Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of about-face The Performer Skin-Focused Foundation L2 Neutral versus Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff .
Last updated on March 14, 2024. Published on March 18, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe foundations. They have a total of 14 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin and brightening skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils or parabens
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Foundation
A liquid, cream, or powder to help create an even complexion or cover blemishes.
Foundation
A liquid, cream, or powder to help create an even complexion or cover blemishes.
Price
Ingredient Info
about-face The Performer Skin-Focused Foundation 38 ingredients
Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick 26 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Contains Sulfate
Ingredients in this product that are types of sulfate:
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Vegan
This product is vegan 🎉
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Vegan
This product is vegan 🎉
Cruelty Free
This product is cruelty-free 🎉
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
about-face The Performer Skin-Focused Foundation 38 ingredients
Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick 26 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
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Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
about-face The Performer Skin-Focused Foundation 38 ingredients
Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick 26 ingredients
Water • Coco-Caprylate/Caprate • Glycerin • Dicaprylyl Ether • Butylene Glycol • Isododecane • Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene • Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate • Hydrogenated Polyisobutene • Disteardimonium Hectorite • Magnesium Sulfate • Pentylene Glycol • Phenoxyethanol • Mica • Silica • Sorbitan Isostearate • Gaultheria Procumbens Leaf Extract • Hydrogenated Lecithin • Propylene Carbonate • Sodium Hydroxide • Tocopheryl Acetate • Chlorella Sorokiniana Extract • Ethylhexylglycerin • Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer • Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer • Yeast Extract • Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate • 1,2-Hexanediol • Caprylyl Glycol • Sodium Carbonate • Tocopherol • Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate • CI 77891 • CI 77491 • CI 77492 • CI 77499
Hydrogenated Polydecene • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Octyldodecanol • Silica • Polyethylene • Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate • Hydrogenated Polyisobutene • Copernicia Cerifera Wax • Synthetic Wax • Triethoxycaprylylsilane • Cera Microcristallina • Sorbitan Isostearate • Pancratium Maritimum Extract • Tocopheryl Acetate • Dimethicone • Caprylyl Glycol • Propylene Carbonate • Ethylhexylglycerin • 1,2-Hexanediol • Stearalkonium Hectorite • Glycerin • Water • Mica • BHT • CI 77491 • CI 77891
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Waterabout-face The Performer Skin-Focused Foundation L2 Neutral contains this as ingredient number 1.
Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff contains this as ingredient number 22.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about Glycerinabout-face The Performer Skin-Focused Foundation L2 Neutral contains this as ingredient number 3.
Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff contains this as ingredient number 21.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
Within a product, Caprylic Triglyceride can thicken the product and make spreadability easier by dissolving clumping compounds. An added benefit of Caprylic Triglyceride is its antioxidant properties.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Caprylic Triglyceride has not been found to be toxic for human use in concentrations under 50%.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric Triglycerideabout-face The Performer Skin-Focused Foundation L2 Neutral contains this as ingredient number 9.
Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff contains this as ingredient number 2.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.
In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.
Learn more about Hydrogenated Polyisobuteneabout-face The Performer Skin-Focused Foundation L2 Neutral contains this as ingredient number 11.
Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff contains this as ingredient number 7.
Mica refers to a group of silicate minerals. Mica crystals are easily split to give products a shimmer. These crystals are able to reflect light to temporarily give your skin a glowy look.
Mica is found to be safe. Trace amounts of heavy metals may be found in mica, but these metals are not harmful in our personal products.
Mica has been used since prehistoric times throughout the world. Ancient Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman, Aztec, and Chinese civilizations have used mica.
Mica can be naturally found throughout the world. However, some sources of mica may be controversial. In 2016, mica mined in the Jharkhand state in India was found to be using child labor. However, companies are able to source ethical mica affiliated with international organizations that monitor the mica supply chain.
Learn more about Micaabout-face The Performer Skin-Focused Foundation L2 Neutral contains this as ingredient number 16.
Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff contains this as ingredient number 23.
Silica is a mineral naturally found in our skin. It helps to thicken and smooth the texture of a product. It also acts as an agent for other ingredients by increasing the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.
Silica is often used for absorption and can help reduce shine when products are applied. Silica occurs in naturally in materials like clay and sandstone, and it can also be produced synthetically.
Silica is present naturally within the skin during collagen production and when reducing inflammation.
Learn more about Silicaabout-face The Performer Skin-Focused Foundation L2 Neutral contains this as ingredient number 17.
Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff contains this as ingredient number 4.
Sorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer and cleaning agent. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.
As an emulsifier, Sorbitan Isostearate prevents oils and water from separating.
Due to its isostearic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia or fungal acne.
Learn more about Sorbitan Isostearateabout-face The Performer Skin-Focused Foundation L2 Neutral contains this as ingredient number 18.
Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff contains this as ingredient number 12.
This ingredient is a solvent. It helps dissolve active ingredients and alter the texture of products.
Propylene Carbonate is commonly used in makeup and with clay, such as montmorillonite or bentonite.
Studies show this ingredient to be safe for cosmetics. When it is undiluted, it can cause skin irritation. (It is always diluted in skincare and makeup). This ingredient is water-soluble.
Propylene Carbonate is created from propylene glycol and carbonic acid.
Learn more about Propylene Carbonateabout-face The Performer Skin-Focused Foundation L2 Neutral contains this as ingredient number 21.
Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff contains this as ingredient number 17.
Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl Acetateabout-face The Performer Skin-Focused Foundation L2 Neutral contains this as ingredient number 23.
Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff contains this as ingredient number 14.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
about-face The Performer Skin-Focused Foundation L2 Neutral contains this as ingredient number 25.
Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff contains this as ingredient number 18.
1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.
In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.
about-face The Performer Skin-Focused Foundation L2 Neutral contains this as ingredient number 30.
Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff contains this as ingredient number 19.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl Glycolabout-face The Performer Skin-Focused Foundation L2 Neutral contains this as ingredient number 31.
Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff contains this as ingredient number 16.
Ci 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.
It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.
Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.
Learn more about CI 77891about-face The Performer Skin-Focused Foundation L2 Neutral contains this as ingredient number 35.
Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff contains this as ingredient number 26.
Ci 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491about-face The Performer Skin-Focused Foundation L2 Neutral contains this as ingredient number 36.
Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff contains this as ingredient number 25.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
about-face The Performer Skin-Focused Foundation 38 ingredients
Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick 26 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
about-face The Performer Skin-Focused Foundation 38 ingredients
Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick 26 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
about-face The Performer Skin-Focused Foundation 38 ingredients
emmagracesan24
The only foundation I've can wear that doesn't break me out!! I haven't worn foundation or bb creams since before Covid as I kept breaking out and...
The only foundation I've can wear that doesn't break me out!! I haven't worn foundation or bb creams since before Covid as I kept breaking out and got very frustrated. I'm an oily, acne, clog-prone girl and this is my Fenty lol. Very natural and skin-like finish, while still being kinda matte. Genuinally one of the lightest feeling face products I've ever worn. I'm L2 Neutral and it's the BEST shade match ever. Forehead gets slightly shiny at 6-8hrs, but is fixable with just 1 quick blot (legit used toliet paper once and it was fine! didn't take product off either)!
Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick 26 ingredients
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