.gay Spotlight - An interview with Chris Salgardo on the launch of Atwater Skin
This week, we chatted with Chris Salgardo, Founder and CEO of Atwater, about all things men's grooming and his continued work to create visibility for LGBTQ+ communities.
In this interview, you'll learn more about his love of beauty and skin care, the inspiration behind the brand, and the best Holiday gift for healthy skin.
Who is Chris Salgardo?
I began my love of beauty/skincare growing up in Los Angeles, California becoming a department store makeup artist working for CHANEL in Beverly Hills. Later I climbed the ranks at L'Oreal, leading Kiehls as President and have now worked in the beauty/grooming industry for 30+ years. Since departing from this role, I decided to launch my own skincare brand, ATWATER – a modern, uncomplicated alternative to a men’s grooming regimen that offers clean, high-performance products that work.
While every day is different, most days you can find me playing with new formulations for Atwater, riding my Ducati motorcycle, tending to my garden upstate, on zoom calls with retailers, fitting in a workout, meeting with my Atwater team and more.
What inspired the launch of Atwater Skin?
I have been ideating ATWATER since I was about 18. I struggled heavily with acne growing up, so that was one of my inspirations – I wanted to help other people clear up their skin and regain their confidence. Another one of my inspirations was that I wanted to create a skincare brand for men that was uncomplicated with simple, effective ingredients. After being in the industry for so long and gaining so much knowledge, I finally started to actually work on the brand in 2019, and it launched earlier this year in August. The name of the brand was inspired by my father’s hometown, Atwater, California.
What’s the best advice you can give men about their grooming routine?
My best advice is to find a skincare routine you can stick with - there are three essential steps: 1) cleanse, 2) eye cream, 3) moisturize. Opt in for simple, yet targeted products that work for men and their lifestyle. I also want to emphasize the importance of looking your best. When you look good, you feel good, so it’s important to be well-groomed and put together.
Any recommendations for men looking to upgrade their grooming kit this holiday season?
Yes. Atwater Skin’s Heavy Armor Facial Moisturizer is perfect for all skin types and is fast-absorbing. It hydrates and brightens without a heavy or greasy feeling for all-day comfort. Plus, it also contains antioxidants and plant oils to promote healthy skin. ($35 at AtwaterSkin.gay)
As a Former President of Kiehl’s, you were very involved in creating visibility for LGBTQ+ communities; do you plan to do the same with this new venture?
Absolutely! As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, I have always found ways to use my voice to help build awareness for the cause. This will continue, and likely amplify, as I continue to build Atwater.
Why do you think it is important to be out and proud in the male grooming market?
Truthfully, I think it's important to be out and proud in any market you're in. The more outspoken and prominent leaders in the LGBTQ+ community are, the better! It's personally important to me because I remember what it was like to be a gay teenager without anyone to look up to. I didn't know gay people could be successful. It means the world to me that I can be an inspiration to a young, gay audience in the world - simply by being myself and sharing my journey.
DotGay’s Content Marketing Specialist Jorge Gallegos with Christ Salgardo, Kiehl’s NYC Pride 2017
In your own words, what does “LGBTQ+ safety and support” mean specifically?
As a business leader creating an environment that supports LGBTQ+ safety and support means ensuring that there are programs in place that safeguards all individuals in the work environment. This should be incorporated in all HR materials that everyone should access too.
If you could give LGBTQ+ youth one message, what would it be?
Live life bright and boldly. Embrace who you are and bring your own individual, unique perspective to everything you do. Be courageous, and you can achieve anything.
Anything else you would like to share with the .gay audience?
Thank you for all the incredible support throughout the years; I am truly grateful for all of you.
Find more information about Atwater HERE
