Journal

As a Canadian brand, SYLT means more than putting “Product of Canada” on a label. Our story begins in British Columbia, where our signature Glacial Marine Clay is hand-harvested and sustainably sourced. It continues here in BC, where our products are formulated, manufactured, and packaged before making their way to customers. Behind every step are Canadian businesses, suppliers, manufacturers, designers, and retail partners who contribute to bringing SYLT products to life. Our co-founders, Ann Corbett and Jasmin Fuller, set out to build a glacial clay wellness brand inspired not only by the Canadian landscape and local indigenous communities, but also by the people and businesses around us. We know that developing SYLT locally isn't always the most cost-efficient path. But we believe there is value in keeping as much of our supply chain as possible close to home. We also believe a Canadian brand can grow and be embraced in different markets while maintaining strong roots at home. From the glacial clay under an active glacier in BC, to the finished product on your shelf, SYLT is proudly Canadian at every step.

We spend so much of our lives behind screens that it's easy to forget how energizing face-to-face interactions can be. That is why it feels so incredibly refreshing to step away from the digital life and virtual world to participate in summer markets, store demos, and community events. For us, these events are a chance to get outside of our usual routines, showcase our products, and share the story with the people in our communities and other business owners. We love to hear and learn from others and every conversation is an enriching experience. Have you visited a local market this summer? Stop by a market in your area and connect with your community.

Inspiration to build the SYLT emerged from observing the success of a therapeutic brand for athletes using the power of Canadian Glacial Marine Clay. Over a decade ago, Dr. Syl Corbett, DC, PhD, an elite endurance athlete and a sister of our co-founder Ann, was introduced to Glacial Marine Clay and learned about its healing properties and mineral rich composition. With her scientific mind, she realized that this clay could help athletes recover from injury and sore muscles. Working with a team who believed in her vision, she infused Glacial Marine Clay into a formula and created Rock On Athletic Balm. Today, Rock On is a Health Canada approved therapeutic brand used by practitioners, professional and amateur athletes in many sports. It made sense that the mineral rich nutrients and healing properties of this clay could be used for a wide range of skin conditions and to optimize daily skin health routines. Jasmin, our co-founder and owner of the clay source agreed. Our like-minded values around sustainable harvesting, respect for the earth, and the power of using natural ingredients for skin health aligned so we set to work on building our brand from the ground up! The Canadian scientific name for Glacial Marine Clay is “Sea Silt”. Syl offered that we use a variation of her name for the brand. Fortuitous and brilliant Idea! That is where the SYLT name came from. Seeing the value in the finest particles of “dirt” led to the launch of two small Canadian businesses and a world of opportunity!

We believe that great skincare begins with responsible sourcing. Our approach is rooted in respect for nature, for communities, and for the natural ingredients we use. In the world of skincare, conversations often focus on results. SYLT goes deeper. We ask how the ingredients are sourced, and what impact they leave behind. Our hero ingredient, Glacial Marine Clay, is tucked away at the base of a remote glacier in British Columbia. This clay is a natural powerhouse, negatively charged which allows it to pull impurities from the skin. It is also packed with over 50 minerals and marine nutrients, serving as a skin detoxifier from the earth. This makes it a standout ingredient in Canadian skincare, particularly for those seeking gentle yet effective solutions for skin health. How We Source Responsibly Sourcing from nature comes with responsibility. That’s why we’ve built our process around sustainability and minimal environmental impact. Rotational Harvesting: The clay we use is sourced from the base of a glacier. There are several different sites that are rotated to ensure only the deposits that have been fully replenished by the most recent melt are used.  Low-Impact Extraction: The clay is hand-harvested and solar-dried on Vancouver Island. No heavy machinery is used, minimizing carbon footprint while honouring traditional First Nations practices.   A Different Approach to Natural Resources In regions like British Columbia and Alberta, natural resources play a major role in the economy. However, we believe the future lies in shifting from a “take-only” mindset to one of responsible stewardship. We see ourselves as caretakers, not just producers. Our goal is to create high-performance skincare products while maintaining harmony with the environment they come from. SYLT is more than a skincare brand. It’s a commitment to doing things the right way. We aren't just selling a face mask or a cleanser. We are sharing a piece of British Columbia that has been gathered with the Canadian values of integrity. It’s a resource used responsibly, so that the glacier can keep renewing itself for years to come. Because true beauty isn’t just about results, it’s about responsibility.  

Sensitive skin reacts easily to environmental stress, harsh ingredients, and overuse of active products. In fact, an estimated 50% to 71% of adults worldwide report experiencing some degree of skin sensitivity, with studies showing a rise over the past two decades.  Many people assume clay-based skincare products are too harsh or drying for sensitive skin. But the truth is clay has been used for centuries by Europeans, as a natural solution to rebalance the skin. We understand those concerns. That’s why our formulations are developed thoughtfully and refined over years of testing. Every SYLT product is crafted with carefully selected, naturally derived key ingredients. Our formulas are cruelty-free and designed to be gentle, avoiding unnecessary additives that can trigger irritation. Not all clay is the same. The hero ingredient in our products, Canadian Glacial Marine Clay, is rich in trace minerals, marine nutrients, and cationic charges. The combination helps draw out impurities while maintaining nourishment and balance. Beyond glacial clay, we use botanical extracts, plant-based oils, charcoal, shea butter in our formulations – ingredients chosen to complement and support the skin barrier. We believe skincare should support the skin’s natural function, not overwhelm it.  That said, even with gentle, natural formulations, every individual’s skin is unique. We always recommend performing a patch test before introducing a new product, particularly for those with highly sensitive and allergy-prone skin. Apply a small amount to the inner arm and wait 24 hours to ensure compatibility. Sensitive skin doesn’t mean you have to avoid clay products. With the right source and formulation, they can be both purifying and comforting.

