After taking a scent workshop in 2022, I still get compliments on the custom fragrance I created with the team's support. Maak Lab is one of Portland's best brands. Surprisingly, many locals are unaware of them, which is both a great thing (for loyalists) and shocking (given how incredible the products are). I recently stopped back in Maak Lab to update some of my scents, and I was so thankful that the Dafodyl is still in stock. There is something for everyone here, and you're bound to learn more about what scents work for you. I remember my first experience here in 2021 when I realized I am a "green" scent guy. This has been very helpful in my journey to collect more scents to wear, especially when traveling. You should also have this support! Maak curates dozens of products for notable brands and businesses in Portland. When you stop by here, I guarantee you'll be impressed by the connection to some of your favorite establishments. You can even purchase soaps, scents, candles, and many other products that brands you love to create with Maak. I still enjoy knowing that the Knot Springs soap I love is something I can purchase for home. Support local, and keep returning to the excellent Maak Lab team. read more

I 100% recommend taking the fragrance workshop! It's a really interesting creative experience - both super hands on and informative. I went with two of my gfs and we had a wonderful time smelling SO many smells, learning about the history of fragrance, and making our own scents! I was pleasantly surprised at how challenging it was to nail the scent I was going for (strawberry pastry lol) and I would absolutely go back again to make something new. If you're considering it, def do it! read more

Simply incredible. Wonderful people. Beautiful space. The products are exquisite. We gotta pump this business.

I didn't buy anything, but I'm rating it highly for the experience. You really get the feel that these individuals, (4 in the entire company!), like the rest of Portland, are masters of their craft and truly care about creating an amazing product rather than spending exorbitant amounts of money A) convincing you that you're lacking something and B) that their product will fill that void. Screw the psychological mindgames the ad-world has taught us, and rely solely on quality product that stands for itself. Maak has done numerous collaborations, and hopes to be in Opening Ceremony stores in NYC soon - and I cross my fingers for them, because I really want them to make it over here! The scents were unique, powerful, and engaging. The person who runs the stock in the store was extremely patient, explaining the notes of each scent and how they came upon it for inspiration. I was really impressed by how knowledgable he was and clearly how thoughtful the company was in creating the experience in the scents. Moreover, I walked away with sizeable free samples of the liquid soap and the daffodil perfume, so I was even more elated. Here are a list of recommendations to bump the score up to a 5-star experience: 1) They have testers for all the products - which I dig - but they don't have a functioning sink for customers to try the more sticky/soapy products. I would have loved to admire the scents after washing, as the formulations always tend to smell different in the various modes (ie. soap, shampoo, candle, parfum). 2) Prices - nothing had a price on it! And I genuinely still don't know how much anything cost, and I was afraid to ask. This creates an unnecessarily anxious experience for customers who want to enjoy your product and see where it stands. 3) Notes - the worker was able to explain the base notes, but not all of the parts of each scent, which I think is important. I was interested in the Myrto for my partner, but as we know, scents are tricky and if you can't have them physically present to try, you need a sample to figure out the interaction with their body chemistry. Well, my partner lives in another state, so the next best thing would have been to explain it was vetiver +... but I never got an answer in person, and when I tried e-mailing, as they directed, I never got an answer (about a week and a half ago). read more

As an out-of-towner, I cannot believe I have the honor of adding this business to Yelp! 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! read more

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Was surprised by my friend with a class to Maak Lab to develop our own custom soaps. First let me start with the building: it is beautiful. Simple, clean, open, and airy. They have worked with the existing architecture to upkeep the integrity of the space while also introducing new structural shelving elements. Secondly, the class was absolutely outstanding. The teacher, Taylor, was incredibly knowledgable and informative. I would absolutely recommend Maak Lab and their classes to anyone interested. read more

Maak Lab - Incredible space. - Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Knot springs diffuser oil is AMAZING!!! Very earthy smells, and no synthetic anything. I love the quality of these products. Anytime I'm in town I stock up. Keep it up Maak!! read more

Bless Maak Lab. I just recently took a trip to Honolulu and stayed at an Autograph Collection Marriott hotel called the Lay Low. Cutest hotel ever but that's besides the point. They had this very distinct scent, earthy yet tropical and come to find out they collaborated with a Portland company (Maak) to make such a magical scent. Game changer. So naturally, within the first week of returning to the mainland I found Maak and I bought a Lay Low candle. The gentleman working also let me know that they do scent workshops through Airbnb for $85 per person. Sounds a little steep to me but maybe for a special occasion! read more

Really, really good soap. But their e-commerce customer service is non-existant. Literally...like ghosts. I think making sure you, as a business, can respond to customer inquiries and help with their orders is pretty important. It sucks when you try to give a business your money and never hear back from them after repeated contact attempts. I had to switch soap companies because of this. read more

I stopped into Maak Lab on a recommendation from a friend and was completely blown away by their expertise and level of service. They explained to me the manufacturing process, which all takes place in their workshop, and taught me about the ingredients that make up their products. Their ability to identify and create scents are beyond one's imagination. I purchased their liquid soap and candle which has been fantastic. I also learned that they offer a Fragrance & Soap Design Workshop through airbnb where you can craft your very own soap! Such a cool local brand that is doing big things. read more

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. read more