Geologie focuses on personalization across skin, hair, and body care. It uses an online assessment to recommend products based on your concerns, positioning its offerings as personalized.
The brand’s portfolio includes facial cleansers, moisturizers, serums, eye creams, body washes, deodorants, and hair care products. These offerings are designed to address common concerns such as acne, uneven texture, oil imbalance, dryness, and early signs of skin aging.
In this review, we will compare Geologie with similar personalized skincare brands. We will also examine its product range, core strengths, and potential limitations to help you understand better how it positions itself in the broader personal care market.
According to the official website, Geologie focuses on personalized, routine-based options across skincare, acne care, hair care, and body care. The brand positions itself around reducing trial-and-error in skincare by combining dermatologist input, clinically established ingredients, and simplified routines designed for consistent daily use.
Geologie highlights an online skin quiz, developed with guidance from its founding dermatologist, Dr. Steve Xu. The quiz collects information on skin type, existing routines, and specific concerns and is used to recommend customized product combinations rather than isolated products. In terms of product categories, the brand offers face washes, moisturizers, sunscreens, eye creams, serums, exfoliators, masks, and night creams.
As per the official website, Geologie also emphasizes pre-built routines and bundled sets. It offers targeted routines for oily skin, redness relief, sensitive skin, and anti-aging, alongside larger bundled systems such as complete, deluxe, luxury, and ultimate skincare sets.
Superclean Body Wash helps build a dense lather that spreads evenly across the skin. The texture supports cleansing while minimizing friction. As per the official website, the body wash relies on milder cleansing agents that remove sweat, oil, and surface debris without disrupting the skin’s lipid barrier as aggressively by avoiding harsh surfactants like SLS and SLES. The makers state that the Hana and Big Sur scent options in this body wash are derived without artificial fragrance additives.
The Eye Cream – Dark Circle Formula could be used around the delicate under-eye area, where skin is thinner, more vascular, and prone to fluid retention. You can apply it during the day or at night, depending on when puffiness or dark circles are most noticeable.
According to the official website Eye Cream – Dark Circle Formula combines caffeine at a 1% concentration, which can promote vasoconstriction, meaning it temporarily narrows blood vessels near the skin’s surface. This may help reduce the appearance of dark circles that are linked to visible blood vessels or sluggish microcirculation under the eyes. Caffeine also has antioxidant properties, allowing it to neutralize free radicals, which are triggered by environmental stressors, which can contribute to premature skin aging and under-eye fatigue.
The makers also added hyaluronic acid at 2%, which could help bind and retain water within the outer layers of the skin. Hyaluronic acid is known as a glycosaminoglycan found in connective tissues, where it supports hydration and structural cushioning.
Vitamin C+E Ferulic Serum may support your skin tone, texture, and resilience through antioxidant activity. It focuses on addressing visible dullness, uneven tone, and early signs of skin aging through mechanisms linked to oxidative stress and moisture balance.
Vitamin C in this serum may support skin brightness and firmness. It functions as a cofactor in collagen synthesis that helps maintain skin structure and elasticity. Vitamin C also functions as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals generated by UV exposure and pollution that could damage cellular components and contribute to discoloration and fine lines. While topical vitamin C does not reverse existing damage, it may help improve the appearance of uneven tone and surface smoothness over time by supporting normal skin renewal processes.
Vitamin C+E Ferulic Serum also contains vitamin E at 0.5%, which integrates into cell membranes, where it helps protect skin lipids from oxidative degradation. This could help maintain the integrity of the skin barrier, which influences softness and moisture retention. Vitamin E may reduce surface roughness and support a smoother skin feel, especially in environments that promote dryness or irritation by helping stabilize the barrier.
The makers claim that their Retinol Night Cream is formulated for overnight use. You can also apply it in the evening to support gradual changes in skin texture, tone, and oil balance rather than immediate surface effects. The cream is available in three retinol strengths such as 0.1% for sensitive skin, 0.2% for standard use, and 0.3% for extra strength, allowing you to choose a concentration that aligns with your skin’s tolerance and prior exposure to retinoids.
Retinol is known as a vitamin A derivative that works by influencing cellular turnover in the epidermis. It might reduce the appearance of fine lines and uneven texture over time by encouraging older surface cells to shed and be replaced more efficiently.
The cream also combines niacinamide, which may support cellular energy metabolism and lipid synthesis within the skin barrier. It can help strengthen the stratum corneum by supporting ceramide production, which may reduce moisture loss and improve skin resilience.
