Since the introduction of science, it has become inevitable to escape from its influence. The role of science in human life can no longer be disregarded; its significance can be seen all around us. It has touched every sphere of human life—from the simplest, most basic thing to the most complicated matter. In fact, as advancement in science and technology continues to accelerate, today, its vast impact stretches deep into the world of beauty products as well. And, Minimalist is one such brand that embraces science and the chemicals involved in it.
Minimalist: What & Why
The beauty world today is exploding with the notion of ‘natural’ goodness. The message that chemically-induced ingredients are harmful has caused much chaos in the cosmetics industry. However, Minimalist launched its company to stand against such idea.
Founded in 2020, Minimalist is a science- based beauty company. Finding the very thought attached to popularly claimed “natural” products as concerning and misleading, the brand was launched as a form of revolution to bring TRANSPARENCY in beauty products. Instead of waiting for an honest, clean and hard-working skincare product range, Minimalist created one themselves.
Their Chemical Romance
Everything is a chemical – water is a chemical – therefore, chemical-free products don’t exist.
Unlike many products that are supposedly made of natural extracts, the brand place importance on the active of a plant rather than the plant itself. So according to Minimalist, ‘instead of rubbing some apples or citrus fruits on your face and hope you will get results, what you should look for is Glycolic Acid which these foods contain’. The brand takes pride in creating ‘Clean Beauty’ products that are free from well researched toxins and do not sensitize your skin – irrespective of their natural or naturally derived tag.
Their Unique Approach
Contrast to brands that we are often accustomed to as consumers, Minimalist claims to lead the beauty industry revolution based on four unique approaches:
- Transparent dosage: By showing active concentration used
- Transparent grades: By sharing ingredient trade name & supplier
- Transparent formulations: By using CLEAN formulations only
- Transparent claims: By sharing consumer studies of each formulation
My Minimalist Combo Set
Dry skin being my long time concern, I have always felt that my skin looks patchy, and lacks hugely in the glow department.
So, I chose the following combo while browsing Minimalist:
1. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + Vitamin B5 for Intense Hydration without the Oily Feel
This is a hydrating booster with a punch of Vitamin B5 that pulls moisture deep into the skin & lock-in there. If you want to have plump, baby-soft skin, this is will help you. It is sourced from Royal DSM, Netherlands; a global science-based company ranked in Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations 2020.
2. AHA 25% + PHA 5% + BHA 2% — Weekend Exfoliating Facial
This is a powerful peeling trio of 25% AHA, 5% PHA & 2 % BHA that provides multi-level exfoliation, both on the surface & inside the pores, giving you a healthy, plump, and glowing skin. All ingredients in the product are sourced from leading global suppliers such as Fortune 500 Chemours Company, USA, and Jungbunzlauer Suisse, Canada.
3. Lactic Acid 10% + Hyaluronic Acid 1% — Exfoliates for dramatically younger and glowing skin
A skin-regenerating daily serum with 10% Lactic Acid and 1% Hyaluronic Acid that mildly exfoliates without drying the skin to reveal clear, radiant, and hydrated skin. It is formulated with natural and pure ingredients sourced from leading global suppliers such as Corbion and Royal DSM, Netherlands.
Minimalist Product Honest Review:
Packaging
First of all, I definitely fancy the message on the box that says,‘Open to see magic science’. The packaging as a whole looks alright, though not perfect. Besides, it would have been much better if Minimalist would have put up details of solutions that can/ cannot be used together on the bottles. However, the hazy-glass bottles with drippers look classy, and that is a plus point from me.
Information- transparent & detailed/ brochure in the box would make it better/ what to mix and not
One of the best thing I like about Minimalist is the fact that they’re being so transparent, and highly informative with their products, its ingredients, and how it works. The brand sure do stand by their philosophy of embracing science—they put up every chemical information related to their product in the most simplest way possible. With that much detail, I doubt people will ever find the need to bother their customer-service regarding the product information.
