Design 
Quality of Materials 
Value for Money 
Craftsmanship 
Customer Service I get confused easily.
Have you ever walked through a grocery store or Walgreens and noticed their aisles of deodorants, toothpastes, and lotions and just thought, “What do all these products even do?”
It seems like there’s a specific product for every body part.
It’s complex. And it stresses me out.
I’m a simple guy who likes a few, but quality items. One go-to bag, one go-to pair of sneakers, you get the idea.
Same with my body: I like to find something that works and only use that.
Over the years, I’ve tried a few different cheaper lotions and shampoos with varying success. After I learned about Malin+Goetz (and even visited one of their stores), I was excited to see if their premium products did what they said they did.
I picked up a few of their signature items to report back. Keep reading for my full scoop.
What Is Malin+Goetz?
Malin+Goetz is all about quality and efficiency. According to the brand, “… our products are meant to be gentle, effective + efficient for even the most sensitive skin.”
Matthew Malin and Andrew Goetz founded the company in 2004 in their New York City apartment with the goal of uncomplicating skincare. Because they were constrained by space, they initially started with six essential products that any skin type could use.
They create the products with the environment in mind. The formulas call for sustainable ingredients, they don’t use unnecessary packaging, and they still manufacture most of the products within a 90-mile radius of New York City.
Things to Consider Before Buying
If you want to take better care of your skin, Malin+Goetz will have a product for you. They have extensive lines for your face, body, hair, scent, travel, and even home.
The brand uses premium ingredients like eucalyptus and bergamot, and this comes with a price tag.
Like I mentioned previously, I’m used to a drugstore brand of lotion that’s around $10. My shampoo is around the same price.
Before trying Malin+Goetz, I had never considered deodorant or moisturizers in the $20+ range. Are you willing to invest in high-end skincare?
If the products are working for you, you should also be aware that, unlike many other brands, Malin+Goetz doesn’t offer a subscription option. So, whenever you need to get a refill, you’ll have to go to their website and manually place another order.
Malin+Goetz accomplishes 3 things: their ingredients are easy to comprehend, the directions are simple, and the results are effective. With quality ingredients and unique scents, the brand turns everyday tasks like showering into a spa-like experience. As a guy, I've even surprised myself by just how much I like that.
My Hands-On Review
Shampoo
As much as it bothers me, I have really bad dandruff. I always wash my hair properly, and I’ve tried a few different anti-dandruff brands, but ultimately, I have resorted to a low-cost store brand that does the trick.
My philosophy is to find the cheapest solution for my scalp problem and invest in my actual hair.
Malin+Goetz’s signature bestselling Peppermint Shampoo is like the Mercedes of shampoo. It feels luxurious while not being too pretentious.
It’s vegan, cruelty free, and my favorite part—not made with synthetic ingredients. It also incorporates amino acids for cleansing and peppermint extract that leaves an incredible smell.
The shampoo is a straightforward product. After I wash off my anti-dandruff shampoo, I’ll get about a penny-sized squirt of Peppermint Shampoo and let it sit. It foams up really nicely, and it made me feel like I was at one of those fancy barbers where they massage your head after.
I found that the peppermint scent woke me up a bit and left a cooling effect on my head. I’d describe it as a “massage in a bottle.” After using the shampoo, my hair feels full and hydrated for the day, not dry and frizzy like it typically does.
At over $20 for a bottle, it’s definitely not cheap. I estimate an eight-ounce bottle will last me about two months, so for a product I only have to buy occasionally, I think it’s worth the investment.
If nothing else, it adds a little luxury to my day, which is never a bad thing.
Malin+Goetz’s signature bestselling Peppermint Shampoo is like the Mercedes of shampoo. It feels luxurious while not being too pretentious. It’s vegan, cruelty free, and my favorite part—not made with synthetic ingredients. It also incorporates amino acids for cleansing and peppermint extract that leaves an incredible smell.
Deodorant
Out of all of my skincare upgrades, I was most interested in finding a new deodorant. The more I research, the more I’m convinced that most of the deodorant we guys have traditionally used is absolutely terrible for our bodies.
Looking at you, aluminum.
Like the shampoo, Malin+Goetz’s Eucalyptus Deodorant is vegan, cruelty free, and only uses natural scents. It also is free of aluminum, alcohol, paraben, and baking soda.
It makes me wonder, why would any deodorant have those chemicals? Who would want to put that on their skin?
The stick itself is in a cylindrical shape, a form that has gotten a lot of popularity over the years. We’ve also tested a few other natural deodorant brands that use this shape.
The eucalyptus scent differs from anything I’ve ever used before. It definitely has a more natural smell, the exact opposite of those Axe products you probably used in middle school. It feels more mature.
