Minimalist Salicylic Acid 02%
A good salicylic acid needs between 0.5 and 2% salicylic acid. This product uses 2%.
A good exfoliating product to reduce blackheads, whiteheads and excess oil on the face.
It is effective in preventing acne. Acne occurs when pores (openings) in the skin are clogged. Salicylic acid scoops out all the dirt from pores, thus keeping pores clean and reducing the chances of acne forming.
This product has Oligopeptide-10. This ingredient works well when used with salicylic acid. It can neutralise acne-causing bacteria to a small extent.
This product has a couple of antioxidants and a hydrating ingredient. They will add a glow to the skin – not a huge effect, but they will have some effect because they are all used in small quantities.
This product is effective on oily skin. Oily skin needs a product like this because the chances of pore-clogging are much higher in oily skin than in other skin types.
Dry and combination skin can also get blackheads and whiteheads. This product works well on dry and combination skin types. Just be aware that salicylic acid can be a bit drying on these two skin types. So, ensure that you apply a good hydrating skincare product afterwards.
This product cannot be compared to the other two. The other products do something similar to each other but to varying degrees. This salicylic acid product does something a bit different to the other two. So, your routine needs a good salicylic acid product. The real comparison here is between the next two products (you only need one of the remaining two)
Minimalist AHA BHA 10%
Salicylic acid is the BHA used in the product.
Lactic and glycolic acids are the AHAs used in the product.
We don’t know the exact amount of salicylic acid used, but we do know that it is less than 1%. To be effective, salicylic acid needs to be between .5 and 2%.
The lactic and glycolic amounts add up to 9% or just slightly above. Lactic acid needs to be between 5 and 10% to be effective, and glycolic acid needs to be between 5 and 10%.
The quantity of all three main acids used in this product is towards the lower end of the requirement.
The AHAs in the product will remove the old cells stuck on the skin’s surface. It reduces the chances of them getting stuck in pores and developing into whiteheads, blackheads and pimples.
It can reduce pigmentation to some extent.
The BHA (salicylic acid) will have some effect on blackheads and whiteheads but not a great effect because only a small amount is used.
It exfoliates and reduces pigmentation only to a small extent because of the quantities of the three acids used.
It has good hydrating ingredients, which is useful because exfoliation can dehydrate the skin.
You will notice a glow to the skin after using it over a period of time.
This is a very mild exfoliating product. It is suited for people with sensitive skin. Also, consider this product if your skin reacts badly to exfoliating acids.
This is a mild and gentle exfoliating product. It works but is not as effective exfoliant as the glycolic acid product.
Minimalist Glycolic Acid 8% Exfoliating Liquid
At 8% glycolic acid, it is not a high-strength product. It is a medium-strength glycolic acid product. This strength is a good amount for an exfoliating product.
Glycolic acid is a small molecule. Its size helps it to penetrate deeper into the skin. Since it can get deeper, it is more effective in removing the old cells from the skin.
Glycolic acid also reduces the pigmentation on the skin. Specifically caused by the excess pigment in the old cells. When the old cells are removed, their pigment also goes away.
It has a good hydrating ingredient in sodium hyaluronate.
Glycolic acid is also very hydrating to the skin. Having good hydrating ingredients in an exfoliating product is important because exfoliation can cause some dehydration.
Glycolic acid stimulates collagen production. Collagen gives skin its structure and reduces fine lines.
At 8%, glycolic acid will not significantly impact collagen levels enough to qualify as an anti-aging product, but it will have some impact.
If blackheads and whiteheads are your primary concern, then this product is not for you. You will need a salicylic acid product for that.
Glycolic acid can irritate some, especially those with darker skin tones. Having said that, don’t disregard glycolic acid just out of fear. It is too good an exfoliant to be disregarded. Also has hydrating and some well-ageing benefits. Patch test. Use a good moisturiser that’s rich in anti-inflammatory ingredients. Start slowly, once a week, then gradually increase to 2 times a week or even 3 if you are very happy with the results.
If you have sensitive skin, do a patch test. Use only if you are certain it’s okay on your skin.
It is an effective exfoliation product.
This product will brighten, smooth the skin’s texture and add a glow to the skin.