Marin Skincare

What Marin Skincare does

Marin Skincare is a Portland, Maine-based direct-to-consumer skincare company founded in 2017 by biomedical engineers Amber Boutiette and Patrick Breeding, who discovered the skin-repair properties of lobster hemocyanin (a marine glycoprotein) during graduate research at the University of Maine. The company's product platform is built around this proprietary Marine Glycoprotein ingredient, which is sourced exclusively as an upcycled byproduct from lobster processing through a supply partnership with Luke's Lobster. Marin holds 2 patents on the formulation and supports efficacy claims with a 33-participant clinical study.

The product line is anchored by two SKUs: the Soothing Hydration Cream (available in 4oz at $34.99 and 1.75oz from $19.99), targeted at consumers with eczema, psoriasis, and chronic dry skin, and a Lip Treatment line (0.5oz tubes at $19.99) available in seven flavors. The portfolio is structured around a tiered bundle architecture (Everywhere Hydration Set, Lippie Bundles, Lip Duo/Triple, Classics Set) priced from $37.99 to $109.00, supported by a Shopify bundling integration that drove over $457K in lifetime sales across 6,600+ bundles. Branded merchandise (t-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, tote bags) and a co-branded UMaine product extend the assortment.

Marin operates a primarily DTC e-commerce model at marinskincare.com with a US-only shipping footprint, subscription/recurring purchase options, HSA/FSA payment acceptance (via Sika Health), and a wholesale program for retail distribution. Distribution has expanded into spas/salons, the UMaine bookstore, and limited physical retail. The go-to-market is product-led growth fueled by organic social (TikTok, Instagram), a creator/influencer program, and a tiered customer rewards program. Customer base exceeds 300,000 with 5,000+ verified reviews averaging 4.6 stars. The company is privately held, bootstrapped apart from a $14,000 grant won in 2021, and employs fewer than 10 people.

Name

Marin Skincare

Legal name

Marin Skincare

Website

https://marinskincare.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Marin Skincare is a Portland, Maine-based DTC skincare brand that sells marine glycoprotein-based creams and lip treatments to consumers with eczema, dry skin, and sensitive skin. The proprietary ingredient is upcycled from lobster processing byproducts via a Luke's Lobster supply partnership.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Skincare Products

SIC

Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations (2844)

akta.pro primary industry

Dermocosmetics & Medical-Grade Skincare (CRABAAAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Sensitive Skin & Barrier Repair (CRABAAAG)

Keywords

• Natural skincare products
• Hydrating moisturizers
• Marine glycoprotein skincare
• Eczema-prone skin care
• Lip treatment products

Headquarters

HQ city

South Portland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations

Revenue model

1. Product Sales (E-commerce): Direct-to-consumer sale of skincare products through marinskincare.com Shopify storefront. Products include the Soothing Hydration Cream, Lip Treatments, and various bundle sets. The company generates revenue through one-time purchases and offers subscription/recurring purchase options.
2. Subscription/Recurring Purchases: The Soothing Hydration Cream product page explicitly mentions subscription options with deferred, recurring purchase features, allowing customers to set up automatic replenishment.
3. Wholesale Distribution: The company operates a wholesale program through marinwholesale.com for retailers interested in selling Marin products, generating revenue through bulk B2B sales.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Marin Skincare manufactures and sells the Soothing Hydration Cream (available in 4oz and 1.75oz sizes) and a Lip Treatment line (0.5oz tubes in multiple flavors including Mint, Gingerbread, Strawberry Rhubarb, Blueberry French Toast, Campfire S'mores, Unscented, and Cranberry), all powered by its patented Marine Glycoprotein active ingredient derived from upcycled lobster processing byproducts. The products target consumers with dry, eczema-prone, and sensitive skin who want clinically-tested, steroid-free alternatives to traditional dermatitis treatments. A range of curated bundles (Everywhere Hydration Set, Lip Duo/Triple, Classics Set, etc.) and co-branded UMaine merchandise complement the core range.

