Toronto, September 2024 — The Canadian Cosmetic Cluster is excited to announce the launch of its Beauty and the Sea project, a series of events aimed at promoting the blue economy in the cosmetic industry. With a focus on marine-based ingredients and sustainable practices, the project will feature a combination of webinars and in-person events beginning in November 2024 and continuing through 2025.
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The first event is a webinar on November, introducing the blue economy and its relevance to cosmetics. Attendees will explore marine ingredients used in formulations, the environmental benefits of aquaculture, and the emerging role of bioplastics in packaging. The session will highlight how regenerative aquaculture—particularly the farming of kelps, algae, and oysters—can reduce carbon footprints while benefiting both the environment and cosmetic products.
Later in November, we will partner with Macro Oceans for an in-depth webinar on formulating with marine-derived ingredients, focusing specifically on sugar kelp. This session will provide insights on incorporating sugar kelp into skincare, haircare, and other formulations, demonstrating its profitability and sustainability. We will also cover the importance of water conservation in formulation and offer strategies for integrating eco-friendly practices into supply chains, making this webinar valuable for both small and large cosmetic brands.

As we progress, these webinars will evolve into in-person events. In January 2025, we will host a live formulation session at Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto, where participants can interact with marine ingredients in a hands-on setting. The event will offer the opportunity to network with industry professionals and gain a deeper understanding of the environmental significance of marine-based formulations.

In February, we will host a second event in Vancouver in collaboration with the Pacific Seaweed Industry Association (PSIA). This event will focus on bridging the gap between seaweed growers and cosmetic brands, offering practical guidance on how to scale up the commercialization of marine ingredients for the cosmetic, packaging, and textile sectors.

Alright, let’s talk scaling up—it's not just for brands! Everyone loves talking about how a brand can grow, but there’s way more to it in the cosmetics industry. We’ve got ingredients, packaging (hello, bioplastics), lab research, manufacturing, and even consumer panels. The entire supply chain is involved! When you start, it might feel like you're lost in a business jungle, but eventually, you’ll realize, "Hey, it’s time to grow!” And that means investing more cash, chasing bigger clients, and maybe even gulp dealing with spreadsheets.
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Step 1: Show Me the Money
Let’s be real, you can’t scale up without some serious dough. You’ll need to budget for everything—whether you’re ramping up production or dreaming about that shiny new marketing campaign. How much cash do you need? Start crunching the numbers. How many more units do you want to sell? Are you planning to rent a new warehouse, or perhaps launch a mega marketing campaign that’ll have people shouting your name from the rooftops? Hiring new staff is also a consideration, unless you’d rather outsource. Sometimes it’s cheaper to grab a freelancer or consultant who can handle the marketing magic for you. And hey, who doesn’t love a good private-label situation? Whether it’s LED masks, oxygen machines, or good ol’ Gua Sha tools, the possibilities are endless. Need new manufacturing space? That’s gonna cost you, too. Don’t have a money tree in the backyard? Well, time to knock on your investors' doors or call the bank. Heck, some folks even remortgage their house. It’s more common than you’d think, even if they say, "Oh, it's just a family investment."

In an era where a single tweet can make or break a brand, public relations has become the unsung hero of the beauty industry. Today, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Jason Krell, a seasoned PR professional and TV lifestyle expert with nearly two decades of experience under his belt. Jason has a knack for cutting through the noise and ensuring his clients not only get noticed but also stay relevant in an increasingly crowded marketplace. From the shifting sands of digital media to the art of storytelling, he’s here to share his insights on why a solid PR strategy is more crucial than ever. Jason has helped his clients with earned media placement across Canada and the US, including in top publications like Oprah’s O Magazine and Essence. Get ready to take notes!

Maneuver Men's Grooming is more than just a brand; it's a movement born from personal struggle and a desire to create meaningful change in the beauty industry. Founded by a former firefighter trainee, Udrea Russell who faced the common yet frustrating challenge of razor bumps. Maneuver was created to provide tailored grooming solutions for men and women of color. Some of their most popular products being the Hair Growth Oil, the Razor Bump Spray and Ingrown Hair Exfoliator. The brand’s mission goes beyond skincare; it’s about empowering a community, creating a space where individuals can feel confident and take pride in their appearance while stepping into leadership roles within their communities. 

