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Product Comparison

Last updated on April 04, 2024. Published on April 05, 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

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for brightening skin

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 need an update? Let us know.

Foundation American Brand United States
Foundation American Brand United States

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

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Vitamin E
Exfoliators (2)

Benefits

Scar Healing
Acne Fighting
Brightening

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin
Acne Trigger
Rosacea
Eczema (2)

Notable Ingredients

Vitamin E
Exfoliators (3)

Benefits

Hydrating
Brightening (2)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin
Rosacea
Eczema (2)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

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 Polyisobutene

Maybelline Shine-Free + Balance Stick Foundation Porcelain contains this as ingredient number 3.

Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff contains this as ingredient number 7.

2
What it does: Abrasive
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Polyethylene 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.

Maybelline Shine-Free + Balance Stick Foundation Porcelain contains this as ingredient number 4.

Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff contains this as ingredient number 5.

3
What it does: Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

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 Glycol

Maybelline Shine-Free + Balance Stick Foundation Porcelain contains this as ingredient number 11.

Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff contains this as ingredient number 16.

4
What it does: Solvent

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 Carbonate

Maybelline Shine-Free + Balance Stick Foundation Porcelain contains this as ingredient number 12.

Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff contains this as ingredient number 17.

5
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant
Community Rating: Disliked

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 77891

Maybelline Shine-Free + Balance Stick Foundation Porcelain contains this as ingredient number 16.

Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff contains this as ingredient number 26.

6
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant
Community Rating: Mixed

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 77491

Maybelline Shine-Free + Balance Stick Foundation Porcelain contains this as ingredient number 17.

Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff contains this as ingredient number 25.

7
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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 Mica

Maybelline Shine-Free + Balance Stick Foundation Porcelain contains this as ingredient number 20.

Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff contains this as ingredient number 23.

8
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.

Maybelline Shine-Free + Balance Stick Foundation Porcelain contains this as ingredient number 22.

Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff contains this as ingredient number 15.

9
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Cera Microcristallina isn't fungal acne safe.

Maybelline Shine-Free + Balance Stick Foundation Porcelain contains this as ingredient number 23.

Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff contains this as ingredient number 11.

10
What it does: Abrasive, Absorbent
Community Rating: Disliked

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 Silica

Maybelline Shine-Free + Balance Stick Foundation Porcelain contains this as ingredient number 24.

Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff contains this as ingredient number 4.

11
What it does: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

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 Acetate

Maybelline Shine-Free + Balance Stick Foundation Porcelain contains this as ingredient number 28.

Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Buff contains this as ingredient number 14.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

14% are loved or liked
14% have mixed ratings
48% are disliked or very disliked
24% have no rating yet
19% are loved or liked
19% have mixed ratings
46% are disliked or very disliked
15% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Maybelline Shine-Free + Balance Stick Foundation 29 ingredients

Shine-Free + Balance Stick Foundation hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick 26 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 1 rating
Buildable (1) Good Color (1) Matte (1) Medium Coverage (1) Natural (1)
chlolands's avatar

chlolands

3 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

Works best if skin is prepped well. Very easy to apply and looks super natural.

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