After growing its skincare business via social media, Portland startup is growing its product line

Photo / Courtesy, Marin Skincare Marin Skincare's new lobster-based lip balm has a gingerbread scent.

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Portland startup Marin Skincare, known for its Lobster Lotion, is adding a new product to its lineup in time for the holiday season.

As a nod to a classic winter treat, Marin Skincare has released a limited-edition Gingerbread Lip Treatment.

In the highly competitive personal care market, dominated by big manufacturers and big marketing budgets, a small business like Marin is always looking for something new.

So the recently launched lip treatment comes with a scent of cinnamon sugar, ginger, buttery cookie dough, vanilla and buttercream.

Like the company's signature product, the new one is also made with a protein found in lobster.

Gingerbread Lip Treatment is intended to "deeply hydrate, repair, smooth, soothe and protect lips," the company said in a news release. The product can be used for everyday dry, chapped lips and conditions like perioral dermatitis — eczema around the lips and mouth.

"It's been amazing to watch how TikTok fueled the success of our lobster-powered lip treatments, and we wanted to give our fast-growing customer base a new, holiday-inspired scent to get excited about,” said Amber Boutiette, Marin co-founder, chief product officer and a 2023 Mainebiz 40 Under 40 honoree.

Marin Skincare also offers two other lip treatments: Campfire S’mores and Blueberry French Toast.

The startup sources its key ingredient, lobster glycoprotein, from Maine seafood company Luke's Lobster. Marin estimates it utilizes protein from over 50% of the lobsters processed at Luke’s.

Marin Skincare has also established retail partnerships with L.L.Bean, Sea Bags and 54 other Maine retailers.