According to the official website, Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner can help reduce buildup, sweat, and excess oil without aggressively stripping natural lipids. It could work through mild cleansing agents and emollients that loosen debris while coating the hair shaft. The formula options are designed around different scalp and hair needs.
The cooling version combines tea tree and menthol, both of which are associated with sensory stimulation rather than structural hair changes. Menthol activates cold-sensitive receptors in the skin, creating a cooling, tingling sensation that might make the scalp feel refreshed. Tea tree may help reduce the sensation of oiliness or buildup through its interaction with surface microbes.
The smoothing version uses avocado and coconut components to support hydration and softness. Coconut-derived lipids, in particular, are known for their ability to penetrate the hair fiber more effectively than some heavier oils, which may help reduce protein loss during washing. Avocado-derived conditioning agents add emollient support, helping hair feel more flexible and less prone to tangling after rinsing.
The Anti-Aging Skincare Routine is structured as a morning and evening system designed to support skin that shows visible signs of aging, uneven tone, and environmental stress. The routine is available in a 5-piece Complete set, a 6-piece Deluxe set, and an 8-piece Ultimate set, allowing you to scale the routine based on how many targeted steps you want to include.
In this routine, cleansing is handled by the Everyday Face Wash options, including Juniper and Rangamat formulations. These cleansers are intended to remove oil, sweat, and surface debris while maintaining the skin’s natural barrier. Moisturizing steps in the routine, such as the Moisturizing Cream, focus on hydration and barrier support.
Micro Exfoliator & 3-Minute Clay Mask is designed for both face and body, combining mechanical exfoliation with a short-contact clay mask. It could help remove surface buildup and excess oil while also addressing congestion within pores.
The Triple Acid Resurfacing Complex in this mask includes glycolic acid, which allows it to interact efficiently with the bonds holding dead skin cells together on the skin’s surface.
The makers also added salicylic acid, which could move through sebum and reach inside pores, where it helps loosen compacted debris made up of oil and dead skin cells. This process can reduce pore congestion and limit excess oil accumulation.
According to the official website, Micro Exfoliator & 3-Minute Clay Mask also has kaolin and bentonite clays, which provide the purifying component of the formula. These clays work through adsorption rather than chemical exfoliation.
Tone Control Face Cream may support an even-looking tone and texture while helping manage excess oil and surface shine. The makers claim that it works at the outer and upper layers of the skin rather than producing immediate corrective effects.
As per the official website, Tone Control Face Cream contains azelaic acid, which is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid that interacts with skin cells involved in keratin production and pigment signaling. It helps normalize how skin cells shed and renew, which can improve uneven texture over time.
SPF 15 in this cream adds a layer of daily sun protection, helping limit UV-induced oxidative stress that contributes to photo-aging and discoloration. While SPF 15 does not block all UV radiation, it reduces cumulative exposure when used consistently.
Geologie highlighted that it has received more than 40 skincare-related honors, with public-facing materials referencing roughly 35 to 43 awards tied to product safety, efficacy, and overall performance. These recognitions are presented as independent editorial evaluations, many of which the brand claims were earned during its early growth phase.
According to Geologie’s website and press materials, editors at Men’s Health and AskMen highlighted the brand’s personalized men’s skincare routines. The coverage reportedly emphasized its dermatologist-formulated systems rather than individual, standalone products.
Geologie claims that this recognition reflects how its personalization approach and formulations were received by mainstream editors and may influence you if you rely on third-party reviews when choosing skincare products.
Geologie states that it was co-founded in 2018 with Steven Xu, who was involved in shaping the brand’s product strategy and formulations. The company highlights how his clinical background influenced its early approach to men’s skincare.
The brand describes its dermatologist-designed philosophy as one that includes physician involvement, dermatological testing, and routine structures based on common clinical practices.
According to the brand, its routines focus on basic skincare steps such as cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection. The company states that this structure is intended to keep routines simple and manageable, particularly if you are new to skincare. Ingredient selection is described as being based on established evidence rather than short-term trends.
Geologie also states that its products are dermatologist-tested, meaning formulations are evaluated for skin compatibility. The brand also adds that many products are non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, which aligns with formulation practices commonly recommended by dermatologists. This approach could make it easier to understand what each product is meant to do and how it fits into a routine. The focus on basic steps and dermatologist-tested formulations may be useful if you prefer a structured routine with fewer products and clearer usage guidance, especially when starting or maintaining a consistent skincare routine.
Geologie claims a vegan and cruelty-free approach across its entire product line. The brand states that all products are 100% vegan, with no animal-derived ingredients, and cruelty-free, meaning they are not tested on animals. These claims appear clearly on official product pages and brand materials.
