Miniderm 20%
Miniderm 20%
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, fragrance-free emollient cream with 20% glycerol that deeply moisturizes and normalizes dry skin. Clinically proven to strengthen the skin barrier, this Swedish pharmacy staple is suitable for the whole family, including babies and those with sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
Intense Hydration
20% glycerol acts as a powerful humectant, drawing moisture into the skin and keeping it hydrated throughout the day.
Texture & feel
SENSORYIntense Hydration
20% glycerol acts as a powerful humectant, drawing moisture into the skin and keeping it hydrated throughout the day.
Barrier Restoration
Contains cholesterol and emollients that help restore and strengthen the skin's natural protective barrier.
Natural Rapeseed Oil
Hydrogenated rapeseed (canola) oil provides softening fats that leave skin supple without irritation.
Gentle Formula
Designed not to sting or burn, making it perfect for daily use on children and adults with sensitive skin.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Safe to use during pregnancy and while nursing.
Contains canola oil and other fatty acids (C11-C24) that can feed Malassezia yeast. Avoid if you have fungal acne.
Preserved with methylparaben and ethylparaben. These are well-studied and generally considered safe at cosmetic concentrations.
Clinically proven barrier-strengthening effect even for people with atopic eczema. Fragrance-free to minimize irritation.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSGlycerin (Glycerol) 20%Proven
A powerful humectant naturally found in the skin. At 20% concentration, it provides exceptional moisture-binding properties that help normalize dry skin conditions.
- Research: A 2016 study found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
- Function: Draws moisture from the environment and deeper skin layers to hydrate the stratum corneum.
- Safety: One of the safest and most well-tolerated skincare ingredients available.
PetrolatumProven
Also known as petroleum jelly, this is one of the most effective occlusive ingredients available, reducing transepidermal water loss by up to 99%.
- Function: Creates a protective barrier that locks moisture into the skin.
- Benefit: Excellent for healing dry, cracked, and irritated skin.
- History: Used safely in skincare for over 150 years.
Canola Oil (Hydrogenated Rapeseed Oil)Emollient
A natural vegetable oil rich in fatty acids that softens and conditions the skin without leaving a heavy, greasy feeling.
- Source: Derived from rapeseed, a common Nordic crop.
- Function: Provides emollient properties that make skin soft and supple.
CholesterolBarrier Support
A naturally occurring lipid that makes up about 25% of the intercellular matrix in skin. Essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier.
- Function: Helps repair and strengthen the skin's protective barrier.
- Benefit: Improves skin's ability to retain moisture and resist irritants.
14 ingredients
Aqua, Glycerin, Petrolatum, Canola Oil (Hydrogenated Rapeseed Oil), Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil), Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Paraffin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Cholesterol, Citric Acid, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply at least twice daily, especially after bathing or contact with water. Use as the moisturizer step in your routine.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse Your Skin
Start with clean skin. For best results, apply after bathing when skin is slightly damp to lock in moisture.
Apply Generously
Take a sufficient amount and apply to dry areas of the face or body. Use as much as the skin can absorb.
Massage Gently
Massage into the skin until absorbed. The cream should not feel sticky when properly absorbed.
Repeat Daily
Apply at least twice daily for best results. Regular use normalizes dry skin over time.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have dry, very dry, or rough skin
- You suffer from eczema or atopic dermatitis
- You need a fragrance-free moisturizer
- You want a family-friendly product safe for babies
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Your skin is sensitive and easily irritated
- You live in cold, dry climates
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis)
- You prefer paraben-free products
- You have very oily or acne-prone skin
- You want a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula
- You need a product with active anti-aging ingredients
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESThis is what Miniderm was designed for. The 20% glycerol provides intense, lasting hydration for dry and very dry skin.
Fragrance-free and formulated not to sting or burn. Well-tolerated even by babies and those with reactive skin.
Great for dry patches. Apply to dry areas only; may be too rich for naturally oily T-zone.
Rich texture may feel heavy on oily skin. Use sparingly or consider a lighter alternative.
Comedogenic rating of 2/5. May work for some, but not ideal for those prone to clogged pores. Not fungal acne safe.
Results timeline
ONGOINGInstant Softening
Skin feels immediately softer and more comfortable. The rich cream creates a protective layer that relieves tightness and dryness.
95% noticed immediate reliefImproved Hydration
With consistent twice-daily use, skin begins to retain moisture better. Flaky patches and rough texture start to smooth out.
80% saw improvementNormalized Skin
Regular treatment normalizes dry skin. The barrier function is strengthened, and skin becomes more resilient to environmental stressors.
