Merz Apothecary in Lincoln Square is worth a visit, even if you live in a different neighborhood. Merz has every beauty or alternative health care product you could want. I have purchased pumpkin flavored Japanese toothpaste, lemon-scented German roll-on deodarant, and an old-fashioend water bottle at Merz. The prices may be a little more than other places, but you are paying for the HUGE selection. For example, Tom's of Maine Cinnamint mouthwash was about $0.40 more at Merz than Whole Foods, but I could buy it at the same time as my other health care products. The personalized attention is also worth the extra cost. The only minus is that the place is so packed it is overwhelming. There are usually a lot of staff on hand in this small store, sometimes making me feel a little claustrophobic. read more

Gosh, I love this place. I am always thinking how I can wash and shave more often so that I can go back and try something else new from Merz. A bit overstuffed, so much for the eyes to see. Yet, well worn and true to its nature. A definite City of Chicago jem. This is one of the reasons why we live in a city. Great neighborhood, whenever I am feeling heartsick for Europe, an afternoon in Lincoln Square cures me. W read more

What can I say, I am going to miss this place the most when I move out of the square next month. I decided awhile ago to start using more natural products for every day things... deodorant, toothpaste, hand soap, etc. They sell high quality products for all of these things and they are all natural. Litte expensive but if you know this going into it, then its fine. The best part about this place is that the people who work here actually know the products they are selling. Seriously, just go up to one of them and ask a question and they will tell you what to get (and they don't upsell or anything like that). There is a young guy there that has kind of a permanent 5 o'clock shadow, don't know his name but he is usually behind the register... This guy knows his stuff! quite literally helped me with some stomach problems by suggesting I start taking biters. best stuff ever. read more

Rock. I love Merz. They have everything I can't find at CVS. It's a fun place just to browse, too, as they have plenty of items that you don't see very often - not outside of a Ren faire, anyway (see what I did there? the 'e' on the end makes it fancified Renaissance, or whatever). Anyway, this place is great. So glad it's in the neighborhood. read more

My family has been coming here for years & recently i have been coming more often! I must say....they really do have just about anything you're looking for! Now with the addition of the "men's section" next door..........I will be coming here more often for my shaving supplies! The owners are so professional & very nice............they make shopping here a pleasure! Just came here a few weeks ago & I was looking for some after shave.....I was shown several products they had in stock & the worker (I forgot) helped me make my choice. Tiger Lilly is what I went with & so far it's been great! Merz, I will see you soon! read more

My favorite go to place for natural remedies. The employees are well informed and the store owner is a kind soul. Various products and brands, on the pricey end but it is all well worth it. Some of my favorite products are the Nigerian shampoo Dudu Osum (dry flaky scalp), Labello milk & honey lip balm, and the eucalyptus mint migraine roller stick. I usually find myself coming back for these products. read more

I have been shaving with a Muehle safety razor for four or five months now. Having perused various online shops, I recognized the box in Merz's window from a Geo. F. Trumper shaving soap. My attention caught, I entered the store, thinking there would be a little section of shelf somewhere in the cool-looking old-fashioned drug store. Merz's far surpassed my expectations! The selection of razors, brushes, stands, and plethora of products was impressive! Only online have I seen a larger collection. Also, the gentleman behind the counter was patient and helpful as he answered my questions and gave some honest opinions in comparing some creams and soaps. I will be back as soon as my current tub of shaving cream is out! read more

This place is a gem for those that enjoy products that have not been commercialized. #Penhaligon being my favorite. Kudos to Tanja who was an uber professional! read more

I love that an original apothecary can still survive and its employees are still very informed and knowledgeable about the abundance of all the (alarmingly large selection) holistic products. They are quick to show you what is recommended for either and ailment or just what is a best seller based on what you have expressed you are searching for. Although it is quite pricey, I walk here all the time-simply "to look and try". Umm, yea right, who am I kidding, I end up buying every time! It is a fun experience-and the labella lip balm is a god send! read more

ive been back and forth with this place. Ive changed my rating and thrown them another star. Recently they helped my with a bad sinus infection and that is worth a star boys! i know the folks at the store read their reviews so ... thanks, appreciate the good stuff fellas! read more

