Some By Mi vs Minimalist
Some By Mi and Minimalist are two skincare lines built around targeted actives for distinct complexions. Some By Mi relies on niacinamide, centella asiatica, and salicylic acid across serums, cleansers, toners, and moisturizers to suit dry sensitive skin and dark spots, while Minimalist utilizes sunscreens, moisturizers, and cleansers best suited for oily and acne-prone skin. Both brands differ in their founding origins, yet each offers specialized formulas for mature, acne-prone, and hyperpigmented skin.
Some By Mi is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by JKL Partners since 2021.
kedglobal.compreqin.comtracxn.com
Minimalist is an Indian skincare brand founded in 2020 and owned by Unilever PLC since 2025.
m.economictimes.comunilever.combeminimalist.copersonalcareinsights.com
This page compares some of the most popular Some By Mi and Minimalist products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Some By Mi vs Minimalist products
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AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
A$26.51
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Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum
A$40.25
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AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Foam
A$26.00
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AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum
A$28.50
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Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream
A$28.00
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Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask
A$20.00
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Beta Panthenol Repair Cream
A$31.00
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Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream
A$24.00
People Say
Acne and Blemish Control Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Reduces pimples — Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner”
- “cleared my cystic acne — Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Foam”
- “acne cleared up in a week — Minimalist Salicylic Acid + LHA 2% Face Cleanser”
Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “very moisturizing — Minimalist SPF 50 Sunscreen”
- “calmed it when my skin was super irritated — Minimalist Vitamin B5 10% Moisturizer”
- “Lasts 100 hours as claimed — Some By Mi Beta Panthenol Repair Cream”
Lightweight and Absorption Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “absorbs quickly — Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream”
- “absorbs quickly — Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Serum”
- “absorbs quickly and doesn't feel greasy — Minimalist Vitamin B5 10% Moisturizer”
Oil Control Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “perfect moisturizer for oily skin — Minimalist Vitamin B5 10% Moisturizer”
- “keeps skin oil-free for hours — Minimalist Salicylic Acid + LHA 2% Face Cleanser”
- “Reduces sebum secretion — Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner”
Gentle Formulation Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Zero irritation or redness — Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum”
- “doesn't strip dry my skin — Some By Mi Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask”
- “doesn't make skin feel tight — Minimalist Salicylic Acid + LHA 2% Face Cleanser”
Product Formulation Highlights Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “love the niacinamide — Minimalist SPF 50 Sunscreen”
- “zero smell — Minimalist Vitamin B5 10% Moisturizer”
- “great for sensitive skin — Minimalist Salicylic Acid + LHA 2% Face Cleanser”
Scents and Fragrance Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “smells like chemicals — Minimalist Salicylic Acid + LHA 2% Face Cleanser”
- “overwhelming citrus fragrance — Some By Mi V10 Hyal Air Fit Sunscreen”
Drying and Dehydration Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “not moisturizing enough — Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream”
- “Skin felt tight — Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner”
- “not moisturizing enough — Minimalist Vitamin B5 10% Moisturizer”
- “made skin flaky — Minimalist Salicylic Acid + LHA 2% Face Cleanser”
Application and Blending Difficulties Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “consistency is like water — Minimalist Salicylic Acid + LHA 2% Face Cleanser”
Sticky and Tacky Finish Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “leaves sticky film — Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream”
- “Leaves sticky residue — Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner”
- “Leaves a sticky residue — Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum”
- “sticky after application feel — Minimalist Vitamin B5 10% Moisturizer”
Some By Mi vs Minimalist routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$24.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning
A$34.66
-
Moisturizer
Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$24.00
-
SPF
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Fluide SPF50+
Morning
A$24.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
A$27.35
-
Serum or Treatment
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$24.50
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
A$28.48
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Cleanser
Salicylic Acid + LHA 2% Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$11.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
A$23.99
-
Moisturizer
Vitamin B5 10% Moisturizer
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$13.29
-
SPF
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Fluide SPF50+
Morning
A$24.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
A$27.35
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
A$28.48
Buy Some By Mi routine · A$222.98 · 93% fit
Buy Minimalist routine · A$165.09 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Some By Mi vs Minimalist routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Salicylic Acid + LHA 2% Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$11.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$34.66
-