The smell held up well throughout the day. Of course, it wasn’t as strong as when I first put it on, but it did a solid job keeping my pits feeling fresh.
I’ve noticed with a lot of natural deodorants is that they end up leaving marks on clothes or morphing into a weird smell. Malin+Goetz did neither.
I’m used to paying around $5 for deodorant, so the over-$20 price tag is pretty shocking to me. I love the ingredient list and scent, but it’s more take it or leave it for me. There are other natural deodorant brands for about half the price.
That being said, if you particularly like the eucalyptus smell and can afford it, the Malin+Goetz Deodorant could be your best bet. They also have botanical and bergamot versions that could be interesting to try.
Malin+Goetz’s Eucalyptus Deodorant is vegan, cruelty free, and only uses natural scents. It also is free of aluminum, alcohol, paraben, and baking soda. The eucalyptus scent differs from anything I’ve ever used before. The scent definitely leans more on the natural side, but it still holds up throughout the day without being overpowering.
Vitamin E Face Moisturizer
The Face Moisturizer is another one of Malin+Goetz bestsellers and claims to work for all different ages and skin types. I was interested in what all the rage was about.
Before trying, I didn’t use any face moisturizer because I naturally have soft and healthy skin.
Warning you ahead of time, this is the crème de la crème of moisturizers and comes in at over $50 for the smallest size. It’s made with some of the most optimal ingredients, like Vitamin E which helps protect the top layer of skin, and chamomile oil that soothes.
When first using it, the consistency of the cream surprised me. It was thicker than lotion and had an oily moisture.
I tried to use it pretty sparingly, considering how precious each drop is (at least in terms of price per ounce). It’s definitely effective.
After getting a hot shower, I rub a small amount onto my cheeks and jawline.
Like I mentioned, I already have pretty hydrated skin. After using the Vitamin E Face Moisturizer for a few days, I noticed a small uptick in how my skin felt.
If you typically have dry skin, the Vitamin E Face Moisturizer could be your saving grace in finally finding a product that hydrates your skin for a long time, not just a few minutes.
The Face Moisturizer is one of Malin+Goetz bestsellers and claims to work for all different ages and skin types. It’s made with Vitamin E, which helps protect the top layer of skin, and chamomile oil that soothes. Before testing, I didn’t use any face moisturizer because I naturally have soft and healthy skin, but after using it for a few days, I noticed a slight uptick in how my skin felt. If you typically have dry skin, this could be your saving grace.
Dark Rum Perfume Oil
Malin+Goetz also makes fragrances using premium vegan ingredients. They have a lot of unique scents like strawberry and vetiver.
I opted for their Dark Rum Eu De Parfum because I thought it was the most masculine of the options.
It’s definitely the most unique scent I’ve ever used. This isn’t your James Bond-esque cologne.
At first, it has a bright earthy smell with a strong incorporation of sweet plum. And on the back end, leather and milk.
If you’re the kind of guy who likes to be different and change things up, the Dark Rum oil could be for you. But, it’s also not something to write home about.
One of the more masculine of their scent options, the Malin+Goetz Dark Rum Parfum is definitely the most unique fragrance I’ve ever used! At first, it has a bright, earthy smell with a strong incorporation of sweet plum fading to leather and milk on the back end. If you’re the kind of guy who likes to be different and change things up, the Dark Rum oil could be for you.
Body Wash
Sticking with the signature rum option, I also tested out the Body Wash. Malin+Goetz also markets it as a hand wash.
I usually just use a bar soap in the shower, but sometimes, I like to switch it up.
I’m glad I did. Like the shampoo, the Rum body wash turns a regular wash into a spa day.
They make the bottle with recycled plastic, and the ingredients are also vegan.
Once my body is damp, I grab a few pumps of the body wash, and with some friction, it immediately creates a really nice foam.
I didn’t necessarily feel more clean compared to my standard bar soap, but I definitely got out smelling a lot better.
If you’re like me and use bar soap more frequently than body wash, you could also set this in the kitchen or by the bathroom sink to serve as a hand wash. The versatility is a bonus.
If rum isn’t your thing, Malin+Goetz also makes eucalyptus, bergamot, and lime and cannabis versions. At almost $30 for the smallest bottle, I’d probably just go for a really fancy bar of soap.
Malin+Goetz hand soap combines high-quality skincare, sleek design, and a pleasantly masculine aroma. Ditch the discount soap; this is a bathroom upgrade you'll be proud to show off.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Malin+Goetz has garnered a cult following. Despite being on the pricier side of the market, there’s no shortage of raving customers.
I went through the reviews of all the products I tried to see if anyone had any major quips. All I found was loyal fans saying how they continue to buy Malin+Goetz products once they run out.
