I’m not one to gush over hair products, but Malin + Goetz Peppermint Shampoo has me hooked. It’s like a wake-up call for your scalp, blending a zesty peppermint scent with a deep-cleaning formula that leaves your hair soft, shiny, and refreshed.
Whether you’re battling oily roots or just want a luxurious shower experience, this shampoo delivers. It’s not perfect—pricey and not for daily use—but it’s a game-changer for anyone craving clean, healthy hair. Trust me, you’ll want this in your bathroom.
My Experience With Malin + Goetz Peppermint Shampoo
The first time I used Malin + Goetz Peppermint Shampoo, I was staying at a boutique hotel in Chicago. Tucked into the shower caddy was a sleek white bottle with minimalist labeling—none of that flashy, over-the-top packaging you see in drugstores.

I popped it open, and the scent hit me: crisp, cool peppermint, like a burst of fresh air. It wasn’t overpowering, just invigorating enough to make my morning shower feel like a spa moment.
I squeezed out a small dollop, and let me tell you, a little goes a long way. The shampoo lathered up instantly, creating a rich, foamy texture that felt luxurious without being heavy.
As I massaged it into my scalp, there was this subtle tingle—not the intense burn you get from some minty products, but a gentle, refreshing sensation that made my head feel alive. My hair, which tends to get oily at the roots by midday, felt squeaky clean after rinsing.
But here’s the kicker: it didn’t feel stripped or dry, which is a problem I’ve had with other clarifying shampoos. Paired with their Cilantro Conditioner (which, by the way, doesn’t smell like a taco truck, thank goodness), my hair was soft, smooth, and had this natural bounce I don’t usually get.
I used it twice during my trip, and by the time I got home, I was already on Amazon hunting for a bottle. The price gave me pause—$28 for 8 ounces isn’t cheap—but I was sold. Since then, I’ve been using it about twice a week, and it’s become my go-to for those days when my hair needs a reset.
My boyfriend even started sneaking it for himself, which is saying something because he’s usually loyal to his $5 drugstore shampoo. The only downside? The scent doesn’t linger as long as I’d like, but while it’s there, it’s pure bliss.
Pros Of Malin + Goetz Peppermint Shampoo
- Deep Cleansing Without Stripping: This shampoo is a powerhouse when it comes to cleaning. If you’ve got oily hair or product buildup, it cuts through like nobody’s business. The amino acid-based cleansers and coconut surfactants create a rich lather that washes away dirt, sweat, and styling gunk without leaving your hair feeling like straw. I’ve got combination hair—oily roots, drier ends—and it balances both beautifully. After using it, my scalp feels refreshed, and my hair has this clean, weightless quality that makes it look fuller.

- Invigorating Peppermint Scent: Let’s talk about that peppermint. It’s not just a scent; it’s an experience. The natural peppermint extract gives your scalp a gentle tingle that feels like a mini massage. It’s especially amazing in the morning when you need a pick-me-up. The fragrance is fresh and clean, not artificial or overly sweet like some shampoos. My only gripe is that it fades a few hours after your shower, but while it lasts, it’s a mood-lifter.
- Suitable for All Hair Types: Whether your hair is fine, thick, curly, straight, color-treated, or sensitive, this shampoo plays nice. It’s formulated to be gentle enough for daily use (though I wouldn’t recommend it), yet effective for deep cleansing. I’ve read reviews from people with everything from greasy scalps to dry, damaged locks, and most say it works wonders. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free, which is a big plus if you’re conscious about what’s in your products.
- Luxurious Feel: There’s something about this shampoo that feels high-end. Maybe it’s the sleek packaging or the way it lathers so effortlessly, but it elevates your shower routine. It’s like treating yourself to a little luxury without needing a spa appointment. The fact that it’s used in fancy hotels and gyms only adds to its upscale vibe.
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Cons Of Malin + Goetz Peppermint Shampoo
- High Price Point: Let’s be real: $28 for an 8-ounce bottle (or $40 for 16 ounces) is steep. Compared to drugstore shampoos that cost $5–$10, it’s a splurge. For me, the quality justifies the cost, but if you’re on a tight budget or don’t see a huge difference in your hair, it might feel like an indulgence you can skip. A bottle lasts me about three months with twice-weekly use, but it’s still a pricey commitment.
- Not Ideal for Daily Use: While Malin + Goetz markets this as an “everyday” shampoo, I wouldn’t use it that often. It’s a clarifying formula, meaning it’s designed to deep-clean. Using it daily could strip your hair of natural oils, especially if you’ve got dry or damaged hair. I stick to once or twice a week and pair it with a gentler shampoo for other days. Some users with sensitive scalps have also reported irritation, though I haven’t experienced this myself.

