Could you please introduce yourselves? 

M.M: I am Matthew Malin, co-founder of the skincare brand, MALIN+GOETZ.

A.G: I’m Andrew Goetz, one half of our eponymous professional and personal opus, Malin+Goetz.

Where are you based and how are you dealing with the current global health situation?

M.M: we are based in NYC but are lucky to have a weekend home in the Hudson Valley, two hours north of NYC.  We have been there since March or when the pandemic began.  Luckily, life here is fairly easy and the virus has not had the same impact as in other places.   

A.G: We are very fortunate to have a wonderful vegetable garden to distract us from the health crisis. The health crisis has been decidedly less stressful in the countryside compared to being in town.

What is M+G in 3 words, with respect to other skincare natural brands? 

M.M:Skincare made easy.

A.G: Uncomplicated. Efficacious. Cool.

Your motto is « uncomplicate your regimen ». What are the basic products for an effective skincare routine? 

M.M: A great cleanser and a great moisturizer, whether for your face, scalp or body.  

A.G: We always start out introducing our Grapefruit Face Cleanser, Vitamin E Face Moisturizer, Bergamot Body Wash, Vitamin B5 Body Moisturizer, Peppermint Shampoo, and Cilantro Conditioner.  Of course, we have many more products to address any specific problems, or aging concerns.  But establishing a paired down efficacious routine is the foundation to wonderfully healthy skin, be it on your face, your body or your scalp.

Since the beginning, M+G focuses on repairing sensitive skin’s natural balance. What is the main challenge to reach that?  

M.M: Formulations! They are complicated.We have always strived to create simple to use formulas that are effective, leaving out irritants and unnecessary ingredients that are often packed into other brand's formulas for marketing reasons.  We take a less-is-more approach from start to finish and minimalism is the hardest state to achieve.

A.G: Different people, with different skin conditions, and different ages may have different challenges.  But in general, we are vocal advocates of a minimalist approach.  In fact, many sensitivities come from not only using the wrong products, but simply using too many products.  Not to sound terribly cliché, but less is not only more; it’s better.  You will notice a dramatic difference in your skin by using great products, and less of them.  Eliminating artificially and heavily fragranced product will also make a difference.  So, the big challenge is convincing people that they don’t need a complicated protocol. 

What are the products you specifically recommend to take care of sensitive skin?  

M.M: Start with a great foundation of basics or essentials:  Grapefruit Face Cleanser and Vitamin E Face Moisturizer.  They create perfect pH balance in two simple steps. 

A.G: Our Grapefruit Face Cleanser gently washes away the toughest city pollutants without stripping or drying your skin.  Followed by our Vitamin E Face Moisturizer, which contains nourishing Vitamin E, and soothing chamomile – among many other hydrating ingredients, it’s a great duo for those with sensitive skin.  And people tend to forget that your scalp is actually part of your dermo sphere. So highly fragranced shampoos and conditioners may make your hair smell nice, but they are generally not a good idea for a healthy scalp.  Our Peppermint Shampoo is gently clarifying, while our Cilantro Conditioner calms and soothes the scalp – and they are great for your hair too!

Your products’ first appeal is smell. Why has your Eucalyptus Deodorant become a bestseller?  

M.M: Thank you.  We take great care to create products FIRST for their effectiveness and efficacy and often this includes natural ingredients that also smell beautiful--bonus! The Eucalyptus Deodorant is just that--the main ingredient, eucalyptus, is known to be naturally anti-bacterial and odor fighting.  And it smells fresh and clean to boot!  Nature is great.  

A.G: We know how important an olfactory experience is to any product.  It’s likely the first experience someone has with a product.  So, it is indeed critical that that first experience be a good one.  And this of course holds true for the absence of smell – which is of course critical when it comes to perspiration.  Our Eucalyptus Deodorant incorporates natural eucalyptus – which has a naturally refreshing scent – not as a fragrance to mask perspiration, but to eliminate odor.  This product has become a massive best seller for us because it works so incredibly well.  It really does naturally eliminate odor, and it’s also free of aluminum and alcohol – the former being linked to breast cancer.  So, it’s a really healthy product that works, and because there is not aluminum – it won’t stain your clothes yellow.  Both you and your wardrobe benefit!  

Another bestseller is the Vitamin E Face Moisturizer. How does Vitamin E provide skin with its natural balance?   

M.M: While plant derived Vitamin e is a natural moisturizing agent, this formula is focused on plant based fatty acids in general.  This allows for water soluble and hydrating ingredients to absorb quickly without excess residue.  So, if you are dry, you get relief.  If you are oily, no residue.  Balance. 

A.G: Vitamin E is a really wonderful ingredient.  It a great antioxidant and helps protect your skin from free radicals. Vitamin E will keep your skin well balanced and very healthy; and of course, well moisturized.

Tell us more about your haircare line. What is its main focus? 

M.M: We are a brand that uncomplicates skincare--face, body and scalp.  Our haircare range is a scalp first assortment of essential cleansers and moisturizers, that, like our other categories, incorporates treatments as needed.

A.G: Hair of course!  Kidding aside, our hair care is very much about scalp care.  An unhealthy scalp will contribute to unhealthy hair.  Too oily a scalp, and you have greasy limp hair.  Too dry, and you could have flaking, and/or frizzy hair.  Healthy hair literally starts at your scalp.

Any projects for the following months?  

M.M: So many!  We have a new candle, new fragrance, a new body product (that will make a lot of people happy), and the list goes on.  Stay tuned.

A.G: Yes!  There are always new projects in the works.  New skincare, body care, hair care, candles and EDPs are all in the works.  I won’t get specific and ruin the surprise.  But we ‘Nose’ you will love them…