Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff

Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff
5.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity

Review

Does Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff:

  • Strong occlusive moisturizing. This exceptionally occlusive moisturizer, ideal for dry and very dry skin, has a moderate moisturizing rating of 5.4 out of 10, impaired by the lack of humectants.

Moisturizer with the right occlusivity for dry to very dry skin, ideally to be used with extra humectants

According to CreamScan analysis, Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more occlusive. It has a low Humectancy of 0.9 out of 10 and a maximum Occlusivity of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈22.0%) and Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate (est. ≈3.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, can deliver an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin. The occlusive profile of Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

However, it contains a low level of humectants, and people with dry skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
45
22
11
6
4
3
2
1.5
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
Est. %
Hydrogenated Polydecene
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Octyldodecanol
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Polyethylene
Function:
Origin:
Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
Function:
Origin:
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax
Function:
Origin:
Synthetic Wax
Function:
Origin:
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Function:
Origin:
Microcrystalline Wax
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Pancratium Maritimum Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Stearalkonium Hectorite
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Mica
Function:
Origin:
BHT
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
28.1
22.0
3.0
1.5
1.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.9 10
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 28.1 20
10.0
22.0
3.0
1.5
1.0
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 0.9 10
0.9
All humectants
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
22
3
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 28.1 20
10.0
All occlusives
28.1
22.0
3.0
1.5
1.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.6 3 No
All antioxidants
0.6
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
BHT
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Hydrogenated Polydecene
Est. %45
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated PolydeceneA clear, colorless, highly viscous liquid that commonly serves as an emollient. This rich emollient is on the heavier side but provides a smooth sensorial profile upon application.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %22
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.
Octyldodecanol
Est. %11
Function
Origin
OctyldodecanolAn emollient fatty alcohol that spreads easily without leaving a greasy residue on the skin. It is also used as a solvent and dispersing agent for other ingredients.
Silica
Est. %6
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
Polyethylene
Est. %4
Function
Origin
PolyethyleneCommonly used in dense plastic packaging, its primary function in skincare is as a film-forming agent, which protects the product from being easily rinsed away by water or sweat. It also controls viscosity by increasing the thickness of oily products.
Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneA viscous liquid that makes a great oil base due to its smooth sensorial profile. It has emollient features, including good spreadability and little tack upon application. It also has the added benefit of being able to thicken products.
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) WaxObtained from the leaves of Carnauba wax palm, this occlusive, emollient, and film-forming wax is commonly used in lip products. It is comprised mainly of various wax esters and is one of the hardest and most resistant plant waxes.
Synthetic Wax
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Synthetic Wax
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TriethoxycaprylylsilaneA binding and coating ingredient that allows pigments like iron oxides and mica to disperse better in oily environments. This leads to more vibrant colors.
Microcrystalline Wax
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Microcrystalline WaxA white, highly purified, solid substance consisting of petroleum hydrocarbons. It is used in skincare as a strong occlusive and emollient similar to Petrolatum, and also as a formula helper that thickens and stabilizes the product.
Sorbitan Isostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan IsostearateA mild yet powerful emulsifier primarily utilized to produce water-in-oil emulsions. It helps to create a particularly rich and substantial emulsion.
Pancratium Maritimum Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pancratium Maritimum Extract
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.

Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Propylene Carbonate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Propylene CarbonateA derivative of propylene glycol that is used most frequently as a solvent. Additionally, propylene carbonate serves as a viscosity controlling agent reducing the thickness of the products it is added to.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Stearalkonium Hectorite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stearalkonium Hectorite
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Water
Est. %0.3
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.
Mica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MicaA mineral powder made up of silicates with several functions (the main one being as a colorant). It has a shimmery appearance, making it highly desirable in certain cosmetic products. Mica also helps the product to apply more smoothly.
BHT
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BHTAn antioxidant ingredient that naturally occurs in green algae and some bacteria or fungi but, for commercial use, is created synthetically. BHT is also used occasionally as a fragrance, where it presents a sweet, camphor-like odor.
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)A red colorant also known as red iron oxide. This is an EU-approved colorant used in a wide variety of products.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)One of two the most commonly used mineral sunscreens. It can absorb UV light, including UVB – which causes burning, tanning, and even skin cancer. Also used as a colorant, titanium dioxide gives a product a bright white color.