However, perhaps it would be good to also keep a brochure filled with the same information inside the packaging—just to relieve consumers from the stress of checking their devices for such important details.
Product:
1. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + Vitamin B5
I used Hyaluronic Acid 2% + Vitamin B5 for both my morning and night routine. Initially, as I was being cautious, I used the HA serum with a one day gap in between at first, and then on a more regular basis later on. Just as Minimalist has claimed, the serum actually did fix my dry skin—it hydrates without giving me the oily feel. Now, I can leave my face bare for a while without feeling so parched, and that’s such a huge step for someone like me who could never go without a moisturizer even for a second. So, Minimalist’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + Vitamin B5 might just be among one of the best serum for a small price of just Rs. 599/-.
2. Lactic Acid 10% + Hyaluronic Acid 1%
Again at the same price of Rs. 599/-, the Lactic Acid 10% + Hyaluronic Acid 1% is a night-time serum. I apply this serum after putting on the Hyaluronic Acid 2% + Vitamin B5 serum before going to bed. Created to stimulate the skin, and make it glow, I admit, after using it for a while, I do notice a difference in my skin when I wake up. My morning view on the mirror now shows a much more radiant and plumper face, instead of the usual dull and tired looking one. However, I (& science) would recommend you to stay away from the sun while using it—of course, unless you want to burn your pretty face 😀
3. AHA 25% + PHA 5% + BHA 2%
This is a powerful peeling trio that exfoliates your skin, both on the surface & inside the pores—to give you a healthy looking skin. Priced a bit higher than the previous two products at Rs. 699/-, the AHA 25% + PHA 5% + BHA 2% is not something one should use on a daily basis. In fact, Minimalist recommends using the face peel once a week in the PMs.
For this particular test, I let my aunt use the peel just to be more objective about it. Her face is sebum prone, and often has mild acne too. After using it for a while, perhaps the peel exfoliated her skin well, her face now looks healthier, and smoother than ever. And the best thing is, she no longer complains about her skin being excessively oily.
Besides, I love the fact that Minimalist formulated their serums and peels with Turmeric Extract & Aloe juice which are best known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Consumer Test results
Apart from the products, I’m totally in favor of the way Minimalist take the review system to another level—it’s simple but also conspicuous. They showed actual reviews of customers under ‘consumer testing results’ with each product. I’m sure first-time visitors will absolutely dig this small section of information because it’s simple, and easy to grasp. It will enable decision making much easier for
Customer Service
I have to confess, Minimalist have the best customer service I’ve ever come across especially when it comes to the beauty world. Due to some internal miscommunication, my package was returned on the first delivery. So, after contacting their customer service, I realized the package had already reached them back. However, the person on the other end actually apologized instead (even though it wasn’t their fault), and said they would re-attempt to deliver it again. So, for the second time, Minimalist sent my package and that’s how I could finally get my hands on it. And, that’s possible all because of great customer service. No doubt, I have never received a more committed service before, and I hope they maintain that spirit even after their business thrives massively.
A last minute note from Consumer to Consumers
Chemicals work much quicker and are more effective, so it’s no surprise that the beauty world is now hyping up about acids or chemical based products. However, I would suggest my fellow consumers to first do a thorough study about any brand products before applying them blindly. For example, the AHA 25% + PHA 5% + BHA 2% by Minimalist is recommended to leave it only for 10 mins; leaving it for a longer time will irritate your skin. This means that the peel will work against your skin, and not for it. One should also maintain the habit of doing a prep test before applying it on your face. So, before using any product, it is best advised to research which solution/ product is best suited for your skin and your issue, and to consult a doctor beforehand for effective solutions and to minimize any harm.
Nevertheless, Minimalist did a great job in setting up a brand that embraces an idea that is so contrast to the usual traditional value of beauty brands in India. They deserve an applause for being brave enough to be different and lead the change.
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