Welcome, welcome! Today's review is for the famous Minimalist facial peel, which got everyone's attention for — let's say — the wrong reasons at first.
Minimalist is a made-in-India brand that drew early attention for packaging strikingly similar to The Ordinary. But drama aside, once you actually try it, it works wonders.
What Is a Facial (Chemical) Peel?
Chemical peels are exfoliating treatments where acids are applied to the face — originally a dermatologist's procedure, now widely available over the counter at every strength, for every skin concern. Over time, they work beyond just the surface, unlike physical exfoliation.
Why Switch From Scrubs to Peels?
We're all attached to our favourite scrubs — it's basically genetic at this point. That "squeaky clean" feeling is satisfying, but scrubs are genuinely harsh on skin. As physical exfoliators, they strip away the natural moisture your skin needs to stay healthy, and the friction raises your risk of peeling, acne and micro-tears over time.
Which Acids Are in This Peel?
Don't let the word "acid" spook you — these are the good kind, working at a deeper level than a scrub ever could. Three types show up across most facial peels, in varying strengths:
- AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) — water-soluble, works on the surface for instant smoothness and dirt removal. This peel contains 25% AHAs (glycolic, mandelic and lactic acid) to exfoliate dead skin cells.
- BHA (beta hydroxy acid) — oil-soluble, works beneath the surface to unclog pores and brighten. This peel contains 2% BHA.
- PHA (poly hydroxy acid) — exfoliates while also nourishing, adding moisture and some sun protection. This peel contains 5% PHA.
Together, these reveal brighter, smoother, more even-toned skin by exfoliating while actively supporting skin health.
Full ingredient list (per the brand): Aqua, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Gluconolactone, Mandelic Acid, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Sodium Hydroxide, Salicylic Acid, Propanediol, Ethoxydiglycol, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Triethanolamine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Pullulan, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Sclerotium Gum, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Lecithin. Fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, non-comedogenic, pH 3.4–3.8.
How to Use It
The brand recommends a thick layer on clean, dry skin for 10 minutes. My approach: I started at 6 minutes for my first few uses, and gradually built up — never past 10 minutes. Afterward, rinse with lukewarm water and follow with a good moisturiser. Skip any other active serums (AHA/BHA/PHA/retinol) on peel nights.
Yes, that's a lot of precautions for one product — but the results are worth respecting the process for.
How Often to Use It
The brand suggests once every two weeks to start, which is exactly what I did. My first use was on that 15-day mark, then I moved to every 10 days, and now I'm at once a week. Build up gradually — don't rush it, follow the guidance, and adjust based on how your own skin responds.
Price
₹699 for 30mlWhat It Does Long-Term
Used consistently, it improves uneven texture, dullness, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines over time.
My Experience
I used to rely entirely on monthly parlour facials and cleanups, plus light scrubs at home — and never got the results I wanted (especially for tan removal), beyond just that "clean" feeling scrubs give.
I'd watched creators rave about chemical exfoliation and seen the results, but the idea of putting acid on my face genuinely scared me off for two years. When I finally felt ready, my backup plan was honestly to use it on my knees and elbows if it didn't agree with my face.
I ordered it, did my patch test — and could not believe what I saw the next morning. The patch-tested area was visibly two shades lighter than the rest of my face. I was thrilled. I'd finally found my holy grail product.
Since then, this peel is genuinely all I rave about, and I've noticed a real change in pigmentation around my mouth already. I'm confident it'll keep doing good things for my skin, and I'll keep this updated as I go — along with more Minimalist products I plan to try soon.
Written by Ritu Singh
Makeup artist and founder of The Beauty Thesaurus. Every review here is written after real, first-hand use — no PR spin, ever.
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