Minimalist vs The Derma Co — side by side, no bias.
Our pick
10% Vitamin C Face Serum
8.7/10 · Minimalist
| 10% Vitamin C Face Serum | 2% Salicylic Acid Face Serum | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Minimalist | The Derma Co |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Editor Rating | 8.7/10 ★ | 8.4/10 |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Texture | Watery serum | Watery treatment serum |
| Finish | Glowy | Decongested, calmed, matte |
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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. | The Derma Co's anti-acne workhorse — and one of India's most-purchased active serums on Nykaa. The formula is pragmatic and focused: 2% salicylic acid (clinical-tier BHA dose) for pore-penetrating decongestion, plus willow bark extract (Salix alba — natural source of salicin, the precursor that converts to salicylic acid in the skin) for additional gentle BHA action, witch hazel water for astringent toning, niacinamide for sebum regulation, and aloe and hyaluronic acid to offset the drying tendency of acid serums. Paraben-free, sulfate-free, fragrance-free. At ₹249 (~$3) for 30ml, this is the cheapest 2% salicylic acid serum in any beauty origin — comparable Western formulations (Paula's Choice 2% BHA, Inkey List Salicylic Acid) are 5-7x the price. The Derma Co's third product in our database, alongside the moisturizer and the peel. |