Oh how I love all of then smells of this place. Every single time I come in here it's like a time warp-- I don't know how but I manage to spend about an hour just looking and smelling and sampling. Lot's of Caswell Massey products to browse including the Lily of the Valley talc (a personal favorite that is often difficult to find). This charming store should be on everybody's Lincoln Square to do list. read more

Who can down this place. You can get soaps, perfumes, face, bath, skin products from practically all over the World. Roger & Gallent, Fa, Nivea, Algae Marin, etc. etc. For my daughters and I - going to Merz is like kids going to a carnival! Shop here. Keep the locals going strong! read more

Every time I go there, I'm so amazed by what they have. They literally have a bunch of stuff from all over the world. The service is great. The staff members always ask you if you are doing ok. That kinda makes you want to buy more things :) They also have good selections of tea. I can spend hours and hours to take a look at things. I like the way they set things up; it gives me a feeling that I'm in 1930s or something. I got some ginger chews from here a couple days ago and loved them. will go back soon to get those again. If you are in the neighborhood, you should definitely check out this spot. You will need something from here even though you don't plan to buy anything. read more

I just love this place for all the cool stuff they have! They also give you samples to try and that is a plus! The people who work there are nice, specially Tony, my girl, she is sweet and patient. It is always a pleasant experience to walk into Merz! read more

I love this store. It's so fun to just walk around at Merz. They have all the beauty products you need, including my favorite Dr. Hauschka products. The staff is helpful, patient and friendly. read more

Although tempting, I'd be lying if I said they saved my life...but they definitely did CHANGE & IMPROVE my quality of life. On my last visit (obvious in my review) I did what I call a "tourist stop." I was new to the hood and walked in every store up and down the LSquare strip. It wasn't until I began to have health issues that I searched for advice, any help I could possibly find. Merz was a life saver--and was just as sweet as the candy assisting me. Their employees lean over backwards [no, not that way silly...well maybe if you ask nicely with a smile and wink] to help their customers live a better, healthier life. That's what they're allllll about--HELPING OTHERS (now that's hard to find in a large metropolis)! Other reviews go on and on about their huge personal health product selection but I am here frankly to help others improve their daily routine by a quick trip to Merz. **Attention: If you usually "steer away" from straight-forward health issues due to it being deemed 'gross' or 'disgusting,' spare yourself now by reading other censored reviews... On another note, this review is also not meant to have a negative reflection on the Peace Corps and their program** I was recently released on "ET" (Early Termination) health terms from the Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic. I had become too ill to continue serving others when I could barely take care of myself. I found myself with a high white blood cell count (detecting a present infection), extreme heartburn, endless stomach bloatedness, diarrhea, acid reflex and cramps/stabbing leaving me to the point of tears. Every morning and evening was my "man-period", except I lost 13 pounds instead of gaining. I had returned to the US and only gotten worse. I was put on two weeks of antibiotics to kill off any parasite that may have been lingering around, plus my normal supply of Malaria pills. These only made me sicker. Of course I took a trip to the gastroenterologist who performed his expected endoscopy/colonoscopy procedures and found nothing. As always they reveal to you thousands of dollars later with the umbrella diagnosis of "IBS" (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). Um duh! Ya there's irritation of my bowel movements! On my own terms, I thought a visit to an allergist would be useful and found out about 15+ food allergies. No matter what I ate, even avoiding these intolerable foods, it lead me to extreme discomfort. Finally I was desperate to find a cure. Thank you Merz for recommending the ParaZyme Probiotics!! I guess adding these little microorganisms/flora to my digestive system cleared up any disturbances and now helps me digest foods I couldn't before. For only $20 for 90 capsules I can live my daily life without disturbances. Oh it doesn't end there... At this time, I was also having my scalp itch, burn and peel badly to the point of public embarrassment. Not only that but my hair was also falling out! I tried 5+ shampoos, conditioners, lotions and products like Scalpicin and decided to bring my concern to Merz. I swore it was the coconut oils/chemicals that caused this reaction so I mentioned this to them. They found me an organic oils shampoo that is meant for dry scalps, skin allergies, and discomfort. I now have a full head of hair without any aggravation or embarrassment! If you have any health ailments, give Merz a try before going to a doctor!! They remain organic and vegan friendly! Oh and don't get my wrong but I was uber-hesitant because my father had always used odd health food items that grossed me out with bizarre odors, colors and textures. No worries, Merz will respect your boundaries. read more

