CANADIAN COSMETIC CLUSTER
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    • Trade Mission To France / INNOLYMPIAD >
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    • Virtual International Day
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    • Oat Oil
    • Watermelon Extract Powder
    • Blueberry Extract Powder
    • Grape Seed Oil
    • Seabalance 2000
  • ChemBox 2nd Edition
    • Nanovetores
    • Charles Tennant
    • Upcycled Beauty NECTA
    • Native Extracts
    • Glacial Bay Clay
    • CoSeed Bio Pharm Co
    • Simply Ingredients - Green Tea Wax
    • NAP Tea Tree Oil
  • Pilot ChemBox
    • Provital
    • Biolie - Ruby Red
    • INdermal - DDS Retinol
    • Mirexus - Phytospherix
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    • MMP
    • Natural Immunogenics
    • Simply Ingredients - Hyaluronic Acid
    • Manicouagan Sea Minerals
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  • Cluster Members
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Angela Jenkins on Beauty, Wellness, and the Dry Eye Journey

27/8/2025

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When it comes to beauty and wellness, most of us think skin, hair, maybe even fitness routines — but rarely do we think about our eyes. For Angela Jenkins, that blind spot became both personal and professional. What began with her own struggles — watery eyes, blurred vision, and the frustration of makeup not sitting quite right — grew into a bigger mission: to make eye health part of the beauty conversation. Angela is the voice behind Dry Eye Girlfriend, a platform where science meets everyday life, and where women can feel understood, empowered, and equipped to care for their eyes without giving up the things they love. In this interview, Angela shares her journey, busts a few myths, and reminds us that when your eyes feel good, you feel good. 
What started your dry eye journey?

My dry eye journey is both personal and professional. Personally, I began noticing the signs myself: blurry vision, watery eyes, that constant sandy feeling, and even difficulty wearing makeup the way I wanted. At first, I brushed it off, but as the symptoms grew, I realized just how disruptive dry eye can be. Professionally, working in eye health, I saw countless women experiencing the same struggles, often without even knowing it was dry eye, and when they did seek help, they were usually told to “just use drops.” What was missing was a bigger conversation about lifestyle, beauty, and nutrition. Living it myself and witnessing it every day sparked the idea for Dry Eye Girlfriend: a space where women feel understood, where science meets everyday life, and where we can take care of our eyes without giving up the things we love.
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What is the most misunderstood piece of information on eye care that you have read on social media?
​

One of the biggest myths is that “clean” or “natural” automatically means safe for the eyes. In reality, some natural oils and plant extracts can actually block or damage the delicate glands that keep our tears healthy. On the flip side, preservatives have been given a very bad reputation, but what often gets lost is that preservatives play an important role in keeping products safe and stable. The issue isn’t preservatives themselves, it’s about the type, the concentration, and how the product is formulated. When social media oversimplifies this conversation into “clean is good, preservatives are bad,” women are left making choices that aren’t always best for their eye health.

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Dive Into Beauty - Seaweed Biotech for the Cosmetic Industry Course

7/8/2025

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Have you ever wondered how seaweed ends up in your skincare routine—or how something slimy from the sea becomes a superstar in serums, creams, and masks? Now you can dive into the answer with our brand-new course, Seaweed Biotech and Application in the Cosmetic Industry, brought to you by the Canadian Cosmetic Cluster. This course is where ocean curiosity meets cosmetic innovation, designed for both beauty professionals who want to work with marine ingredients and seaweed entrepreneurs looking to transform biomass into high-value beauty products.
This isn’t your average course. It’s a hands-on, high-impact learning journey that blends marine science with real-world cosmetic application. You’ll explore everything from extracting seaweed polysaccharides to formulating antioxidant-rich skincare, all while understanding how this magical marine material fits into circular economy models and blue biotech trends. Whether you're a formulator, a brand owner, or a seaweed farmer with big dreams, this course offers the knowledge and tools to make waves in the beauty industry.

