What Is the Minimalist Glycolic Acid 8% Exfoliating Liquid?

This product is a leave on exfoliating toner that uses 8% Glycolic Acid, a water soluble AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) derived from sugarcane. Glycolic acid works on the skin’s surface to loosen dead skin cells, fade pigmentation, and enhance skin radiance over time. Unlike physical exfoliants, which rely on friction, glycolic acid gently dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells, making it less damaging and far more effective.

The product is designed for night time use and helps with multiple skin concerns: dullness, uneven skin tone, rough texture, post acne marks, and even mild bumps (like keratosis pilaris). Its lightweight formula is free from fragrance, silicones, parabens, sulphates, and essential oils making it a safer option for sensitive or reactive skin.

Formulated at a pH of around 3.5–3.8, it ensures the glycolic acid remains effective while still being gentle enough for beginners. It’s a great introduction to chemical exfoliation for anyone new to actives.

Ingredient Breakdown: Smart, Targeted, Minimal

Minimalist as a brand prides itself on clean, purposeful ingredients and this exfoliant is no different. Every ingredient is selected to enhance performance without unnecessary fillers or irritants.

Here’s what’s inside:

• Glycolic Acid (8%): The hero of the formula. This AHA helps increase cell turnover, unclog pores, fade pigmentation, and reveal brighter skin. It’s known for being effective on texture, dullness, and uneven tone.

• Aloe Vera Juice: A natural skin soother that counteracts any potential irritation from glycolic acid. It hydrates and calms the skin, making the formula gentler overall.

• Tasmanian Pepper berry Extract: This plant extract is packed with anti inflammatory properties. It helps reduce stinging, redness, or discomfort that sometimes occurs with AHAs.

• Polyglutamic Acid: A super hydrator that holds four times more moisture than hyaluronic acid. It helps replenish skin after exfoliation and prevents dryness.

• Propylene Glycol & Butylene Glycol: These are safe, moisture retaining solvents that enhance ingredient absorption and help maintain hydration.

There are no unnecessary fragrances, dyes, silicones, or comedogenic ingredients which is a big win, especially for sensitive skin types or acne prone users.

My Experience: One Month of Use, Real Results

When introducing exfoliants, I always go slow. Here’s how my skin reacted week by week:

Week 1:
I applied it twice a week at night after cleansing, using a cotton pad to gently swipe it across my face. I experienced a very mild tingling sensation for a few seconds, which is normal for first time AHA users. No redness, no irritation. My skin felt soft and smooth the next morning.

Week 2:
I started noticing improvements in skin texture particularly around my forehead and chin. The tiny bumps I usually get from congestion seemed reduced. My overall skin tone looked slightly brighter and more even.

Week 3:
Dark spots and post-acne marks started to look lighter. The glow was more visible, and I was waking up with skin that looked rested and clearer. I increased usage to 3 nights a week (not consecutive), still with no signs of dryness or irritation.

Week 4:
By now, my skin looked more polished. The dullness was gone, and my skin tone had a natural, dewy finish. Makeup sat better on my skin. I even got a few compliments about my skin “looking fresh.”

I didn’t pair it with other actives like retinol or Vitamin C on the same nights just a gentle cleanser, this exfoliating liquid, and a barrier-repairing moisturizer.

Texture, Packaging & Application

The texture of this product is very lightweight and watery, almost like a toner. It absorbs within seconds, with no sticky or oily residue. It doesn’t dry out the skin either, which can often happen with acid based exfoliants.

The product comes in a sleek, black matte finish bottle with a narrow nozzle for easy pouring. The minimal packaging is not just aesthetically pleasing it’s functional and spill proof, which makes it great for travel too.

How I used it:

1. Cleanse your face with a gentle, non-exfoliating cleanser.

2. Pat dry and apply the Glycolic Acid Liquid using either fingers or a cotton pad.

3. Follow with a moisturizer that focuses on hydration and barrier support (like ceramides or panthenol).

4. SPF is non-negotiable the next morning.

Remember: Don’t use this on broken, inflamed, or freshly shaved skin.

Who Should Use This Product?

The Minimalist Glycolic Acid 8% Exfoliating Liquid is best suited for:

• People with dull or uneven skin tone

• Anyone dealing with rough skin texture or bumps

• Those with post acne marks and mild pigmentation

• Beginners to AHAs who want a non intimidating product

• Oily, combination, and normal skin types

Caution if you:

• Have very sensitive or eczema prone skin

• Are already using retinoids, Vitamin C, or benzoyl peroxide in the same routine

• Have active acne or broken skin (you’ll want to address inflammation first)

Start slowly once a week and observe how your skin responds. Over exfoliation can do more harm than good.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Smooths texture and reveals brighter skin

• Helps fade pigmentation and dark spots over time

• Gentle, beginner friendly formulation

• Fragrance free and non irritating

• Lightweight, quick absorbing texture

• Value for money compared to global AHA products

Cons:

• Mild tingling during initial uses

• Needs consistent SPF use the next day

• Not an overnight miracle results are gradual

• Not ideal for very sensitive or damaged skin

Final Verdict: Should You Try It?

If you’re looking for a chemical exfoliant that’s effective, non-irritating, and easy to add to your routine, the Minimalist Glycolic Acid 8% is definitely worth trying. It balances performance with gentleness, and the clean formulation makes it beginner and budget friendly.

It helped me achieve smoother skin and a natural glow without causing dryness or breakouts. This product makes exfoliation approachable even for those who’ve been nervous to try acids.