A Semi-Closed Sparkling Basin
Covering about 2.5 million km² with a volume of roughly 3.7 million km³, the Mediterranean is nearly landlocked, linked to the Atlantic only through the Strait of Gibraltar. That narrow throat supplies some 70,000 m³/s of Atlantic water—without it, the sea level would plunge at nearly 1 m per year—and gives the basin a water “residence time” of about 100 years.[1]
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Salinity That Packs a Punch
Evaporation outpaces freshwater inputs here, driving average surface salinity to about 38 PSU (parts per thousand)—higher than almost any other open sea. In its western depths, salinity still clocks in at 38.4 PSU, rising to 38.7 PSU in the eastern Mediterranean.[2]

The Canadian Cosmetic Cluster is proud to announce Beauty By The Sea, an international symposium taking place at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) in Oban, Scotland. This two-day event will explore the full potential of the seaweed supply chain — from sustainable cultivation to innovative end-use applications in cosmetics, textiles, bioplastics, and pharmaceuticals. Organized in close collaboration with SAMS, SAMS Enterprise, and the UK Cosmetic Cluster, Beauty By The Sea will offer an exclusive opportunity to witness firsthand the future of algae innovation. The symposium aims to showcase how seaweed moves from makers to brands, demonstrating the essential role this marine resource plays in shaping the sustainable industries of tomorrow.

When people think of Dead Sea skincare, they often think of Israel. But on the Jordanian side of the Dead Sea, equally rich in healing minerals, a new story is being written — one rooted in authenticity, sustainability, and social purpose. BLOOM Dead Sea Life is proud to represent Jordan’s side of the Dead Sea, offering cosmetic buyers worldwide an ethical, high-quality alternative with a powerful commitment to people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and based in Amman, Jordan, BLOOM embodies its founder’s deep values: passion, excellence, innovation, and eco-consciousness. With over 52 products crafted and exported to more than 40 countries including the USA, UK, Belgium, UAE, and Sweden, BLOOM continues to grow as a trusted name in Dead Sea wellness. At BLOOM, every product reflects a balance between nature and science. The company celebrates the power of natural ingredients, while also embracing safe, carefully selected cosmetic ingredients where needed — particularly in their advanced skincare creams that meet European Union regulations for effectiveness and safety.

Looking for a clean, powerful, and planet-friendly ingredient that actually delivers results? Meet your new best friend: Cacay Oil (Caryodendron Orinocense Seed Oil)! Pressed straight from the nutrient-packed nuts of the Amazonian Cacay tree, this golden elixir is a total game-changer for skincare, scalp health, and hair repair. And it’s not just hype—clinical studies by Derma Consult GmbH and Kosmoscience back it up. Cacay Oil smooths wrinkles, drenches skin with hydration, and fixes frazzled hair like a pro. It’s the secret weapon your formulations have been waiting for.

What Makes Cacay Oil a Formulator's Dream?

• Natural Retinol (Vitamin A): All the skin-renewing, fine-line-smoothing magic without the irritation of synthetic versions.
• Vitamin E: A heavy-hitting antioxidant that shields skin from nasty environmental stress and keeps the skin barrier strong and healthy.
• Omega-6 & Omega-9 Fatty Acids: Lock in moisture, repair damage, and keep skin soft and bouncy.
• Feather-Light Texture: Absorbs like a dream, leaves zero greasy residue—just a silky, soft finish.

Dedicating this post to all the amazing women in the world. March 8th rolls around every year and we all get an annual reminder that women exist, but because—shockingly—women’s rights are relevant every day. And yet, somehow, we still need to explain this. First things first: March 8th isn’t just about “celebrating women.” It’s not about flowers, pink cupcakes, or some pseudo-Valentine’s Day where we throw chocolates at women and call it empowerment. It’s about women’s rights—the rights that, believe it or not, are still an issue across the world.

Join us for an exciting discussion on the future of the blue economy and its transformative impact on the beauty industry. In this episode, we’re joined by Diego Lapetina, founder of Blue Economy News, a new voice on marine sustainability and innovation; Margarita Sidorova, founder of the Canadian Cosmetic Cluster and Beauty By The Sea, bringing expertise in aquaculture and marine-derived ingredients; and Courtney Howell, founder of 7 Fathoms Skincare, a brand redefining beauty through sustainably sourced seaweed and ocean-inspired formulations.
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Together, we explore how marine resources are shaping sustainable practices in cosmetics, the opportunities for aquaculture to drive growth, and how brands can integrate blue economy principles into their supply chains. Dive deep into conversations about innovation, regenerative practices, and the role of collaboration in fostering a cleaner, more eco-conscious beauty industry. Whether you're a beauty enthusiast, sustainability advocate, or industry professional, this is a podcast you don’t want to miss!

Now let’s turn our attention to the luxury cosmetics market, where products typically retail for at least $30 - $80+ USD and are positioned to offer both exclusivity and a distinct lifestyle. Unlike mass-market items, luxury brands often thrive on niche appeal, catering to a select audience that values premium formulations, high-end branding, and unique experiences. In many cases, the goal is not simply to sell a product, but to immerse consumers in a refined world that justifies a higher price point. Within this space, numerous niches remain under explored. One example is the marine segment—specifically, yachting. Brands can do far more to address the needs of consumers who spend time on yachts by considering what they wear, when they wear it, and how a product might enhance that environment. Loro Piana, for instance, has illustrated how aligning products with specific lifestyles and activities can fuel luxury growth. When entering the luxury beauty market, it’s important to remember that the true top one-percent is relatively small. Targeting an upper-middle-class demographic with a desire for exclusivity can be more lucrative, as long as the brand maintains its high-end image. Ultimately, success in luxury depends on understanding consumers’ lifestyles—and designing products that elevate their experiences, whether on a yacht or simply in everyday life. The global luxury market, valued at an estimated $360 billion by 2026[1], caters to consumers who seek exclusive experiences and premium products. While those at the very top of the wealth pyramid can purchase whatever they desire without hesitation, the majority of luxury spending actually comes from upper-middle-class individuals who often stretch their budgets—sometimes to the point of financial strain—to access this elevated lifestyle. This dynamic can contribute to periodic economic downturns when large numbers of consumers default on credit.

Within the luxury sector, the marine and aviation industries present significant opportunities for premium cosmetics and wellness products:

Tunbridge Wells, UK – The Upcycled Beauty Company are pleased to announce the launch of the 2025 Zero Waste Beauty Report published in collaboration with Covalo. Wasting products is a waste of resources. This includes materials and energy for production, transportation, and end-of-life disposal, which all contribute to carbon
dioxide (CO2) emissions. Our excessive use of finite resources and disposable culture also fuels global biodiversity loss. But it’s not all bad news. The zero waste movement is empowering companies from all corners of the globe to take action, including forward-thinking beauty and personal care brands. Instead of sticking with the linear take-make-waste model, they’re embracing a circular economy, where resources are kept in circulation and waste is eliminated or minimized at every stage.