Cluster Updates

Cosmetic Innovation Night Out 2023

4/2/2023

Watch The Presentations Below

On January 31st the Canadian Cosmetic Cluster had their first in person event of the year . They wanted to start the year off with a focus on innovation and trends. Explore the various new creations in ingredients, packaging, services, and marketing.

The focus of the event was on the following themes;

Beauty On A Budget
Sustainability In 2023
Body Is Your Temple
Fragrance Reimagined
Start-Up Stories

There were presentations from GatteFosse, TC USA, Cosmogen, Quadra Chemicals and more! The evening started with a showcase of innovations. There were some first-hand accounts of startups and their tips on the journey to success. After the presentations it was an evening of networking and knowledge. Let us take a look at the evening as we walk through the presentations below.

What is innovation?

1. A new idea, device, or method.

2. The act or process of introducing new ideas, devices, or methods.

Innovation refers to the introduction of something new or improved. It can refer to new ideas, methods, products, processes, or services. The aim of innovation is to create value by solving problems, meeting needs, or improving the quality of life.

Wise Words On Innovation From Valerie George

“Almost everything has been thought of or tried or done in the industry. That doesn’t mean it can’t be done again; sometimes things fail because it’s not the right time or place. Maybe the consumer isn’t ready. Or, technology hasn’t allowed the idea to succeed. Don’t let this be a barrier. Ask yourself why is it that something hasn’t worked in the past and figure out how you can propel it forward using what you have at your fingertips today.”

Valerie Georgie, Cosmetic Chemist

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Wise Words From Rachel Johnson

Rachel Johnson from the Charismatic Chemist spoke about Beauty on a Budget. Beauty on a Budget is one of the upcoming trends that we have identified at the Cluster. Here are some of Rachel's tips;

Maximizing Minimalistic Formulations by using 15 or less ingredients, low to no heat, and short processing times. This way they can spotlight one or two superstar ingredients and cut costs in a resourceful way.
Partnering with Micro Beauty and SciComm Influencers on all platforms. Quality Content and loyal, organically grown communities are the blueprint for marketing success.
Sourcing innovative ingredients during R &D that are upcycled or produced in small batches so they are readily available. Going viral on TikTok means you’re going to sell out fast. Ingredients with long lead times are not ideal for those quick restock orders.
Having Custom and/or Sustainable packaging that gives the consumer a euphoric application experience.
Partnering with manufacturers who can offer cost savings on both small or large retail batch quantities for Indie and Masstige brands, respectively. The ability to choose the appropriate batch sizes based on energy and cost efficiency is vital.

It is no secret that cost effective products were top sellers for Beauty brands all 2022. We will definitely see more of that this year as new brands emerge with budget friendly skincare and personal care formulations. Consumers from Gen Z to X are seeking luxury-esque, tech-infused, and effective products that are readily accessible. How are the brands maintaining success while keeping their products affordable at $20 or less? I could really write a book about each but I will leave the top 5 things all these brands have in common.

Rachel Johnson of the Charismatic Chemist

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Companies Featured In Our Innovation Night

Re-Source

Re-Source is moving away from online courses to offer you educational & informative content on a subscription basis. You will have access to in-depth reports about sustainable beauty for marketing and product development with a monthly membership. Re-Source is here to help beauty marketers make sense of sustainability, avoid greenwashing, and perform in the market with ingenious products and actions. You will be able to transform your brand portfolio into genuinely better options for the planet. The focus will be on marketing claims, regulations, packaging and formulation innovations, recycling innovations, and more.

We want to publish high quality content from the best experts in their field and make their work more visible and more accessible. Doing so, we aim to help beauty professionals master sustainability - for perfume, makeup, skincare, haircare, personal care - and avoid greenwashing. We believe our industry has its own challenges when it comes to becoming "greener", and also because nobody really expect beauty to be at the forefront of innovations when it actually is. So we are support it! - Eva Lagarde, Founder of Re-Source

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