Minimalist and Theramid are contemporary skincare brands known for formulating effective sunscreens, cleansers, moisturizers, and targeted serums with key ingredients like salicylic acid , vitamin B5 , ceramides, and copper peptides . The Indian brand suits combination and acne-prone skin best, while the Spanish brand accommodates balanced, dry, combination, oily, and sensitive skin types through thoughtful compositions. Both lines offer standout treatments for dark spots, aging, and blemishes, differing primarily in their formulation focus and breadth of suitability.
Minimalist is an Indian skincare brand founded in 2020 and owned by Unilever PLC since 2025.
m.economictimes.com unilever.com beminimalist.co personalcareinsights.com
Theramid is a Spanish skincare brand founded in 2022 and owned by Cosnova Group since 2026.
cosmeticsbusiness.com
This page compares some of the most popular Minimalist and Theramid products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app .
Popular Minimalist vs Theramid products
People Say
Minimalist Theramid
+ Lightweight texture
Often Mentioned Mostly Mentioned
“the texture is a sophisticated, lightweight gel that absorbs almost instantly without leaving a sticky residue — Theramid Copper Peptide” “Absorbs quickly — Theramid DERMA-PEPTIDES” “absorbs quickly and doesn't feel greasy — Minimalist Vitamin B5 10% Moisturizer”
+ Moisturizing and hydration
Often Mentioned Often Mentioned
“very moisturizing — Minimalist SPF 50 Sunscreen” “calmed it when my skin was super irritated — Minimalist Vitamin B5 10% Moisturizer” “Provides long-lasting hydration — Theramid Ceramide Treatment”
+ Gentle and non-stripping
Often Mentioned Often Mentioned
“Suitable for sensitive skin — Theramid DERMA-PEPTIDES” “incredibly gentle... I experienced zero redness or irritation — Theramid Copper Peptide” “doesn't make skin feel tight — Minimalist Salicylic Acid + LHA 2% Face Cleanser”
+ Suitability for oily skin
Mostly Mentioned Not noted
“perfect moisturizer for oily skin — Minimalist Vitamin B5 10% Moisturizer” “keeps skin oil-free for hours — Minimalist Salicylic Acid + LHA 2% Face Cleanser”
+ Fragrance-free formula
Often Mentioned Not noted
“zero smell — Minimalist Vitamin B5 10% Moisturizer” “great for sensitive skin — Minimalist Salicylic Acid + LHA 2% Face Cleanser”
– Texture and finish issues
Mostly Mentioned Not noted
“consistency is like water — Minimalist Salicylic Acid + LHA 2% Face Cleanser”
– Packaging issues
Sometimes Noted Often Mentioned
“cap leaks during travel — Minimalist Salicylic Acid + LHA 2% Face Cleanser” “Struggled to pump it out halfway through — Theramid Ceramide Treatment”
– Compatibility with dry skin
Often Mentioned Not noted
“not moisturizing enough — Minimalist Vitamin B5 10% Moisturizer”
Questions and answers
Minimalist or Theramid: which is better?
Minimalist is better for oilier skin types and hydration, while Theramid excels with restorative moisturizers and compatibility for dry skin.
What is the difference between Minimalist and Theramid?
Minimalist suits combination, acne-prone, and oily acne-prone skin best, whereas the products on this page for Theramid feature restorative, soothing moisturizers with a lightweight texture. Minimalist delivers better moisturizing and hydration, while Theramid is often noted for formulation and compatibility issues.
Which is more affordable, Minimalist or Theramid?
The provided page comparison does not contain pricing or affordability information for either Minimalist or Theramid.
Which causes fewer breakouts, Minimalist or Theramid?
Minimalist does better for oily skin, and the products on this page fit acne-prone skin best with high or superior Lovi ratings.
Which brand was founded in India and which was founded in Spain?
Minimalist was founded in India in 2020, while Theramid was founded in Spain in 2022.
What skin types does the Minimalist brand fit best according to its routines?
According to its brand-focused routines, the Minimalist products on this page fit combination skin, acne-prone skin, and oily acne-prone skin best.
What are the common review themes and drawbacks mentioned for Theramid products?
Reviewers note that Theramid offers restorative, soothing moisturizers along with a lightweight texture and a gentle, non-stripping feel. However, shoppers often mention formulation and compatibility issues, alongside texture and finish problems.