- Short-Lived Scent: The peppermint scent is a highlight, but it doesn’t stick around. By the time I’m out of the shower and blow-drying, it’s mostly gone. If you love shampoos that leave your hair smelling amazing all day, this might disappoint. I’ve learned to appreciate the scent for what it is—a fleeting but delightful part of my routine.
- Limited Availability: You won’t find Malin + Goetz at your local supermarket. It’s sold at high-end retailers like Sephora, Amazon, or their own website, which can be inconvenient if you run out and need a quick replacement. Shipping costs can also add up if you’re ordering online, making it feel even pricier.
Comparison With Other Shampoo Brands
- Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo: Oribe is the gold standard for luxury haircare, and their Gold Lust shampoo is a favorite among salon-goers. It’s pricier than Malin + Goetz—around $60 for 8.5 ounces—but it’s formulated for repair, with bio-restorative complexes to strengthen damaged hair. While Malin + Goetz focuses on clarifying, Oribe leans into nourishment, leaving my hair softer and shinier. However, Oribe’s floral scent is less invigorating than Malin’s peppermint, and it doesn’t give that same deep-clean feeling. If your hair is dry or chemically treated, Oribe might edge out, but for oily scalps, Malin + Goetz is the better pick.

- Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo: Bumble and Bumble’s Sunday Shampoo is another clarifying option, priced around $30 for 8 ounces, making it comparable to Malin + Goetz. It’s designed for weekly use to remove buildup, much like Malin’s peppermint formula. I found Bumble’s version slightly harsher, leaving my ends a bit dry if I didn’t follow with a heavy conditioner. Malin + Goetz feels gentler and more balanced, plus the peppermint scent is far more appealing than Bumble’s nondescript fragrance. If you’re choosing based on scent and versatility, Malin wins hands-down.
- Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo: Paul Mitchell’s Tea Tree shampoo is a drugstore favorite, costing about $14 for 10.1 ounces. Like Malin + Goetz, it has a tingly, minty vibe thanks to tea tree oil and peppermint. It’s great for oily scalps and dandruff, but I found it less hydrating than Malin’s formula. My hair felt clean but sometimes squeaky, whereas Malin + Goetz left it softer. Paul Mitchell is a solid budget option, but it lacks the luxurious feel and premium ingredients of Malin + Goetz.
- Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Aloe + Oat Milk Shampoo: Briogeo’s Be Gentle shampoo is a clean beauty darling, priced at $26 for 8 ounces. It’s sulfate-free and packed with soothing ingredients like aloe and oat milk, making it ideal for sensitive scalps. While it’s gentler than Malin + Goetz, it doesn’t offer the same deep-cleaning power. I noticed less buildup removal with Briogeo, and the scent (a mild, clean fragrance) didn’t wow me like Malin’s peppermint. If you prioritize gentleness over clarifying, Briogeo might be your go-to, but for a refreshing reset, Malin + Goetz takes the crown.
Tips For Using Malin + Goetz Peppermint Shampoo
- Use Sparingly for Best Results: A little of this shampoo goes a long way. I use about a dime-sized amount for my shoulder-length hair, and it lathers enough to cover my scalp and strands. Overdoing it can make your hair feel drier than necessary, especially since it’s a clarifying formula. Start small, massage it in, and add a touch more if needed. This not only maximizes the bottle’s lifespan but also keeps your hair from getting stripped.
- Pair with a Hydrating Conditioner: Since this shampoo is designed to deep-clean, it’s crucial to follow with a nourishing conditioner. I love Malin + Goetz’s Cilantro Conditioner because it hydrates without weighing my hair down. The shea butter and cilantro extract tame frizz and leave my hair silky. If you’re using another brand, pick something lightweight but moisturizing to balance the shampoo’s clarifying effects. Apply it mainly to your ends to avoid greasy roots.
- Limit to Weekly or Biweekly Use: To avoid over-cleansing, I stick to using this shampoo once or twice a week. If you’ve got oily hair, twice might work, but if your hair is dry or color-treated, once is plenty. On other days, I switch to a gentler, sulfate-free shampoo to maintain my hair’s natural oils. This routine keeps my scalp happy and my hair looking vibrant.

