MINIMALISTExfoliants

AHA 25% + PHA 5% + BHA 2% Face Peel

A triple-acid peel combining AHA (glycolic/lactic), PHA (gluconolactone), and BHA (salicylic acid) - each targeting a different layer of the skin surface. pH is disclosed, which is essential for understanding whether the acids are active and at what strength. This is one of the most transparent acid products reviewed on The Clean Sheet. Not for sensitive or barrier-compromised skin. Do not combine with retinoids on the same night.

AHA 25% + PHA 5% + BHA 2% Face Peel
89
Good
Best for
  • Combination skin
  • Enlarged pores and uneven texture
Avoid if
  • You have reactive or sensitised skin
  • You have sensitive or eczema-prone skin
  • You are new to active skincare - patch test first

₹664 · ₹22/ml • Analysed 20 May 2026

India Context

High-concentration acid peels require extra caution in Indian conditions: UV exposure post-peel without SPF significantly increases PIH risk, which is harder to resolve in darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV-VI). Avoid use before sun exposure or during peak summer months without stringent sun protection. Apply at night, follow with barrier repair (B5 Moisturizer or similar) and SPF the next morning. Start monthly, then fortnightly if well-tolerated.

This is a web evidence review, not a Clean Sheet certification. We checked the ingredient list, publicly available test reports, marketing claims, and formula logic using only public information available at the time of review.

At a glance

Fragrance free
Alcohol free
Paraben free

What was checked

Each claim checked against publicly available evidence: published test reports, the ingredient list, and regulatory data.

AHA 25% + PHA 5% + BHA 2% (32% total acid load)Verified

The brand discloses all three acid percentages and the formula pH range of 3.4-3.8, a rare level of transparency for an OTC acid product. INCI positions are consistent with the stated concentrations.

Published evidence
Formula pH 3.4-3.8 (active acid range)Verified

The brand explicitly states the pH range on the product page. At this pH, AHAs are predominantly in free-acid form, maximising exfoliation activity.

Published evidence
Suitable for weekly use onlyVerified

Clear weekly-use frequency guidance is communicated on packaging, consistent with the 32% total acid load and the potential for barrier disruption with more frequent application.

Published evidence
Fragrance-freeVerified

No parfum, fragrance, or scent-use essential oils are present in the published INCI.

Published evidence
Individual AHA component percentages within 25% totalNeeds context

The proportions of glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acid within the 25% AHA total are not individually specified. Glycolic acid's INCI position suggests it is the dominant AHA, but the split cannot be confirmed.

Not found
Verified: confirmed from public evidenceSupported: consistent with available evidenceNeeds context: relevant for some usersNot verified: could not be confirmed

Score breakdown

How this product was rated across four areas. Open any row for the full rationale.

Ingredient Safety
Excellent45/50

Clean allergen profile with a fragrance free formula.

This peel contains 32% total acid load at a disclosed pH of 3.4-3.8. At this pH range, AHAs are predominantly in their free acid form, which delivers maximum exfoliation but also the highest potential for irritation and barrier disruption. Glycolic Acid appears second in the ingredient list, confirming it is the dominant ingredient at high concentration. This is the highest acid load in the Minimalist range and is intended for weekly use only, not daily application. Post-application photosensitivity is significant at this acid load - applying SPF the morning after use is not optional. The formula also contains Dimethyl Isosorbide, a penetration enhancer that will drive these acids deeper into the skin, amplifying both the results and the risk. Not suitable for sensitive, eczema-prone, or barrier-compromised skin.

Formula Design
Excellent20/20

The multi-acid approach here covers different exfoliation mechanisms: Glycolic Acid has the smallest molecule of the AHAs and penetrates deepest; Mandelic Acid (a larger AHA...