Merz is one of my alltime favorite places ever! You can buy homeopathic remedies to spec and they'll mail them to you anywhere. It's brilliant! I highly recommend this place if you are looking for a way of taking care of yourself, or just buying something small but nice for a loved one. I have been going here almost every year for a long time. read more

Ear candling: never had it? Or you just can't freaking HEAR ME? It sounds gross, but you need it, Because every mildew, mold and pollen-filled spring Chicago becomes a level of hell Dante neglected to mention, too horrific for his editors to leave in (NOT the mucus again... Noooo!!!!). My ears and nose are clogged, stuffy, drippy, my head hurts, the skin starts to peel, my voice hoarse, my throat is scratchy, itchy, I'm cranky and my boyf(r)iend hides because in the near-five years we've been together he rates allergy season considerably worse than PMS. Sounds gross, but if you have lots of allergies, sinus build-up, etc, these guys also carry D-Hist: which rocks my world by taking away my allergies and not having any side-effects whatsoever- none people! Pay attention! D-Hist is the best allergy product ever! Better than Claritin and doesn't require a prescription or any big-brother-sudafed- sign-ups. They have nose pourers too, to rinse the stuffy, day-glo mucus and... yeah, you get the idea. You'll like how you feel AFTER. Just so you know, I understand everyone in the Midwest has allergies, but this is my GROSSEST post ever. I hope someone out there reads this post, and realizes that my two decades of experience may grant you the peace I've discovered from Mertz. I'l log off now. read more

I happened to be in this store when I had a canker sore and asked for some remedy. The man behind the counter gave me tincture of myrrh or something. Needless to say it didn't work. In fact, the majority of the medical products in this store are fake. It may be better suited to recategorize this place as a pseudo-science theme park or a charity in which you donate your money to the owner in return for total snake oil crap. It saddens me that people fall for this stuff when we have come such a long way in the study of medicine. Alas, the world is a complicated place and there's money to be made from fools. read more

I'm sure this place is cool and all, but I guess I'm not cool enough to shop there. I went here looking for a nice gift for my boyfriend. I spent 10 minutes wandering around overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of items. No one said a single word to me until I left empty handed. Even then no assistance was offered. There were at least 3 employees working that I noticed and every one of them ignored me. Poor customer service lost about a $100 purchase which I'm guessing it's not a lot at their price point, but assume this is happening at least once a day, even once a week and think of all the profit they're giving up on. Sad because I really wanted to line this Lincoln square staple. read more

Lord WHY was I not a regular here while I lived in Chicago for several years?!? I stopped in while visiting a couple weeks ago and thought it was super adorable and had so many nice beauty products (for both women AND men!). My partner got a shaving set and said the worker who attended to him was very nice and helpful. I got a hand cream from Germany (I'm from Europe so I'm always nostalgic!). They threw in several good-size products to try too! I was pretty surprised actually because one of them was a Dr. Hauschka toner, which must not be cheap, but they must know what they're doing because the toner is fabulous and I will be purchasing it long-term now. Totally recommend this place -- it's even fun just window shopping there and taking in all the smells before you step back into beautiful Lincoln Square. read more

As a customer, Merz could take some getting used to. Everyone has their own idea of customer service, and I was a little intimidated that a modern-day Apothecary had such an attentive staff. This is a good thing, but it was unexpected. When I walked in, I was immediately directed to the right-hand side of the store, where Tanja seemed to know the most about cosmetics. With her guidance, I was able to find some gentle cleansers which would help my Perioral Dermatitis go away. She was super helpful, but she comes across a little intense. "Do not use soap on your face! As a matter of fact, Do not even use water!" She tells me. I listened, and I believed her, but I also felt like I didn't have a choice. Less than 24 hours later, the products she suggested are working better than what my dermatologist recommended for results in 6 weeks. I'm not exaggerating. Be careful, you can spend lots of money in record time. Once I got home, I immediately looked up the skin-care products on the internet to see the difference in cost. The prices were higher at Merz, but not by much. In fact, unless you have a membership at said website, you're going to pay about the same if you include shipping cost. When these kinds of products are right at your fingertips, it's easier to spend. Tanja didn't rush me, but this was my first visit to Merz, and I kind of wanted to look around. After making my purchase, I didn't want to look around anymore because I felt like the end of the sale meant my departure, and also the sticker shock made me less inclined to browse the main side of the store. Lincoln Square is close, but with all of the traffic on Lawrence and Montrose, it's out of my way to make the trip. I hope I can find the time to visit in the future so I can just browse to see everything they have. read more

