MERIT The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Color: Buff Size: N/A

Common questions

Is MERIT The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Color: Buff Size: N/A healthy?

MERIT The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Color: Buff Size: N/A scores 72/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This foundation and concealer stick contains beneficial ingredients like Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Carnauba Wax, Tocopheryl Acetate, and Glycerin, which provide moisturizing and antioxidant benefits.

Which ingredients drive MERIT The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Color: Buff Size: N/A's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride; Cera Carnauba (Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Cire De Carnauba); Tocopheryl Acetate count in its favor, and Polyethylene, Dimethicone, BHT are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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MERIT The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick Color: Buff Size: N/A

MERIT
72 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$54.50 · 0.13 oz · $419.23 / ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 6
Harmful ingredients 3
Owned by L Catterton
Category Foundation
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 Triglyceride
Very 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.

See more about Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride →
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 Acetate
Good

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.

See more about Tocopheryl Acetate →
Glycerin
Good

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.

See more about Glycerin →
Mica
Good

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.

See more about Mica →
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 Polydecene
Neutral

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.

Octyldodecanol
Neutral

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.

See more about Octyldodecanol →
Silica
Neutral

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.

See more about Silica →
Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate
Neutral

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 Polyisobutene
Neutral

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.

See more about Hydrogenated Polyisobutene →
Synthetic Wax
Neutral

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.

See more about Synthetic Wax →
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Neutral

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.

See more about Triethoxycaprylylsilane →
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 Isostearate
Neutral

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.

See more about Sorbitan Isostearate →
Pancratium Maritimum Extract
Neutral

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 Glycol
Neutral

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.

See more about Caprylyl Glycol →
Propylene Carbonate
Neutral

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.

See more about Propylene Carbonate →
Ethylhexylglycerin
Neutral

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.

See more about Ethylhexylglycerin →
1,2-Hexanediol
Neutral

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.

See more about 1,2-Hexanediol →
Stearalkonium Hectorite
Neutral

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.

See more about Aqua (Water, Eau) →
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.

See more about Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide) →
Dimethicone
Bad

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.

See more about Dimethicone →
BHT
Bad

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.

See more about BHT →
Polyethylene
Very 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.

See more about Polyethylene →

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