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MediSea Robotics and the Future of Sustainable Automation

5/8/2025

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At the cutting edge of sustainable ocean technology, MediSea Robotics is pioneering intelligent, modular robotics designed to serve the evolving needs of the blue economy. Founded by Dr. rer. nat. Joseph Ambrose Pagaran, a scientist and innovator with a passion for ocean regeneration, MediSea Robotics is more than a robotics company—it’s a vision for a smarter, more circular marine future.
Through a modular design philosophy, AI-driven autonomy, and a mission rooted in the UN’s 5Ps—People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, Profit, and Partnership—MediSea is reshaping how aquaculture, seaweed farming, and environmental monitoring are approached. As a sponsor of Beauty by the Sea, MediSea will demonstrate how robotics can enable regenerative beauty—transforming raw kelp into skincare, data into insight, and sustainable harvesting into a wellness experience. In this exclusive interview, we dive into how the company is using scalable automation to create impact across industries, all while putting people and the planet first.
1. You mentioned that MediSea Robotics uses modular robotics technology aligned with the 5 Ps—People, Planet, Prosperity, Profit and Partnership. Could you explain how each of these pillars informs your product development and company culture?

 
Here’s how MediSea Robotics bakes the 5Ps—People, Planet, Prosperity, Profit, Partnership—into both our product decisions and our day‑to‑day culture:  
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  •  People – We co-design every module with the farmers, divers and technicians who’ll use it, then keep most AI inference on the robot (“at the edge”) so crews get fast decisions and keep control of their own data. That aligns with the 2030 Agenda’s “plan of action for people” and with 2025 edge-computing guidance that highlights lower latency and stronger privacy when processing happens locally.
  • Planet – Circularity is a design requirement: components are specified for disassembly/reuse, and we run life‑cycle assessments on high-impact parts. This follows circular‑economy design principles (eliminate waste, keep materials in use, regenerate nature) and “design for disassembly” research showing environmental gains when you plan the teardown from day one.  
  • Prosperity – Our modular architecture lets partners drop existing sensors, power pods or analytics into our chassis, so value (and IP) is shared across the blue‑economy supply chain—echoing the SDG focus on “prosperity” for all. Modular/reconfigurable robotics literature backs this approach for flexibility and faster reconfiguration, which translates into quicker market access for everyone involved.
  •  Profit – We still manage clear unit economics: standardised modules, service contracts, and “grant + corporate match” pilots (e.g., via the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership) de‑risk R&D spend. Internally, we track a classic triple‑bottom‑line view—profit alongside people and planet—so commercial viability is treated as a sustainability pillar, not a contradiction.
  •  Partnership – Open APIs and ROS 2-based software interfaces make it easy for OEMs, universities and NGOs to plug in; research shows APIs are a proven lever for open innovation and shared value creation. Externally, we form multi‑country consortia around EU calls so science, policy and industry move in step.

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Bringing Seaweed into the Spotlight - Meet Get Kelp

5/8/2025

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In a world craving practical climate solutions and authentic connection to nature, Get Kelp stands out as a refreshing voice—playful, purpose-driven, and deeply rooted in ocean advocacy. Founded by Rachel Huber, a seasoned marine conservationist, travel journalist, and diver, Get Kelp is more than just a platform—it’s a movement to make seaweed visible, valuable, and deeply personal.

​What started as a journey of curiosity became a storytelling platform dedicated to regenerative seaweed brands and the people behind them. Rachel isn’t just highlighting products—she’s weaving stories that connect consumers to the sea in accessible, non-preachy ways. Through authentic reviews, thoughtful content, and a community-driven voice, Get Kelp supports cosmetic and wellness brands using seaweed by turning marine science into everyday inspiration. Whether you’re a brand looking to share your ocean-positive values or a consumer wanting to live more sustainably, Get Kelp is your bridge between curiosity and action. It reminds us that seaweed isn’t just something clinging to your toes at the beach—it’s a vital part of climate resilience, coastal economies, and the blue beauty movement.
1. What inspired the creation of Get Kelp, and how does your platform support the marketing and education of seaweed-based brands for cosmetic and wellness brands?

Get Kelp was born from a personal journey. After 20+ years working in marine conservation, scuba diving, and travel journalism, I started seeing seaweed not just as a climate solution, but as a storytelling opportunity. It’s an entry point for people to connect with the ocean in a positive, hopeful way. The platform highlights regenerative, responsibly harvested seaweed people and products - spotlighting the brands doing great work, and translating seaweed’s benefits into content that consumers can easily understand and get excited about. We’re not overly scientific, sales-y, or preachy. Our role is to bridge curiosity with action, making seaweed less intimidating and more inviting.

