The Cluster would like to present the first part in our Team Beauty Series. This was done with the Founder - Margarita Sidorova

​Parenting is an important part of life. Raising the next generation of citizens. Citizens to take care of the planet, lead countries and industries. This all starts with parents that raise little dreamers into big visionaries. The COVID-19 pandemic has especially been difficult for parents. Mothers and fathers have been balancing the art of raising children and working to provide for those children. These two important jobs often conflict in a home setting. 

The Canadian Cosmetic Cluster would like to offer an online resource for parents to keep their children busy during this hectic time. We will continuously be updating this list.

Educational
Khan Academy
EPIC
You Be The Chemist
Outschool

Activities
Royal Ontario Museum
Ripleys Aquarium Canada
Ontario Art Gallery
Black Creek Pioneer Village
Toronto Zoo
Ontario Science Center

​The Canadian Cosmetic Cluster interviewed Roula Panagiotopoulos. The co-creator of the new Cosmetic Acceleration Program. Ms. Panagiotopoulos is one of three founders of a new e-commerce retailer shophali.com. She has many years of experience in the cosmetic retail world. We asked  Ms. Panagiotopoulos about how the cosmetic retail will be impacted by COVID-19. 

1. How has COVID-19 changed the e-commerce landscape in Canada?

I find that people have become more adapt to buying online. I  think this new way of shopping will continue given that people have now discovered it is really quite easy to shop. I don’t think that traditional bricks and mortar will disappear as people like to go into stores to widow shop, pass the time away for see and touch items. Maybe there will be less store but brick and mortar stores are not going away. 


2. How has COVID-19 changed the retail landscape in Canada?

What I believe is that people are now wanting to spend their money on Canadian brands and e-commerce sites. We know the the Americans rally around "Buy American Made", however, I found that prior to Covid-19 Canadians were not that accepting of their own brands. I think this has changed. 


3. What is your number one advice to cosmetic companies setting up a business in Canada?

Canada retail environment is very different than that of other countries. We are more similar to Europe in that we find our skincare/cosmetics at drugstores, for the most part. So in that sense it is next to impossible to get shelf space at these large retailers. They look for sales results  and in today’s world you there are two ways to get that your own e-commerce site or small/micro retailers. One key piece of advice, if you are wading into the much crowded skincare environment treat your small/micro retailers like you would a Shoppers Drug Mart.  


4. What online purchase trends have you witnessed growth in the past 6 months?

What we are experiencing is a growth in hair colour and not just classic brunette, black or blonde. We’ve seen a growth in pink, purple and blue hair. We attribute this trend to people not having a corporate look that they have to adhere to at home so they have experimented with bold colour. Up to end of April we had sold the same amount that we sold in the entire year of 2019 and the trend does not seem to be dyeing ( pardon the pun ) anytime soon. The other trend we are noticing is that with all the chemical used to clean people are turning to more natural and biodegradable laundry and cleaning solutions.


5. Do you predict any particular cosmetic category winners in 2021?

I think anything to do with wellness and de-stressing will be key for 2021. It’s been a stressful year for many people and anything to combat stress I believe will be key. I also think that we will continue with colour whether it is on hair, face or maybe even in skin creams. There is a brand that I fell in love with at IBE in LA this past year and their eye cream is iridescent - it’s a fun experience to put it on. Colour makes people happy and de-stresses so it’s very much needed considering we are going into winter for most of the world and that means a lot of dark colours. 

Toronto, Ontario – The Canadian Cosmetic Cluster would like to present a new program that was created by Margarita Sidorova and Roula Panagiotopoulos. Margarita Sidorova created the Canadian Cosmetic Cluster in 2017. This Cluster is one of the 25 international clusters parts of the Global Cosmetic Cluster. Roula Panagiotopoulos is a leading businesswoman in the Cosmetic Industry. Ms. Panagiotopoulos is one of three founders of a new e-commerce retailer shophali.com. Hali is eight months old and is quickly grabbing a foothold in the Canadian landscape of the category of health and beauty. Hali is on track to become Canada's ULTA.
 
Together Ms. Sidorova and Ms. Panagiotopoulos created the new Cosmetic Acceleration Program. The program has only one goal and that is to increase a company's knowledge to help them accelerate their business for the Canadian Cosmetic Market. The Canadian Cosmetic Acceleration Program will provide business individuals with knowledge on Business, Cosmetic Formulation, Ingredient Knowledge and Marketing. This is not your standard business course. This accelerated program was developed for an established brand with a few years of experience as well as startups. The team will listen to a company and provide them with an essential plan to turn around. This program will be an in-person or online multi-day training program. 
 
