HISTORY OF MERLOT SKIN CARE
His friends call him Dr. Grapes, others often refer to him as Mr. Merlot. With a background in chemistry and a long dedication to health and wellness, Wayne Beckley created the breakthrough natural grape seed-based Merlot Skin Care line.
More than 15 years ago while watching the TV program 60 Minutes, Wayne Beckley first learned of “the French Paradox” – a report on people in France who consumed diets heavy in saturated fat, but who seemed to suffer virtually no heart disease. The report linked the findings to the drinking of red wine.
Intrigued, Beckley chronicled over 70 research studies that indicated that drinking a couple glasses of red wine each day could be beneficial in warding off certain cancers and lowering cholesterol in the body. The reason: the antioxidants found in red grapes. Investigating further, Beckley found studies revealing the grape’s true power, their seeds. Research studies have shown that grape seed antioxidants are 50 times more powerful than Vitamin E and nearly 25 times more powerful than Vitamin C.
In 2001 Beckley launched Merlot Skin Care, utilizing the power of red grape seeds in each unique formulation. Harnessing nature’s most powerful antioxidants, Merlot products work to protect skin against the signs of aging and to fight free radicals – the harmful molecules caused by smoke, smog, pollution, stress, and UV rays. From his first experiments in the garage to today, Beckley has built Merlot into a powerful line. Merlot Skin Care products have been praised for their high quality formulations and tremendous value. The real secret? It’s in the seed!
In 2011 Merlot Skin Care was named a “Breakout Brand” by Global Cosmetics International. Today Merlot Skin Care is a trusted brand for professional make-up artists and models and is recommended by dermatologists. Merlot’s good-for-you philosophy maintains that customers can look like a million bucks without spending that much.
OUR MISSION
MADE IN THE USA
Merlot Skin Care is a Texas-based brand, proud to make all of our products in the USA.
NO ANIMAL TESTING
Our formulas don’t use any animal products or byproducts and our brand is cruelty-free. Vegan friendly.
PARABEN-FREE
We prioritize the most high quality, effective ingredients without the use of the chemical preservatives known as parabens.
THE MERLOT TEAM
Wayne Beckley
CEO & Founder, Merlot Skin Care
Wayne founded Merlot Skin Care in 2001. In addition to his role as CEO, Wayne works as the brand’s lead product developer. He has served on the advisory board for the Health And Beauty America (HBA) conference – one of the largest events for cosmetic, fragrance, skin care, and personal care professionals. He has spoken at the HBA conference on “Niche Marketing” and “Personal Care,” and has received the Vendor of the Year Award from Walgreens (2008). He holds three U.S. patents and numerous trademarks, and has a B.S. from Purdue University and an M.A. in Education from Ball State.
Michele Beckley
Vice President, Operations
Michele manages international accounts and oversees customer care. She’s a frequent presenter for business groups, including the Small Business Development Center’s International Business Summits. Michele received her B.A. in Education from the University of Michigan, and an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from New Mexico State University. Michele also serves as the Governance Chair for the Paso Del Norte Association for the Education of Young Children.
Nicole Beckley
Director, Marketing & Media
Nicole oversees product marketing, website development, and media communications. She is a member of Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) and the Young Women’s Alliance (YWA), and has moderated a panel at the HBA conference on “Labeling and Packaging.” Nicole has a background in social media marketing and writing, and has written for The Onion AV Club, Austin Monthly, 7×7, California Home + Design, Tribeza, and Spin.com. She holds a B.A. in Urban Studies and Communications from Stanford University.
Drew Beckley
Director, Logistics
Drew serves as a director of product development and packaging, overseeing design concepts and iteration. A dedicated photographer, Drew holds a certificate in graphic design from Sessions College For Professional Design.