90% achieved normalized skinMaintained Results
Continued daily use maintains healthy, hydrated skin. Many users report significant reduction in eczema flare-ups with consistent use.
Clinical efficacy provenRatings by platform
1K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Exceptional hydration with 20% glycerol
- Safe for babies, children, and adults
- Completely fragrance-free
- Clinically proven effectiveness
- Safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Strengthens skin barrier
- Relieves itching and discomfort
- Made by trusted Swedish pharmacy brand
Criticized
- Not fungal acne safe
- Contains parabens (methylparaben, ethylparaben)
- Rich texture may be too heavy for oily skin
- Takes a few minutes to fully absorb
- Limited availability outside Scandinavia
- Higher price when imported
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESContains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin. Widely available. Similar barrier-repair focus but with MVE technology for time-release hydration.
Contains 5% urea plus ceramides and Natural Moisturizing Factors. Excellent for very dry skin with gentle exfoliating benefits.
Free of parabens, dyes, and fragrances. Simple, gentle formula ideal for sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Less occlusive than Miniderm.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
6 MONTHS6 months after opening
Store at room temperature below 25°C (77°F). Keep away from direct sunlight and heat.
Available in 100g tube or 500g pump bottle for convenient dispensing.
100g tube is TSA-compliant for carry-on luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, ACO Miniderm 20% is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens that are typically avoided during pregnancy. The main active ingredient, glycerol, is a naturally occurring compound that is well-tolerated and has no known risks during pregnancy or nursing.
No, ACO Miniderm 20% is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains canola oil (hydrogenated rapeseed oil) and other fatty acids with carbon chain lengths between C11-C24 that can feed Malassezia yeast. If you have fungal acne or Malassezia folliculitis, consider alternatives like Malezia moisturizer or products specifically formulated to be fungal acne safe.
Yes, ACO Miniderm 20% can be used alongside active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, and AHA/BHA. Apply the active first, let it absorb, then follow with Miniderm as your moisturizing step. The occlusive ingredients help seal in the actives and prevent moisture loss. If using retinol, Miniderm can help buffer potential irritation while maintaining hydration.
ACO Miniderm 20% is best for dry, very dry, and sensitive skin types. It's especially excellent for those with eczema or atopic dermatitis, as it has clinically proven barrier-strengthening effects. It's also ideal for anyone experiencing seasonal dryness, flaky skin, or skin that feels tight and uncomfortable. Those with oily or acne-prone skin may find it too rich.
You'll feel immediate softening and relief upon application. With consistent twice-daily use, most people see noticeable improvement in skin hydration and texture within 1-2 weeks. For full normalization of dry skin and strengthened barrier function, expect 4-6 weeks of regular use. Clinical studies have proven its effectiveness with continued application.
Apply ACO Miniderm 20% as your moisturizer step, typically after cleansing, toning, and any serums or treatments. Apply to slightly damp skin for best absorption. If you need extra occlusion, you can layer a heavier occlusive like Vaseline on top. Always apply sunscreen as the final step in your morning routine.
ACO Miniderm 20% has a comedogenic rating of approximately 2 out of 5. It contains petrolatum, canola oil, and cetearyl alcohol, which have low to moderate comedogenic potential. While many people with normal to dry skin use it without issues, those who are highly prone to clogged pores or acne may want to patch test first or consider lighter alternatives.
ACO Miniderm 20% should be used within 6 months after opening. Store the product at room temperature below 25°C (77°F), away from direct sunlight and heat. The 500g pump bottle helps maintain hygiene by minimizing finger contact with the product, potentially extending its usable life.
Verdict: ACO Miniderm 20% is an exceptional, clinically-proven moisturizer for dry and sensitive skin. With its high concentration of glycerol and gentle, fragrance-free formula, it's a Swedish pharmacy staple that delivers real results for the whole family. While not suitable for fungal acne prone skin and containing parabens that some may wish to avoid, it excels at its primary purpose: deeply hydrating and normalizing dry skin while strengthening the barrier. If you have dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin and need a reliable, pregnancy-safe moisturizer, this is an excellent choice backed by decades of Nordic skincare expertise.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 4 |
Petrolatum
Emollient, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Uv Absorber, Moisturising, Skin-Conditioning Agent - Occlusive
|
|
|
| 1 |
Canola Oil
Skin Conditioning, Emollient
|
|
|
| 0 |
Paraffinum Liquidum
Emollient, Skin Protecting, Solvent
|
|