2. Can you walk us through how a seaweed brand would benefit from your website?

Get Kelp is designed to offer high-integrity, low-barrier visibility for brands doing good work with seaweed. Here’s how we support seaweed-based brands, even as a growing platform:
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  • Audience with Intent: While we’re still building reach, the people who do visit Get Kelp are already curious about sustainable living and ocean-positive products. These aren’t random clicks, they’re the kind of consumers who care about ingredients, sourcing, and impact.
  • Affiliate Listings with Direct Links: Products are spotlighted on our site via affiliate links, but even if a reader doesn’t purchase directly, they’re forwarded to the brand’s own website for further exploration or purchase. This helps drive qualified traffic and brand awareness.
  • Newsletter Features: Products will get a mention in our new email newsletter ’The Kelp Current’ offering direct inbox exposure to our community.
  • Social Coverage: I share featured brands on Instagram (@get_kelp & personal @rachel.ihuber), plus ‘Best of’ guides on LinkedIn using Reels, stories, and grid posts to give people a glimpse of the product and why it matters. It’s not just an image or blog post, it’s context, storytelling, and personal voice.
  • Product Reviews & Quality- First: I always request a product trial before featuring it on the site or socials. This isn’t about sponsorship, it’s about trust. I want to experience the product myself so I can speak honestly and confidently about its quality. That builds credibility with my audience and ensures every product spotlight is genuine. In return, I create a thoughtful, honest review - sharing how it feels, works, and fits into a sustainable lifestyle. Here is an example: https://getkelp.com/review/nutravege-algal-supplement-review/
  • Brand Association: By being on Get Kelp, brands become part of a curated ecosystem focused on education, curiosity, and regenerative impact. It’s less about pushing product and more about building a movement together in the blue economy. We are about collaboration, not competition.
  • Long-Term SEO Value: Listings, reviews, and mentions are woven into blog posts and evergreen content. As the site grows in visibility, so does the exposure for each brand.
  • Industry Connection: Get Kelp is proud to be a partner of the Pacific Seaweed Industry Association (PSIA). That collaboration gives us valuable insight into seaweed sector trends and helps extend awareness of featured brands across both consumer and industry-facing channels.

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Copyright © 2021
  • Welcome to the Cluster
    • Our Services >
      • Formulation Labs
      • Certification Guidance
      • Beauty Business School
      • Cosmetic Incubator Training
      • Cosmetic Industry Opportunities
    • Canadian Cosmetic Cluster
    • Global Services
    • Privacy Policy
  • Beauty By The Sea Project
  • Cluster Updates
  • Cluster Activities
    • Trade Mission To France / INNOLYMPIAD >
      • Cosmetic Week 2023
      • Symposium
    • Korean Trade Mission To Canada >
      • June Innovation Night Out 2024
      • Korean Beauty Day
    • Virtual International Day
  • Welcome to the ChemBox 2023
    • Oat Oil
    • Watermelon Extract Powder
    • Blueberry Extract Powder
    • Grape Seed Oil
    • Seabalance 2000
  • ChemBox 2nd Edition
    • Nanovetores
    • Charles Tennant
    • Upcycled Beauty NECTA
    • Native Extracts
    • Glacial Bay Clay
    • CoSeed Bio Pharm Co
    • Simply Ingredients - Green Tea Wax
    • NAP Tea Tree Oil
  • Pilot ChemBox
    • Provital
    • Biolie - Ruby Red
    • INdermal - DDS Retinol
    • Mirexus - Phytospherix
    • Upcycled Beauty
    • MMP
    • Natural Immunogenics
    • Simply Ingredients - Hyaluronic Acid
    • Manicouagan Sea Minerals
    • Packaging
  • ChemBox Solutions
    • ChemBox Ingredients
    • ChemBox Packaging
    • ChemBox Prototypes
  • Cluster Members
    • Raw Material Suppliers
    • Packaging Suppliers
    • Claims and Testing