Anua vs Minimalist
Anua and Minimalist are two contemporary skincare lines built on targeted, ingredient-driven formulations for distinct complexions. The Korean brand features toners, serums, and cleansers centered on heartleaf, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid that suit dry and oily acne-prone skin best, while the Indian label offers sunscreens, moisturizers, and cleansers tailored primarily for oily and combination skin. Though both utilize powerful actives like niacinamide to address various concerns, they differ in their foundational philosophies and ideal skin profiles.
Anua is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2019 and owned by The Founders Inc..
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Minimalist is an Indian skincare brand founded in 2020 and owned by Unilever PLC since 2025.
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This page compares some of the most popular Anua and Minimalist products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Anua vs Minimalist products
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Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
CA$30.99
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Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
CA$28.99
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Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
CA$28.00
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PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
CA$34.99
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Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
CA$22.40
-
Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
CA$31.99
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PEACH 70% NIACINAMIDE SERUM
CA$33.50
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Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad
CA$32.98
People Say
Lightweight Texture and Absorption Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “melts into skin — Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream”
- “Feels like water, not heavy oil — Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil”
- “absorbs quickly and doesn't feel greasy — Minimalist Vitamin B5 10% Moisturizer”
Hydration and Moisturization Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “complexion feels so plump — Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum”
- “leaves skin plump — Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner”
- “leaves skin glowing — Anua Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad”
- “very moisturizing — Minimalist SPF 50 Sunscreen”
Non-Stripping and Gentle Finish Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “leaves my face soft, smooth, and fresh without dryness — Anua Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder”
- “didn't sensitize my skin — Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner”
- “No stinging on sensitive skin — Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner”
- “doesn't make skin feel tight — Minimalist Salicylic Acid + LHA 2% Face Cleanser”
Beneficial Ingredients for Oily Skin Not notedOften Mentioned
- “perfect moisturizer for oily skin — Minimalist Vitamin B5 10% Moisturizer”
- “love the niacinamide — Minimalist SPF 50 Sunscreen”
Soothing and Redness Relief Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Calms my redness instantly — Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner”
- “calmed my red spots — Anua Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad”
- “calm with zero irritation — Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum”
- “calmed it when my skin was super irritated — Minimalist Vitamin B5 10% Moisturizer”
Sun Protection and White Cast Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “leaves absolutely no white cast — Minimalist SPF 50 Sunscreen”
- “prevented tanning on vacation — Minimalist SPF 50 Sunscreen”
- “zero white cast — Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream”
Sticky, Tacky, or Oily Finish Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “Left such a gross tacky finish that refused to dry. — Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum”
- “leaves a tacky finish — Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner”
- “too dewy — Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream”
- “makes face very oily — Minimalist SPF 50 Sunscreen”
Breakouts and Acne Issues Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “kinda got some closed comedones — Minimalist Vitamin B5 10% Moisturizer”
- “Wrecked my skin barrier — Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil”
Hydration Levels and Dryness Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “leaves skin tight — Anua Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam”
- “Too drying for my dry skin — Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner”
- “not hydrating enough — Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner”
- “not moisturizing enough — Minimalist Vitamin B5 10% Moisturizer”
Anua vs Minimalist routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$22.90
-
Hydrating Toner
Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
Morning
CA$31.99
-
Moisturizer
Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$42.88
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
CA$38.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$30.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$28.00
-
Nourishing Mask
Heartleaf 77% Soothing Sheet Mask
Once a week
CA$10.00
-
Cleanser
Salicylic Acid + LHA 2% Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$13.34
-
Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
-
Moisturizer
Vitamin B5 10% Moisturizer
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$11.99
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
CA$38.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
CA$17.99
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
Buy Anua routine · CA$204.76 · 87% fit
Buy Minimalist routine · CA$139.30 · 80% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Anua vs Minimalist routines for oily skin
-
Cleanser
Salicylic Acid + LHA 2% Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$13.34
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Vitamin B5 10% Moisturizer
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$11.99
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
CA$35.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
CA$28.90
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Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask
Once a week
CA$95.00
-
Cleanser
Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$22.40
-
Hydrating Toner
Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
Morning · Once a week
CA$33.50
-
Moisturizer
Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$42.88
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
CA$35.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$30.99
-
Cleansing Toner
BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner
Evening
CA$31.40
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$28.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask
Once a week
CA$95.00
Buy Minimalist routine · CA$276.27 · 93% fit
Buy Anua routine · CA$320.12 · 85% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Anua vs Minimalist routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Salicylic Acid + LHA 2% Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$13.34
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
Vitamin B5 10% Moisturizer
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$11.99
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
CA$20.96
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
CA$31.99
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
CA$50.00
-
Cleanser
Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$22.40
-
Hydrating Toner
Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$31.99
-
Moisturizer
Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$33.50
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
CA$20.96
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$30.99
-
Cleansing Toner
BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner
Evening
CA$31.40
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$28.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
CA$50.00
Buy Minimalist routine · CA$219.37 · 93% fit
Buy Anua routine · CA$249.24 · 85% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Anua or Minimalist: which is better?
