Meet Ciiku Skin Essentials: A Kenyan-Canadian Mother-Daughter Duo Bringing Clean Beauty to Canada (Win!)

In this Q&A, founders Jackline and Iman share the story behind Ciiku Skin Essentials, their Vancouver-based clean beauty line inspired by the richness of African ingredients. Crafted with sustainably sourced treasures like Monoi de Tahiti and Kalahari Melon, Ciiku products transform everyday skincare into an indulgent experience. —Noa Nichol

Ciiku Skin Essentials combines Kenyan and Canadian influences in its formulations. How have both cultures shaped your approach to skincare and ingredient selection?

Jackline: Growing up back home, we were always taught to moisturize our skin after we were done bathing, whether it was Vaseline, lotion, or something natural like shea butter. I think this is a very common experience amongst Black people from various cultural backgrounds to grow up having been taught the same. When I moved to Canada, I was surprised to see that moisturizing one’s skin after a shower wasn’t the norm for everyone here. Having experienced Canada’s harsh winters, I began to think about how nourishing oils that were traditionally used by other cultures in moisture rituals, like Monoi de Tahiti and Kalahari Melon, could help here too.

Iman: Absolutely. I can still remember my nanny, Yaya, slathering my face with Vaseline after a bath as a small child in Kenya. We wanted to capture that nurturing, ritualistic approach to skincare. We wanted to honour the idea that skincare is something to be savoured and while achieving results is optimal, there’s something to be said for making a habit of pampering yourself, too. Before Ciiku, I used raw shea butter directly on my skin because that was the only product I could find that provided my skin with an adequate amount of comfort and relief during the colder months. I felt like I was truly going back to the basics in this sense, and was impressed with the improvement I noticed in my skin’s appearance and feel. I was reminded how much more nourishment can be provided by moisturizing with a potent concentration of natural oils or butters. However, I wasn’t thrilled about the greasy after-feel of the butter or the yellow stain that would sometimes be left on my clothes.

Jackline: With Ciiku, we challenged ourselves to create a product that would provide your skin with just as much nourishment as a natural butter or oil but wouldn’t leave your skin feeling greasy or coated in residue. And after months of working to get it right, we truly feel like we’ve crafted the perfect solution. While doing so, we didn’t just draw from our own cultural heritage, but also those connected to the beautiful oils and butters I was learning more about through our research. We hope that the experience of our products feels reminiscent of various traditions while simultaneously offering something distinctly modern—a blend of cultures that invites people to slow down and see skincare as more than a routine but as a connection to something much deeper.

With Ciiku, we’re inviting people to experience that same intention—to slow down, to use ingredients that are both luxurious and grounding.

The brand is a mother-daughter collaboration. How has your personal relationship influenced the development and vision of Ciiku Skin Essentials?

Iman: Creating Ciiku alongside my Mum has truly been such a gift to experience. She’s in the lab, working her magic with formulations, and I’m bringing the brand to life through storytelling and visuals. It’s so much more than a business partnership—we were always close before, but embarking on this journey with her has deepened our connection in a way I couldn’t have expected. We’ve supported each other through every high and every “What the heck are we doing?” moment, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s such an honour for me to be able to bring this vision to life with her by my side.

Jackline: It’s been a beautiful adventure, that’s for sure! I started off making these products just for myself and a few colleagues, thinking maybe I’d manage to sell a few jars at a local market. But then I saw what Iman was doing—what she was doing with the packaging design, the branding, the website—and I thought, “Wow, I need to step up my game!” She’s taught me so much, especially about slowing down and learning how to communicate better. I tend to dive into my ideas and assume everyone’s on the same page, but Iman brings this fresh perspective that keeps us moving forward. I feel so blessed to be on this journey with her.

Iman: It’s been amazing watching each other grow. We’ve spent so many nights curled up on the couch, laptops open on our laps, with the HouseWives playing on the TV and a glass of wine not too far out of reach, just working away. Some nights, it’s product development; other nights, we’re dreaming up new goals or laughing over the little things that went wrong. It’s not always easy, but knowing what we’re building has always kept us going. Ciiku is not just a collaboration between the two of us but a representation of the bond between us and the love we have for each other—it’s our story.

Jackline: There’s so much beauty in the process of learning and growing together. Iman challenges me to think bigger and more creatively, and I think I ground her when things feel overwhelming. We’re not just mom and daughter here; we’re partners in every sense, building something we’re both proud of.

Each product features unique, exotic ingredients like Monoi de Tahiti, Kalahari Melon, and Cupuaçu Butter. Can you share more about how these ingredients benefit the skin?

Jackline: Each ingredient has its own story and purpose. Monoi de Tahiti, for instance, is crafted by soaking Tiare flowers in coconut oil—it’s like this silken infusion that drenches the skin in moisture, leaving it feeling soft and smooth. It’s perfect for escaping dryness while feeling pampered. Not to mention, it gives the formulation a truly alluring scent.

Iman: Another one of our star ingredients is Cupuaçu Butter, sourced from the Amazon, which is known as a natural silicone alternative that melts right into the skin, giving it a soft, plump feel without adding any heaviness or grease. We’ve also incorporated Tsubaki Oil—a delicate oil derived from Japanese camellia flowers. It’s known for its ability to nourish deeply while keeping the skin radiant and balanced. Tsubaki Oil is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, so it feels luxurious while also working to rejuvenate the skin.

