Maak Lab

Visited back in January 2015 and had a great experience learning about oils, scents, and tones. I bought a candle back then that filled my bathroom with a welcoming fragrance whenever it was needed most. Revisited today with a few friends during my visit to Portland and had another positive experience. The staff is knowledgeable and can find the right scent for the right occasion. Going back again to get a few more things before I leave Portland. I would definitely recommend for the product selection and buyer experience.

As an out-​of-​towner, I cannot believe I have the honor of adding this business to Unilocal!It’s part apothecary, part chandlery, but the bulk of their expertise appears to be poured into their amazing soaps. Now a lot of people make soaps. I recently bought some from a friend who owns a goat farm in Tennessee. But the folks at Maak are like chemists who work only with essential oils and ingredients. Part of me felt like I was walking into a page from Jitterbug Perfume.
Each product is carefully created. The owner herself was stirring a small batch of some type soap when we arrived and yet she was welcoming and friendly. She even knew where Minneapolis was (for some reason Portlandians seem to combine it with Indianapolis? Totally different). Anyway, she explained the difference between the smell that I liked (Virginia pine, I think) vs. some of the products containing oils and ingredients from other sources like local Alder.
My husband was stoked to find an apparently rare type of soap made from tar? I have yet to try that but it smelled earthy and smoky. I opted for their signature salve (see pics) which had a nice oily consistency and tea tree and juniper berry smell. I’m very picky about lip balms and I love it on my lips and on the back of my hands.
The only negative I would say is some of the candles were quite expensive although I’m sure well worth it. I think I am just «sour grapes» that I couldn’t afford one of them right away.
When you are on your way to Powell’s, check it out!