Traditional indigenous skincare
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Fusing traditional medicine and modern science.
A collaborative partnership transforms indigenous knowledge into a healing skincare product
The Opportunity
Maskwio’mi is a traditional Mi’kmaq skin care ingredient made from birch bark. This oily extract has been used as a topical skin treatment against eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. The problem? Traditional method of extracting the powerful maskwio’mi (birch bark extract) involved a fire pit method that is labour intensive, difficult to control for QA/QC and not amenable to large-scale commercialization. The Maskwiomin company was formed to tackle this challenge and bring this traditional ingredient to the world.
The Challenge
Maskwiomin developed a proprietary extractor technology that allows commercial scale extraction, high yield and great quality control of the birch bark extract needed for a mass market. The technology is based on an electric unit that mimics the traditional fire pit method allowing a 10X increase in yield. The leadership team at Maskwiomin needed guidance and regulatory approval before taking this unique and powerful product to market in Canada and the US.
It is very difficult to find the right partners who understand the natural health product industry and the science, technology, business and especially the regulatory requirements. Maskwiomin thanks NPC for their huge help with financial support and bringing our unique product from idea stage to market.
NPC’s Solution
NPC provided Maskwiomin with over $6,600 to work with a consultant to develop a regulatory strategy, including guidance on formulation and product development, labelling compliance and site license, and development of a business plan. With this work completed, Maskwiomin was able to enter the Canadian and US market and sell their first products. Maskwiomin operates under cosmetics regulation (INCI betula papyrifera bark extract) with a goal of getting maskwio’mi recognized as an NHP for skin conditions. Maskwiomin is 50% Indigenous owned and has a mission of ethical commercialization of this traditional Indigenous medicine.
NPC is committed to the creation of natural products that are better for people, animals and the planet. We propel early-stage Canadian innovators with the advice, connections and capital they need to develop and de-risk their solutions quickly and efficiently.
Maskwiomin
Description:
Sector(s):
Household, Personal CareFunding Type:
Fast Track to FinancingProvince:
Nova ScotiaFunding Amount:
$6,657
Year of Funding:
2021Name:
Matthias Bierenstiel