Every time you look at yourself in the mirror, do acne spots, enlarged pores, and excess oil break your heart? Yes, these skin concerns are common in India, thanks to pollution and climate. To battle these, you need a superstar ingredient like Niacinamide.
Whether you want to control sebum production, fade dark spots, or improve skin barrier, Niacinamide is a potent product for all skin types and genders. Among many brands, PHD Beauty and Minimalist have made a place in skincare kits. So, read on to go through the detailed comparison of their Niacinamide serum and decide which one deserves a spot in your skincare.
PHD Beauty vs Minimalist Niacinamide Serum: A Face-Off
Ingredients, formulation, results, and many more – here are significant details about these two serums:
- Brand Philosophy & Product Overview
PHD Beauty: Proven Honest Derma highlights the true meaning of its name with its science-inspired products. From controlling sebum to repairing skin, their Niacinamide serum is gentle for everyday use.
Minimalist: Clean, transparent, and science-backed – Minimalist is all about that. Its Niacinamide serum helps in eliminating acne, fading pigmentation, and elevating skin texture; perfect for effective skincare.
- Ingredient Breakdown
PHD Beauty: 10% Niacinamide, 2% N-Acetyl Glucosamine, Arbutin, and Centella Asiatica – all these ingredients work together to enhance the skin texture and barrier. They also balance the oil production, hydrate the skin, and reduce acne marks.
Minimalist: With the infusion of 5% Niacinamide, Bifida Ferment Lysate, and Oat Extract, this serum is designed to improve skin barrier function while protecting against UV damage. It is good for beginners who need a lightweight solution.
- Texture, Absorption & Application Experience
PHD Beauty: Need a non-sticky yet denser serum? PHD 10% Niacinamide Serum effortlessly absorbs into the skin and can be added to both AM and PM routines. The key is to use it after cleansing and before moisturiser to see the difference in your skin tone and texture.
Minimalist: If you want a serum that can be applied under sunscreen or other high-concentration serums, Minimalist Niacinamide 5% Face Serum is water-based. Plus, it is lightweight and leaves no sticky residue on the skin.
- Effectiveness & Visible Results
PHD Beauty: Be it oil control, reduced pore size, or smoother texture, all the results can be experienced within 4 weeks. The addition of Arbutin in the serum fades hyperpigmentation and elevates skin repair properties while taking care of the breakouts.
Minimalist: Consistent though gradual, this Niacinamide serum reduces acne marks, even out skin tone, and controls oil in 6 weeks. The best part? This is a good choice for people new to Niacinamide or dealing with minor pigmentation.
- Suitability with Other Actives
PHD Beauty: Pairs well with AHAs, BHAs, and retinoids because of its hydrating base. If you already use exfoliants or retinol, this serum balances potential dryness and irritation.
Minimalist: Works well with Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid. However, beginners should avoid layering it with too many strong actives at once to prevent sensitivity.
- Price, Packaging & Availability
PHD Beauty: Premiumly priced at ₹649, PHD Beauty 10% Niacinamide Serum is available in a dark-tinted glass bottle. It comes with a dropper for easy application and protection of the formula. You can purchase the serum from the official website, Nykaa Beauty, Tira, Myntra, and Amazon.
Minimalist: Price at ₹599, this Niacinamide serum is packed in a frosted glass bottle. It also comes with a dropper for on-the-go application while keeping the potency intact. It is also available on the official website, Amazon, Nykaa Beauty, Myntra, and many more e-commerce platforms.
Minimalist vs PHD Beauty Niacinamide Serum: A Comparison Table
| Feature | Minimalist | PHD Beauty |
| Niacinamide Concentration | 5% | 10% |
| Additional Ingredients | 1% Hyaluronic Acid, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Oat Extract | Hyaluronic Acid, plus a gentle, clean formulation |
| Skin Type Suitability | Oily, Combination, Normal | Acne-prone, Oily, Sensitive |
| Primary Benefits | Reduces spots, controls shine, brightens | Minimises pores, controls sebum, and hydrates |
| Texture | Lightweight, watery, fast-absorbing | Slightly denser, serum-like, non-sticky |
| Fragrance-Free | Yes | Yes |
| Alcohol-Free | Yes | Yes |
| Silicone-Free | Yes | Yes |
| pH Level | 5.5 – 6.0 | 5.5 – 6.0 |
| Application | AM & PM | AM & PM |
| Time to Visible Results | 5–6 weeks (gradual) | 3–4 weeks (faster) |
| Packaging | Frosted dropper bottle (30 ml) | Amber dropper bottle (30 ml) |
| Best For | Beginners, mild acne or pigmentation | Stubborn acne, oily-prone skin, large pores |
Conclusion
PHD Beauty or Minimalist? Both Niacinamide serums offer what they promise, from clear and healthy skin to brighter tone and fewer breakouts. For men and women new to Niacinamide or who have minor skin concerns, Minimalist serum can be a blessing for you. Alternatively, the experienced people can choose the PHD Beauty Niacinamide serum to treat stubborn acne, excess oil, and large pores.
No matter the choice, remember not to forget a gentle cleanser, moisturiser, and broad-spectrum SPF to see the real difference. So, pick the best match and start and end your day with a faster skin solution.
