The Ordinary vs Minimalist serum comparison: 2025 guide

Introduction

Image	Product	Detail	Price
	Minimalist face serum vitamin c	Vitamin C Brightening	Price
	The Ordinary Serum	Vitamin C Brightening	Price

If you’re deciding between The Ordinary vs. Minimalist Vitamin C Serum, you’re not alone. Both brands offer powerful and affordable Vitamin C serums, but which one is best for your skin? In this blog post, we’ll compare the two to help you make an informed choice based on your skincare needs

The Ordinary vs. Minimalist Vitamin C Serum: A Quick Comparison

For a clearer understanding, here’s an informative, side-by-side comparison of both serums:

Feature	The Ordinary Vitamin C Serum	Minimalist Vitamin C Serum
Type of Vitamin C	Pure L-Ascorbic Acid	Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (Stable Derivative)
Concentration	8% to 23%	10% or 16%
Additional Ingredients	Alpha Arbutin, Hyaluronic Acid	Ferulic Acid, Vitamin E, Centella Extract
Stability	Less stable, may oxidize quickly	Highly stable, longer shelf life
Texture	Can feel gritty (Suspension 23%)	Lightweight and smooth
Absorption	May leave a slight residue	Quick absorption, non-greasy feel
Skin Suitability	Best for normal to oily skin	Suitable for sensitive and dry skin
Price	Budget-friendly	Slightly more expensive
Results	Fast but may cause irritation	Gentle with gradual results

1. Brand Overview

The Ordinary: Known for its no-frills, science-backed formulations. The brand offers a range of Vitamin C products with different concentrations and types, catering to various skin needs.
Minimalist: Dubbed the “Indian alternative to The Ordinary,” Minimalist focuses on clean, minimalist formulations designed for sensitive and diverse skin types.

2. Key Ingredients and Formulations

The Ordinary:
- Uses both pure Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) and derivatives like Ascorbyl Glucoside.
- Offers high-potency options, such as the Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%, but these can be irritating for beginners.
Minimalist:
- Relies on stabilized derivatives like Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, which are effective yet gentle on the skin.
- Products like Vitamin C 10% + Acetyl Glucosamine are ideal for sensitive skin or first-time users.

3. Skin Compatibility

The Ordinary:
- Best for normal to oily skin.
- Some formulations can cause tingling or irritation, especially for sensitive or dry skin.
Minimalist:
- Suitable for all skin types, particularly sensitive skin.
- Gentle formulations minimize the risk of irritation, making it beginner-friendly.

4. Pricing and Accessibility: The Ordinary vs Minimalist serum comparison

The Ordinary: Slightly pricier due to its international branding and shipping costs.
Minimalist: Budget-friendly and widely available in India, making it accessible for local users.

5. Stability and Shelf Life: The Ordinary vs Minimalist serum comparison

The Ordinary: Pure Vitamin C formulas oxidize quickly and need careful storage.
Minimalist: Stabilized Vitamin C ensures a longer shelf life and consistent performance.

6. Pros and cons

6.1 The Ordinary Vitamin C Serum

Pros

Affordable: One of the most budget-friendly Vitamin C options in the market.
Effective for Brightening: Ascorbic acid (pure Vitamin C) is well-known for its brightening properties and can help with pigmentation and skin tone.
Good for Anti-Aging: Vitamin C can stimulate collagen production, helping reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Alpha Arbutin: Helps reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation, which enhances the brightening effect.

Cons

Potential for Irritation: Ascorbic acid can be harsh on sensitive skin, causing irritation, redness, or stinging, especially if the concentration is high.
Stability: Ascorbic acid is unstable in the presence of light and air, meaning the serum can degrade over time, losing effectiveness.
Texture: The texture can be sticky or greasy, which may not appeal to those with oily skin.
Short Shelf Life: Due to its instability, the serum may have a shorter shelf life and should be stored properly to maintain efficacy.

6.2 Minimalist Vitamin C Serum

Pros

Gentler on Skin: SAP is less irritating than ascorbic acid, making it better suited for sensitive skin types.
Stable Formula: SAP is more stable and resistant to oxidation, meaning the serum is less likely to lose its effectiveness over time.
Suitable for Daily Use: It can be used in both morning and night routines without the risk of irritation.
No Fragrance or Harmful Additives: Free from artificial fragrances, parabens, and sulfates, making it ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Hydrating: Often contains additional hydrating ingredients like glycerin, which can benefit dry skin.

Cons

Slower Results: Because SAP is less potent than ascorbic acid, you might not see as immediate or dramatic results.
Slightly More Expensive: While not overly expensive, Minimalist Vitamin C serums are typically priced higher than The Ordinary’s options.
May not address deep pigmentation: For people with severe pigmentation issues, SAP might not be as effective as ascorbic acid.

6. Personal Experience of The Ordinary vs Minimalist serum comparison

Having tried both brands, I noticed:

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% delivered quick brightening results but caused mild irritation due to its gritty texture. It’s great for experienced users but can be overwhelming for sensitive skin.
Minimalist Vitamin C 10% + Acetyl Glucosamine, on the other hand, felt lightweight and soothing. Over a month, it improved my skin tone without any irritation, making it perfect for daily use.

7. Winner: Minimalist Vitamin C Serum

While The Ordinary offers potent options for those seeking intense results, Minimalist stands out as the overall winner:

It’s gentle and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
The addition of hydrating and soothing ingredients enhances its efficacy.
Minimalist products are more affordable and accessible, especially for users in India.

Image	Product	Detail	Price
	Minimalist face serum vitamin c	Vitamin C Brightening	Price
	The Ordinary Serum	Vitamin C Brightening	Price

Conclusion

Both The Ordinary and Minimalist offer effective Vitamin C serums tailored to different skin needs. Choose The Ordinary for potent results if you have normal or oily skin, or go for Minimalist for a gentle, hydrating formula, especially if you have sensitive skin. Consistency is key for bright, even skin!