For Immediate Release – October 12, 2020
Media Contact: Patrick Breeding, patrick@marinskincare.com

Portland, Maine - Two recent University of Maine biomedical engineering graduates, Amber Boutiette and Patrick Breeding, launched Marin Skincare, a skincare startup using a glycoprotein found in lobster as the key ingredient in products for people with eczema, dermatitis, or generally dry, aggravated skin.

The idea for the company and the product was inspired by a very personal need: Amber had struggled for years to find a solution for her own eczema. While working towards his degree in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Maine, Patrick was involved in finding new biotech applications for sustainable marine resources. Working with some of Maine’s most experienced marine resource industry experts, he discovered the surprising properties of glycoproteins found in lobster for use on the skin. These naturally abundant glycoproteins help repair and protect the lobster outer barrier and inner tissue from physical and environmental stressors, while playing a critical role in balancing the internal health of the lobster. When applied to our skin, they help protect the skin’s barrier, while locking-in hydration and minimizing skin moisture loss, which happens when skin is damaged from issues such as eczema.

From that initial discovery, it was a short entrepreneurial leap to begin the work of developing a skincare product that would calm Amber’s eczema flare-ups.

“It was amazing to discover this new ingredient, it’s sustainably-sourced and naturally active. Our third ¬party lab studies demonstrated this product is safe and non-irritating, a critical feature for people with sensitive, temperamental skin,” said Breeding.

The team paired up with industry renowned skincare chemists and manufacturers to develop their first product, spending months to perfect the formula to ensure it not only worked, but felt soothing going onto skin. After perfecting the formula, the pair needed to find a sustainable source of lobster glycoprotein. Patrick had heard of Luke’s Lobster and gave Luke Holden, its Founder and CEO, a call. Immediately, Luke and Patrick were collaborating to develop a method of sustainably and ethically collecting the glycoprotein.

“We were more than happy to work with Marin Skincare on developing this product,” said Luke Holden, CEO & Founder of Luke’s Lobster. “This type of collaboration fits right into our mission to use every part of the lobster, which has an array of sustainable uses, and remarkable properties, in addition to being delicious to eat.”

After developing a new supply chain for the glycoprotein, completing product testing and manufacturing, they were able to launch their first product this past week. Termed ‘Soothing Hydration Cream’, the cream blends their marine glycoproteins with skin hydrating and protecting ingredients (including hyaluronic acid, squalane, shea butter, coconut oil and Vitamin E) and is now available on their website www.marinskincare.com.

“I’ve gone through countless steroid creams that only made my skin angrier, and we’ve finally found a way to keep it at bay. After years of suffering with dry, irritated skin, we made it our mission to bring this relief to others”, said Boutiette.

The team is excited to continue to release products to help address dry, aggravated skin. You can follow the company on Instagram at @MarinSkincareUS and on Facebook at @Marin Skincare.