Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick - Buff Versus Almay Clear Complexion Concealer - 200 Light Medium
Updated on October 25, 2023
Overview
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, fragrances, oils, 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
Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick 26 ingredients
Almay Clear Complexion Concealer 36 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick 26 ingredients
Almay Clear Complexion Concealer 36 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
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
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Kaolin
Abrasive
Dimethicone
Emollient
Boron Nitride
AbsorbentTribehenin
Emollient
PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningPolyethylene
Abrasive
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf
Masking
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Maris Sal
Skin ConditioningSilica
Abrasive
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAlpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
CleansingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientLactobacillus
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
AbsorbentPerlite
AbsorbentPolyisobutene
Polymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice
Skin ConditioningTetrasodium EDTA
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Trisiloxane
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantZinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Kaolin, Dimethicone, Boron Nitride, Tribehenin, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Polyethylene, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Maris Sal, Silica, 1,2-Hexanediol, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Caprylyl Glycol, Lactobacillus, Maltodextrin, Perlite, Polyisobutene, Polymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Trisiloxane, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77891, Zinc Oxide
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 SilicaPolyethylene 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.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneTocopheryl 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 AcetateDimethicone 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 DimethiconeCaprylyl 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 Glycol1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservativesÂ
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 GlycerinWater. 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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterCi 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 77491Ci 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 77891Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick 26 ingredients
Almay Clear Complexion Concealer 36 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
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.