On August 20th, Seneca Polytechnic hosted its highly anticipated Capstone Project event, a significant milestone for students enrolled in the Cosmetic Science program. This event, attended by key industry stakeholders, including the Canadian Cosmetic Cluster showcased the innovative projects developed by the graduating students. Among the participants is one of the Cluster's trade mission participants for the trip in October 2024, Tribalure. Their student team won the award for standout project. Denyse Nadon one of the co-founders of Tribalure will be representing Canadian cultural knowledge on a global stage during Cosmetic 360's cosmetic Olympiades. 
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The Cosmetic Science Program at Seneca Polytechnic
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Seneca Polytechic's Cosmetic Science program is renowned for its comprehensive curriculum, designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the cosmetic and personal care industry. The program emphasizes a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application, covering various aspects of cosmetic formulation, product development, regulatory affairs, and marketing. The inclusion of advanced laboratories and industry-standard equipment ensures that students receive hands-on experience, preparing them for real-world challenges.

Neo Naturelle is a new skincare company dedicated to promoting healthy, confident aging through its innovative pro-aging skincare products. The company's origins trace back to a deeply personal journey, ignited by the founder's desire to create safe and effective skincare solutions for her daughter, Marina, during her pregnancy. When Marina became pregnant, she sought skincare products that were not only clean and safe but also effective, prompting her mother to step in and formulate products specifically for her needs. This effort resulted in products that resonated not only with Marina but also with her friends and family, who were impressed by their quality and effectiveness.

Encouraged by the enthusiastic response and the visible results, the founder realized there was a broader demand for skincare that prioritized health and safety without compromising on effectiveness. Thus, Neo Naturelle was born, with a mission to share these transformative products with a wider audience.  We interview company founder Nila Cook about her journey to building a skincare brand in a post-covid cosmetic market.

My name is Margarita Sidorova, and I’ve spent the past decade immersed in the ever-evolving world of the cosmetics. This journey has been a rollercoaster as many entrepreneurial journeys are. Creating a cosmetic cluster in Canada was something I never envisioned my self doing. It allowed me to amass a wealth of knowledge as I was in a unique position to observe the supply chain of the industry. This book was born out of my passion for cosmetics and my desire to share industry insights to help people succeed. While the cosmetic world often appears glamorous, at its core, it is a business that demands strategic planning, efficient supply chain management, and an in-depth understanding of formulation and laboratory operations. 
Whether you’re aiming to develop your own product line, manage a spa, or delve into the regulatory aspects of cosmetics, this book will serve as your comprehensive guide. I want this to be your resource, a book to reach for when you have a question to be answered. We’ll explore every facet of the industry, from ingredient sourcing and packaging to navigating regulatory landscapes. You’ll gain insights into the critical aspects of running a profitable business, including how to budget effectively, balance R&D with branding, and make informed decisions about outsourcing and in-house operations. Sometimes the wrong decision can bankrupt you or set you back a few years.
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One of the key lessons I’ve learned is the importance of meticulous planning. Writing everything out—from your goals to your needs—this helps you align your ambitions with practical realities. Reality is never glamorous but my goal is to provide you with knowledge that helps you make the right business decisions. Entering the cosmetic industry can be overwhelming, but with the right knowledge and tools, it becomes manageable. Dreams can come true - they just need planning. The industry is rich with opportunities, particularly in niche markets and sustainable practices. We’ll explore how to identify and fill gaps in the market. There is more to this industry than creating a nude lipstick or botanical facial mist. Think outside the box there are opportunities in raw materials, retail, ai and packaging to name a few. 
The Business of Cosmetics is my love letter to the industry that combines science, business, and innovation. Together, we can build a future that is not only successful but also sustainable and collaborative. Order yours today and get the insights into the beautiful world of cosmetics.

The Global Clusters International Tour, held over three days in conjunction with the 30th anniversary of Cosmetic Valley, was an extraordinary event that brought together key stakeholders from around the world. Attendees included representatives from the Canadian Cosmetic Cluster, Japan Cosmetic Center, Polo della Cosmesi (the Italian Cosmetic Cluster), Beauty Cluster Spain, Thai Cosmetic Cluster and IBITA (the Korean Cluster). This tour was a testament to the power of global collaboration in the cosmetics industry, fostering innovation, sharing best practices, and celebrating three decades of success.
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Le Tour International des Clusters, organisé sur trois jours en conjonction avec le 30e anniversaire de Cosmetic Valley, a été un événement extraordinaire qui a réuni des acteurs clés du monde entier. Parmi les participants figuraient des représentants du Canadian Cosmetic Cluster, du Thai Cosmetic Cluster, du Japan Cosmetic Center, du Polo della Cosmesi (le cluster cosmétique italien), du Beauty Cluster Spain et de l'IBITA (le cluster coréen). Ce tour a été un témoignage du pouvoir de la collaboration mondiale dans l'industrie des cosmétiques, favorisant l'innovation, le partage des meilleures pratiques et célébrant trois décennies de succès.
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