The multi-acid approach here covers different exfoliation mechanisms: Glycolic Acid has the smallest molecule of the AHAs and penetrates deepest; Mandelic Acid (a larger AHA molecule) works more gently at the surface; Gluconolactone (PHA) provides the gentlest exfoliation class along with antioxidant benefit; Salicylic Acid (BHA) is oil-soluble and pore-clearing. Turmeric root extract later in the list provides curcumin-based anti-inflammatory support during the post-peel phase. The fact that the brand has disclosed both the acid percentages and the formula pH range is unusually transparent for an over-the-counter product of this potency. Sodium Hyaluronate in the formula helps offset the drying effects of the acid blend.

Test Transparency
Excellent20/20

The brand discloses all three acid percentages (AHA 25%, PHA 5%, BHA 2%) as well as the formula pH range (3.4-3.8) - this level of transparency is genuinely rare for an...

The brand discloses all three acid percentages (AHA 25%, PHA 5%, BHA 2%) as well as the formula pH range (3.4-3.8) - this level of transparency is genuinely rare for an over-the-counter high-potency product and is commendable. The full ingredient list is available on beminimalist.co. Clear warnings about usage frequency appear on packaging. The one gap is that the proportions of glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acid within the 25% AHA total are not individually specified.

Ethics
Concern4/10

PETA-certified cruelty-free.

PETA-certified cruelty-free. Vegan. No synthetic fragrance or dyes. Indian brand with no presence in mandatory animal-testing markets. Minimalist packaging. Uses biodegradable chelating agents. Independent verification of sustainable sourcing for palm-derived ingredients has not been confirmed.

Ingredient list

22 ingredients · INCI order

SafeNoteCaution
Ingredient
Water/Aqua
Glycolic Acid
Propylene Glycol
Gluconolactone
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Propanediol
Sodium Hydroxide
Ethoxydiglycol
Show all 22 ingredients
Salicylic Acid
Mandelic Acid
Lactic Acid
Sodium Hyaluronate
Pentylene Glycol
Phenoxyethanol
Xanthan Gum
Sclerotium Gum
Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Lecithin
Pullulan
Ethylhexylglycerin
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate

INCI order as declared on packaging. Position reflects approximate concentration (high to low).

Claims check

Each marketing claim assessed against publicly available evidence

AHA 25% + PHA 5% + BHA 2% (32% total acid load)Publicly supported

The brand discloses all three acid percentages and the formula pH range of 3.4-3.8, a rare level of transparency for an OTC acid product. INCI positions are consistent with the stated concentrations.

Evidence visible

Formula pH 3.4-3.8 (active acid range)Publicly supported

The brand explicitly states the pH range on the product page. At this pH, AHAs are predominantly in free-acid form, maximising exfoliation activity.

Evidence visible

Suitable for weekly use onlyPublicly supported

Clear weekly-use frequency guidance is communicated on packaging, consistent with the 32% total acid load and the potential for barrier disruption with more frequent application.

Evidence visible

Fragrance-freePublicly supported

No parfum, fragrance, or scent-use essential oils are present in the published INCI.

Evidence visible

Individual AHA component percentages within 25% totalNeeds proof

The proportions of glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acid within the 25% AHA total are not individually specified. Glycolic acid's INCI position suggests it is the dominant AHA, but the split cannot be confirmed.

Missing

About this review

A triple-acid peel combining AHA (glycolic/lactic), PHA (gluconolactone), and BHA (salicylic acid) - each targeting a different layer of the skin surface. pH is disclosed, which is essential for understanding whether the acids are active and at what strength. This is one of the most transparent acid products reviewed on The Clean Sheet. Not for sensitive or barrier-compromised skin. Do not combine with retinoids on the same night.

Independent reviewPublic evidence only
Full methodology
  • What global regulations say about each ingredient
  • What toxicology evidence shows at cosmetic concentrations
  • What formula concentration context changes
  • What the product format and leave-on contact time changes
  • What the stated user group needs
  • What published test evidence confirms
  • What the brand is claiming vs what evidence supports

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