Maybelline Shine-Free + Balance Stick Foundation - Porcelain Versus Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick - Buff
Updated on April 04, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both foundations. They have a total of 11 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants and Vitamin E
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Maybelline Shine-Free + Balance Stick Foundation 30 ingredients
Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick 26 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Maybelline Shine-Free + Balance Stick Foundation 30 ingredients
Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick 26 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientPolyethylene
Abrasive
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Nylon-12
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientOzokerite
Emulsion StabilisingPolyvinyl Laurate
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPropylene Carbonate
SolventCI 77220
Cosmetic ColorantZinc PCA
Humectant
Acrylonitrile/Methyl Methacrylate/Vinylidene Chloride Copolymer
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic Colorant
Fish Oil
Skin Conditioning
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientDimethicone
Emollient
Cera Microcristallina
Emulsion Stabilising
Silica
Abrasive
Copernicia Cerifera Cera
Emollient
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Lauryl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer
Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Polyethylene, Phenyl Trimethicone, Nylon-12, Diisostearyl Malate, Ozokerite, Polyvinyl Laurate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Caprylyl Glycol, Propylene Carbonate, CI 77220, Zinc PCA, Acrylonitrile/Methyl Methacrylate/Vinylidene Chloride Copolymer, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, Mica, Fish Oil, Isononyl Isononanoate, Dimethicone, Cera Microcristallina, Silica, Copernicia Cerifera Cera, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lauryl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer
Hydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingOctyldodecanol
EmollientSilica
Abrasive
Polyethylene
Abrasive
Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientCopernicia Cerifera Wax
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Cera Microcristallina
Emulsion Stabilising
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Pancratium Maritimum Extract
BleachingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientPropylene Carbonate
SolventEthylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingGlycerin
Humectant
Water
Skin ConditioningMica
Cosmetic Colorant
BHT
Antioxidant
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantHydrogenated 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 Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 PolyisobutenePolyethylene is a synthetic ingredient that helps the skin retain moisture. It is a polymer.
Polyethylene is also typically used within product formulations to help bind solid ingredients together and thicken oil-based ingredients. When added to balms and emulsions, it helps increase the melting point temperature.
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 GlycolThis 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 CarbonateCi 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 77891Ci 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 77491Mica 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 MicaDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeCera Microcristallina isn't fungal acne safe.
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 SilicaTocopheryl 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 AcetateIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Maybelline Shine-Free + Balance Stick Foundation 30 ingredients
Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick 26 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Maybelline Shine-Free + Balance Stick Foundation 30 ingredients
Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick 26 ingredients
Works best if skin is prepped well. Very easy to apply and looks super natural.