Very nice,but extremely overpriced. I'm sorry,but I lived in Germany,and I know the prices! I understand that someone would double he price,but on one item that in Germany is 2€ that had priced $17,99 it's just not right! read more

Amazing. You always get the best experience here. The employees are always helpful and kind to everyone and willing to help you find whatever you need. Also nonjudgmental, so you can feel comfortable with asking about any product you may need. Truly amazing atmosphere. read more

Merz has been ranked one of the World's 12 best Boutiques. That means this is literally one of the greatest shops on earth. I live over 300 miles away from this store, but I come here multiple times a year for my shaving and health/beauty needs. I cannot recommend this place highly enough. read more

I love this store. They have a great selection of bar soaps and German items. The clerks are super helpful and always have good recommendations. read more

I love their selections of products BUT they are very rude. When I go in with my boyfriend (who happens to be white, I am not) the staff is somewhat friendly , they at least greet us. When I go there alone , I'm not greeted just stared at , and then stalked as if I'm going to steal something. I only continue to go because of their wide arrangement of oils . Hopefully they read this and change their demeanor . read more

I grew up on merz apothecary. I remember the store back in the late 70s and early 80s. I was going to grade school at the time. My mother would buy special tea leaves for stomach pain. As the years go by the apothecary had changed itself into a higher end yuppie wholefood pharmacy. Back in the days it was the place to discover unknown ointments or natural homeopathic medicine curing common ailments. Now it has a bath/towel dept. The shaving brush are less expensive than the ones out in saks fifth ave in downtown. Its the same quality brush imported from europe. read more

eff yes. you want to find the most obscure product for your face only made in europe? come here. they. have. everything. i love the set up of this joint. you walk in, and it's a like a bar. a bar on 3 sides of the room, chocked full of products. i came here because my bff wanted rosebud salve. i had no clue what that shit was. BUT i DID know that this place would have it. not walgreens, not cvs. and i honestly would have no other ideas on places like this one. customer services is exceptional. samples bottles for the products for testing/smelling are available, too. and if you wanna talk rosebud salve, they had like 5 different flavors. they dont mess. the best part was giving the rosebud salve to my bff as a surprise. the look on her face was priceless. :) read more

Sweet lord, I think I died and went to aromatherapy heaven! The air is heavily scented in here, all the better to wander around in a cloudlike daze, buying beauty products by the truckful. The range of their inventory is mindblowing (from all over the world, and in every price range), and the service staff is knowledgeable and helpful to boot. This is the store where you buy the things you have to have, but never knew you needed. The fact that the atmosphere seems stuck in a time warp only adds to the charm. read more

never been in until this past saturday. They got all sorts of shit in here and they know where it's at and what you need for particular ailments. They know the product. read more

I may have to ban myself from this store. I'm obsessed with odd medicines and toothpastes...Not to mention the phenomenal soaps and cremes they carry that no one else does. I walk in there to browse and keep current on the Euro Product Market. And wind up buying Marvis Toothpaste, because it comes in a pink box and is called Paradise Mint....I'm not exactly sure who wouldn't want this product! Paradise MINT Toothpaste!!! For those of you who do not like Pink there is Aquatic Mint as well. What I also love about Merz: is that they have all the Boiron Line...which is the homeopathic medicine. The also carry that brand Weldea, which is nearly impossible to find in the States. You should definitely come here if you want to brush up your everyday tolietries and make your bathroom look swankier with Ultra Natural Products without the Whole Foods Hype. The majority of brands they carry are German & have been around for decades unchanged by fads. read more

