Last updated on 18th October 2023 by Sarah Sarsby
If you’re looking to incorporate some new, inexpensive, calming and effective products into your skincare routine, then you’ll enjoy reading my latest Geek & Gorgeous review.
My previous Geek & Gorgeous skincare review is actually one of my most popular blog posts. Due to the uncomplicated INCI lists and effective formulae, Geek & Gorgeous is definitely a skincare brand to check out.
I was recently sent 4 skincare products to try from the brand. I was really keen to try out a PHA-based exfoliant along with an azelaic acid-type serum, as my normal-oily skin loves azelaic acid. After being impressed with my previous Geek & Gorgeous products, I wanted to know if these 4 skincare products lived up to my high expectations.
Keep on reading to hear my honest thoughts on each product and which ones you absolutely need to get your hands on.
** This post contains some affiliate links. This means at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page **
What is Geek & Gorgeous?
Founded in 2015, Geek & Gorgeous is a Hungarian indie brand that offers affordable skincare products for “beauty geeks”. Each product is fragrance-, colourant- and drying-alcohol-free.
Our philosophy is based more on maximising what is good for the skin and minimising everything else.
Geek & Gorgeous
The brand is transparent about its ingredient lists and the exact amount of actives in its products. It’s 100% cruelty-free and, with the exception of one item, all of its products are vegan.
Skincare products I received from Geek & Gorgeous
I received the following skincare products from Geek & Gorgeous:
Minus Jelly Joker, the 3 remaining products are all part of the Keep Calm Kit. The kit usually retails for €46/£38.78, offering excellent value for money.
Below, I will detail my thoughts on each product individually, so you can decide ones to add to your basket. “All of them” is not an incorrect answer *wink wink*.
1. Jelly Joker
€8.80/£7.42 for 150ml
Product claims
A gentle, but hard-working jelly cleanser that cleanses skin and dissolves (water-soluble) makeup, while being respectful to the skin barrier
Geek & Gorgeous
Jelly Joker promises to be non-stripping and non-drying with a silky texture. It claims to be a universally usable cleanser with a low pH of 5-5.4. Geek & Gorgeous says this cleanser is suitable for all skin types and concerns, including people with sensitive skin or redness. It can be used as a single cleanse or as the second step in a double cleansing routine. It’s cruelty-free, vegan, fragrance- and essential oil-free, and pregnancy-safe.
Key ingredients
Excluding water, the top 5 ingredients in the INCI list are:
- PEG-6 caprylic/capric glycerides: an emollient (softens and soothes the skin) and conditioning agent
- Propanediol: helps increase the absorption of other skincare ingredients for higher efficacy. It also has moisturising properties for a smooth and dewy finish
- Methyl gluceth-20: draws and holds moisture to skin
- Poloxamer 184: cleansing agent
- Caprylic/capric triglyceride: an emollient and skin-replenishing ingredient that’s gentle
See the full INCI list below:
Water, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Propanediol, Methyl Gluceth-20, Poloxamer 184, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Panthenol, Allantoin, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
My thoughts
I want to love Jelly Joker, but I just don’t.
Let’s start with the positives: it’s affordable and gentle. You can hardly complain at £7.42 for 150ml of product. This is really purse-friendly, especially when you consider certain cleansers on the market might retail for £40 for 100ml. In some cases, cleansers cost far more than £40.
I also 100% agree that this is a very gentle formula. It never feels harsh or stripping. In fact, I can barely tell I’m using it, and my skin doesn’t look like it’s taken a beating after I’ve used it. I think people with sensitive skin will particularly appreciate this simple cleanser.
But in my opinion, this cleanser simply ‘does the job’.
Does it cleanse my skin? Yes. But it doesn’t excite me.
I’m not a huge fan of the texture. I tend to prefer the more typical gel cleansers, and I find this one doesn’t spread very easily when you apply it. There’s also no change in texture or appearance when you rub the cleanser across your face. I wish there was a creamy lather (not soapy). Sensory clues that a cleanser is working is something that I personally value.
Although this product gets rid of dirt and grease, I don’t think it necessarily makes my skin feel any better. Other cleansers I’ve used (including affordable options) help my skin feel fresh and nourished, so I think Jelly Joker lacks in this area.
Rating: 3 stars
A decent cleanser that does what it’s supposed to but nothing exciting. It’s definitely worth considering if you’re not looking to spend much on a cleanser though, particularly if you have sensitive skin.
2. Liquid Hydration
€7.50/£6.32 for 100ml
Product claims
A silky facial toner with 5% Panthenol + Natural Moisturising Factors (NMF) to hydrate and soothe all skin types.
