Minimalist India Review: Serums & Creams for Skincare

I have been using serums from Minimalist from 2021, when someone told me that women need to start taking care of the skin from their mid-twenties (not mid-thirties as I originally thought!) After much trial and error, I found a balance of serums that suited my skin (acne-prone, oily T-zone, dry cheeks). All the Minimalist products are available on Amazon.in as well as their own website.

What are Minimalist skincare serums?

Minimalist skincare serums are concentrated formulations designed to deliver high doses of active ingredients to the skin. These products are usually lightweight, fast-absorbing liquids that target specific skin concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, hydration, or overall skin texture. Serums are typically applied after cleansing and before moisturizing in a skincare routine.

How are Minimalist serums different from my usual skincare routine?

Serums are different from creams because:

  • Packed with Good Stuff: Serums are loaded with active ingredients, way more than your regular moisturizers. This means they can target and tackle specific skin issues.
  • Feels Light: Most serums are as light as a feather with a watery feel. They’re easy to put on and get absorbed easily.
  • Deep Dive Powers: The molecular structure of serums are built to dive deep into your skin, delivering the good stuff where it matters most. Take that, thick creams!

How do you use serums?

I generally wash my face first (can’t be bothered with a cleanser), and then apply the serums, and then pat on some light moisturizer (if needed). If I’m going out in the sun, then sunscreen too. I’ve started using Lotus Herbals sunscreen, which, unlike other sunscreens, doesn’t leave me looking like a white ghost for 30 minutes.

How do I figure out which Minimalist serums will suit me?

It will be a bit of a trial and error, but here is a guide, depending on your skin type:

For acne-prone skin

For marks and pigmentation

For a healthy glow

Anti-aging

It’s essential to note that serums alone may not provide complete skincare; they are often used in conjunction with other products like cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens for a well-rounded routine. Additionally, individuals with specific skin conditions or concerns should choose serums based on their unique needs and skin type. Always patch test new products, and if you have any concerns or specific skin conditions, consulting with a dermatologist is advisable.

I see Minimalist face washes, cleansers and creams. Do you recommend them?

Minimalist Vitamin B moisturizer

I love their Vitamin B moisturizer! (10% Vitamin B5 Gel Face Moisturizer For Oily & Acne Prone Skin). It’s very light and not at all oily.

I also like their salicylic acid face wash, which is great for oily skin. I haven’t tried any of their other cleansers or hair products, so I can’t comment.

Isn’t it too expensive?

Yes, the serums are quite expensive, but note that you only use a few drops at a time. Also, it doesn’t have all the other ingredients that your usual creams have, so it is quite gentle on the skin. Worth it, in my opinion.

Can men use serums?

Of course, if you’re skin is troubling you, or if you just want to add a glow, definitely consider using a serum. Do make sure you do a patch test first to ensure the serums don’t cause any adverse reactions.

Any other comments about Minimalist beauty products?

I love the “minimal” packaging, and have noticed that there are some competitor products with very similar packaging so be careful. I have also noticed that Minimalist sometimes suddenly stops producing a particular serum (for example, Azelaic Acid Serum). I’ve started using The True Therapy 10% Azelaic Acid Serum with Witch Hazel Extract instead. Overall, I am a big fan of Minimalist.

5 Comments

  1. Absolutely terrible experience with Minimalist from start to finish. Their customer support is practically nonexistent — you either get canned, useless responses or complete silence. No accountability, no real effort to resolve issues.
    Delivery was a disaster. Delayed without any proper updates, and when it finally arrived, the packaging looked like it had been handled carelessly. For a brand that markets itself as “premium” and “science-backed,” this is just embarrassing.
    And the product quality? Hugely disappointing. Overhyped and underperforming. No visible results, questionable consistency, and definitely not worth the price. Feels like you’re paying for branding rather than actual effectiveness.
    Overall, Minimalist fails on all fronts — support, delivery, and product quality. Would not recommend to anyone expecting even basic professionalism or value for money.

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    • I genuinely regret spending money on Minimalist products. What initially looked like a clean, science-backed skincare brand turned out to be one of the most frustrating experiences I’ve had with any skincare company.
      First, the product quality is extremely inconsistent. On paper, the ingredients sound impressive, but in reality, the results are either negligible or outright disappointing. I used their products consistently, exactly as recommended, and saw little to no improvement. In fact, some products made my skin worse—causing irritation, breakouts, and overall imbalance. For a brand that claims to be transparent and effective, this gap between promise and performance is unacceptable.
      The packaging and formulation also feel cheap despite the premium pricing. Textures aren’t always stable, absorption is uneven, and the overall experience just doesn’t match what you’d expect from a so-called “clinical” skincare line.
      Now coming to the worst part—their customer support. It’s honestly terrible. Responses are delayed, vague, and completely unhelpful. Instead of addressing concerns properly, they send templated replies that make it clear they’re not really listening. There’s no accountability, no effort to resolve issues, and definitely no concern for customer satisfaction.
      Delivery was another headache. Orders took longer than promised, tracking updates were unreliable, and the packaging during transit was careless. For a brand operating at this scale, this level of inefficiency is just poor management.
      Overall, Minimalist feels like a brand built more on marketing hype than actual product integrity. It might work for some people, but based on my experience, it’s simply not worth the risk or the money. There are far better, more reliable options out there that actually stand by their claims and respect their customers.
      I would strongly advise others to think twice before buying into the hype.

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