Moisturizer
Vitamin B5 10% Moisturizer
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$13.29
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$80.43
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
A$75.95
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
-
Cleanser
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$24.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$34.66
-
Moisturizer
Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$24.00
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$80.43
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Evening
A$26.51
-
Serum or Treatment
AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$28.50
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask
Once a week
A$20.00
Buy Minimalist routine · A$398.16 · 93% fit
Buy Some By Mi routine · A$301.59 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Some By Mi vs Minimalist routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Salicylic Acid + LHA 2% Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$11.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$42.00
-
Moisturizer
Vitamin B5 10% Moisturizer
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$13.29
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$30.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
A$29.90
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
-
Cleanser
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$24.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$34.66
-
Moisturizer
Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$24.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$30.99
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Evening
A$26.51
-
Serum or Treatment
AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$28.50
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask
Once a week
A$20.00
Buy Minimalist routine · A$282.02 · 92% fit
Buy Some By Mi routine · A$224.16 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
Some By Mi or Minimalist: which is better?
Some By Mi fits skin with dark spots and dry sensitive skin better, whereas Minimalist works better for oily and acne-prone skin. Reviewers note that Some By Mi helps with complexion brightening and effective acne-clearing treatments.
What is the difference between Some By Mi and Minimalist?
Some By Mi fits best for skin with dark spots, dry sensitive skin, and dry skin, while Minimalist fits best for acne-prone skin, oily skin, and oily acne-prone skin. Reviewers note that Minimalist performs better in oil control and hydration, whereas Some By Mi has more application and blending difficulties.
Some By Mi or Minimalist for dry skin?
Some By Mi is the better choice for dry skin because Lovi rates its routine as Superior, compared to High for Minimalist. Reviewers often mention its excellent texture moisturizers and brightening effects.
Some By Mi or Minimalist: which cleanser is better?
Some By Mi fits skin with dark spots and dry sensitive skin best, while Minimalist is a better option for oil control and acne-prone skin.
Which is more affordable, Some By Mi or Minimalist?
The products on this page do not list pricing information, so a direct comparison of affordability between Some By Mi and Minimalist cannot be made.
Which brand performs better for managing skin with dark spots, Some By Mi or Minimalist?
Some By Mi performs better for skin with dark spots, as Lovi rates its overall routine as Superior compared to High for Minimalist. Niacinamide helps reduce pigmentation and suppress melanosome transfer.
How do the countries of origin and founding years compare between Some By Mi and Minimalist?
Some By Mi was founded in South Korea in 2016, whereas Minimalist was founded in India in 2020.
Which brand has a better routine fit for dry sensitive skin?
Some By Mi is the better choice for dry sensitive skin, offering a Superior routine fit compared to Minimalist which has a High fit.
Some By Mi or Minimalist for oily skin?
Minimalist is better for oily skin, as it achieves a Superior routine fit compared to the High fit of Some By Mi. Reviewers also note that Minimalist performs better specifically for oil control.
Some By Mi or Minimalist: which sunscreen is better?
Both brands offer sunscreens on this page, with Some By Mi featuring the V10 Hyal Air Fit Sunscreen and Minimalist providing the SPF 50 Sunscreen. Lovi rates both sunscreens as having a High fit level for all skin types, including sensitive and dry skin.
Some By Mi or Minimalist for sensitive skin?
Some By Mi is better for sensitive skin, as Lovi rates its routine as Superior compared to Minimalist which is rated High.
Some By Mi or Minimalist for acne-prone skin?
Both brands offer solid options for acne-prone skin, with Minimalist taking the lead for oil control and acne-clearing treatments while Some By Mi achieves a Superior Lovi fit level for specific acne routines on this page. Reviewers note that both brands maintain gentle formulations without added fragrance.
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
Topical menthol--a human model for cold pain by activation and sensitization of C nociceptors
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin
HelixComplex snail mucus as a potential technology against O3 induced skin damage
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Ethosomes of Phenylethyl Resorcinol as Vesicular Delivery System for Skin Lightening Applications
The use of green tea extract in cosmetic formulations: not only an antioxidant active ingredient
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Allergy to oxidized limonene and linalool is frequent in the U.K
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
Behind this comparison
Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
-

Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
-

Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
-

Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-

Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
-

Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
-

Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-

Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
How does it fit your skin?
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