The average review across the site is 4.7 stars. Other reviewers noted the versatility, effectiveness, and “amazing” scents. Many folks spoke about buying Malin+Goetz as a gift for their husband or wife and then ended up using it themselves.
Malin+Goetz Alternatives
Geologie
Geologie is one of the biggest players in skin care, specifically for men. Like Malin+Goetz, they make products that are for specific use cases, like morning cream or face wash for daily use.
The two brands have three major differences: emphasis on natural ingredients, price, and routine.
Geologie uses ingredients that are backed by science but doesn’t prioritize natural ingredients like Malin+Goetz does.
A lot of Geologie’s products are in the $18-30 range, whereas Malin+Goetz is more in the $25-50 range. Neither is cheap, but Malin+Goetz is catered more towards the upscale end of the market.
Finally, Geologie is designed like a skincare “system” rather than one-off solutions. When first coming to Geologie, you’re encouraged to take a quiz to figure out what products are best for your particular skin type.
Malin+Goetz’s main value proposition is that their products are for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or skin.
If you want to treat your skin well and not think too hard about how to do it, Geologie is a great place to start. Their well-known Complete Skincare Trial set checks the major boxes of healthy skin maintenance in an easy-to-use system.
Oars + Alps
Oars + Alps is a men’s skincare brand designed for active lifestyles which contrasts with Malin+Goetz’s city dweller focus. They make natural deodorants, body and face washes, and dozens of other products.
While Malin+Goetz is positioned as a premium brand, Oars + Alps is opting for mass-market appeal. For reference, most of Oars + Alps products are 50-75% of the cost of Malin+Goetz’s line.
If I were to choose a brand other than Malin+Goetz, Oars + Alps would be perfect for me because they offer a lot of the same benefits at a lower price point.
Affordable skincare you can toss in a gym bag on your way out the door. This stuff has the quality of your girl's routine, but, you know, isn't pink.
Lumin
Lumin is a brand that’s only been around for a few years and, like Geologie, made just for men. They make a lot of their products with charcoal and they stay away from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and testing on animals.
Thankfully, both brands stay away from harmful ingredients and focus on cleaner ingredients.
Compared to Malin+Goetz, Lumin is very specific about what problems their products solve. You can shop by issues like dull skin, redness, and several other common problems.
Lumin is also better for the budget customer. A lot of their products are under $20 and they even offer a free trial if you take their skincare quiz.
Lumin really shines with their face wash and moisturizer. Their products go on smoothly and don't leave any residues. Most importantly, they work. The brand also carries several spot treatments to help with specific skin care issues.
My Thoughts Overall
What I Like
- All the products are simple and make me second guess if it’s necessary or just a marketing gimmick.
- The scents differ completely from anything else I’ve smelled.
- Natural ingredients and they don’t test on animals.
- Free shipping on all orders.
What I Don’t Like
- The premium ingredients are pricier than the brands I usually buy.
- Their broad-use products may not be the solution for precise skin problems.
Who Is Malin+Goetz For?
Malin+Goetz is for the guy that is ready to up their skin care game with a brand that’s been around for years and trusted by thousands (if not millions) of customers. If you can afford to invest in quality products, Malin+Goetz may be the option for you.
The Verdict
Malin+Goetz accomplishes the goal they set out to.
Their ingredients are easy to comprehend, the directions are simple, and the results are effective.
My favorite products are the best selling Peppermint Shampoo and top-of-the-line Vitamin E Face Moisturizer. With their quality ingredients and unique scents, the brand turns everyday tasks like showering into spa-like experiences.
If you have a typical lifestyle and aren’t doing too many extreme sports, Malin+Goetz probably has something for you that’s better than what you’re currently using. Some of the products like the Body Wash don’t move the needle for me. But, everything I tested was of excellent quality.
I’m excited to see what else Malin+Goetz comes out with because I know it’ll raise the bar.
Malin+Goetz accomplishes 3 things: their ingredients are easy to comprehend, the directions are simple, and the results are effective. With quality ingredients and unique scents, the brand turns everyday tasks like showering into a spa-like experience. As a guy, I've even surprised myself by just how much I like that.
FAQs
Is Malin+Goetz a luxury brand?
Yes, Malin+Goetz is a luxury brand. They make a wide line of high-end body, hair, and home products
Is Malin+Goetz good for your skin?
Yes, the brand only uses natural ingredients in their products, making them perfectly good for your skin.
Is Malin+Goetz good for your hair?
In my experience, they make fantastic shampoos that leave your hair feeling healthy and hydrated.
Is Malin+Goetz a good moisturizer?
Malin+Goetz’ signature Vitamin E Face Moisturizer is one of the best moisturizers I’ve tried. I found I didn’t need to use a lot of it to achieve a noticeable uptick in my skin’s hydration.
