A Week of Innovation, Collaboration, and Celebration: Highlights from the Canadian Cosmetic Cluster’s Journey to Cosmetic 360

This year, at the Cosmetic 360 trade show, we proudly led a delegation of Canadian companies, and it was a truly remarkable experience. We spent an entire week immersed in French culture, forging connections with new companies, and sharing the company of other clusters. One of the most memorable aspects of this trip was reuniting with our global cluster counterparts. For me personally, this was the highlight of the week, as it underscored the incredible journey we have undertaken together over the past decade. Many of us have been involved from the beginning—since 2015 in my case—and this event served as a celebration of our collective achievements. From the opening ceremonies to the parade and everything in between, it was a testament to the collaborative spirit we’ve fostered, overcoming challenges and supporting one another along the way. There’s a profound sense of friendship and community that has grown over the years, and it was palpable throughout the week.

Retail Tour

Our first day in Paris began with a guided tour alongside the UK, Colombian and Canadian delegations. We explored Paris, visiting landmarks like Samaritaine, a French Pharmacy at Les Halles, Monoprix, and others. The experience offered a chance to not only sightsee but also to gain insights into the Parisian retail landscape and its history. Following lunch, we were joined by the Japanese cluster director, adding another dimension to our collaborative exchange. Together with representatives from the UK and Colombian clusters, we visited Fragonard for a private tour, where we delved into the rich world of fragrance.  A big thank you to our Global Cluster Members for being part of this tour! Biointropic is an exceptional Cluster in Colombia that represents the rich biodiversity that the country has to offer. It was also a great pleasure to welcome Jane Evison from the Cosmetic Cluster UK. 

Cluster Dinner

The day concluded with a group dinner at Le Café Plume, where we shared plans and ideas for the coming years and celebrated the opportunity to bring companies from our clusters together.

International Day

The day began with participants gathering at the historic Place Colette in Paris, where the energy of the bustling city set the stage for an inspiring day of international collaboration. The group departed from Paris to embark on a journey filled with opportunities to connect, learn, and explore.The first stop was a visit to the innovative Aircos and Pascual companies, where delegates had the chance to meet with elected members and gain valuable insights into the cutting-edge advancements and initiatives within the cosmetics industry. This visit highlighted the dedication of these companies to innovation and sustainability, offering attendees an up-close view of their operations and expertise.

The tour continued with an arrival at the picturesque Château d’Asnières, a site rich in history and culture. Participants enjoyed a brief exploration of the château and its current exhibition, taking a moment to appreciate the blend of heritage and creativity that resonates with the cosmetic industry's own blend of tradition and innovation. A delightful lunch cocktail followed, providing an informal yet engaging setting for attendees to network and exchange ideas. The elegant atmosphere of the château added a touch of sophistication to the occasion, fostering meaningful connections among the global delegates. 

General Assembly 

The day concluded with the General Assembly of the Global Cosmetics Cluster, held in the magnificent Orangerie of Château d’Asnières. This pivotal event brought together leaders and visionaries from around the world to discuss key initiatives, celebrate successes, and lay the groundwork for the future of the cosmetics industry. The elegant setting provided an inspiring backdrop for discussions that embodied the collaborative spirit and innovative vision at the heart of the Global Cosmetics Cluster. A highlight of the assembly was an engaging presentation by Yann Chilvers, the co-founder of Covalo, who shared valuable insights into upcoming cosmetic trends. His expertise and forward-looking perspective sparked thought-provoking discussions, leaving attendees energized and equipped with fresh ideas to navigate the ever-evolving cosmetics landscape. The assembly underscored the strength of the global community and its shared commitment to driving innovation and excellence in the industry.

1st International Competition for Excellence in Cosmetic Ecosystems

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Cosmetic 360 launched the first-ever International Cosmetics Excellence Competition, bringing together 14 pavilions from five continents. The grand opening ceremony was a highlight, showcasing the incredible diversity of the global cosmetics industry. Each participating region presented its unique cosmetic ecosystem, focusing on four key themes: training, public research, local initiatives, and know-how. The atmosphere was electric, with representatives from around the world coming together to celebrate innovation, collaboration, and the shared vision of advancing the cosmetics industry.

