Versus

Minimalist Tranexamic 03% Versus The Raw Niacinamide 5% Serum

Serum
Serum
Indian Brand India
Malaysian Brand Malaysia

Updated on February 03, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 4 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain AHA, BHA and hyaluronic acid

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

Minimalist Tranexamic 03% 20 ingredients

The Raw Niacinamide 5% Serum 38 ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Minimalist Tranexamic 03% 20 ingredients

The Raw Niacinamide 5% Serum 38 ingredients

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Niacinamide 5% Serum

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.

Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.

These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:

Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate
Masking, Preservative, Skin Conditioning

Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is one of the most well-known ingredients for treating skin that struggles with blackheads and acne. It helps to exfoliate both the skin's surface and pores, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

This multitasking property makes it a great ingredient for cleaning out pores, controlling oil production, and reducing inflammation.

Unlike AHAs which are water soluble, Salicylic Acid is oil soluble. This means that it's able to exfoliate the inside of pores and reduce blackheads.

Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.

It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing a Salicylic Acid into your routine.

In general, Salicylic Acid is a great ingredient for oily acne-prone skin.

While salicylic acid does not increase sun-sensitivity, we still recommend wearing SPF.

If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.

Learn more about Salicylic Acid
Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.

When to use

Minimalist Tranexamic 03% 20 ingredients

The Raw Niacinamide 5% Serum 38 ingredients

65 Routines
31% use in am
69% use in pm
80% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
29 Routines
45% use in am
55% use in pm
90% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Minimalist Tranexamic 03% 20 ingredients

3.3 /5
from 3 ratings
Absorbs Well (1) Broke Me Out (1) Great Value (1)
ThrowMeAway's avatar

ThrowMeAway

6 months ago
Review

I've heard such great things about tranxemic acid. I wanted to use something to help get rid of PIH. This caused a huge FA flare up. Tranxemic Acid is derived from an amino acid - Lysine.

When amino acids are in the presence of lipids (fats, fatty acids, oils, esters etc.) they can enhance the growth of malassezia. Since we naturally have fats and oils on our skin, amino acids can be Show more

#broke me out
amithamaria's avatar

Amitha Maria

5 months ago
Review

I've been using this for years- on and off. Using it as an overnight serum gives me glowy, soft skin the next day. Dark spots fade much quicker while I'm on this! I try to use it atleast 3-4x a week. Works better than most brightening serums I use, and doesn't irritate my sebderm!

#great value
#absorbs well
#no scent
#works well

The Raw Niacinamide 5% Serum 38 ingredients

4.5 /5
from 2 ratings
Absorbs Well (1) Great Value (1) No Scent (1)
Fuyu's avatar

Kaed Kzha

3 months ago
Review

My skin is sensitive oily acne prone skin. It works well to control acne, as well as the scars (but might need to use tranexamic acid if you have pie / pih). Watery texture so easy to absorb into the skin. I use at night only

#great value
#absorbs well
#no scent
#works well