As we mark our 25th anniversary, we celebrate a quarter-century commitment to wellness, transparency, and sustainability. Since our humble beginnings in Pasadena, CA, in 1999, we have remained steadfast in our mission: to provide natural, safe, and effective skincare and haircare products that empower you to feel your best.
The Journey Begins: A Personal Quest for Wellness
The inspiration behind LATHER is deeply personal. Our founder, Emilie, was driven by her desire for good health after suffering from debilitating migraines, which conventional medicine couldn't alleviate. Through extensive research, she uncovered a shocking truth: many personal care products contained synthetic fragrances—petroleum-based chemicals known to trigger migraines and pose serious health risks.
"It was a desire for good health that inspired me to explore natural ingredients to help others," Emilie shares. "I knew there had to be a better way, a safer way, for people to enjoy personal care products without compromising their health."
Emilie’s discovery sparked a passion for creating natural, fragrance-free alternatives, and soon, LATHER was born.
Pioneering Clean Beauty Before It Was a Trend
Decades before "clean beauty" became a buzzword, LATHER was already leading the charge. From day one, we pledged never to use synthetic fragrances in our products. This commitment to transparency and integrity sets us apart in an industry where 95% of beauty products still rely on synthetic fragrances. These man-made scents, often created in labs using toxic chemicals like phthalates and petroleum byproducts, pose significant health risks. Worse yet, the fragrance industry is self-regulated, allowing brands to mask harmful ingredients under the vague term "fragrance."
At LATHER, we believe you have the right to know exactly what’s going on your skin. We disclose every ingredient in our products, ensuring you can make informed choices about your health and wellness.
A Legacy of Innovation and Sustainability
Over the past 25 years, LATHER has evolved from a single line of naturally fragranced olive oil soaps to a comprehensive collection of hair, face, body, and wellness products. Our journey has been marked by continuous innovation and a dedication to doing things differently.
We are explorers at heart, constantly seeking new ingredients, forging partnerships, and discovering ways to benefit our customers and the planet. Our commitment to sustainability has led us to pioneer the use of environmentally friendly packaging and support underserved communities through ethical supply chains. As caretakers of your well-being and the environment, we proudly offer products that help you experience the most beautiful, happy, and healthy version of yourself.
The Future of Wellness: Continuing the Mission
As we celebrate this milestone, we look back with pride at how far we've come and forward with excitement for what lies ahead. Our mission to eliminate synthetic fragrances and promote ingredient transparency is more relevant today than ever. We will continue advocating for cleaner, safer, and more sustainable beauty products everyone can enjoy.
"Reflecting on these 25 years, I am filled with gratitude for our LATHER community," Emilie says. "Your support has allowed us to grow and innovate, to challenge industry norms, and to stay true to our values. Here’s to the next 25 years of wellness, exploration, and truth-telling."
Join us in celebrating this incredible journey. Together, we will continue pushing the boundaries of wellness and clean beauty for decades.
