Minimalist vs Minimalist — side by side, no bias.
Our pick
10% Vitamin C Face Serum
8.7/10 · Minimalist
| 10% Vitamin C Face Serum | 3% Tranexamic Acid Serum | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Minimalist | Minimalist |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Editor Rating | 8.7/10 ★ | 8.4/10 |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Texture | Watery serum | Lightweight watery serum |
| Finish | Glowy | Brightened, even-toned, calm |
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| Verdict | Minimalist (the brand) is India's answer to The Ordinary, and the 10% Vitamin C is the gentler sister to their 16% formula. 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (one of the most stable vitamin C derivatives) + acetyl glucosamine + gluconolactone (PHA) + sodium hyaluronate. Centella leaf water as #1 ingredient. ₹599 ($11) for an 18-ingredient clinical serum. | Minimalist's tranexamic acid serum — targeting post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), post-inflammatory erythema (PIE), and melasma with a mechanism that's gentler than vitamin C or AHAs. Tranexamic acid works by inhibiting plasmin, which reduces melanocyte-stimulating UV response and inflammation-driven pigmentation — it's the depigmenting active dermatologists reach for when vitamin C and hydroquinone aren't tolerated. The 3% concentration is supported by 1% hydroxyphenoxy propionic acid (HPA), which inhibits melanin transfer. At ~₹749 (~$9) for 30ml, this puts a dermatologist-grade depigmenting active into budget territory. Particularly relevant for Indian skin tones where PIH and melasma are the top pigmentation concerns. The serum that bridges clinical dermatology and affordable Indian skincare. |
