Most people use shampoo for their entire lives without ever questioning if it’s good for their hair or scalp. I know I’ve spent most of my life searching for the best price and scent, but as it turns out, most shampoo contains pretty terrible ingredients for both your scalp and your hair, from harmful sulfates to ones that lead to chemical buildup on your scalp.
Geologie Co-wash is a new “Anti-Shampoo” that claims to clean your hair without any of the risks that traditional shampoos pose to your hair and scalp. But does it really work? Is there actually any difference? Or is this just marketing? We found out!
TLDR: Cutting to the chase
After trying out both of Geologie’s Co-Wash products, we have identified some pros and cons compared to traditional shampoos.
Keep reading to learn:
- What Geologie Co-Wash is
- How it differs from traditional shampoos and alternatives
- The benefits of using it
- Whether or not it lives up to its claims

Best shampoo alternatives: Geologie Co-Wash vs Formulate vs Prose
Geologie isn’t the only company on the market making safe shampoo alternatives. To help you make an informed decision about which product is best for you, here’s the info comparing Geologie to top competitors, Formulate and Prose.
Best alternatives to shampoos | |||
---|---|---|---|
Type | Co-Wash | Personalized shampoo | Custom shampoo |
Price | 1-pack: $38/ea 2-pack: $57 ($28.50/ea) 3-pack: $75.99 ($25.33/ea) Subscription: $34.20/mo | $19 for 4oz each $39 for 8oz set $49 for 14oz set | Single purchase: $28.00 Subscribe: $23.80/mo |
Quanitity | 8 fl oz ($3.17-$3.50/oz) | 4-14 fl oz ($3.50-$4.75/oz) | 8.5oz ($2.80-$3.29/oz) |
Best for | Moisturizing hair & scalp Moderating oil production Smooth, frizz-free hair | Damaged hair The need for an extremely personalized formula | Unique hair needs |
Subscription available? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Sulfate/paraben-free? | ✅ | ✅ | 🟡 Depending on formula |
Free shipping? | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Ships to | Internationally | US Only | US Only |
Website |
Geologie Co-Wash overview: Skincare for your scalp
Geologie is a company that’s been making waves in the Men’s Care (skin, hair, body, and more) community, offering products that are less harmful and more personalized than traditional ones. The ingredients are based on years of research and innovative, dermatologist-designed formulas to produce incredible results. If you’re looking for products and routines that can take your self-care to the next level, you’re in the right place.
Geologie’s product lineup includes:
- Face Washes
- Eye Creams
- Retinol Creams
- Anti-Aging Creams
- Acne Treatments
- Cooling Co-Wash
- Smoothing Co-Wash
- And much more
Their newest product line, Hair Co-Wash, or “the silent shampoo killer,” is a haircare game-changer unlike any traditional shampoo you’ve ever used. It cleanses hair, leaves natural moisture, and nourishes your scalp with good-for-you, dermatologist-approved ingredients.
What’s wrong with traditional shampoo?
As we get older, the makeup of our hair can change, along with the texture and thickness. You may have noticed these changes, but that could also be from years of using the wrong products. Here are some of the shortcomings of traditional shampoos:
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- Sulfates: Many traditional shampoos contain harsh sulfates and chemicals that strip hair of natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. This can lead to a vicious cycle of chemical build-up and our scalp overproducing oil, resulting in greasy hair and dandruff.
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- Scalp irritation: Not only do sulfate shampoos strip your hair of its natural oils, but they also have the potential to irritate sensitive skin. Many people find that switching from traditional shampoo to a more natural alternative helps ease itchiness, irritation, redness, or other symptoms associated with sensitive skin or eczema.
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- Parabens & preservatives: Most commercial shampoos also contain parabens as preservatives, which are known to be harmful to the human body and can sometimes trigger allergic reactions.
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- Not suitable for colored hair: Many of the chemicals in shampoos don’t pair well with hair treatments and coloring, so if you’re using the wrong products daily, you’re doing yourself a disservice and wasting money.
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- Hair frizz: The fact that you need to use shampoo multiple times a week can make all of these problems add up and leave you with frizzy hair that doesn’t look very healthy or attractive.
Why is co-washing better?
Co-washing, or co-wash, is when you use conditioner to cleanse your hair, with no lather or shampoo necessary. This can result in natural oil production, repaired hair, and extended time between washes.
While that might sound like the opposite of what you need to wash your hair (hence, “Anti-Shampoo”), co-washing has many benefits over traditional shampooing. Unlike shampooing, which strips natural oils from the scalp and hair, co-washing leaves you with nourished hair that does not get dried out or greasy as quickly.
Geologie’s Co-Wash is one of the best on the market and provides several benefits compared to classic shampoo and conditioner combos.
Benefits of Co-Washing
Moisturizing
Oftentimes, we forget that the scalp should receive the same love and care as your face skin. Co-Wash is formulated to nourish not only your hair but the skin underneath it, too. The formula avoids stripping the skin of essential oils and keeps the hair hydrated and moisturized, so it’s a great option for those with curly hair or those who shampoo their hair more often.
No harsh chemicals or sulfates
Co-Wash is free of sulfates, detergents, parabens, phthalates, PFO/PFAs, and SLS/SLEs, which makes it gentler on the hair. This is especially beneficial for those with fine hair, as it’s susceptible to damage and dryness.
Color-safe and effective on all skin and hair types
Some of the harsh chemicals and strong detergents that we’ve mentioned can lead to fading of color and breakage over time. Co-Wash cleanses the hair with a mild conditioner that leaves it looking healthy, hydrated, and vibrant, so it’s even better for those who color.
Extends time between washes
If you have oily hair, you might be inclined to shampoo every day (or more!) to keep your hair clean. Co-Wash allows you to extend the time between washes, saving you money in the long run and preventing excessive scalp drying.
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Geologie’s Hair Co-Wash Review: Smoothing vs Cooling
The co-washing technique also involves using friction + a scrubbing motion (instead of lathering) to remove dirt and grime, getting your hair clean and healthy without damaging it in the process.
But which co-wash should you choose? Well, that’s a matter of personal preference – we tried out both Geologie’s Smoothing and Cooling Co-Wash and can confidently recommend both after multiple uses.

