The concept behind Minimalist is great but for a beginner the high-strength actives are risky. I layered two serums as the website suggested and ended up with irritation and peeling. They really should warn customers more clearly about combining their potent formulas.
Potent active ingredients
Caused irritation, poor usage guidance
I appreciate that Minimalist explains the actives and concentrations instead of hiding behind marketing. The marula oil and moisturiser have worked well for my dry skin through winter. Only minor gripe is that a couple of products have a slightly sticky finish.
Educational labels, effective for dry skin
Slightly sticky texture
Ordered the salicylic acid serum from Minimalist and it arrived with the cap loose and half the bottle leaked inside the packaging. The formula itself seems fine but I paid full price for a half-empty product. Their replacement process was slow to respond too.
Formula seems effective
Leaked in transit, slow replacement
Minimalist is now my go-to skincare brand. The vitamin C serum faded my dark spots over two months and I love that they print the exact percentages on every box. Delivery was quick and the packaging with the dropper is genuinely premium for the price.
Visible results, transparent percentages
I was excited about Minimalist because of the transparent ingredient lists, but the 10% niacinamide serum caused breakouts within a week for me. The concentration felt too strong for my sensitive skin and there was no clear guidance on patch testing. Disappointed after the hype.
Clear ingredient labelling
Too strong, caused breakouts