Malin & Goetz Must-Have B5 Moisturizer

By: Marlen Elliot Harrison

SUMMARY: I discovered this great product from American apothecary Malin + Goetz as part of the guest amenities at the Hudson Hotel (NYC) this past spring. I so loved its soothing hydration and oil-free formula that it has become my go-to moisturizer; in the winter it's great for chapped hands and now in the summer it's perfect for after-sun care. Enriched with shea butter, honey, and glycerin.

"Our intensive and luxurious best-selling cream is both oil-free and residue-free. This nourishing treatment scientifically synthesizes provitamin b5 and soothing bergamot extract with absorbent fatty acids for instant performance and results. Non-greasy formula does not leave a false sense of moisture, and there is no wait-time before dressing. Naturally hydrates and ph balances all skin types. Natural fragrance and color." MalinandGoetz.com

BeautyAlmanac product page: https://www.beautyalmanac.com/malin-goetz-vitamin-b5-body-moisturizer/16272

THE BRAND: Have you heard about the New York-based apothecary and lab, Malin + Goetz? Their candles, lotions, fragrances and cleansers have been slowly gaining notoriety since the company started back in 2004. With a focus on sensitive skin and "hydration science", Malin + Goetz's products are produced within their local community (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut).

"Family-owned-and-operated, our original apothecary launched in NYC’s Chelsea neighborhood in 2004, focusing on the needs of women and men with sensitive skin. Matthew Malin suffers from rosacea, eczema, seborrhea, fragrance allergies and dry skin. He and Andrew Goetz have developed easy-to-use treatments to be both gentle and effective for multiple skin conditions. Our advanced formulas blend trusted natural ingredients with performance technologies for the face, body and hair. Our perfumes and candles, highlighting that we do not use synthetic fragrances in our treatments, offer beautiful sensory experiences and luxurious gift-giving options." MalinandGoetz.com

BeautyAlmanac Malin & Goetz brand page: https://www.beautyalmanac.com/brand/malin-goetz/576

USE: "After cleansing, apply a small amount of concentrated, quickly absorbent moisturizer onto body. Reapply as often as necessary throughout the day. Especially effective for hands and feet before bed. " MalinandGoetz.com

I first tried the B5 moisturizer on a cold, snowy day; my hands and fingers had become quite dry and red and I was fortunate that my hotel provided travel-sized Malin & Goetz products. I was happy with the quick absorption of the white, cream moisturizer and that my hands didn't feel greasy after use. I confess that I had forgotten my facial moisturizer and so out of desperation tried this on face and scalp as well. I would typically never apply a hand and body moisturizer to face but was surprised that my sensitive skin experienced no irritation and the bergamot- and B5-enriched formula were both moisturizing and soothing.

AROMA & TEXTURE: Malin+Goetz B5 Moisturizer is a light, non-greasy, white cream that quickly absorbs into skin for maximum effect. The moisturizer is lightly scented with subtle citrus.

INGREDIENTS: (via Birchbox.com) Purified Water (Aqua Purificata), Tricaprylin, Butylene Glycol, Behenyl Behenate, Isohexadecane, Glycerin, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Dimethicone, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-1, Stearic Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Bergamot (Citrus Aurantium Bergamia), Polysorbate 60, Caprylyl Glycol, Limonene, Carbomer, Mel (Honey) Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Cholesterol, Linalool, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Hexylene Glycol, Disodium Edta, Sodium Pca, Xanthan Gum, Citral, Geraniol, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Methylisothiazolinone.

PROS & CONS: Wonderful aroma; safe for sensitive skin; mutli-purpose moisturizer (tested on face and scalp as well), oil-free, ethically and locally produced in the USA.

2-3 times the price of major supermarket brands; has a noticeable fragrance.

Via Birchbox.com: "Was prepared to love it but I'm really disappointed. I was originally wow'ed by the Bergamot Body Wash and decided to take a chance on this lotion. Well...I love the scent (Bergamot) and that's about it. My skin feels filmy whether I use very little or a generous amount. Takes a while to absorb and does nothing special for my sensitive skin. Overpriced, especially for a size that won't last for a month. I get better results from a drugstore brand. Will not repurchase."

Via Birchbox.com: "This is one of my favorite moisturizers. It feels light on my skin and smooths in easily. I love the color and how natural it feels! I have very dry skin and it is not easy to find a product that isn't sticky or heavy or smells too much. The vitamin b5 from malin+goetz is one of the best I've found!"

WHERE CAN I BUY IT? MalinandGoetz.com $40 USD for 7.5 ozs.

Products mentioned in article

Malin & Goetz Vitamin B5 Body Moisturizer

Marlen Elliot Harrison

Dr. Marlen Elliot Harrison’s journalism in the fragrance industry has appeared in international print and online publications such as Playboy...(more)