- Store Properly to Preserve Quality: Malin + Goetz products have a shelf life of three years unopened and 12 months once opened. To keep the shampoo fresh, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. I keep mine in a shower caddy, but I make sure the cap is tightly closed to prevent water from diluting it. This helps maintain the peppermint scent and cleansing power.
- Rinse Thoroughly Around Sensitive Areas: The peppermint extract can sting if it gets in your eyes, so be careful when rinsing. I tilt my head back and use lukewarm water to wash it out thoroughly. If you’ve got a sensitive scalp, test it on a small area first to make sure the tingling sensation isn’t too intense. Most people love the invigorating feel, but it’s worth checking.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Malin + Goetz sits in that sweet spot between high-end and accessible. It’s not as extravagant as, say, Oribe or Sisley, but it’s definitely a premium brand. The sleek packaging, natural ingredients, and presence in upscale hotels and salons give it a luxurious edge. Prices are higher than drugstore brands—$28 for an 8-ounce shampoo isn’t cheap—but it’s justified by the quality and performance. It’s luxury you can actually use without feeling like you’re breaking the bank.
The Peppermint Shampoo is free of harsh sulfates like SLS and SLES, which is a big win for those avoiding drying chemicals. It uses gentler, coconut-based surfactants and amino acid cleansers to create that foamy lather. However, it does contain milder cleansing agents like sodium cocoyl isethionate, which still deliver a deep clean without stripping your hair. If you’re strictly sulfate-free, this shampoo fits the bill while still packing a punch.
Malin + Goetz is a New York-based apothecary brand founded in 2004 by Matthew Malin and Andrew Goetz. They’re known for simple, effective skincare and haircare products designed for sensitive skin, using natural ingredients and advanced technology. Their minimalist packaging and unisex formulas appeal to busy urbanites who want quality without complicated routines. Best-sellers like the Peppermint Shampoo, Grapefruit Face Cleanser, and Eucalyptus Deodorant have a cult following for their gentle yet powerful performance.
Peppermint shampoo, like Malin + Goetz’s, can be great for your hair, especially if you’ve got oily or buildup-prone strands. The peppermint extract stimulates your scalp, potentially boosting circulation and promoting hair growth, while its clarifying properties remove oil and product residue. However, it’s not for everyone. If your hair is very dry or damaged, the deep-cleansing formula might be too intense for daily use. Pair it with a hydrating conditioner and limit use to a few times a week for the best results
Final thoughts
If you’re ready to elevate your shower game, Malin + Goetz Peppermint Shampoo is a must-try. Its invigorating scent, deep-cleaning power, and gentle formula make it a standout for all hair types. Sure, it’s pricey, and the scent doesn’t linger, but the way it leaves your hair soft, shiny, and refreshed is worth it. Grab a bottle, pair it with their Cilantro Conditioner, and treat your hair to some serious TLC. You won’t regret it.