Product overview

Marin Skincare is a Maine-based skincare brand built around a proprietary Marine Glycoprotein ingredient derived from upcycled lobster processing byproducts. The product portfolio centers on two core offerings: the Soothing Hydration Cream (available in 4oz and 1.75oz sizes), a moisturizer for dry, eczema-prone skin; and the Lip Treatment line (in 0.5oz tubes), available in seven flavors including Mint, Gingerbread, Strawberry Rhubarb, Blueberry French Toast, Campfire S'mores, Unscented, and Cranberry (tinted). These core products are complemented by various bundle sets including The Everywhere Hydration Set, Soothing Hydration + Lippie Bundle, Lip Duo, Lip Triple, Classic Lippie Set, Mini Hydration + Lippie Bundle, Complete Care Set, Bestsellers, and The Classics Set. The company also offers co-branded University of Maine products and branded merchandise including hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and tote bags. The brand positions itself as bioengineer-developed, clinically tested, and sustainably upcycled from Maine lobster industry byproducts in partnership with Luke's Lobster.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Soothing Hydration Cream Flagship moisturizing cream powered by patented Marine Glycoproteins, designed to hydrate, soothe and repair dry, damaged, eczema-prone skin; available in 4oz full-size and 1.75oz mini sizes and offered with a subscription/recurring purchase option.
• Glycoprotein Lip Treatment 0.5oz hydrating lip treatment powered by Marine Glycoproteins to nourish, repair and protect dry, chapped or sensitive lips; available in Mint, Gingerbread, Strawberry Rhubarb, Blueberry French Toast, Campfire S'mores, Unscented, and Cranberry (Tinted) variants.
• Tinted Lip Treatment (Cranberry) Tinted Cranberry lip treatment variant providing hydration plus a sheer berry-red tint suitable for everyday wear, formulated for sensitive lips.
• Gingerbread Lip Treatment Limited edition holiday-flavored Glycoprotein Lip Treatment with cinnamon sugar and ginger notes for hydration and repair during the winter season.
• The Everywhere Hydration Set Bundle pairing the 4oz Soothing Hydration Cream for home with the 1.75oz travel-size mini plus a Mini Lip Treatment, saving 4% versus buying each item separately.
• Soothing Hydration + Lippie Bundle Bundle combining the 4oz Soothing Hydration Cream with the customer's choice of Lip Treatment flavor, saving up to 5% versus buying individually.
• Lip Duo Curated duo of two 0.5oz Glycoprotein Lip Treatments in paired flavors such as Mint & Strawberry Rhubarb, Mint & Unscented, and Campfire S'mores & Blueberry French Toast, saving 4%.
• Lip Triple Set of three 0.5oz Glycoprotein Lip Treatments in curated flavor combinations such as the Original Triple, Scented Triple, Berry Trio, and Summer Trio.
• Classic Lippie Set Full set of four 0.5oz Lip Treatments in Unscented, Blueberry French Toast, Campfire S'mores, and Cranberry flavors, saving 5% versus individual purchase.
• Mini Hydration + Lippie Bundle Travel-sized bundle pairing the 1.75oz Soothing Hydration Cream mini with a customer's choice of Lip Treatment flavor.
• Complete Care Set Comprehensive skincare set including the full-size 4oz Soothing Hydration Cream, the 1.75oz mini, and a favorite Lip Treatment flavor.
• The Classics Set Complete set featuring the 4oz and 1.75oz Soothing Hydration Cream sizes plus three Lip Treatments in Unscented, Blueberry French Toast, and Campfire S'mores for $109 (was $114.95).
• Bestsellers Bundle Pre-curated set bundling the 4oz Soothing Hydration Cream with three Lip Treatments in Unscented, Blueberry French Toast, and Campfire S'mores flavors.
• UMaine x Marin Blueberry French Toast Lip Treatment Co-branded University of Maine x Marin Blueberry French Toast Lip Treatment, with a portion of sales funding UMaine innovation engineering scholarships.

Quantifiable outcome

• 78.8% experienced instant relief from eczema symptoms immediately after first use in a 33-participant clinical study
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.

• University of MaineflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 29 October 2025Marin Skincare partnered with the University of Maine to create a scholarship for innovation engineering students (minimum $25,000 fund), funded by a portion of product sales. The partnership includes a co-branded Blueberry French Toast lip treatment available at the UMaine bookstore and partnered retailers. Co-founders Amber Boutiette and Patrick Breeding are UMaine alumni. The company was also featured speaking at the Graduate School commencement.
• Luke's LobstercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMarin Skincare partnered with Luke's Lobster to sustainably and ethically collect lobster glycoproteins from their processing operations. This partnership creates an upcycling supply chain, turning what would be wasted lobster processing byproducts into valuable skincare ingredients. Luke's Lobster is a well-known Maine seafood company, and this partnership is fundamental to Marin Skincare's supply chain and product formulation.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• The Ordinary (DECIEM): The Ordinary is a science-forward, ingredient-led skincare brand (now under Estée Lauder). Comparable to Marin on clinically-backframed actives, transparent ingredient story, and DTC roots scaled to broad retail distribution.
• Beautycounter: Beautycounter is a clean-beauty skincare brand with strong DTC/community GTM and clinical-ingredient positioning. Comparable to Marin on irritant-free formulation, social-led acquisition, and direct e-commerce subscription merchandising.
• Glossier: Glossier is a leading DTC-first beauty brand with strong social community and bundle-driven merchandising. Comparable to Marin on PLG/DTC distribution, brand-led storytelling, and creator/community GTM motion.
• Vanicream: Vanicream (Pharmaceutical Specialties) is a dermatologist-recommended brand formulated for sensitive skin free from common irritants. Closely comparable to Marin in positioning around fragrance-free, steroid-free, hypoallergenic eczema/skincare.
• Drunk Elephant: Drunk Elephant is a science-led, ingredient-focused premium skincare brand sold DTC and at Sephora. Comparable to Marin on bioengineer/clinical narrative, premium pricing, and social-media-driven growth, though serving a broader skincare audience.

Broad incumbents

• Aveeno: Aveeno (Johnson & Johnson) is a legacy sensitive-skin and eczema-focused skincare brand built around colloidal oatmeal. Highly comparable to Marin on target use cases (eczema, dry skin, dermatologist-tested) with much broader mass-market distribution.
• CeraVe: CeraVe is the dominant dermocosmetics brand for eczema-prone and sensitive skin, owned by L'Oréal. It competes directly with Marin's Soothing Hydration Cream on barrier repair, ceramides, and dermatologist endorsement, but at substantially larger scale and retail distribution.
• Eucerin: Eucerin (Beiersdorf) is a clinical skincare brand with strong eczema/atopic dermatitis positioning. Comparable product set (creams, body moisturizers) and clinical/dermatologist framing overlap significantly with Marin.
• La Roche-Posay: La Roche-Posay (L'Oréal) is a leading medical-grade dermocosmetics brand with thermal spring water and clinical positioning. Directly comparable to Marin's clinical/eczema proposition and global dermatology channel presence.

Emerging players

• Versed: Versed is a clean, affordable skincare brand sold DTC and at Target. Comparable on clean-formulation, sensitive-skin-friendly positioning, and social-first brand building, but with broader mass-market scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCwwb0r9x8gyDIjeHJqnnwkw
• Facebookfacebook.com/marinskincare
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/marinskincare
• Instagraminstagram.com/marinskincare
• TikToktiktok.com/@marinskincare
• Pinterestpinterest.com/MarinSkincare

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Marin Skincare