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How long does the MERPHIL AC+ Magic Cleanser 500g last for a single user?
At twice-daily use with a coin-sized amount per wash, 500g provides approximately 150 to 200 washes - roughly three to four months for a single user. This makes the 500g a quarterly repurchase item for daily users. The large format is also the best value per gram in the MERPHIL cleanser range. If you are trying the cleanser for the first time and are unsure whether it suits your skin, the standard sizing makes a reasonable commitment before buying the large format.
My skin is acne-prone but also dehydrated - should I use the AC+ Magic Cleanser or the Deep Moist Magic Cleanser?
Dehydrated acne-prone skin is the primary use case for the Deep Moist AC+ Magic Cleanser. Dehydration in acne-prone skin often occurs because of past use of drying acne products (benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid washes) that stripped the barrier. The Deep Moist version maintains the AC+ anti-acne framework while adding hydration actives that support barrier recovery alongside acne control. If the standard Magic Cleanser leaves your skin feeling tight or visibly dry after washing, the Deep Moist version is the correct switch. Using both is not necessary - choose one based on your skin's baseline hydration needs.
Will the MERPHIL AC+ Magic Shampoo 300ml help with hairline and temple breakouts?
Hairline and temple breakouts are frequently driven by scalp sebum and scalp microbiome imbalance - the same factors that the AC+ Magic Shampoo addresses. When scalp oil accumulates at the hairline, it transfers to the adjacent facial skin and clogs pores at the forehead edge and temples. Switching to an anti-acne shampoo reduces the sebum transfer rate and the bacterial load at the scalp-face junction. Most users who make this change report improvement in hairline and temple breakouts within four to six weeks of consistent use alongside the facial AC+ routine.
When should I start using the MERPHIL Redskin Overnight Pack on a red mark - immediately after a pimple, or after it heals?
Apply the Redskin Overnight Pack after the active pimple has fully resolved - no open wound, no raised surface. Applying treatment actives to an active inflamed lesion or an open wound can cause stinging and may interfere with the healing process. Once the pimple is fully healed and only the red flat mark (PIE) remains, that is the point to begin nightly application of the Overnight Pack to the specific area. Apply it as a spot treatment on the red mark rather than across the full face unless widespread redness is the concern.
How often should I use the MERPHIL Pore-sized Tightener Pack 120ml for visible results?
Two to three times per week is the standard application frequency for a pore-treatment pack. Daily use of pore-targeting packs that contain astringent actives can cause dryness and irritation; once a week may produce results too slowly to be satisfying. At two to three sessions per week, 120ml typically lasts two to three months depending on the amount applied per session. Visible pore reduction - specifically, a reduction in the appearance of enlarged pores on the nose and forehead - is usually noticeable after consistent use over four to six weeks.
How often should I use the MERPHIL AC+ Body Scrub 200ml for back acne?
Two to three times per week is the recommended frequency for a body exfoliant targeting back acne. Daily scrubbing of acne-prone back skin causes friction-induced irritation that worsens inflammation and can trigger new breakouts - this is a common mistake with body acne treatment. At two to three sessions per week, the scrub removes accumulated dead skin cells and sebum plugs at a pace that matches the skin's natural cell turnover rate. Always use the scrub on damp skin during the shower (not dry skin) and rinse thoroughly, as residue left on the skin can clog pores and counteract the clearing goal.
Should I apply the MERPHIL AC+ Magic Lotion 400ml with hands or a cotton pad?
Cotton pad application is preferred for an acne-control lotion. Sweeping the lotion across the face with a cotton pad removes any residual cleanser, dead cell debris, or excess sebum that remains after washing - a second-pass cleansing effect that bare-hand application skips. The mechanical action of the pad also provides a very mild surface exfoliation at the toner step that supports the lotion's anti-acne actives. Use a gentle sweeping motion rather than vigorous rubbing; the goal is removal and delivery, not friction-based exfoliation.
Can I use MERPHIL AC+ products alongside a retinol or tretinoin prescription?
The AC+ Magic Cleanser and Lotion are compatible with retinol or tretinoin-based prescription routines. Use the MERPHIL cleanser as your morning and evening wash step, and apply the AC+ Magic Lotion in the morning. Apply retinol or tretinoin in the evening after cleansing and before any moisturiser - do not apply the AC+ Lotion before a retinoid on the same evening session, as layering multiple anti-acne actives simultaneously can cause irritation. The Redskin Overnight Pack should also be held for non-retinoid nights, as overlapping overnight active treatments can compromise the skin barrier. Simplify: retinoid nights get cleanser + moisturiser only; non-retinoid nights get the full MERPHIL active routine.
How does the MERPHIL approach to acne differ from Western acne products like benzoyl peroxide?
Western acne products often rely on high concentrations of benzoyl peroxide (2.5-10%) or salicylic acid for antibacterial and comedolytic action. These are effective but also drying and irritating, particularly at higher concentrations. Korean acne-control brands like MERPHIL typically use lower concentrations of multiple complementary actives - including plant-derived anti-inflammatory extracts, mild BHAs, and barrier-supporting humectants - that manage acne with less barrier disruption. The Korean approach favours daily maintenance over episodic high-potency treatment. For skin that has found Western acne products too drying or reactive, the MERPHIL AC+ system is a practical alternative. For very severe acne (cystic or nodular), a dermatologist-prescribed treatment may still be necessary alongside or instead of an OTC system.