As they say invest in your skincare as it is going to represent you for a very long time! We all keep hunting for that magic potion. With a hundred of products already in the market, honestly, we all are spoilt for choice. There are magic bullets that stand out from the crowd. Recent ones are from the house of “Minimalist” that I can’t stop raving about. I have used their Hyaluronic Acid 2% + Vitamin B5, Niacinamide 10 % + Zinc and Benzoyl Peroxide 2% + Glycolic Acid 5% and here are my two cents about this company and their products in this post.
There is lot of inaccurate advice & incorrect claims being made by beauty brands. Minimalist launched their products in 2020. With a vision to help consumers by being transparent about an ingredients in their products. Believing that consumers need to wise up!
Science behind Minimalist Hyaluronic Acid:
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a humectant that pulls moisture and locks it into the skin to keep skin well lubricated and moist. HA, naturally occurring glycosaminoglycans, can bind and retain water molecules up to 1000 times its weight making it vital for youthful, plump skin. Ingredients below:
As we age, we lose hyaluronic acid and collagen naturally from our skin, and it becomes dehydrated. Also, there are certain other factors like Sun, hot weather in general, using blowers during winters and certain skin-care products retinoids, which can cause small breaks in the protective skin barrier, thus allowing water to escape. In such a situation, using products with Hyaluronic acid or Hyaluronic acid alone, can play a vital role in keeping one’s skin well protected and hydrated.
My Experience using Minimalist Hyaluronic acid:
Minimalist Hyaluronic acid comes in a transparent glass bottle. The dropper helps to dispense the product well. I use Minimalist Hyaluronic Acid as the first step after cleansing as, it helps to draw moisture into the skin. Minimalist HA (Hyaluronic Acid) is a bit gooey in texture, soft and sticky to be precise. I have to apply on my damp face as that HA needs to be applied. The HA (Hyaluronic Acid) sinks into my skin and leaves my skin soft and hydrated. It didn’t trigger any acne or skin condition on my sensitive skin. I usually waiting for 2-5 minutes while, I before applying other products on my face.
Hyaluronic acid can be applied in the morning (AM) and evening (PM). I did notice my skin to be plumper and dewier with regular use of this product. My skin looks fresh for good couple of hours (I have combination-oily, acne prone, sensitive skin). There is nothing that I dislike about this product and I think it is a great product to start using from the house of Minimalist.
Science behind Minimalist Niacinamide 10% + Zinc
Minimalist Niacinamide has an unique formulation which is based on aloe juice instead of water and that is what makes it ultra-light. It sinks in easily with no sticky residue. Niacinamide and zinc reduces acne marks and controls sebum activity to a great extent, and works wonderfully with 2% Benzoyl peroxide or 2% retinol (For persistent acne). Ingredients below:
Minimalist serum is formulated with a high 10% concentration of pure Niacinamide is that lab tested to inhibit melanin synthesis to delivering even skin tone in 2 weeks. The vitamin B3 and mineral zinc duo are potent enough to reduce visible blemishes and clear congested pores.
My Experience using Be Minimalist Niacinamide 10% + Zinc
This one too comes in a clear glass bottle. I use it every day (started using on alternate days). Just 2-3 drops cover the entire face. It is an oily free, lightweight, nourishing, daily serum which is packed with pure Vitamin B3 and antibacterial mineral zinc that boosts dermal immunity, keeping skin healthy. I apply it every day after Minimalist’s Hyaluronic acid and find absolutely no stickiness on the face after using it.
Minimalist’s Niacinamide sinks in skin easily & after using the serum for good 1 month. I can say that it’s an amazing product. I saw visible result in my complexion. The face looks brighter and also the hyperpigmentation is treated too (Though the brightening effect I saw much earlier, the hyper pigmentation is taking a little more time, but I am not complaining!). My sensitive skin loves it and truly thanking me every single day as I do see pores getting shrunk! I have to take extra efforts of applying a sunscreen after this serum as that is must step and cannot be skipped.
In addition to the above, I have experienced that Niacinamide has helped in reducing the production of sebum (on my combination-oily, acne prone, sensitive skin), aiding in the prevention of acne and blemishes. Works good on dark spots too but one needs to be patient. You can experience purging if you use the acids too much or do not apply sunscreen. Be patient, 2 drops of this Niacinamide should be enough for the face and max 3 drops to be used when starting.
Science behind Minimalist Benzoyl Peroxide 2% + Glycolic Acid 5%
The quick-absorbing anti-acne potion with micronized 2% Benzoyl Peroxide is clinically proven to fight acne & prevent future breakouts by entering into the pores. It also, provides a complete solution for acne with 5% Glycolic acid that gently exfoliates, leaving clear pores and scar-free, radiant skin
My Experience with Minimalist Benzoyl Peroxide 2%
I choose to use Benzyl Peroxide 2% portion. Because firstly, I have never to tried this formula. I was genuinely intrigued to see how it works on my combination-oily, acne prone, sensitive skin. Secondly, as I declared earlier, I have the most sensitive skin possible and cane prone too and something that promises like erasing acne Brothers and sisters, I am all for it!
This too packaged in transparent glass bottle, potion is whitish in colour, smells a bit off but it is comprehensible, because obviously it is no perfume!
I started using it twice a week and continued every alternate day. And man! This works as good as gold. Yes, you read that right. The active acne that I get here and there, on chin to pin-point due to shaving are very less now. The moment I stop using this product they erupt like no man’s business; you know as if they were dormant volcano! Sleeping all this time and erupted all of a sudden. And this is how I knew that this potion is working and that I need to add it to my skin care regime.
The potion is quick absorbing and it does exfoliate the face so do not use any harsh physical exfoliators as this potion is enough for exfoliation. This keeps my pores clean and face radiant and I am not complaining. It did make my face dry and therefore I stared using my trusted Sebamed moisturiser on top of it. I think moisturiser is must specially during winter season as Benzoyl Peroxide makes skin a bit dry, but nothing that worries me. Now now use this twice a week and it works fine. Using it everyday was making my skin dry…or maybe it is just the weather here in NCR?
Just a piece of advice for all those who are using it first time, always do a patch test behind your ears or at the back of your elbow. Start by using the acids once a week and then increase the usage as your skin adapts to the ingredients. Do not rush. Appling a Sunscreen is a must even if you are at home and not going out.
Turn on: Minimalist
The products are Fragrance Free, Silicone Free, Acne Reliever, Paraben Free, Oil Free and made with Aloe. They are economical Indian brand and are transparent about the ingredients they use in their products.
I would say at this price point they are the brand that is highly effective. I have seen the difference on my skin (which is brighter, plumper and acne free) and hence I conclude that Minimalist came up with beautiful, effective ingredients for Indian skin!
Turn off: None
“Info on a Silver Platter”: “Minimalist” products does work! I did use it on an impulse but I know that I will come back to these products as they have shown me results like any luxe product would give me. Here affordability meets effectiveness and being a consumer that attracts me the most towards the products.
