This new fragrance startup makes hypoallergenic perfumes and candles that aren't overpowering or irritating - they're perfect for Mother's Day

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This new fragrance startup makes hypoallergenic perfumes and candles that aren't overpowering or irritating - they're perfect for Mother's Day

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Skylar

  • The power of scent extends to self-perception, mood, and memory, but more often than not, perfumes and candles are just overpowering and can even be physically irritating.
  • Skylar is a new hypoallergenic fragrance company founded by a former The Honest Co. vice president who saw firsthand how artificial fragrances negatively impacted people's bodies.
  • Its perfumes ($78) and candles ($38) are clean, made with organic, natural ingredients, and free of chemicals like parabens and phthalates.
  • The actual scents are sophisticated and can fit a variety of occasions or moods, proving it's possible for a fragrance to be both great-smelling and non-irritating.

Everyone has something they put on that makes them feel special and ready for the day. For some, it's the lipstick that manages to look great with everything. For others, it's a simple but luxurious piece of jewelry. For Cat Chen, the founder of new hypoallergenic fragrance company Skylar, it's perfume.

After having her daughter, the former The Honest Co. exec started becoming more aware of what she was putting on her body, including the perfume that formed the basis of her daily ritual. Then, upon realizing her daughter was allergic to her favorite perfume, Chen doubled up on the search for a natural perfume option that still smelled sophisticated.

Unable to find one, she worked on making her own. Skylar officially launched in April 2017 with four scents: Arrow (warm and spicy), Coral (fruity and flirty), Isle (clean and fresh), and Meadow (floral and elegant). Everything is made in the US, with ingredients sourced from sustainable farms all over the world - vanilla from Madagascar, and jasmine from India, for example.

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Skylar

The perfumes are made from a base of organic sugar cane alcohol, distilled water, and those natural ingredients that give each variety its unique scent. The company tries to use natural ingredients as much as possible, but some like lavender or grapefruit can be allergenic, so it substitutes them with safe, lab-made ingredients. The perfumes contain no parabens or phthalates, and are also cruelty-free and vegan.

All these features - hypoallergenic ingredients, the lack of chemicals, and animal-friendly testing - allow wearers and everyone around them to breathe a little easier, figuratively and literally.

skylar coral candle

Skylar

Skylar also makes candles to fill your home with these same non-invasive scents. Its candles are made from 100% non-GMO soy and coconut wax, while the candle wicks are 100% cotton. Traditional candles contain paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum, coal, or oil shale. It's cheap to produce and burns reliably, but is far from eco-friendly. Skylar's 8-oz. candles still burn for about 50 hours, but are cleaner and better for the environment.

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If you've ever walked into a store or room and been hit with an overwhelming wave of fragrance that leaves you with watery eyes, migraines, breathing troubles, or physical skin effects, Skylar's perfumes and candles are a refreshing change. They're light, yet long-lasting, so you don't have to sacrifice your beauty routine for your health and comfort.

skylar mother's day

Skylar

An additional benefit is that the company donates a percentage of proceeds to Step Up, a non-profit that provides mentorship for underprivileged high school girls in the US.

A short quiz on Skylar's site can help you decide which scent to choose, or try all four with the $20 Sample Palette. With the sample palette, you'll also receive a $20 credit towards your next order of full-sized perfume from Skylar.

Since Mother's Day is fast approaching, special perfume, candle, and flower gift sets are also available to woo your mom with a fragrance she can feel good about wearing. If you order now, they should arrive in time (two to five business days) for the special day.

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Shop perfumes ($78), candles ($38), and Mother's Day gifts ($16+) at Skylar here

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