Geologie claims its formulas avoid harsh or commonly irritating ingredients. The brand states it excludes sulfates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and comedogenic oils. Products are also claimed to be derm-tested and designed for broad skin compatibility, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. This can be relevant if you want skincare that aligns with ethical preferences while still following common dermatology standards. Using the same products across face and body may also simplify your routine and reduce the need to manage separate products for different areas.
Geologie states that its core business model centers on personalized skincare routines sold directly to you. This means you can begin with an online skin quiz that recommends a complete routine rather than single products.
According to the brand, the quiz uses more than two million aggregated data points from past users and routine selections. Geologie says this information is used to suggest routines for concerns such as acne, aging, uneven tone, and sensitivity, with recommendations presented as likely matches rather than guaranteed outcomes.
The brand describes the quiz as short and straightforward, usually taking between 30 seconds and five minutes to complete. Questions focus on age, skin type, primary concerns, and basic skincare habits. Geologie states that this structure is intended to make onboarding easier, particularly if you are new to skincare.
Geologie also states that personalization continues after the initial quiz. Recommended routines are delivered as bundled systems with coordinated morning and evening steps, such as cleanser, moisturizer, SPF, and retinol. These bundles are primarily offered through subscriptions, which the company identifies as a central part of its direct-to-consumer approach.
This model can provide a clear routine from the start, without needing to choose or combine products on your own. Receiving coordinated products with defined usage steps may help you follow a consistent routine and understand how each product fits into daily care.
Geologie was acquired by Megalabs USA in 2025 and became part of a larger, pharma-led skincare portfolio. Following the acquisition, co-founders Nick Allen and Dave Skaff exited the business. The brand is now managed by a smaller internal team operating under Megalabs’ oversight.
Since this transition, Geologie has shared limited information about its leadership structure. The company does not publicly name day-to-day executives or explain how product and business decisions are made. Instead, public communication has focused on product continuity, research, and retail expansion rather than leadership or governance.
This reduced visibility may make it harder to understand who is guiding the brand and how priorities are set. If leadership transparency influences your trust or long-term commitment to a skincare brand, the lack of clear information could raise questions about future direction, consistency, or accountability.
Geologie’s cancellation process appears to be a frequent point of concern among users on as cited on individual review platforms. These reviews indicate that many customers have faced confusion around trial-to-paid conversions, recurring billing, and refund eligibility, particularly when full-size orders were initiated immediately after trial periods ended. Several also noted that billing reminders were missed or not clearly visible, despite the brand stating that disclosures are provided during checkout and in post-purchase communications. They also claimed that cancellations made on the same day did not always prevent orders from shipping or charges from being processed. This could place a higher burden on users to actively track billing timelines and understand cancellation policies before trying the brand’s products.
As per its official website, Lumin functions as a men’s grooming brand with a broad, retail-style catalog that covers face care, hair and body products, accessories, and skincare devices such as the Luminator LED Eye Mask. Its range extends from basic cleansers and moisturizers to corrective options and tools, allowing you to selectively build routines without being locked into a fixed system. Geologie, in comparison, operates with a narrower but more structured scope, concentrating on skin, hair, body, and acne care through coordinated formulations rather than devices or grooming accessories.
This difference in scope is supported through personalization. Lumin features a quiz that primarily acts as a recommendation tool that points you toward existing products and bundles, while the formulas themselves remain standardized. Geologie’s quiz plays a central role in providing personalized, step-by-step routines intended to be followed consistently. This indicates that Lumin offers flexibility and modularity, whereas Geologie emphasizes adherence and routine discipline.
Ingredient strategy further separates the two brands. Lumin communicates around accessible, easily recognizable ingredients such as activated charcoal and ginger, positioning them as a practical option for oil control, detoxification, and visible fatigue. Meanwhile, Geologie leans more heavily into dermatologist-trusted actives, including salicylic acid, retinol, vitamin C with ferulic acid, azelaic acid, and broad-spectrum SPF formulations. This highlights Geologie’s focus on long-term skin balance and routines.
Pricing structure further reinforces the difference in how Lumin and Geologie approach value. Lumin primarily follows an à la carte pricing model, with most core skincare products positioned in the lower-to-mid range. It's everyday essentials, such as the Charcoal Face Wash, are priced around $20, moisturizers and eye options typically fall around $30, and targeted serums like the Wrinkle Defense Serum are priced at around $22. Bundles generally range from approximately $139 to $169, often discounted, while premium device-led offerings such as the Luminator LED Eye Mask sit at the top of the catalog at around $109, occasionally reduced to $99. On the other hand, Geologie prices its single skincare products between $19 and $39, with entry-level routines such as the Oily Skin or Redness Relief Routine set at $49. More comprehensive systems scale upward from $160 for Complete or Anti-Aging Sets to $210 for the Ultimate Skincare Set.
