How ChitoCare Turns Shrimp Shells into Sustainable Skincare

At ChitoCare, our core principle is respect for nature so you can enjoy luxury skincare without negatively impacting the planet. 

From the ocean to your skincare

Our chitosan comes from wild Northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) fished in Icelandic waters. These fisheries are managed under one of the world’s strictest quota systems, with limits based on scientific advice and rules that prevent discarding. This ensures shrimp stocks remain healthy and resources are fully used.

Giving new life to seafood side-streams

When shrimp are processed for food, the shells—heads, tails, and exoskeletons—are left over. Instead of going to waste, these side-streams are collected and taken to Primex Iceland’s factory in Siglufjörður. There, they are refined into high-purity chitosan, a natural, biodegradable ingredient for cosmetics. This is a clear example of a circular economy—turning what was once waste into something valuable.

Gentle on skin and the planet

Chitosan forms a protective, breathable film on skin, helping retain moisture. It’s biocompatible and biodegradable, so it doesn’t persist in the environment like some synthetic ingredients and polymers.

Powered by green energy

Iceland’s electricity comes almost entirely from renewable hydropower and geothermal sources, so our manufacturing has a very low carbon footprint from start to finish.

Certified and traceable

Primex operates under strict quality standards, including ISO 22000, HACCP, and TÚN Natural Product certification. We maintain full traceability from the fishing vessels to the finished skincare product.