As global demand for natural resources grows, we believe in choosing ingredients that are sourced with care and respect for the environment. While British Columbia may not have oil, it holds something equally valuable - mineral-rich deposits formed by ancient glaciers in remote coastal regions. Beneath active glaciers along the west coast, glacial clay is carried through river systems and naturally deposited on the mineral claims, where our Glacial Marine Clay is sourced. We partner with an experienced operator and processor who share our values of environmental stewardship. This Glacial Marine Clay is hand-harvested under a federal mining permit, without any use of machinery. Through harvest rotation practices, the clay is continuously replenished by glacial run-off, making it a truly sustainable and renewable resource. It maintains a carbon-neutral footprint and is COSMOS-approved. After harvesting, the clay is transported to greenhouses for solar drying, again without machinery. It is then gently crushed and screened into an ultra-fine powder with clay particles smaller than 20 microns, soft and light, like icing sugar. Laboratory analysis confirms the presence of over 50 trace minerals and elements, including magnesium, manganese, potassium, and calcium that are essential for maintaining healthy skin. What sets this clay apart is its strong cation exchange capacity and neutral pH, enabling it to help deliver beneficial minerals while drawing out impurities, excess oil, and bacteria from the pores. With our SYLT products you can experience the benefits of this natural, sustainable ingredient gifted by the earth.

There are many misconceptions surrounding clay masks, and we believe it’s time to clarify the science, sourcing, and real experience behind clay-based skincare.Misconception #1: Clay masks are always messy and hard to applyThis is one of the biggest barriers for consumers. In reality, the texture depends on the quality and fineness of the clay. Our ultra-fine Glacial Marine Clay creates a smooth, easy-to-apply formula that glides on and rinses off effortlessly.Misconception #2: All clay masks work the sameThey don’t. Clays vary in mineral content, purity, particle size, and ionic activity. Glacial Marine Clay hand-harvested underneath an active glacier in Canada contains over 50 trace minerals and marine micro-nutrients. Naturally charged through hydrolysis, it binds impurities effectively without stripping the skin, while still delivering essential nourishment.Misconception #3: Clay masks are only for oily skinWhen formulated properly, clay masks can soothe sensitive skin, support hydration, and promote overall skin health. SYLT Glacial Clay Face Mask is formulated with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and botanical extracts for a refreshed, balanced complexion without over-drying it. This holds true even for our raw Glacial Marine Clay powder, which many users find surprisingly gentle and balancing rather than drying.Misconception #4: Clay masks can’t feel luxuriousWith the right formulation, they absolutely can. A silky texture, gentle essential oil scent, and easy rinse-off turn clay masking into a calming wellness ritual, rather than a chore.For centuries, Europeans have used clay to detoxify the skin and promote healing. In Canada, indigenous communities have long understood the healing power of Glacial Marine Clay. We honor this knowledge by using this sustainably hand-harvested and solar-dried clay in every SYLT product we create.We are redefining clay skincare — clean, effective, sustainable, and beautifully simple. 

There’s something magical about being outdoors! Whether it’s the fresh air, the rustle of leaves, the smell of rain or the feel of the earth beneath your feet. At SYLT, we believe in celebrating this connection to nature, especially through the incredible properties of Canadian glacial clay. The Glacial Marine Clay we have adopted in SYLT products is naturally replenished through glacial run off, loaded with minerals and nutrients. Used traditionally by First Nations communities, this healing clay resource reflects the power and resilience of the natural world. SYLT products are crafted with deep respect for this heritage and environment. Each application is a reminder to embrace the beauty around us, to connect with the earth, and to honor the gifts it provides. Whether embracing the outdoors or enjoying a quiet skincare ritual, we believe joy can often be found in reconnecting with the earth itself.

A well-rounded skincare routine is key to maintaining glowing, youthful skin. Follow these steps to keep your skin looking its best. 1. Cleanse – Twice Daily (AM & PM) Cleansing is the foundation of any skincare routine. By washing your face both in the morning and at night, you remove oil, dirt, and other debris that can clog pores and cause dullness. Make sure to use a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type. 2. Moisturize – Twice Daily (AM & PM) After cleansing, it’s essential to lock in moisture. Use a serum followed by a good moisturizer, applying to both your face and neck. This step keeps your skin hydrated and helps maintain elasticity. 3. Mask – Once or Twice Weekly Masks can provide your skin with the extra treatment it needs. Tailor your mask use based on your skin type: For Dry Skin A weekly mask is usually sufficient to hydrate and nourish. For Oily Skin Use a mask twice a week to help manage oil and reduce shine. Benefits of using a mask include: Natural, gentle exfoliation Deep cleansing Improved circulation Unclogged and reduced pores Addressing acne and dark spots Hydrating and firming the skin Achieving a smooth, radiant complexion 4. Protect – Daily SPF Use Protection from the sun is a must. Apply SPF daily, even on cloudy days, to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. This step is crucial in preventing premature aging and sun damage. 5. Body Care – Moisturize Daily Your face isn’t the only area that deserves attention. Keep your body moisturized every day to ensure soft, youthful-looking skin all over. General Skincare Tips To get the most out of your routine, keep these helpful tips in mind: Patch Test New Products Always test new products on a small area of skin before applying them fully. This helps you avoid allergic reactions and irritation. Stay Hydrated Drinking plenty of water supports skin hydration from the inside out. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily. Eat a Healthy Diet A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals contributes to overall skin health. Include plenty of fruits and vegetables to nourish your skin. Get Enough Sleep Sleep is essential for skin regeneration. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night to allow your skin to recover and renew itself.