About Wave + Summit

At WAVE + SUMMIT, our mission is to create nurturing skincare products made with all-natural ingredients and packaged in reusable and recyclable materials.

Melissa founded WAVE + SUMMIT in 2025 to provide a skincare line that nourishes and protects your skin using only natural, biodegradable ingredients.

In her own words:

From the start, my vision has been personal. Outside of my family, my two greatest loves are the ocean that surrounds my island home and the nearby mountain range that has given me both exhilarating adventures and restorative peace. Over the years, while living this outdoor lifestyle, I realized my skin needed extra care from constant exposure to salt water, high winds, and extreme temperatures.

At the same time, I began to see the damage that traditional synthetic moisturizers and sunscreens cause to our fragile ecosystems. One moment stands out clearly: while swimming at my local beach, I looked across the water and saw a chemical sheen from the lotions and sunscreens that had washed off beachgoers’ skin. It was heartbreaking. Right then I knew that if I wanted to see this micro-pollution stop, I had to create a better, more sustainable alternative.

With WAVE + SUMMIT, my mission is to provide skincare that is not only effective and safe for people, but also gentle on our oceans, lakes, and trails. I want to empower others to make simple changes that reduce their environmental footprint while encouraging them to embrace the joy and health benefits of an active, outdoor life.

Simply. Naturally. Effectively. No Exceptions.

- Melissa

Vision Statement

Wave + Summit exists to restore simplicity, connection, and
balance — to remind people that caring for themselves and the Earth can be one
and the same.
Born between the salt air of the New England coast and the stillness of its
mountain summits, our mission is to craft honest, biodegradable skincare that
nourishes both skin and spirit. We believe business should serve life — not the other way
around.
That means small-batch production, sustainable materials, and fair, flexible
workplaces where people can thrive beyond their desks. Wave + Summit is more than a product line.
It’s a way of living: to breathe deeper, tread lighter, and remember that the most beautiful moments happen outdoors, together, and without exception.

simple. natural. effective. No Exceptions.

Why We Care

Natural vs. Synthetic Ingredients

Natural ingredients in moisturizers offer several benefits, including gentle skin care, nourishing hydration, and protection against environmental factors. These ingredients are often rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, providing essential nutrients for healthy skin. Additionally, they can be less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions compared to some synthetic alternatives.

Many natural ingredients are derived from plants or other renewable resources, making them a more sustainable choice for the environment. This can be a significant benefit for those who are conscious about the environmental impact of their skincare products.

Synthetic ingredients in moisturizers can have negative environmental impacts due to their non-renewable resource origins, resource-intensive production processes, and potential for long-term environmental persistence. Additionally, some synthetic ingredients can be toxic to aquatic life and disrupt ecosystems.

Many synthetic ingredients, like those derived from petrochemicals, rely on non-renewable fossil fuels for their production. The manufacturing process often consumes large amounts of energy and water, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution. These processes can also release harmful pollutants into the air, water, and soil. 

Some synthetic ingredients are non-biodegradable, meaning they don't break down easily in the environment and can accumulate in soil and water. Certain synthetic chemicals, like those used in fragrances and preservatives, can be toxic to aquatic life, disrupting ecosystems. Microplastics, tiny plastic particles often found in cosmetics and personal care products, can contaminate waterways and harm marine life. 

Importance of Packaging

Packaging is just as important as the product itself as it, too, will most likely end up being disposed of at some point. Because of this, all WAVE + SUMMIT products are packaged in containers that are sturdy, attractive, and easily reusable and recyclable.

Community Engagement

WAVE + SUMMIT believes the biggest changes happen when people work together, face-to-face. As a growing brand, our founder aims to participate in and eventually sponsor community engagement to help bring awareness of the life cycle of the products they consume and encourage reflection on their habits and choices.

Ingredients + Benefits

Grass-fed Tallow

Grass-fed tallow aligns with sustainable agricultural practices as animals raised on grass are often considered to have smaller environmental footprint. Tallow's natural origin and simple composition highlights its appeal for a more holistic and minimalist approach to skincare. Tallow is packed with vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are all beneficial for skin health. It also protects the skin from moisture loss and environmental irritants, supporting the skin's natural barrier. Some believe that tallow can also help soothe conditions such as eczema and psoriasis due to its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties.

Sweet Almond Oil

Rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, and E, Sweet Almond Oil is a gentle moisturizer ideal for dry and sensitive skin by maintaining the skin's natural moisture barrier, preventing dryness, and promoting suppleness.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is extracted from the seeds of the jojoba shrub (Simmondsia chinensis).This shrub is native to the Sonoran Desert in North America, primarily in Arizona and Mexico.

Jojoba oil is a highly effective moisturizer due to its ability to mimic the skin's natural oils. It is easily absorbed and doesn't leave a greasy residue. Also high in antioxidants and Vitamin E, it's anti-inflammatory properties help tame chaffing and chapping, reduce redness, ease the effects of eczema and rosacea, and keep skin calm and comfortable. Jojoba oil also has antibacterial properties, which can help protect the skin from infections.

Beeswax

Wave + Summit only uses organic beeswax sourced from natural bee farms. This raw ingredient does not contain paraffin, palm wax, soy wax, or any other additives. It undergoes three rounds of filtering, has no chemical substances and is a natural biodegradable and sustainable product. Benefits of beeswax in W+S balms include helping dry skin retain moisture and appearing smoother and softer.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E offers several benefits, including antioxidant protection against free radicals, moisturizing and hydrating the skin, and potentially reducing the appearance of fine lines. Vitamin E is also a natural preservative, which is the main reason it is included in WAVE + SUMMIT formulas.

Fragrances

WAVE + SUMMIT fragrances are a blend of essential oil and natural fragrance oils.

Essential Oils:

CEDARWOOD

A warm, woody, and earthy scent, Cedarwood oil also offers respiratory relief by helping to open airways and is also considered a natural insect repellent.

LAVENDER

This classic scent is a pillar of aromatherapy for good reason. Not only does it alleviate stress and support mental well-being, it can also improve sleep, reduce inflammation, eczema, and acne.

PEPPERMINT

Used in our upcoming lip balm formula, peppermint oil is a refreshing aroma that cools and invigorates the lips.

ROSE

Just inhaling the unmistakable scent of rose oil is said by many to be relaxing. Some studies even suggest that it releases endorphins, chemical signals in the brain that increase feelings of wellbeing. In addition to calming the mind, rose oil is also known to calm the skin.

SWEET ORANGE

An uplifting aroma of sweet, sunny, and freshly peeled oranges. Sweet Orange essential oil also uplifts mood, reduces stress, brightens and tones skin while its antimicrobial properties help reduce acne, unclog pores, and reduce inflammation.

Natural Fragrance Oils:

"SANDY FOOTPRINTS"

A blend of juicy coconut and citrus with fruity notes of pineapple, pear, and a soft base of vanilla.