Canada is rich in natural resources, and sometimes the most interesting discoveries are found right in our own backyard. Maris Dae, a wellness-focused bodycare brand, is putting the power of the Pacific Northwest’s ocean waters to work with a collection of kelp skincare products made with sustainable seaweed extracts.

The brand’s mission is simple: to create what it describes as clean, non-toxic products that support skin barrier health and overall wellness, while encouraging us to find little moments of self-care in our everyday routines.

Even the name, Maris Dae, has a story. Inspired by the word “marine,” with a French twist, it evokes a sense of sophistication and free-spirited energy. Its tagline, “Seize the Dae,” is a gentle reminder that wellness doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s simply about taking a moment for yourself.

But founder Sam Rayner didn’t set out to launch another bodycare brand. With 20 years of experience in the industry, her journey to Maris Dae began with something much more personal: a search for a wellness ingredient that could be used on the skin every day.

“I’ve been cleaning my routine and removing anything that could be endocrine disrupting and anything that could be toxic. I witnessed my parents go through cancer. I had infertility. I really shifted my perspective on illness overall. I started thinking about how I can take care of myself better.”

That shift led her down a rabbit hole of ingredient research. She began scrutinizing everything she discovered, becoming increasingly specific about what she wanted to put on her body.

“We know what’s bad, and it’s easy to eliminate those. But then what are we left with? And what is the performance? That’s when I started looking for an ingredient that actually had scientific evidence to perform.”

Why Maris Dae Turned to Seaweed

Her research eventually led her to algae, an ingredient that has been attracting attention for its antioxidant properties and potential benefits for skin health.

More specifically, Rayner became interested in seaweed species that thrive in the Pacific Northwest’s deep, cold ocean waters. While some of these species can be found elsewhere in the world, she explains that the unique growing conditions of the region are what make them particularly interesting.

One of the species used by Maris Dae grows approximately 100 metres beneath the ocean’s surface, naturally absorbing minerals from the surrounding seawater. This contributes to its high polysaccharide content, an ingredient prized for its ability to help support skin hydration.

For anyone dealing with a compromised skin barrier, dryness or irritation, these properties are particularly appealing.

Rayner is also interested in the emerging research beyond topical skincare.

“There’s research emerging and coming out of Japan and the UK focused on the ingredient as a supplement for being a postbiotic and longevity. It’s being touted as a superfood.”

The brand’s primary active ingredient is bull kelp, harvested from the deep, cold waters near Vancouver Island. Naturally rich in polysaccharides, antioxidants and amino acids, the kelp helps support hydration and improve skin texture.

It’s an ingredient that speaks to the brand’s larger philosophy: looking to nature for solutions, while ensuring there is science to support the performance.

A More Sustainable Approach

Of course, sourcing ingredients from the ocean also comes with a responsibility to protect it.

Rayner tells us Maris Dae is committed to regenerative farming practices and working with local communities to support marine biodiversity and the growing “blue economy”. The company is also working with First Nations communities to encourage the natural growth and sustainable harvesting of kelp in their traditional fishing areas.

Beyond creating a source of income for these communities, the initiative has the potential to help restore marine ecosystems affected by overfishing. For Rayner, it was important that the relationship be mutually beneficial. The communities need to be able to sustain themselves, and Maris Dae would purchase the kelp directly from them.

The idea is to create a business that not only benefits the skin but also contributes to the health of the ocean and the people who depend on it.

“We have clean oceans, we have clean resources, and we’re making them into things that actually are better for your body,” says Rayner.

Science Meets Everyday Self-Care

Developing the products was a process of finding the right balance between science, performance and the sensory experience of using them.

“People are more open today, and the science is behind it as well. But we went further. It took me two years to do the R&D on the serum. We added hyaluronic acid, that’s good for hydration.”

Texture was equally important. Rayner wanted products that felt beautiful on the skin, with a sensorial experience that would make people look forward to using them. Essential oils were incorporated to create the brand’s natural fragrances, and the formulations are made without petroleum-based ingredients.

The result is an approachable luxury experience that offers a breath of fresh air in an increasingly overwhelming skincare marketplace.

Maris Dae’s philosophy is clear. It’s about creating a wellness moment through the simple act of caring for your skin. It’s about being mindful of what we put on our bodies, avoiding ingredients of concern, and finding small ways to take better care of ourselves.

The current collection includes a body wash and a lightweight hydrating body serum, featuring the brand’s signature kelp extract with natural scent notes of rose, geranium, grapefruit, sandalwood and aloe.

And there’s more on the horizon. Upcoming products include a glimmering body oil and a richer repairing cream formulated with shea butter and niacinamide.

As Rayner puts it, “We’re a wellness company disguised as a skincare brand.”

It’s a philosophy that feels particularly relevant today, when taking care of ourselves is about so much more than what we see in the mirror. Sometimes, it begins with something as simple as a moment in our daily routine, and an ingredient that comes from the natural world.

Where to Find Maris Dae

Maris Dae products are available at Formula Fig, Tokyo Market and select independent retailers, as well as online at marisdae.com