According to their official website, Lumin promotes quick, low-effort routines designed to fit into fast-paced lifestyles, often highlighting instant or near-immediate visible benefits such as dark circle correction or oil reduction. Geologie sets more gradual expectations, frequently framing results in terms of weeks of consistent use and emphasizing before-and-after outcomes driven by routine compliance.
Proactiv and Geologie differ mainly in how wide their product offerings are and how narrowly they focus on skin concerns. As per its official website, Proactiv is built around acne care as its core purpose. Most of its products are designed to treat breakouts, blackheads, excess oil, and post-acne marks. The brand organizes its lineup into structured routines such as 3-Step systems, Blackhead Busting Duos, Mark and Scar Duos, and Problem Solver kits, with each version aligned to a specific skin type like oily, dry, sensitive, or stubborn acne. Meanwhile, Geologie takes a broader approach, offering products for acne alongside daily skincare, body care, and long-term skin maintenance.
In terms of product range, Proactiv offers a deep but focused selection. Its catalog includes cleansers, exfoliators, toners, and moisturizers that are mainly meant to be used together as part of a routine. Even when products are sold individually, they are positioned as steps within a larger system. On the other hand, Geologie offers a wider combination of individual products across categories, including face washes, moisturizers, sunscreens, serums, exfoliating masks, eye creams, acne formulas, body washes, deodorants, and pimple patches. This gives Geologie coverage across everyday skincare needs, targeted support, and body care.
The way routines are built also shows a clear contrast. Proactiv promotes fixed, step-by-step routines with defined sequences, encouraging you to follow a set system rather than customize product choices. Geologie allows more flexibility by letting you buy single products, smaller routines, or larger bundled sets that scale in size and price. These sets range from basic skincare routines to complete luxury kits, rather than one standard system for all users.
Proactiv offers a narrow but deep lineup focused almost entirely on acne support systems. On the other hand, Geologie offers a broader lineup that covers acne, daily skincare, and body care in one portfolio.
We evaluated Geologie based on Trustpilot reviews published mainly between 2024 and 2026, during which the brand has over 1,200 reviews and a rating of 4.2. Many highlighted improvements in skin texture with continued use, particularly when following the quiz-based routine as directed. Some users claimed the Hero Skincare Set, unscented salicylic acid face wash, and retinol night cream were effective but relatively expensive, while others felt the results were proportional to the price over longer use periods.
When assessing service performance, many users highlighted timely responses, clear communication, and issue resolution related to shipping delays, damaged products, incorrect orders, or account concerns. Several users claimed that their overall perception of the brand improved after direct engagement with support representatives who followed through until issues were resolved.
However, a few users claimed experiencing adverse skin reactions, including irritation or burning, particularly when active ingredients such as retinol or niacinamide were introduced at full frequency. On the other hand, many users highlighted better outcomes when products were introduced gradually and used according to guidance.
These feedbacks suggests Geologie tends to perform more consistently for users who actively manage subscriptions, monitor billing closely, and introduce products cautiously, while presenting limitations for users seeking flexible refund policies or broad skin compatibility.
Geologie claims to offer cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and targeted options addressing concerns such as acne, uneven tone, dark spots, and early aging. To assess its overall brand reputation, we checked BBB, where the brand currently holds a B rating. However. The brand appears to have several complaints filed against it, which highlight issues with subscription enrollment clarity, price increases after trial periods, cancellation timing, refund limitations, and shipping or fulfillment delays. Our evaluation indicates that the brand appears to be operationally responsive but continues to face reputational friction tied to its subscription model, pricing clarity, and customer expectations.
Geologie focuses on consistent daily steps such as cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection. It emphasizes barrier maintenance and regular use over frequent product changes. The brand’s personalization model is designed to reduce complexity by recommending coordinated morning and evening routines instead of individual products.
While the brand highlights using active ingredients that are well-documented, they are also associated with known risks such as irritation, dryness, or increased sensitivity, particularly if introduced without gradual adjustment.
When considering Geologie, it is essential to introduce active products gradually, observing skin response during the initial weeks of use, and maintaining consistent sun protection when using exfoliating acids or retinoids. Reviewing subscription terms in advance and tracking renewal dates may help reduce unintended charges.
Contact us at [email protected] or follow @leafsnap on Twitter! View our Privacy Policy.