Hair Co-Wash: Smoothing
Who it’s for: People with drier scalps. Ideal for thick, wavy, or curly hair
Key ingredients: Avocado oil, coconut oil, Vitamin B5, Squalane
How to use: Apply to wet hair and then massage into your scalp for a full minute. Massaging + water activates the ingredients, promoting growth and frizz-free follicles. Rinse thoroughly to enjoy cleaner, healthier hair than shampoo can provide.
Hair Co-Wash: Cooling
Who it’s for: People with oily hair and scalps. Ideal for thin or fine hair.
Key ingredients: Tea tree oil, menthol, Vitamin B5, Aloe vera, squalane
How to use: Same as the Smoothing application 🙂 The Cooling formula’s ingredients also offer a light, refreshing, tingly scalp treatment. Always be sure to rinse your hair thoroughly after application to avoid product buildup.


Our experience with Geologie’s Co-Wash products
I didn’t think I needed to change up my hair care routine, but after a few washes with Geologie’s Smoothing Co-Wash, I was wowed.
First, I loved their environmentally sustainable packaging. The sack of hair wash was weird, I’ll admit… but after considering the number of plastic bottles that I’d thrown out over the years, this made so much more sense. Not to mention that getting all the product out (vs smacking the bottle against my hand or storing it upside down for multiple washes) was so much easier.
I loved the coconut scent, and after just a week of washes, I clearly noticed that my hair was much less frizzy than it’d ever been, and this was without the 5-6 pumps of conditioner that I usually need after shampooing. My waves were much more pronounced, and I noticed that I could wait a full extra day before it started looking greasy again!

Can co-wash replace your daily shampoo and conditioner?
Geologie’s Co-Wash options are designed to replace both your shampoo and conditioner. The active ingredients deep clean while moisturizing without stripping your scalp’s natural oils.
Moreover, Geologie Co-Wash products are perfect for the following situations:
- Textured, thick, wavy, or curly hair types (Smoothing formula is recommended)
- Thin, fine, or oily hair types (Cooling formula is recommended)
- Damaged (heat-styled, bleached, colored) hair
- Sleek hairstyles or a slicked-back look
- Cleansing beards, too!
The Verdict – Is Geologie Hair Co-Wash worth it?
If you’re struggling with un-tamable or hard-to-manage hair that seems to have changed texture or gotten oilier over time, Geologie Co-Wash products might be the alternative you’ve been looking for.
Co-Wash is safer and more conducive to healthy hair, and you’ll actually save money in the long run with more time between washes and only one product vs two. The scent is amazing, and I definitely noticed a difference after just a few washes. And the cherry on top – their sustainable packaging was easier for me to get every drop of the product, and is better for our environment.
So, whether you’re trying to fix damaged hair, want to break away from harmful shampoos and conditioners, or you’re hoping to improve your scalp and hair health, Geologie Co-Wash products come highly recommended from us.
Geologie FAQs: What to know before getting started
Where does Geologie deliver?
Geologie ships to most international destinations, but shipping times are a bit quicker in North America.
Does Geologie have a refund policy/return policy?
Geologie only offers refunds on products that have been damaged or are defective. Check out their website for more information, but unfortunately, Geologie does not currently offer any sort of money-back guarantee because their hair and skin care products are personal and hygienic in nature.
Have you tried Geologie’s Co-Wash or any other co-washing products? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!
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