Versus

Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick - Buff Versus Merit Beauty Great Skin Instant Glow Serum

Foundation
Serum
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on October 16, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe . They have a total of 4 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain 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

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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Masking, Skin Conditioning

This ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.

Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.

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 Triglyceride
Skin Conditioning

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.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse. 

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 preservatives 
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

When to use

29 Routines
79% use in am
21% use in pm
86% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
99 Routines
79% use in am
21% use in pm
96% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

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

4.5 /5
from 2 ratings
Good Color (2) Medium Coverage (2) Natural (2)
chlolands's avatar

chlolands

1 year ago
Review

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

#medium coverage
#matte
#natural
#buildable

Merit Beauty Great Skin Instant Glow Serum 20 ingredients

3.0 /5
from 2 ratings
Expensive (1) Irritating (1)
a.b.c.d.e's avatar

a.b.c.d.e

1 year ago
Review

Makes u SO glowy in the morning as and helps skin feel moisturized

jade13's avatar

Jade

5 months ago
Review

burns my skin, not severely but enough that I noticed redness immediately after applying the product.

#expensive
#irritating