Anua vs Minimalist
Anua and Minimalist are contemporary skincare brands offering targeted formulations for oily and acne-prone complexions. Anua is a Korean line known for moisturizers, toners, serums, and cleansers featuring heartleaf, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, while the Indian brand focuses on sunscreens, moisturizers, and cleansers. Both brands suit oily, acne-prone, and combination skin, though they differ in their signature ingredients and geographic origins.
Anua is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2019 and owned by The Founders Inc..
prnewswire.comkedglobal.comtracxn.comv.daum.net
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 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
SAR 62.80
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Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
SAR 49.00
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Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
SAR 68.00
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PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
SAR 91.90
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Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
SAR 58.12
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Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
SAR 92.50
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PEACH 70% NIACINAMIDE SERUM
SAR 37.98
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Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad
SAR 30.33
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
Salicylic Acid + LHA 2% Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 127.09
-
Moisturizer
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 48.00
-
SPF
SPF 50 Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 63.09
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
SAR 65.11
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
SAR 72.64
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Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
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Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
-
Cleanser
Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 72.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
Morning
SAR 92.50
-
Moisturizer
Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 106.64
-
SPF
Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream
Morning
SAR 83.71
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 62.80
-
Cleansing Toner
BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner
Evening
SAR 55.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 68.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
Once a week
SAR 39.22
-
Nourishing Mask
Heartleaf 77% Soothing Sheet Mask
Once a week
SAR 19.77
Buy Minimalist routine · SAR 740.96 · 83% fit
Buy Anua routine · SAR 599.64 · 78% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Anua vs Minimalist routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Salicylic Acid + LHA 2% Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 127.09
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.04
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 39.70
-
SPF
SPF 50 Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 63.09
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
SAR 187.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
-
Cleanser
Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 58.12
-
Hydrating Toner
Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
Morning · Once a week
SAR 39.22
-
Moisturizer
Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 106.64
-
SPF
Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream
Morning
SAR 83.71
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 62.80
-
Cleansing Toner
BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner
Evening
SAR 55.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 68.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Heartleaf Pore Clay Pack
Once a week
SAR 34.99
Buy Minimalist routine · SAR 1,201.67 · 94% fit
Buy Anua routine · SAR 508.48 · 81% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Anua vs Minimalist routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Salicylic Acid + LHA 2% Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 127.09
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 166.90
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 39.70
-
SPF
SPF 50 Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 63.09
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
SAR 64.80
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
SAR 168.77
-
Cleanser
Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 58.12
-
Hydrating Toner
Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 92.50
-
Moisturizer
Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 39.22
-
SPF
Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream
Morning
SAR 83.71
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 62.80
-
Cleansing Toner
BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner
Evening
SAR 55.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 68.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Heartleaf Pore Clay Pack
Once a week
SAR 34.99
Buy Minimalist routine · SAR 1,033.81 · 93% fit
Buy Anua routine · SAR 494.34 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Anua or Minimalist: which is better?
Both Anua and Minimalist are good options, depending on your skin type, with Minimalist performing better for oily and acne-prone skin while Anua excels in hydration, soothing, and barrier support. Reviewers note that Anua is a strong choice for dry skin, though some users mention a sticky finish or breakouts.
What is the difference between Anua and Minimalist?
Anua features a wide range of products with Lovi fit levels that vary across skin types, while Minimalist offers a smaller selection tailored specifically for oily and acne-prone skin. Both brands list no fragrance in the products on this page.
Anua or Minimalist for dry skin?
Both Anua and Minimalist work well for dry skin, offering a High routine fit on this page. Anua features hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to help maintain moisture levels, while both brands avoid added fragrance across their products.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
Anua or Minimalist: which cleanser is better?
Anua offers a wider variety of cleansers on the products on this page compared to Minimalist, which only features one cleanser. Anua cleansers provide high Lovi fit levels for acne-prone, oily, and combination skin, while Minimalist has a superior fit for acne-prone and combination skin.
Which is more affordable, Anua or Minimalist?
The products on this page do not provide pricing information, so it is not possible to determine whether Anua or Minimalist is more affordable.
Do any products from Anua or Minimalist contain fragrance?
Every product from both Anua and Minimalist on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients.
When comparing review themes, which brand does better for soothing and redness relief?
Anua does better for soothing and redness relief based on the review themes.
Anua or Minimalist for oily skin?
For oily skin, Lovi finds that Minimalist reaches a Superior fit while Anua reaches a High fit. Reviewers note that Minimalist does better for beneficial ingredients for oily skin.
Anua or Minimalist: which moisturizer is better?
For moisturizers, Anua is a better fit for dry and dry sensitive skin on the products on this page, earning a Superior Lovi fit level, whereas Minimalist achieves a High fit level for those skin types. Both brands offer moisturizers that help hydrate and soothe, with Anua featuring key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and panthenol. Topical hyaluronic acid may help support moisture retention and skin quality.
Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
Anua or Minimalist for sensitive skin?
Both Anua and Minimalist achieve a High Lovi fit for sensitive skin among the products on this page. Reviewers note that Anua is particularly helpful for soothing and redness relief with a non-stripping and gentle finish.
Anua or Minimalist: which sunscreen is better?
Both Anua and Minimalist offer high Lovi fit levels for sun protection across all skin types. Minimalist may do better for sun protection and white cast, while Anua provides a lightweight sunscreen that is unlikely to leave a heavy residue.
Anua or Minimalist for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, Minimalist has a Superior routine fit, while Anua has a High routine fit. Anua offers a wider variety of products on this page to build a complete routine.
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
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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
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
How does it fit your skin?
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