Day 1 Cosmetic 360

The first day of the Cosmetic 360 show was filled with excitement and a palpable sense of anticipation. The event was officially inaugurated by French Industry Minister Marc Ferracci, who, alongside Marc-Antoine Jamet, delivered an inspiring opening speech. Their words underscored the importance of innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration within the cosmetics industry, setting an uplifting tone for the days ahead. For the Canadian Cosmetic Cluster, the day was particularly special as we had the honor of welcoming Hélène Le Diouron, the Trade Commissioner from the Canadian Embassy in Paris, to our pavilion. Hélène's visit was a highlight of the day, as she spent time speaking with our delegates, learning about the innovative work being done by Canadian companies, and offering invaluable insights into navigating the French market. As a Trade Commissioner, Hélène specializes in supporting Canadian businesses in establishing and expanding their presence in France, providing expertise on market entry strategies, regulatory compliance, and partnership development. Her advice was both practical and inspiring, equipping our delegates with the tools and confidence to make meaningful connections and explore opportunities in the French and broader European markets. Hélène’s visit underscored the importance of fostering strong international relationships, and her presence at the Canadian pavilion was a testament to the collaborative spirit that drives the cosmetics industry forward. It was a privilege to have her engage with our cluster and lend her support to the Canadian delegation, further solidifying the bridge between Canada and France in the world of cosmetics.

Participating Canadian Companies

Lallemand
Contact: Angelique Barreau | [email protected]
Lallemand, a global leader in yeast and bacteria production, has been at the forefront of sustainable innovation through acquisitions like Evolva and groundbreaking ingredients such as JUNEOTM and LARALLYTM.

Heirloom Beauty
Contact: Hina Limbada | [email protected]
Heirloom Beauty bridges generational beauty rituals with cutting-edge skincare solutions, offering two signature lines—Reverse for mature skin and Preserve for younger generations.

Tribalure
Contact: Angie Sarsons | [email protected]
Tribalure celebrates Indigenous heritage with inclusive, holistic beauty products and a governance model rooted in the Seven Sacred Teachings, while supporting MMIWG advocacy initiatives.

Erthos
Contact: Jillian Watson | [email protected]
Erthos develops sustainable, compostable materials compatible with existing plastic manufacturing systems, redefining standards for eco-friendly innovation.
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Seneca College
Contact: Ira Sherr | [email protected]
Renowned for its Cosmetic Science program, Seneca College prepares graduates for roles in formulation, quality control, and product development.

NuVsio Skincare
Contact: Dr. Elena Brei | [email protected]
Rooted in microbiome science, NuVsio offers groundbreaking skincare solutions with proprietary technologies, ensuring transformative results without fillers or additives.

Day 2 Cosmetic 360

​The Canadian Cosmetic Cluster’s Agora presentation at Cosmetic 360 highlighted a range of innovative and culturally significant topics that showcased the diversity and expertise of the Canadian cosmetics industry. The presentation featured The Beauty and the Sea Project in collaboration with Le Paysan Marin, exploring cultural heritage through Tribalure, and learning about generational beauty traditions with Heirloom Beauty. It took an in-depth look at the future of Canadian ingredients, led by Lallemand, and delved into sustainable packaging solutions with Erthos. The presentation also celebrated the next generation of cosmetic professionals through Seneca Polytechnic. This inspiring showcase demonstrated Canada’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and cultural enrichment in the global cosmetics industry.

The 10th-anniversary celebrations culminated in the Cosmetics Excellence medal awards ceremony on Thursday. It was a proud moment for the Canadian Cosmetic Cluster, as we were honored with two prestigious medals: one for Cluster Innovation and another for Cluster Support. Additionally, the Tier One cluster received special recognition for representing Canada’s cultural knowledge. These awards reflected the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of everyone involved, marking a significant achievement for the Canadian pavilion and solidifying our place as a leader in the global cosmetics ecosystem. As we look forward to next year’s show, with a focus on the blue economy and sustainability, we extend our deepest gratitude to the Cosmetic 360 team, including Christophe, Franckie, Marina, Ségolène, Amine and everyone else. Your support and generosity made this experience unforgettable. We leave this year’s show inspired and motivated, with a clear vision for the future. The next 10 to 20 years will see Cosmetic 360 grow into an international week of cosmetic innovation, further uniting clusters and advancing the industry. Thank you to all who made this milestone event a resounding success. We eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this incredible journey.