Launched in 2012, Alga Maris is the sun protection line from French duo Muriel and Jean Marc Dubois. They started their project Laboratoires de Biarritz in 2010 as a result of their passion about the ocean and protecting the environment. Received with flying colors, the brand combines the commitment to sustainability with a promise of high quality. Their products are delightfully light weight and their signature scent immediately reminds you of a summer holiday. Something truly revolutionary we love is their all natural sunscreen spray. We were lucky enough to engage the wonderfully humble Muriel about how this whole journey began and what she sees for the future.

What sparked the idea for this brand – how did it all begin?

My family spends a lot of time at the ocean surfing. I felt that our four kids needed a healthy and refined sunscreen, which was not available on the market at that time. I knew that surfers were seeking the perfect product too: something non-toxic for one’s health and also for the ocean. I wanted to create something that was easy to apply and that had high quality and water resistance standards.
The project emerged thank to personal, familial, and environmental concerns. I had a strong desire to create organic and innovative solar products.

What inspired you to launch your brand?

Simply enjoying life in Biarritz, being driven by our beliefs and passionate about the ocean and surfing. We were inspired by our exploration of the Basque coast’s marine resources as well.
At that time we launched the brand, we were still living in Paris but we definitely wanted to change lifestyle, so that was driving us as well.

Why did you choose the name?

“Laboratoires de Biarritz” is a name that has a good reputation. Biarritz is known all over the world and it is a name that conjures up the idea of high quality for a lot of people.

What is the best advice you can offer anyone looking to transition from conventional cosmetics to natural products?

Don’t search for miracles, but believe in natural ingredients that have high quality standards, are effective, and have real health and cosmetic benefits. Look for products that promote healthy aging, not anti-aging (which is nonsense). Nourish your skin with simple formulas (with few ingredients)and natural ingredients only. Nature and science give us all we need.

Could you tell a bit more about the main ingredients in your products and how you select them?

We choose our research projects based on environmental observations. Red algae (Gelidium sesquipedale), the source of our active principle Alga-gorria®, is replete with a number of natural mechanisms for prevention and protection. Alga-gorria® prevents skin damage thanks to a unique active principle that supports the cellular defense systems .
Laboratoires de Biarritz carries out research on a species of algae that is plentiful  and not endangered. In compliance with the Ecocert organic certification, the formulation selects only those ingredients that are necessary. Each of these ingredients is derived from a natural source, and in so far as is possible, they are organically grown.

How would you describe the ideology behind your brand?

Top of the line protection and prevention, and the promotion of well-being and respect for the environment. Laboratoires de Biarritz has thought about each phase of the production to combine effectiveness and sustainable development.

Could you give us a glimpse behind the scenes: what does a day in your life look like?

A house, 4 kids (3 of them grown up now), a husband, a dog, a god child (who keeps me busy too), community life, surfing and gardening + the Lab! You don’t have time, but you take time. I’m a good organizer and I love making to-do lists! Here I’m in charge of marketing, press, communication, web and a little bit of everything. The most difficult part of my job is to think quickly during emergencies and to prepare for the short term and long term strategy all at the same time.

What can we find you doing on the weekends?

My weekend days are as busy as week days, like most working mothers! We always make room for a lot of family time with the kids.

How many employees you have now? In how many countries are your products distributed?

Our team is up to 12 persons at this point. We distribute in 10 different countries.

What were the challenges / advantages / disadvantages at the beginning?

Starting from scratch is never easy. We were probably quite naïve but came prepared with a lot of ideas and energy and a lot of courage, believing in our ability to make a new option of healthy products with a real sustainable commitment.

Difficulties you struggled with?

Sustainable development calls for continuous effort at each stage of production and imposes certain additional constraints: Manufacturing constraints due to a selection of green materials, higher financial costs related to the origin of the raw materials, longer production timelines in order to obtain a green product.

How did you change while becoming a founder/successful?

I don’t think we’ve changed. I don’t even think I’m more resistant to stress. But I do have a better understanding that it’s important to appreciate good moments and good news, to take time to enjoy those moments in a mindful way.

What are you doing to find new inspiration?

Walking along the ocean.

What’s your favorite meal to cook at home?

I don’t cook, Jean Marc is an amazing cook. We always eat organic and healthy.

Special hidden talents?

Ha, at my age you don’t hide talents, you all use them! I have been teaching primary school for ten years and as a teacher you develop a lot of useful skills.

What is your favorite activity that you do together with your family?

Surfing.

Your advice to the user of your brand?

Enjoy, commit, believe.

How do you think the world of organic cosmetics is evolving in general?

I’m quite enthusiastic and optimistic about the interest of consumers, the selection is larger, the quality is better and the commitment is stronger