Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff Review

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?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff has to offer:
 
✅ 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.

  

Key Benefits of Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff:
 

🔵🔵🔵 Exceptionally Rich Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Very Dry Skin

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.

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

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Best for Very Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With exceptional occlusivity, this product is optimal for moisturizing dry and very dry skin but may be too thick for other skin types, including normal, and especially combination and oily skin.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

⚠️ Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff contains a low level of humectants.

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.

Pros & Cons of Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Exceptionally rich moisturizer with the right level of occlusivity to moisturize dry to very dry skin
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May feel too rich and thick on skin types other than dry
⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
   

Summary: Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff
, as a moisturizer, provides an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin, delivered in a rich, thick texture.
 
That said, there are some things about Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff worth noting.
 
With its high occlusivity, Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff is ideal for dry skin but may feel too thick on other skin types. If you have oily, combination, or normal skin, it’s a good idea to try a sample before purchasing.
 
If you use this product as your only moisturizer in a routine, please note that it contains only a small amount of humectants. Regardless of your skin type, adding extra humectants can enhance optimal moisturizing efficacy. Therefore, it may be worth pairing Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff with a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

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.