MERIT The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Color: Buff Size: N/A
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This foundation and concealer stick contains beneficial ingredients like Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Carnauba Wax, Tocopheryl Acetate, and Glycerin, which provide moisturizing and antioxidant benefits. However, the presence of BHT, a controversial synthetic antioxidant, raises concerns due to potential health risks such as skin irritation and endocrine disruption. The product is moderately processed, which impacts its overall rating.
Key ingredients 26
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideVery Good
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is derived from coconut oil and glycerin, and is used for its skin-replenishing and moisturizing properties. It is a stable, non-greasy oil that helps to improve the spreadability of the product. It is well-tolerated by most skin types.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in extremely sensitive skin.
Benefits
It provides excellent skin conditioning and helps to maintain the skin's moisture balance.
Cera Carnauba (Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Cire De Carnauba)Good
Carnauba Wax is a natural wax derived from the leaves of the carnauba palm. It is used as a thickening agent and to provide a glossy finish. It is well-tolerated by most skin types and is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It provides a glossy finish and helps to improve the texture and stability of the product.
Tocopheryl AcetateGood
Tocopheryl Acetate is a form of Vitamin E used for its antioxidant properties. It helps to protect the skin from environmental damage. It is well-tolerated by most skin types and is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It provides antioxidant benefits and helps to protect the skin from environmental damage.
GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a natural humectant used to attract moisture to the skin. It helps to maintain the skin's moisture balance and improve hydration. It is well-tolerated by most skin types and is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It provides excellent moisturizing benefits and helps to maintain the skin's hydration.
MicaGood
Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.
Risks
Ethical concerns regarding mining practices.
Benefits
It adds shimmer and improves the texture of the product.
Ci 77491/77492/77499 (Iron Oxides)Good
Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
They provide color and improve the appearance of the product.
Hydrogenated PolydeceneNeutral
Hydrogenated Polydecene is a synthetic emollient used to improve skin texture and provide a smooth application. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. However, it is a synthetic ingredient and does not offer additional skin benefits.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It helps in providing a smooth and even application of the product.
OctyldodecanolNeutral
Octyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and emulsifier in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and spreadability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It helps to improve the texture and feel of the product on the skin.
SilicaNeutral
Silica is used in cosmetics for its oil-absorbing properties and to improve the texture of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. However, inhalation of silica dust can be harmful, though this is not a concern in cream-based products.
Risks
Inhalation of silica dust can be harmful, but this is not a concern in this product form.
Benefits
It helps to control oil and improve the texture of the product.
Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/HexarosinateNeutral
This ingredient is used as a binding agent and emollient in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and stability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It helps to improve the texture and stability of the product.
Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneNeutral
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer used as an emollient and moisturizer in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. However, it is a synthetic ingredient and does not offer additional skin benefits.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It helps to provide a smooth application and improve the texture of the product.
Synthetic WaxNeutral
Synthetic Wax is used as a thickening agent and to improve the texture of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. However, it is a synthetic ingredient and does not offer additional skin benefits.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It helps to improve the texture and stability of the product.
TriethoxycaprylylsilaneNeutral
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is used as a surface modifier to improve the dispersion of pigments in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. However, it is a synthetic ingredient and does not offer additional skin benefits.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It helps to improve the dispersion of pigments and the overall texture of the product.
Cera Microcristallina (Microcrystalline Wax, Cire Microcristalline)Neutral
Microcrystalline Wax is used as a thickening agent and to improve the texture of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. However, it is a petroleum-derived ingredient and does not offer additional skin benefits.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It helps to improve the texture and stability of the product.
Sorbitan IsostearateNeutral
Sorbitan Isostearate is used as an emulsifier to help blend ingredients in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. However, it is a synthetic ingredient and does not offer additional skin benefits.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It helps to blend ingredients and improve the texture of the product.
Pancratium Maritimum ExtractNeutral
Pancratium Maritimum Extract is a plant extract used for its potential skin-soothing properties. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. However, there is limited research on its efficacy.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It may provide skin-soothing benefits.
Caprylyl GlycolNeutral
Caprylyl Glycol is used as a skin conditioning agent and preservative in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. However, it is a synthetic ingredient and does not offer additional skin benefits.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It helps to condition the skin and improve the texture of the product.
Propylene CarbonateNeutral
Propylene Carbonate is used as a solvent and viscosity control agent in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. However, it is a synthetic ingredient and does not offer additional skin benefits.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It helps to improve the texture and stability of the product.
EthylhexylglycerinNeutral
Ethylhexylglycerin is used as a skin conditioning agent and preservative in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. However, it is a synthetic ingredient and does not offer additional skin benefits.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It helps to condition the skin and improve the texture of the product.
1,2-HexanediolNeutral
1,2-Hexanediol is used as a solvent and preservative in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. However, it is a synthetic ingredient and does not offer additional skin benefits.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It helps to improve the texture and stability of the product.
Stearalkonium HectoriteNeutral
Stearalkonium Hectorite is used as a thickening agent and to improve the texture of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. However, it is a synthetic ingredient and does not offer additional skin benefits.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It helps to improve the texture and stability of the product.
Aqua (Water, Eau)Neutral
Water is used as a solvent in cosmetics to dissolve other ingredients. It is a common and essential component in many formulations. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It acts as a solvent to dissolve other ingredients and improve the texture of the product.
Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide)Neutral
Titanium Dioxide is used as a pigment and UV filter in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. However, there are concerns about inhalation risks in powder form, though this is not a concern in cream-based products.
Risks
Inhalation risks in powder form, but not a concern in this product form.
Benefits
It provides color and UV protection benefits.
DimethiconeBad
Occlusive silicone film-former — flagged under clean-beauty doctrine.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It helps to provide a smooth application and improve the texture of the product.
BHTBad
BHT is a synthetic antioxidant used to preserve the shelf life of cosmetics. It is controversial due to potential health concerns, including skin irritation and endocrine disruption. It is generally considered safe in low concentrations, but its use is debated.
Risks
Potential health concerns, including skin irritation and endocrine disruption.
Benefits
It helps to preserve the shelf life of the product.
PolyethyleneVery Bad
Heavily flagged ingredient class under Scout's doctrine.
Risks
Environmental concerns due to its non-biodegradable nature.
Benefits
It helps to improve the texture and stability of the product.
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