Mission + Purpose
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 skin care line that nourishes and protects your skin using only natural, biodegradable ingredients.
Outside of her family, Melissa's two greatest loves are the ocean that surrounds her island home and the nearby mountain range that has provided her with exhilarating & therapeutic hiking. Over the years, while enjoying this amazing outdoor lifestyle, she realized that her skin required extra attention due to the frequent exposure of salt water, high winds, and extreme cold temperatures. However, she also began to understand the detrimental impact traditional, synthetic moisturizers have on the delicate oceans, reefs, and lakes...where all drainage eventually ends up.
It is the goal of WAVE + SUMMIT to offer an effective and sustainable skin care line, help others understand and reduce the impact synthetic, ultra-processed products have on our surrounding ecosystems, and promote the benefits of pursuing a more active outdoor lifestyle.
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 if 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. Even though WAVE + SUMMIT is still in its infancy, it is the goal of its founder to participate 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 skins 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 additive. 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.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can be a beneficial moisturizer due to its hydrating and emollient properties, making skin feel soft and smooth. Coconut oil can help to plump up the skin, making it appear more youthful and may help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and promote even skin tone. It may also offer anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits for the skin. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties can help to soothe skin irritation, reduce redness, and potentially aid in wound healing.
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.
Non-nano Zinc Oxide
Non-nano zinc oxide (NnZO) is a natural mineral that is biodegradable and reef-safe. It is generally considered safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin. NnZO blocks both UVA and UVB rays and, unlike chemical sunscreens, which can be absorbed into the skin, NnZO acts as a physical barrier, reflecting and scattering the sun's rays.
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 with 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.