3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid has an extensive safety record and is stable across pH ranges unlike pure L-ascorbic acid. No synthetic fragrance, no parabens, no SLES, no formaldehyde releasers, no restricted UV filters. The base solvent here is Centella Asiatica leaf extract rather than plain water — Centella is inherently anti-inflammatory, making it a smart choice in an actives-forward formula. Gluconolactone, a polyhydroxy acid (PHA), provides the gentlest exfoliation class available and is considered appropriate even for rosacea-prone skin. Dimethyl Isosorbide, appearing early in the list, increases how deeply the vitamin C and other actives penetrate the skin — a useful design choice, with the minor trade-off of slightly greater systemic absorption of everything in the formula. Citric Acid appears near the end of the list and is acting as a pH adjuster here, not as a functional exfoliant.

The vitamin C form used here — 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid at a confirmed 10% — is stable across a wider pH range than pure L-ascorbic acid, which matters for shelf life in Indian heat. It appears second in the ingredient list after the Centella Asiatica base, confirming high concentration. Gluconolactone at position 8 adds gentle exfoliation that helps vitamin C work more effectively at the skin surface. Two forms of hyaluronic acid (standard and hydrolysed lower molecular weight) are included, addressing different depths of the skin. Acetyl Glucosamine at 1% (brand-confirmed) adds an extra brightening mechanism by inhibiting melanin synthesis. The formula pH has not been disclosed by the brand, which is worth noting since EAA has an optimal activity range.

The full ingredient list is available on beminimalist.co. Both the 10% 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid and 1% Acetyl Glucosamine concentrations are confirmed by the brand. The '86% pure vitamin C equivalent' framing on marketing materials is technically meaningful but leans towards promotional language. No claims such as 'dermatologist tested' or 'clinically proven' are made for this formula. No third-party clinical reports have been published. The formula pH is not publicly disclosed.

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