Geek & Gorgeous
This hydrating toner boasts having powerful skin-soothing, barrier-strengthening, hydrating, and wound-healing properties. Liquid Hydration claims to be suitable for anyone looking to use a hydrating toner, but Geek & Gorgeous says people who are prone to sensitivity or dehydration will particularly benefit from this product. It’s also great for people who are using strong actives, according to the brand.
This toner is cruelty-free, vegan, fragrance- and essential oil-free, and pregnancy-safe. It can be used in the morning and/or evening.
Key ingredients
Excluding water, the top 5 ingredients in the INCI list are:
- Panthenol: a humectant (retains and preserves moisture) that helps quickly increase skin’s hydration, while decreasing transepidermal water loss. It may also help reduce sensitivity-induced redness in skin
- Peg/Ppg/Polybutylene glycol-8/5/3 glycerin: has moisturising properties and doesn’t feel sticky
- Sodium PCA: hydrating and skin-replenishing agent
- Diglycerin: offers long-lasting hydration
- Urea: has beneficial water-binding and mild exfoliating properties for skin
See the full INCI list below:
Water, Panthenol, Peg/Ppg/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin, Sodium PCA, Diglycerin, Urea, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Sorbitol, Lysine, PCA, Allantoin, Lactic Acid, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol
My thoughts
Liquid Hydration is incredible value for money. The INCI list boasts some great hydrating ingredients, like panthenol and sodium PCA, while being just over £6 for 110ml. This is very comparable to prices from popular affordable skincare brands like The Ordinary and The Inkey List.
The toner has a very watery consistency. It’s a lot more similar to your traditional toners, whereas some of the ones cropping up nowadays are a bit gloopier. It also has a very ‘clinical’ scent. Although this doesn’t linger on the skin, it’s definitely quite potent when you first open the bottle. This is due to the fragrance-free aspect, so nothing masks the smell of the ingredients in the solution. As much as I like fragrance in skincare, I’m also cool without it.
I think Liquid Hydration does a good job of hydrating the skin. If I apply this toner in the morning, my skin doesn’t feel parched or dehydrated by the evening. Especially in the colder months, I do notice whether a hydrating product works well on my skin, as central heating can leave it feeling thirsty. This Geek & Gorgeous product definitely works.
Personally, I still prefer using hydrating serums to toners. However, I do think Liquid Hydration is a great option, particularly for people who don’t want to drop loads of money on a single skincare item.
Rating: 4 stars
A good way to inject some moisture into your skincare routine.
3. aPAD
€10.50/£8.85 for 30ml
Product claims
A water-light Azelaic acid derivative (Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, or PAD) formula to even the skin tone, normalize oil production and calm the skin.
Geek & Gorgeous
aPAD is supposed to help reduce blemishes, redness and pigmentation, all in a super-light and oil-free formula. This serum uses a new-generation water-soluble form called Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate (PAD) that has similar properties to azelaic acid to help even out skin tone and control excessive oiliness.
The serum claims to be suitable for all skin types but is especially recommended for people who are sensitive to niacinamide, have pigmentation, extra oiliness or rosacea. It can be used in the AM and PM. It’s also cruelty-free, vegan, fragrance- and essential oil-free, and pregnancy-safe.
Key ingredients
Excluding water, the top 5 ingredients in the INCI list are:
- Potassium azeloyl diglycinate: reduces the appearance of redness and discomfort associated with sensitive skin. It has moisturising/soothing properties and minimises excess oil in skin
- Propanediol: helps increase the absorption of other skincare ingredients for higher efficacy. It also has moisturising properties for a smooth and dewy finish
- Glycerin: has hydrating properties
- Methyl-gluceth 20: draws and holds moisture to skin
- Allantoin: soothes and moisturises the skin. It can also offset potential adverse effects when using stronger actives
See the full INCI list below:
Water, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Propanediol, Glycerin, Methyl-Gluceth 20, Allantoin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol
My thoughts
aPAD is one of my favourite serums ever. This multi-purpose serum is like magic in a bottle.
As somebody with normal/oily and rosacea-prone skin, I get on well with azelaic acid and niacinamide formulae. Products that help with sebum regulation, reduced redness, and a more even complexion are my main skin concerns, so I’m thrilled that aPAD works.
The lightweight consistency means it absorbs quickly and doesn’t pill. It mixes well with all of the other products in my skincare routine and doesn’t feel like overload if I layer it with other serums. Since using it, my complexion looks more even and it’s helped reduce my redness. Although I don’t tend to get that oily anymore, I do think this serum helps with sebum regulation. I’ve noticed a decrease in oiliness when I’ve been around central heating a lot for example, which can sometimes cause my skin to get oily.
At under £10 for a highly effective formula that meets all of its claims, aPAD is a total bargain. This serum excites me and I love using it. I’d happily purchase it with my own money.
