Word: Richard Smith

Richard Smith had the opportunity to interview proprietors of what can be described as the modern day apothecary named MALIN + GOETZ. Matthew Malin and Andrew Goetz are considered at the forefront of safe, natural and modern ingredients in their face, body and hair products.

DS: (To Matthew) With your background in the retail industry and as a cosmetics buyer what were your objectives when launching your own brand and products compared to those you’ve work for?

Like many of the businesses both Andrew and I have worked, we wanted a brand that was special, had a soul—was family owned and operated. We also looked to make skincare easy and uncomplicated—it is very complicated with false claims, hyperbole, and over-marketing of unnecessary products, ingredients and regimens. Finally, we wanted it to address a sensitive skin first so that anyone could use it—helping make it easy.

DS: (To Andrew) With your background in marketing is that your main role in Malin + Goetz or do you both have your fingers in both pies (so to speak!)?

When you have your own business – it’s not possible to do just one thing. Not only do I have my fingers in other Pies – but we are baking them as well…so to speak. That being said, as we mature and grow, we are trying to have more specific roles – but you still need to be involved with all aspects; if not on a daily basis.

DS: Were you both always conscientious about body care before launching Malin + Goetz?

When I met Andrew 16 years ago, he used a single bar of soap to wash his face, body, hair and shave. I was a beauty buyer for Barneys and had countless products available to me. Suffice to say, we have found some common ground.

DS: What do Malin + Goetz products offer that is different than many other brands on the market?

A simple approach to skincare and an assurance that it is gentle and effective—even for the most sensitive of skin. It is also honest and trusted—never making false claims.

DS: The majority of your products are unisex – was this an intention from the start and why?

Yes. It was the plan. If you think of your grandparents’ skincare 100 years ago, it was unisex or gender neutral. It was not complicated. Our brand modernizes this concept, using technology to improve on the trusted natural apothecary formulas that effectively addressed a need.

DS: What are your latest ‘treats’ from the Malin + Goetz apothecary?

We just launched a natural Eucalyptus Deodorant – which I can confidently say was very affective in the very humid environment of Hong Kong. Some other new treats are our Moisturizing Shampoo – it’s really lovely and the natural scent of Basil and Neroli make it pretty irresistible. It’s counter part – our new Intensive Hair Mask is a 5 minute mask and has a gorgeous natural Almond extract scent. We also have a Gentle Neroli Shampoo – which is great for those with sensitive scalps or if you are washing your hair more than once a day.

DS: Your products are not tested on animals (a big thumbs up!) – how do you test your products to ensure they don’t cause unwanted reactions?

Thank you – we love animals; we have 2 adorable dogs too. We do not use any experimental ingredients, but the real testing is done on ourselves. We personally test all our products for a long time to make sure they perform and do not irritate. And Matthew has extremely sensitive skin, so he’s a really good test.

MALIN+GOETZ products are available at the Lane Crawford department store in Causeway Bay.