2 more questions
Research behind their key ingredients
38 more studies
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Retinol · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2017 Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing
Retinol · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019 Skin penetration and stabilization of formulations containing microfine titanium dioxide as physical UV filter
Titanium dioxide · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2000 Moisturizing and Antiinflammatory Properties of Cosmetic Formulations Containing Centella asiatica Extract
Madecassic acid · Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016 Alteration of barrier properties, stratum corneum ceramides and microbiome composition in response to lotion application on cosmetic dry skin
Ceramide · Scientific Reports, 2022 Effects of Locally Applied Glycerol and Xylitol on the Hydration, Barrier Function and Morphological Parameters of the Skin
Xylitol · Acta Dermato-venereologica, 2017 The human stratum corneum layer: an effective barrier against dermal uptake of different forms of topically applied micronised titanium dioxide
Titanium dioxide · Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, 2001 The 24-hour skin hydration and barrier function effects of a hyaluronic 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract moisturizing fluid: an intra-subject, randomized, assessor-blinded study
Glycerin, Madecassic acid · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017 The Effects of a Standardized Extract of Centella asiatica on Postlaser Resurfacing Wound Healing on the Face: A Split-Face, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Madecassic acid · Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2020 A new topical panthenol-containing emollient: Results from two randomized controlled studies assessing its skin moisturization and barrier restoration potential, and the effect on skin microflora
Panthenol · The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017 A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Vehicle-Controlled Study of the Efficacy of Moisturizer Containing Licochalcone A, Decanediol, L-Carnitine, and Salicylic Acid for Prevention of Acne Relapse in Asian Population
Salicylic acid · BioMed Research International, 2020 Efficacy of a topical gel containing chitosan, chlorhexidine, allantoin and dexpanthenol for pain and inflammation control after third molar surgery: A randomized and placebo-controlled clinical trial
Allantoin · Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020 Systematic Study of Paeonol/Madecassoside Co-Delivery Nanoemulsion Transdermal Delivery System for Enhancing Barrier Repair and Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy
Centella asiatica · Molecules, 2023 Biomimetic hyaluronic acid-stabilized zinc oxide nanoparticles in acne treatment: A preclinical and clinical approach
Zinc · Journal of Controlled Release, 2025 Efficacy of a multitargeted, salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic cream compared to benzoyl peroxide 5% in Acne vulgaris: Results from a randomized study
Salicylic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024 The pivotal role of Bifida Ferment Lysate on reinforcing the skin barrier function and maintaining homeostasis of skin defenses in vitro
Bifida lysate ferment · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023 Evaluation of dermal extracellular matrix and epidermal-dermal junction modifications using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric imaging, in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy, echography, and histology: effect of age and peptide applications
Palmitoyl tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2015 Efficacy and safety of moisturizer containing 5% panthenol, madecassoside, and copper-zinc-manganese versus 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream in decreasing adverse reaction and downtime after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing: A split-face, double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial
Copper · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019 A Salicylic Acid-Based Dermocosmetic is Effective as an Adjunct to Benzoyl Peroxide for Mild to Moderate Acne and as Monotherapy in Maintenance Post Benzoyl Peroxide
Salicylic acid · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023 Assessment of the Benefit of a Deep Cleansing Gel Containing Salicylic Acid 2%, Zinc Gluconate 0.2% and Lipohydroxy Acids 0.05% in Patients with Mild to Moderate Truncal Acne: Results from an Exploratory Study
Zinc gluconate · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2023 Efficacy and Tolerability of Topical Nicotinamide Plus Antibacterial Adhesive Agents and Zinc-Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid Versus Placebo as an Adjuvant Treatment for Moderate Acne Vulgaris in Indonesia: A Multicenter, Double-blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Zinc pca · The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020 Effects of 1,3-propanediol associated, or not, with butylene glycol and/or glycerol on skin hydration and skin barrier function
Propanediol · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024 Clinical evaluation of the efficacy of a facial serum containing dioic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, LHA, citric acid, and HEPES in treating post-inflammatory hyperchromia and controlling oily skin in patients with acne vulgaris
Capryloyl salicylic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021 Positive and ecobiological contribution in skin photoprotection of ectoine and mannitol combined in vivo with UV filters
Ectoin · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024 Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane · Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1987 Using ordered mesoporous silica SBA-15 to limit cutaneous penetration and transdermal permeation of organic UV filters
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane · International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2019 Enhancing Photoprotection and Mitigating Ex Vivo Stratum Corneum Oxidative Stress: A Multifunctional Strategy Combining Rosmarinic Acid with UVB Filters
Octocrylene · Antioxidants, 2025 Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a Panthenol-Enriched Mask for Skin Barrier Recovery After Facial Laser Treatment: Results of a Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study
Panthenol · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025 TiO2-embedded mesoporous silica with lower porosity is beneficial to adsorb the pollutants and retard UV filter absorption: A possible application for outdoor skin protection
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane · European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2023 Propanediol (and) Caprylic Acid (and) Xylitol as a New Single Topical Active Ingredient against Acne: In Vitro and In Vivo Efficacy Assays
Xylitol · Molecules, 2021 Effect of an Emollient Emulsion Containing 15.0% of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride on the Urocanic Acid of the Stratum Corneum
Caprylic capric triglyceride · Life, 2023 Comparison of clindamycin 1% and benzoyl peroxide 5% gel to a novel composition containing salicylic acid, capryloyl salicylic acid, HEPES, glycolic acid, citric acid, and dioic acid in the treatment of acne vulgaris
Capryloyl salicylic acid · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2013 Facial disbiosis and UV filters
Octocrylene · Archives of Dermatological Research, 2024 Safety assessment on comedogenicity of dermatological products containing d-alpha tocopheryl acetate in Asian subjects: A double-blind randomized controlled trial
Tocopheryl acetate vitamin e · Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021 Rapid and Visible Efficacy of a Dermocosmetic in Acne Patients With Fair Skin Phototypes: Results of a Randomized Split-Face Study
Zinc gluconate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026 Augmented Skin Beneficial Effects of Thermus Thermophilus and Bacillus Subtilis Mixed-Culture Ferment Extract by Tripeptide GHK-Cu
Copper tripeptide-1 · Skin Research and Technology, 2026 Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026 Mechanistic understanding and peptide ingredient screening for type III collagen via biological knowledge graph and molecular docking
Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2026
Show fewer
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.
Nadia Kapleva, MS
Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
Alexey Shagraev, PhD
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
Aishani Shah, MD
Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
Asya Zubkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
Hanna Kurets, MD
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