The first part of the program will focus on the participant presenting the skincare brand to Ms. Sidorova and Ms. Panagiotopoulos. Together they will listen to the business plan and all the marketing strategies. In preparation for the first day of the program, the participant needs to ensure that they have the following ready to present; their business plan, marketing strategies, the entire product line, and company structure.
The second part of the program will focus on the coaches presenting the business strategies to the participant. The coaches will present advice on how to adjust the products, formulas, ingredients, and marketing plans. 
The Canadian Cosmetic Acceleration Program has many benefits. 

• It Allows Companies to Obtain Industry Knowledge of The Canadian Market. 
• Provides A Company with An Opportunity to Learn About How to Make Your Products Sell in Canada. 
• Canadian Cosmetic Experts Advise on How to Incorporate Cosmetic Trends to Follow. 
• A Chance to Have Your Products Listed on Hali. 

 
The Cluster will offer several options for companies looking for additional support.  These services are formulation services, full business plan writing, graphic design, photography and content creation.
The Canadian Cosmetic Cluster is dedicated to providing support for cosmetic companies looking to succeed in the Canadian Market.
 
For more information or to schedule interviews, please contact Margarita Sidorova at info@canadiancosmeticcluster.com or +016478771260.

​There is never a shortage of professional industry organizations in any industry. The cosmetic industry is no different. Every single organization promises that all it takes is a payment of the yearly fee and this will open the doors to better business opportunities. For most SME's memberships become expensive. They can not afford to join every organization. This leads organizations to become competitive. Let us take a look at the various cosmetic organization that exists in our industry. These organizations are not limited to one country and can be found globally. 

​The International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists is a worldwide federation dedicated to international cooperation in cosmetic science and technology.

As of 2020, there are 49 Societies representing 79 countries that have met the high standards of scientific and educational qualifications of the IFSCC and, as members, support the organization’s aims and programs. This is organization is dedicated to the advancement of cosmetic science, the federation strives to increase and disseminate scientific information through meetings and publications. By promoting research in cosmetic science and industry, and by setting high ethical, professional and educational standards, the IFSCC reaches its goal of improving the qualifications of cosmetic scientists. The number of individual members in the Federation now exceeds 16,000 and we are still growing. These individuals primarily work in the Personal Care and Cosmetic Science Industry. Individuals that work in Biological Science, Chemical Development, Chemical Engineering are encouraged to join. They have an opportunity to learn about the application of their knowledge to the Cosmetic Industry. In reality, there is a significant amount of marketing and sales specialists that join the organization. This is especially true in North America where many companies have their sales employees join the organization to give them a better understanding of cosmetic science.

The Personal Care Products Councils and Associations are professional trade associations representing cosmetic and personal care products companies and serving as the voice on scientific, legal, regulatory, legislative and international issues. In the USA there is the PCPC Personal Care Product Councils. PCPC’s 600 member companies represent more than 90 percent of the U.S. beauty industry, including some of the most beloved brands in beauty and personal care. The PCPS supports companies that manufacture, distribute and supply personal care products in the U.S. In Canada, the Cosmetic Alliance represents more than 150-member companies who manufacture, distribute, and supply personal care products marketed in Canada. These companies are involved in the production of products that essential to living better, healthier lives and include everything from soap, shampoo, and toothpaste to moisturizer, lipstick, and sunscreen. There are similar councils in the EU, UK and Japan. These associations are heavily focused on regulation support and on finished cosmetic products. They are not business-focused like a Cluster would be. ​

Global Cosmetics Cluster (formerly known as Cosmetics Clusters – the international network) is the first international clusters network dedicated to innovation in cosmetics, composed of 25 members from 15 countries. Clusters are essential to promote economic growth, as well as support and access to innovation. A cluster can form partnerships with other organizations. A cluster can create projects that connect the various individual clusters. ​

What is a Cluster?

The success of a region within in the industry is not determined by the individual success of single company but as innovations that are produced by the entire regional industry as a whole. 

Professional guilds are focused on the direct sub-industry sectors like manufacturing, packaging or artisan product development. ​There are a plethora of organizations that promote the artistic craft of soaps and perfumery. These organizations are more focused directly on their subsector or craft. They do not have a larger scope of the entire industry. They attract smaller companies and often have smaller fees. 

ICMAD

​ICMAD is a non-profit trade association supporting creative, innovative companies from startups to established multinational businesses of all sizes.  ICMAD’s goal is to help our members succeed in the rapidly changing, highly competitive global cosmetics and personal care industry.  Since 1974, ICMAD has provided essential guidance and support through business tools, publications, education, networking opportunities, and key advocacy support.  We are proud to help our members foster the creativity and innovation that is the heart of the cosmetics and personal care industry. 

