Maris Glow: From Sea to Skin
2026-01-29
How Maris Glow brings local seaweed into natural skincare
One of the newest members of the European Seaweed Association, Maris Glow operates at the intersection of seaweed and cosmetics. For founder Sandra van den Berg, the sea is not a distant source of inspiration but a daily reality. Living near the Oosterschelde, regular walks along the shoreline sparked the idea for a skincare brand rooted in local seawater and seaweed, translating the restorative power of the marine environment into natural, premium skincare.
The starting point for Maris Glow was deeply personal. Sandra struggled with severe eczema on her face and found no long-term relief in conventional skincare products. Dermatological products often dried out her skin and treated symptoms rather than supporting recovery. “At some point, I was told I simply had to learn to live with it,” she explains. That moment became the trigger to search for a different approach.
Living very close to the sea proved decisive. “I have always known that seawater can be beneficial for irritated skin,” Sandra says. “Swimming in the sea often helped calm my skin.” This led her to explore whether local marine ingredients could be used as the foundation for gentle and effective skincare.
Local marine ingredients as a foundation
Maris Glow products are based on filtered seawater from Zeeuwsche Zoute and seaweed sourced through Dutch seaweed specialists, including ESWA member Your Well. After extensive research, Sandra commissioned small test batches through a professional manufacturer, combining these marine ingredients with other carefully selected natural components.
The first tests were promising. Not only did the products help her own skin recover, but they were also well received by test users with sensitive skin conditions. “The formulas support the skin barrier, help retain moisture and nourish the skin deeply, without harsh or drying effects,” she explains.
Development started in April last year, followed by the official launch in October. Today, Maris Glow offers a compact but complete skincare routine consisting of five products: a cleanser, facial mist, serum, cream and mask. The mask can be used both as a gentle exfoliation and as an overnight treatment. Notably, the calcium used for exfoliation is a residue stream of salt production, reinforcing the brand’s circular mindset.
Natural, premium and consciously positioned
Maris Glow is positioned in the premium skincare segment and is currently available online and through selected beauty salons and perfumeries. The brand operates with a small and focused team. Visual identity and website development are handled internally, while a PR agency supports media outreach and brand visibility.
Sustainability plays a central role in every decision. All formulas are fully natural, dermatologically tested on sensitive skin and free from microplastics, silicones and parabens. Packaging consists of recycled glass and paper, and future plans include exploring seaweed-based tools and packaging solutions.
“We do not see sustainability as a trend, but as a responsibility,” Sandra says. “The sea offers so much value. It deserves to be treated with care and respect.”
Navigating a competitive market
Like many young brands, Maris Glow faces the challenge of standing out in a crowded cosmetics market dominated by global players. While large brands increasingly use marine ingredients in their storytelling, they often rely on synthetic additives to create short term visual effects.
Since its launch, Maris Glow has gained significant media attention in both print and online publications and has been nominated for the Dutch Beauty Awards in the Made in NL category. Looking ahead, Sandra plans to expand the range into body care, hair care and sun protection, as well as explore opportunities within the hospitality sector.
Maris Glow is also keen to collaborate with partners across the seaweed value chain. “We started small and consciously,” Sandra concludes. “Now we want to grow step by step, together with partners who believe in the potential of local, natural marine ingredients.”
