Annabelle Bond chats with founder of eco-friendly teen skincare brand SKWAD

Finding a good skincare brand for my daughter Izzy's teenage skin has been challenging. At my local gym, I came across the entrepreneurial Elise Kandrac, the founder of SKWAD cosmetics. I love hearing about new sustainable products, and Izzy and her school roommate Domino love this new, cool eco-friendly brand. I caught up with Kandrac to find out why she started SKWAD and how her Hawaiian background played a big part in influencing the brand.

What inspired you to create this skincare line?

My children, my son, in particular, won't do something if it's even the tiniest bit more work than he thinks it needs to be. How many times have you said or heard a friend say, "Ugh, I don't understand why brushing their teeth becomes such a chore?"  

That was how it was with my son. So, when I set out to work with my award-winning formulator, I started with my son. I asked him, "What would a product have to be in order for you to use it?"

He gave very simple answers– I don't want to have to rub something in for a long time, and I don't want something to take too long to rinse off.   

What were some of the formulations you created as a result of his requests?

With those mandates, we worked on creating products like the hydrating moisturiser SKWISH that would be incredibly moisturising without having to rub it in for a long time or would make you feel greasy. [I also created] the gentle exfoliating face wash SKWEEZ, which is easy to apply and even easier to rinse.  

Another example is the facial and body toning spray SKWIRT; it is super hydrating whilst also acting as a toner. Because it can be used throughout the day, we suggest putting it in a school bag or sports bag to spray after sport – we know how sweaty it can get and if you can't get to a shower before your next class, this is a great temporary fix. I don't ever want to go back to Covid days, but during mask mandates, I sprayed it in my mask to help prevent maskne. 

What's the product you're the proudest of?

The one product that I have been so proud of is the hydrating face mask and shaving cream SKRAPE. Young skin that may need to be shaved can get irritated by razors. SKRAPE helps soften hair follicles to make the shave a bit smoother. The best part about it, though, is you can put it all over your face, and you don't need to shave it off; you can rinse it off like you would any ordinary mask. It brightens your face, so our whole family is hooked on it!

What part has your Hawaiian heritage played in the creation of your brand?

To me, Hawaii is an absolute paradise. Every time my family and I are back there, we settle into the way of life there. I still have brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins and my grandmother there. One of the biggest lessons my children and I have grown up with is respect and kindness, but lessons are taught by setting the right example, not just by being told that. 

You are taught how to be respectful by watching your elders respect themselves, their families, their community and Mother Earth. Family doesn't only mean your biological relatives; think Lilo and Stitch. Lilo made the phrase 'Ohana means family' famous, but it is true and a huge part of Hawaiian culture. That's why 'we've got your back and chest' is something that SKWAD feels so strongly about. 

It doesn't matter who you are or where you're from; everyone tries to help each other out and accept people for who they are. I also feel that Hawaii has been focused on things like recycling, reusing and sustainability way before it was as hot an issue here. They are a small group of islands with finite space, and if it can't be grown or raised there, it has to be brought in, and that is expensive, but if you can grow it or raise it there, be thankful for what the earth has given you.

Also see: Annabelle Bond shares her favourite outdoor adventure-inspired winter destinations