History of Merlot Skin Care

His friends call him Dr. Grapes, others often refer to him as Mr. Merlot. With his signature skin care line, Wayne Beckley, creator of Merlot Skin Care, is quickly gaining a new title as the “Father of Grape Seed Technology.”

More than 10 years ago while watching "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 the grape seed in each unique formulation. Harnessing nature’s most powerful antioxidants, Merlot products work to fight free radicals – molecules caused by smoke, smog, pollution, stress, and UV rays – and protect skin against the signs of aging. 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. But the real secret is in the seed.

All Merlot products are made in the USA. Merlot Skin Care is owned and operated by the Beckley family.

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 serves 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 also a frequent presenter for small business groups.  Michele serves as the Governance Chair for the Paso Del Norte Association for the Education of Young Children.  She has a B.A. in Education from the University of Michigan, and an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from New Mexico State University.

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, 7x7, California Home + Design, 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.

Creator of Merlot Skin Care, "Dr. Grapes" Wayne Beckley

Running Merlot Day-to-Day: The Beckley Family.