Anua and Minimalist both fit well depending on your skin goals, as Anua excels in soothing and hydration with a large product range on this page, while Minimalist stands out for beneficial ingredients for oily skin. Both brands are fragrance-free across their products on this page.
What is the difference between Anua and Minimalist?
Anua offers a wide range of products with Lovi fit levels that vary from High to Superior across most skin types, featuring ingredients like heartleaf and niacinamide, whereas Minimalist features a smaller selection of products on this page with Lovi fit levels reaching Superior for oily and acne-prone skin.
Anua or Minimalist for dry skin?
Anua and Minimalist are both a High fit for dry skin on Lovi. Anua offers better hydration and moisturization for this skin type, while Minimalist also provides a strong routine fit with fragrance-free formulas.
Anua or Minimalist: which sunscreen is better?
Both brands offer solid options on this page, with Anua's Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream fitting combination, sensitive, dry, and oily skin at a High level and Minimalist's SPF 50 Sunscreen also providing a High Lovi fit across those same skin types. Review themes show that Minimalist does better on sun protection and white cast, while every product on this page for both brands lists no fragrance in its ingredients.
Which is more affordable, Anua or Minimalist?
This page does not contain pricing information, so a comparison of affordability between Anua and Minimalist cannot be made.
Where and when were Anua and Minimalist founded?
Anua was founded in 2019 in South Korea, while Minimalist was founded in 2020 in India.
Which brand performs better for hydration and moisturization?
Anua performs better for hydration and moisturization among the products on this page. Reviewers note that Anua provides superior hydration and soothing support in its moisturizers.
Do any of the products from Anua or Minimalist contain fragrance?
Every product on this page from both Anua and Minimalist lists no fragrance in its ingredients.
Anua or Minimalist for oily skin?
For oily skin, Minimalist is a Superior fit on Lovi, while Anua is a High fit. Reviewers note that Minimalist does better for beneficial ingredients for oily skin, whereas Anua is noted for having a sticky, tacky, or oily finish.
Anua or Minimalist for sensitive skin?
Both Anua and Minimalist offer a High Lovi fit level for sensitive skin, making them suitable choices for this skin type. Reviewers note that Anua particularly stands out for providing a non-stripping, gentle finish with soothing and redness relief across the products on this page.
Anua or Minimalist for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, both brands offer products on this page with a Lovi fit level of High or better, but Minimalist achieves a superior routine fit overall. Anua features popular soothing ingredients like heartleaf and niacinamide, though reviewers sometimes note breakouts from certain products.
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
Effects of glyceryl glucoside on AQP3 expression, barrier function and hydration of human skin
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Histometric assessment of the age-related skin response to 2-hydroxy-5-octanoyl benzoic acid
Emulgels powered by coco-glucoside: A stable and effective synbiotics delivery system for skin care
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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