Jackline: And then there’s Sea Kelp Bioferment, which is a nutrient-rich active ingredient derived from the bio-fermentation of Sea Kelp. Commonly found in high-end skincare formulations, this active works to exfoliate, detox, and nourish the skin. I love that it also forms a protective film when applied that prevents moisture loss and protects against free radical damage.

Iman: We’ve also added Butter Pearls, which is one of my favourite ingredients because it elevates the sensory experience of using Ciiku products. These pearls deliver an extra burst of hydration while leaving a silky finish once absorbed into the skin. They’re a little luxurious touch that makes the application feel indulgent but also purposeful, adding that extra level of care to each use.

Jackline: And, of course, we love to use nutrient-rich, upcycled oils like Pomegranate oil and Raspberry Seed oil. They’re lightweight and packed with antioxidants, giving the skin a boost of vitamins while helping repurpose food waste. Using these ingredients allows us to be mindful of their impact on product efficacy as well as the environment.

Sustainability is an important value for Ciiku. How do you ensure that your sourcing and production processes remain eco-friendly and ethically responsible?

Jackline: Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for us—it’s a responsibility. Our ingredients come from community-led cooperatives, ensuring fair wages and sustainable practices. It’s important to us that everyone involved in Ciiku’s supply chain is supported and respected. We’re also very mindful of waste, which is why we use upcycled ingredients wherever possible. Some of our oils come from seeds that are by-products of the food industry. We’re turning what would be waste into something beautiful and beneficial for the skin.

Iman: Packaging is another area we take seriously. We opted for 100% recyclable aluminum jars instead of plastic as aluminum can be recycled endlessly without losing its quality. Plus, it’s lightweight, which reduces carbon emissions during the fulfillment process. It was also important to us to ensure our shipping packaging is plastic-free and plan to limit our use of plastics as drastically as possible as we expand our product range. We want every part of Ciiku, from the ingredients to the packaging, to reflect our commitment to sustainability and clean beauty. We believe you shouldn’t have to choose between quality, indulgent skincare and ethical responsibility.

The Ciiku Skin Essentials Trio offers a luxurious, indulgent experience. What inspired you to create products that transform daily routines into moments of self-care?

Iman: We truly believe that skincare should feel like a ritual, a moment to pause and take care of oneself, rather than just another part of a busy day. When we were researching luxury creams on the market, we noticed that while they came with a high price tag, they more often than not were packed with things like mineral oils, silicones, and fillers that offer little to no benefit to the skin. People buy these “luxury” products as a treat or a way to indulge, thinking they’re investing in a quality product, but the results rarely live up to the promise. We wanted Ciiku to be different—to feel luxurious and deliver on what it claims, with ingredients that nourish and restore the skin. It’s indulgent but also purposeful.

Jackline: Exactly. Ciiku is about creating a self-care experience that feels good, inside and out. We haven’t taken any shortcuts or turned to synthetics to create an illusion of indulgence with our products—what you feel is real, from the buttery texture to the naturally alluring scents. We wanted every detail to feel intentional, like a reminder that you do deserve to be taken care of and that true luxury doesn’t just belong to fantasy.

As a Kenyan-Canadian brand based in Vancouver, how does Ciiku represent and celebrate diversity within the beauty industry?

Iman: Representation means a lot to us, both as individuals and as a brand. In the beauty industry, though we’ve made massive strides in recent years, so many brands are still dropping the ball when it comes to catering to their customers of varying ethnicities and skin types. Being a Black-owned, female-founded business, it’s important for us to create products that work for all skin types, especially concerns common among those with melanin-rich and sensitive skin, which are often overlooked in the industry. We want our customers to know that Ciiku was created with them in mind and that they are seen and celebrated. And we strive to communicate that through our marketing language, too—we don’t believe in using insecurities to drive sales. Ciiku is about self-love and self-respect, not trying to change to fit an arbitrary standard.

Jackline: Our ingredients are chosen to benefit a wide range of skin needs—whether it’s dryness, sensitivity, or the unique needs of diverse skin types. We want to show that luxury skincare can and should be accessible to all who wish to experience it. Diversity isn’t just a marketing angle for us; our brand is diverse because we are.

Looking ahead, what are your goals and dreams for Ciiku Skin Essentials? Are there any new products or initiatives that customers can look forward to?

Iman: We’re so excited about what’s next for Ciiku. Our goal is to create products that truly resonate with people, ones that they can trust and look forward to using as part of their own self-care rituals. We’re constantly dreaming up new ideas and listening to what our customers want. In addition to our current line, we’re working on some really exciting products, including face care, body oils, lotions and even a body mist. Each one is crafted with the same commitment to quality and luxury, and we hope they bring a little more joy and opulence to our client’s routines.

Jackline: For me, building Ciiku has felt a lot like raising a child—so much patience, resilience, and love. We want Ciiku to grow with that same care, reflecting our values and the journey we’ve taken together. It’s more than just a product line; it’s our way of sharing our bond, our story, and our belief in mindful beauty. I hope Ciiku opens doors, not just for us but for everyone connected to it—our community partners, our customers, and everyone who shares our values. We’re so excited to see where this journey takes us!

Win! 1 of 12 Body Cream Trios From Ciiku Skin Essentials!

12 lucky Canadian winners will each receive a $75 Body Cream Trio From Ciiku Skin Essentials! To enter, head over to Instagram, follow @ciikuskin and @vitadailymedia and make sure to fulfil all the entry rules in the caption of the corresponding contest post. Contest opens November 10, 2024 and closes November 17, 2024. Complete contest rules and regulations here. Please note: if you are the winner, you will receive a DM (direct message) in Instagram directly from @vitadailymedia. Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding.