Hyphen Vs. Minimalist: Which Skincare Brand Is Right For You?

Nothing complements makeup better than perfect skin. Skincare has become the ultimate non-negotiable ritual for all. Want flawless, glass-like skin but don't know where to start? We have selected a wide range of products suitable to cure your problems step-by-step. Brands like Hyphen and Minimalist have dominated the Indian skincare market with products for all skin types. Nowadays, we see many products advertised by celebrities and influencers and get confused when choosing the right one for ourselves. We tend to believe any product that we see online without actually researching properly. Before selecting any product, one must ensure that the product is non-comedogenic, because otherwise, it may worsen the skin condition. While the topic is never-ending, let's have a look at the right brand for you. 

Disclaimer: While the products recommended are dermatologist-approved, remember to consult your dermatologist if you are unsure of your skin type or while finding the product that is right for you.

What Differentiates Hyphen From Minimalist?

Both brands focus on skincare. However, the two dominate in their niche products. Hyphen is well known for its ‘Golden Hour Glow Serum' and cocktail serums. Whereas Minimalist prioritises high-concentration single actives. If you are looking to fight pigmentation and want glowing skin without purchasing three to four different products, Hyphen is your go-to approach. However, if you are willing to mix different actives to make one serum of your choice and composition, you must go for Minimalist. Products offered by Hyphen are often suitable for sensitive to dry skin, whilst only a few products are offered for acne-prone skin. If you have acne-prone skin, Minimalist would provide a wider range of products. The price range for both remains in a similar bracket. We have curated some products offered by both based on the right choice for you. 

Hyphen 4% Tranexamic Acid + 5% Niacinamide Biphasic De-Pigmentation Serum 

If you are a beginner in the world of skincare and pigmentation is your main concern, this serum is a must-buy for you. Let's look at the breakdown of each ingredient of this serum. The composition of this serum includes 4% Tranexamic Acid, 5% Niacinamide, Vitamin B12, Liquorice Oil and 4-Butylresorcinol. Tranexamic Acid is a derivative of an amino acid that acts as an anti-inflammatory agent for skin and inhibits melanin production, thereby reducing acne marks and pigmentation. Niacinamide prevents transfer of melanin by up to 68% in the skin and regulates sebum production, helping in the reduction of acne and pores and giving you a natural glow. Liquorice oil is a brightening agent found in nature, also known as Mulethi by many. Vitamin B12 and 4-Butylresorcinol also help in fighting overall pigmentation, making this serum a power-pack for fighting pigmentation. This serum is suitable for all skin types. 

Hyphen 18% Brightening + 20% Collagen Face Serum

If dull and dry skin is troubling you and you are searching for a product that restores your glow, Hyphen Brightening Serum is a go-to product. The cocktail-like composition includes 11% Mandarin, 5% Niacinamide, 2% Polyglutamic Acid, Cica Stem Cell, and 20% (Bakuchiol + Rosehip Oil + Coco-Caprylate). Mandarin extract acts as a natural source of Vitamin C, helping in brightening the skin. Niacinamide inhibits melanin production, and 2% Polyglutamic Acid helps in holding moisture, causing a healthy plumping of the skin. 20% concentration of Bakuchiol, Rosehip Oil, and Coco-Caprylat acts as a natural retinol, helping in cell turnover. Overall, this serum is an ideal choice for those with dry and dull skin and is suitable for all skin types. However, if you have extremely oily skin, you can avoid this product as it might cause irritation and block your pores. 

Minimalist Anti-Aging Night Serum with 0.3% Retinol & Q10

Have wrinkles and fine lines and don't know how to cure them? Few are aware of the benefits of starting to use Retinol at the right age, and struggle with wrinkles and fine lines later. It is recommended to start using Retinols in mid 20s as the skin cell turnover starts slowing down with age, reducing skin elasticity. While 0.1% concentration is recommended for a beginner, this serum by Minimalist has a composition of 0.3% Retinol, co-enzyme Q10, Bakuchiol oil, and squalene. It can be used by both beginners and those with experience. Whilst experienced users are recommended to use it 4 times a week, beginners must ensure that they use a pea-sized amount and only twice a week. The product is suitable for all skin types. 

Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Serum for Acne & Blackheads

Salicylic Acid is known to be an ideal product when it comes to acne and blackheads. The composition first dissolves all the existing blackheads and acne from the skin and thereafter closes the open pores, blocking potential acne breakouts in future. This product has a concentration of 2% Salicylic Acid, with Oligopeptide-10, EGCG and Horehound extract. While Salicylic acid works in removing acne from the root itself, Oligopeptide enters the newly created pores. EGCG is a powerful green-tea antioxidant that helps in suppressing pain caused by red pimples. Horehound extract is an anti-pollution and anti-inflammatory active that protects the pores from environmental stress. This product is recommended for those with combination and oily skin types. 

Minimalist 10% AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum

Have little bumps on skin? Don't know why the skin looks dull? Or suffering from pigmented or tanned skin? This product is a one-stop solution for all such causes. This peeling solution acts as a chemical resurfacing treatment for the skin. The 10% blend of AHA usually includes actives like Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid and Mandelic Acid. This helps in removing dead skin cell build-up and fades acne marks. While a 1% BHA blend consists of actives such as Salicylic Acid, helping in combating acne, blackheads, whiteheads and the removal of trapped oil and dirt in the skin. This product is recommended to be used not more than twice a week for beginners. However, for experienced users, the 25% AHA variant of this product is usually suggested, as their skin has adapted well to the low-concentration variant. It is further suitable for all skin types. 

Read More: Best Toners for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

Conclusion:

While choosing the ideal skincare product varies with the individual. One must consider factors such as finding the correct skin type, pricing and consumer reviews before purchasing a particular product. Those who have a dry skin type must go for hydrating serums and moisturisers with barrier-repair or collagen variants. Whereas those with combination or oily skin should go for products focused on fighting acne, unclogging pores, removing blackheads and fading away acne scars and pigmentation. You can try other skincare brands such as Ordinary, Tonymoly, and Face Shop if you are willing to increase your budget.