Take notice that each organization has a unique place in the industry. Each has a value that they can bring to a company. Is it not more productive to form partnerships where each organization specializes in their strengths. Is it not more beneficial to promote each other. The wise old saying that a fist is stronger than 5 separated fingers. Let us form a hand in creating partnerships throughout with various parts of the industry. No more competition. Let us promote each other. The Global Cluster acting as an overall guide that connects the various organizations and encourages partnerships. Let us celebrate science with the IFSCC, and let personal care organizations focus on regulatory issues.  No one organization can be successful at everything. If we form partnerships our success will be enjoyed by all the companies across. Organizations should not be in the business of solely selling memberships. This model leaves little incentive for organizers to do events after their salaries are paid. Membership fees are of value as they can provide a base for an organization to compensate its employees. Too many organizations rely on volunteers that do not have long term vision or passion for the cause. Organizations should work to make companies money. They should show a direct connection to membership fees and companies' financial growth. They should provide as much support as possible, as fast as possible in a world that functions 24/7. 

The Cosmetic 360 Show is an international cosmetic event that focuses on directing the spotlight on innovations in the Cosmetic Industry. This event is typically held in mid-October over two days (Wednesday and Thursday). There are booths for companies and an area for startups. This show gives a chance for companies of all sizes across the cosmetic supply chain to showcase their best products. The first night of the event features the Cosmetic 360 Show. This show features the awards in the different categories;

RETAIL & BRANDS 
Connected beauty, scents, smart data, IoT, distributors, online sales, customization, perfumes, brands, skincare, makeup, certification, consumer experience, organic cosmetics 

RAW MATERIALS 
Extraction, green chemistry, active ingredients, antimicrobials, anti-ageing, biotechnology, ingredients, essential oils, antioxidants 

TESTING & ANALYSES 
Containers, sensory/emotional analysis, consumer tests, imaging, odour evaluation, efficacy test, skin/hair analysis, 3D skin models  

PACKAGING & MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT 
Digital printing, filling systems, eco-responsible, traceability, robotics, industrial machines, laser, engraving, packaging, samples, white label 

COSMETICS INDUSTRY SUPPORT FUNCTIONS 
Services, software, web agency, data collection, regulations, incubator, the marketplace, research programme, full service, logistics, cloud 

OEM, FORMULATION, LABORATORY EQUIPMENT 
Masks, textures, manufacturers, formula, makeup, sun protection, creams, colour, full service

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​I have participated in Open Innovation since 2016. The first time I was involved with Open Innovation was in 2016. I was searching for events online to get involved with Cosmetic Innovation. I was fresh in the industry and eager to get involved. My first meeting was with Chanel Beauty. It was a great experience to meet the top cosmetic players and to learn from them. Over the years, I had the pleasure of meeting with companies like L’Oreal, LVMH, Yves Rocher, Puig and COTY.  I found very little resources or advice to help me prepare for my first meeting Open Innovation Meeting. I wanted to share some tips on how to best prepare yourself for open innovation meeting. Even if the product is not the right fit for the company or companies – this experience will leave you with a much better understanding of the industry and make you a better professional. 

My Advice for Open Innovation is the following;

Share Your Most Commerical Innovation 

All applicants have the option of submitting multiple projects to Open Innovation. The more commercial the idea or concept, the easier it will be for an established company to implement it.  Established companies are always looking for fresh ideas and many companies like LVMH have an entire division dedicated to Outsourcing. Focus on your most promising aspects. Also applying with a project that you would like more support on is a great way to get assistance in finishing it. Do you have a prototype that you cant finalize? Open Innovation might connect you with someone who will open your eyes to the pros and cons of your design. Comments that point of the flaws in a project can be more powerful than positive ones. They can show you the weakness in your project at an early stage. 

Research the Companies Before Your Meet

Researching the companies that are participating in Open Innovation. Research their history and company values. This will help you tailor your pitch to the company that you will be presenting your concept to. 

Have a concrete business plan

Present as much detail about all aspects of operations as possible. This will help you when you present your project to the company. Established companies want an idea to go to market as quickly as possible as well as Consider the document below to help organize your project. Prepare to give samples of your concept or products. Most companies will ask for the official samples to be sent to their sourcing departments. 

Be Open-Minded  and Enjoy the Experience 

When speaking to established companies that have experience and rich history in the cosmetic industry, it is beneficial to soak up as much as the knowledge as possible. Be open-minded to suggestions for improvement. Sometimes individuals get emotionally attached to their project. Cosmetics should not be reflections of ourselves. They should be reflections on current market opportunities and potential revenue.