Merz has been around for-evah. A Lincoln Square institution from way back, it's really a full-service health and beauty joint, stuffed with just about anything you might want as well as a lot of harder-to-find European stuff. They've also got a surprisingly robust men's section, and I get my beard oil there, which you can tell from this photo works like a charm. Merz ain't cheap by any stretch, but you're going to find things that you won't get anywhere else. And it smells like a purty flower. read more

As a homeopathic junkie, I was so excited to come here. It was one of the first places I put on my list when I found out I would be in the area! They have a massive amount of stuff and it is intense how well stocked it is. But the prices are very high, not enough organic natural soaps are offered, and the staff is not friendly-they just kind of creepily stared at us both until after we checked out and headed for the door. I did find some great products though that I'm super excited to try. While I would go back or buy there again, I won't be anywhere near as excited about it or make such a fuss to go. read more

If you like unique beauty products, you could spend hours in here- I have! My husband lived in Germany for several years and we have found some great stuff for bath and body at Merz. Back by the pharmacist they have great rose lip salve. And the pharmacist was very helpful when we were looking for gripe water for our colicky baby- this was back awhile ago before they began carrying it everywhere. This is a great place to find a gift for a friend who likes bath stuff. read more

I've only been here a limited number of times because, like many reviewers before me have said, it' s really easy to blow your grocery money at this place. if you like smelling nice, but not like you've spent 18 hours getting sprayed down by a Macy's associate, this is a wonderland...I sware unicorns and trolls are working there with human costumes to hide the truth. they carry my favorite brands of french soap and perfume oils and endless rows, stacks, and piles of others i haven't even journeyed into. Lot's of natural health and beauty products and items that normally don't show face in the states. the space deserves 5 stars on it's own as it's original and charmed with age and has preserved it's apothecary aesthetic...right down the the bottle of bitters i spotted a wrinkled up old swede couple buying and the tincture bottles filled with home-made tonics lining the back wall. read more

Boy, am I glad my wife wasn't here with me, I would probably still be there! I've been to the Palmer House location a few times and although I love that location, the Lincoln Ave location is where it is at. Totally old school: long, narrow store front absolutely stocked to the hilt in a " ten pounds of shit in a five pound bag" sort of way but yet very organized in a way that only a German could master. We were there on a Saturday afternoon and although it was packed a-hole to elbow, we were given very personal attention by one of the employees. I wish I had got his name. He was VERY knowledgeable in all aspects of the world of shaving.. After much discussion of our favorite safety razor blades (mine is Merkur), he gave me and my brother a free blade that was his favorite. I used the Persona (made in Virginia) this week, and I will pick some up next chance I get. He showed us all of the different safety and straight razors that they carry. My favorite was the straight razor hand made in Michigan. Each one signed by the maker. You could split a hair on a gnat's ass with that puppy! Mertz's carries more straight razors than Target carries disposables! I am a big fan of the Prorasso shaving products at Mertz's but men's shaving products are only the tip of the iceberg. There is so much here to see; everything in the catalog and so much more. My wife is drawn to Mertz's like a moth to a flame. I really do understand why. There is nothing like this in Milwaukee where I'm from. From soap to candles, shampoo to bitters, they got you covered for all of your high end apothecary needs! Five stars. There can be no better in the Midwest. read more

Go with a plan. This place almost has too much to offer -- and that's coming from a serious product whore!! It's great for the hard to find item to the basic main stream... Check it out. read more

I really enjoyed the customer service at this store. I received some recommendations from the staff and I am really happy with the products they suggested. I was in awe of the amount of different products they are able to cram in there! This shop would probably not be the best choice for someone who is sensitive to scent, but overall it was a beautiful shop and I would definitely return. read more

The Merz family had run a traditional German pharmacy since Peter Merz founded it in 1875.Yes a Long Long Time Ago..you could spend hours looking at the more than 15,000 items from about 300 different manufacturers that they carry.It's a great place to take your girlfriend to look and smell all of the goodies that they have to sell here.They have to locations the other store is in the downtown area in Macy's.Go forth and smell all of there treats. read more