Skylar

Skylar is a Los Angeles based fragrance brand founded in 2017 by Catherine (Cat) Chen, a former executive at The Honest Company. Chen created Skylar after discovering that her usual perfume triggered allergic reactions in her infant daughter, and she could not find options that were both cleaner in composition and aesthetically refined. From the outset, Skylar was built as a direct-to-consumer brand focused on ingredient transparency and suitability for sensitive skin.

The brand formulates its fragrances to be clean, hypoallergenic, vegan and cruelty-free, free from parabens, phthalates and common irritants, a positioning that is emphasized across eau de parfum, candles and body products. Early launches included four nature-inspired scents referencing the ocean and desert lifestyle of Southern California, with Isle - a dewy, light fragrance featuring bergamot, cardamom and sandalwood - quickly emerging as a bestseller. Skylar later expanded its range to nine perfumes, adding launches such as Vanilla Sky and rolling out paraffin-free scented candles.

Skylar was acquired by Starco Brands, as noted in a 2022 transaction announcement by Lincoln International, but continues to operate under its own identity with headquarters in Los Angeles. The company has also developed retail partnerships, including entry into Sephora within months of launch, while maintaining a strong online and subscription presence. In 2025, LA-native Leah Kateb joined as Chief Creative Officer and "Refounder," steering the brand into a more elevated chapter that leans into West Coast style and experimental, yet still skin-sensitive, compositions.