Rating: 5 stars
If you’ve got sensitive, rosacea-prone or oily skin – or you’re looking to reduce pigmentation and blemishes – you’ve got to try this powerhouse serum. It’s like a genie in a bottle.
4. Calm Down
€10/£8.43 for 30ml or €28/£23.60 for 100ml
Product claims
Our super-gentle, sensitive skin focused exfoliant with 4% PHA+BHA acids works to give you a healthy glow while soothing, protecting, and hydrating the skin.
Geek & Gorgeous
Calm Down claims to be a gentle, soothing exfoliant that is designed for very sensitive, redness-prone skin types, where it is impossible to over-exfoliate. PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) are gentler than AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids), so they won’t be irritating in the same way that AHAs can be in larger doses for certain people. PHAs are also great at moisturising the skin and giving it antioxidant protection, according to Geek & Gorgeous, while salicylic acid (the only beta hydroxy acid – BHA) is another gentle exfoliant that penetrates deep into the pores.
It’s cruelty-free, fragrance- and essential oil-free, and pregnancy-safe. Calm Down is supposed to be great for people who are using strong actives or retinoids in their routine already, so you don’t damage your skin barrier. Use it after cleansing but before applying serums, face oils, moisturisers, etc.
Key ingredients
Excluding water, the top 5 ingredients in the INCI list are:
- Glycereth-26: an emollient and thickening agent
- Gluconolactone: a PHA that offers gentle yet effective exfoliation
- Lactobionic acid: a PHA that offers gentle yet effective exfoliation
- Propanediol: helps increase the absorption of other skincare ingredients for higher efficacy. It also has moisturising properties for a smooth and dewy finish
- Salicylic acid: BHA that offers deep exfoliation. Due to its ability to penetrate the pores, salicylic acid is popular with people that have oily or acne-prone skin
See the full INCI list below:
Water/Aqua, Glycereth-26, Gluconolactone, Lactobionic Acid, Propanediol, Salicylic Acid, Panthenol, Glycerin, Opuntia Ficus‐Indica (Prickly Pear) Extract, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Phragmites Kharka (Topical Reed) Extract, Poria Cocos Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol
My thoughts
Out of all of Geek & Gorgeous’ skincare products, I think its serums and exfoliants are where the brand truly shines. Calm Down is no exception.
This gentle solution is great for when you want to exfoliate the skin without overdoing it. When using lots of strong actives, you can quite easily damage your skin barrier if you’ve not built up a tolerance. This PHA/BHA solution ensures you get your exfoliation in, without your skin feeling tingly or looking red afterwards.
Since using this solution, my skin is smoother, some of my blackheads have gone, and it looks very radiant. I feel comfortable using this exfoliant, whereas, with some of the other ones in my collection, I try to limit their use, as I don’t want to be too harsh on my skin. Knowing Calm Down is gentle puts my mind at ease.
Although this exfoliant is a little more expensive than the other Geek & Gorgeous products on this list, I still think it works out as good value for money. You’re not going to use an exfoliant every day, so this bottle would last longer than a serum you use daily for instance. I’m expecting the 100ml bottle to last me for a good 6 months.
Rating: 5 stars
I love this exfoliant and genuinely can’t fault it. My results have been great. I’d buy this with my own money without hesitation.
Overall Geek & Gorgeous skincare products review
Once again, Geek & Gorgeous has smashed it out of the park with some excellent affordable, effective and gentle skincare products. I’ve come to expect great results from this Hungarian brand now because it just knows what it’s doing.
Although I wasn’t a big fan of Jelly Joker, it’s still a decent cleanser. I think you get what you pay for with this one, whereas the other products in this blog post offer the same benefits as similar products that are way more expensive. Liquid Hydration is a lovely hydrating toner for when your skin is feeling a bit parched or has been abused by harsh winds and central heating.
But the stars of the show have to be aPAD and Calm Down. Using these 2 incredible skincare products together will give you smooth, even, dewy skin that is less oily and red.
If you’re looking for a simple, budget-friendly and stripped-back skincare routine – or even if you’re looking for some targeted treatments like me – you’ll love these Geek & Gorgeous products. I definitely prefer it to The Ordinary, which has comparable prices.
Favourite product that Geek & Gorgeous gifted me?
I’d have to say aPAD. This targets pretty much all of my skin concerns for under a tenner. Bargain much?
Would you like to try this skindie brand or are you more of a luxury skincare lover?
Sarah Sarsby is the owner of A Woman's Confidence. With over 6 years' experience of writing in the fields of beauty and lifestyle, Sarah is passionate about all things content, makeup, skincare, wellness, and lifestyle. She has oily skin, is obsessed with lip gloss, and loves cookie dough.