geek & gorgeous

Geek & Gorgeous is a Hungarian skincare brand founded in 2017 by computer scientist turned cosmetic formulator Judit Rácz, in collaboration with heritage brand Helia-D. Rácz's own struggle with severe acne led her to teach herself skincare science from the ground up, eventually building Hungary's largest ingredient-checking website before launching the brand. True to its name, the whole approach is built on transparency, disclosing the exact percentage of active ingredients in every product, with formulas kept fragrance-free, colourant-free and alcohol-free.

The 101 C-Glow 15% Vitamin C Serum is Geek & Gorgeous' number one bestseller, made fresh every week and combining 15% pure L-Ascorbic Acid with Ferulic Acid and Vitamin E to boost Collagen, firm skin and even out tone. The 101 A-Game 10 0.1% Retinal Serum is another firm favourite, a budget-friendly, high-strength Retinal formula that targets wrinkles, loss of firmness and pigmentation. For hydration, the 101 Hydration Station 5% Glycerin + 1% Ectoin Cream is a lightweight, refreshing gel-cream that plumps skin while protecting against environmental stressors, particularly well suited to breakout-prone skin. Finally, the 101 Power Peptides Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Serum uses a blend of four Collagen-boosting Peptide technologies to firm skin and address classic signs of ageing.

The 101 range is Geek & Gorgeous's introduction line, designed to make pro-science skincare approachable. It includes both classic, well-loved formulas with the brand's own twist and more unique formulations built around an active ingredient the brand felt was still missing from the market, giving newcomers an easy way into the wider range.

Yes, Geek & Gorgeous formulas are fragrance-free, colourant-free and free from drying alcohols, which makes them a good option for sensitive or easily irritated skin. The 101 Jelly Joker Low pH Gentle Cleanser is a good first step, a non-foaming, low-pH formula that cleanses and removes makeup without stinging or stripping the skin. The 101 Stress Less 0.5% Beta-Glucan & Madecassoside Serum uses two well-researched soothing ingredients to calm redness and support the skin barrier, while the Calm Down 4% PHA + BHA Liquid offers a gentle way to exfoliate very reactive skin without the irritation that stronger acids can sometimes cause. That said, potent actives like Vitamin C and Retinal can still cause sensitivity for some, so it's worth introducing new products gradually.

Start with the 101 Mighty Melt Cleansing Balm to melt away makeup and sunscreen, leaving skin clean without any residue, then follow with the 101 Liquid Hydration 5% Panthenol Toner, a lightweight mist that hydrates and strengthens the skin barrier while prepping skin for the next steps. For serums, the 101 HA 5 Rich Hyaluronic Acid Serum uses 5 forms of Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate, soften and plump the skin, making it a good fit for normal or dry skin types. To lock everything in, the 101 Happier Barrier 10% Squalane & Lipids Moisturiser uses Squalane and Ceramide to nourish and support a healthy skin barrier without feeling heavy. Finish your morning routine with the Zero Feel Gentle Daily Sunscreen SPF50, a lightweight, broad-spectrum formula that leaves a matte, weightless finish without any white cast.

Yes, the 101 B-Bomb 10% Niacinamide Serum is formulated with Zinc PCA and Sarcosine to help balance sebum production, minimise the appearance of pores and calm blemishes, and it's lightweight and fast-absorbing, so it works well layered under other products without leaving any greasy residue. For exfoliation, the Cheer Up 6% Mandelic Acid + Salicylic Acid Liquid Exfoliant works both on the skin's surface and inside pores to clear congestion and balance oil, while the 101 Porefectly Clear 2% Salicylic Acid Serum offers a more targeted, sebum-regulating option for unclogging pores and reducing excess oil.

Geek & Gorgeous is entirely cruelty-free and doesn't test any of their products or ingredients on animals. Plus, most of their range is also vegan-friendly.