Formulator and Founder of Moon Beings Skin Care Melanie Tritt’s deep connection with the universe was first apparent when she would gaze up at the night sky in Arizona as a girl. It was her fixation with constellations like Orion’s Belt and the North Star that inspired awe and her consideration of what lies beyond the earth. 

 

“The goal with space imagery is to have that beauty mirror the stewards we should be on Earth,” said Tritt, adding that she wanted to make an impact by showing consumers the importance of creating a more resilient Earth to work towards carbon neutrality. “I live in this magical place and I want to be a part of making it better.”

 

After pondering the vastness of space, she orbited back to her life and how she could one day be a source for change on her own planet. While Tritt didn’t understand it yet, in retrospect, she experienced what she referred to as “The Observer Effect,” or the disturbance of an observed system by the act of observation. In the years that followed, Tritt wished to share her insight with the rest of the world. The stars eventually aligned for her—in, where else? – the luminous world of skincare.

 

It all started when she was pregnant with her first child. She was 35, and up until then, prided herself on her immaculate complexion. She had, after all, worked for top dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons in 1990s Beverly Hills who specialized in laser skin resurfacing and saw high-profile clients from Heather Locklear to Florence Henderson. Tritt’s skincare knowledge from the Institute of Personal Care Science came in handy when a hormonal imbalance during her pregnancy triggered chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis or Hashimoto's, an autoimmune disease that gradually destroys the thyroid gland. While hormonal imbalances from pregnancy typically result in mild breakouts, Tritt developed melasma, rosacea and eczema. Experimenting with products that contained a high herbal concentration only added to the irritation. Steroids, antifungals and antibiotic medications disrupted her skin microbiome. She was convinced there had to be a better way to stimulate the skin’s surface without stripping it dry. In fact, her dry, flaky skin was so bad, she resorted to trying anti-dandruff shampoo on her skin—obviously, not the answer. 

 

In learning about high oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) values that determine the antioxidant quality found in superfruits such as blueberries, cranberries and elderberries, she was inspired to create a skin care line for consumers with sensitive skin that contain efficacious fruit enzymes as the key active ingredients to effectively but gently eliminate skin concerns. 

 

“Jojoba and black currant seed oil combined provide barrier support and give you that deep penetrating moisture,” noted Tritt. 

 

Pineapple fruit extract and banana, she added, have anti-aging properties that exfoliate, smooth and help skin retain moisture while guava extract refines pores. With these findings she created Moon Beings in 2020 in hopes that users will gain a greater appreciation for the Earth and all its healing powers.

 

While Moon Beings started out a DTC brand with help from influencers, the business has blossomed into something much bigger. In March, Tritt opened a retail outpost in Temecula, CA. The 1,600 square-foot “collaborative installment” includes a yoga studio, treatment room and common area, where the brand’s facial skincare is displayed.

Naturally, gaining a better appreciation for Earth starts with a greater appreciation for ourselves and becoming masters of self-care. 

 

For starters, Moon Beings offers Lift Off. The polypeptide foaming oat cleanser with organic bamboo silica. When gently massaged onto the face, the cleanser penetrates the skin resulting in a tingly sensation as it helps stimulate collagen production. Skin is left soft, hydrated and above all, clean and radiant. Artesian water, probiotic, coconut and hydrolyzed oat protein make up the other “star” ingredients, according to Tritt. 

 

For dry, sensitive skin, New Moon Soothing Probiotic Hydrosol is an instantly refreshing mist that can be sprayed onto skin to air-dry. Made from 100% pure fresh distilled whole plant botanicals, organic bamboo silica and probiotic, New Moon helps to optimize the hydration and absorption of other moisturizers and serums applied to the skin prior to use. Also contains lemon balm and bark extract. 

 

For consumers with combination skin that is acne-prone, Watermelon Moon Serum can be used in the morning as an oil cleanse and wiped clean using a damp washcloth with warm water. Guava, Kalahari melon, and mango detox and clarify the skin. For more mature skin that could use a boost, Celestial C Stem Cell Serum is formulated with organic aloe vera, unrefined jojoba, squalane, blood orange, grapefruit and coconut that work to defy gravity by firming and rejuvenating skin by stimulating collagen production, calming breakouts and inflammation and improving tone. 

 

For stressed-out consumers whose overwhelm is showing up on their face in the form of tired skin, Moon Beings offers a mental trip to another planet with its Saturn anti-fatigue face and eye serum. It is comprised of a clinically advanced complex of active marine minerals, botanicals and nutrients. Astaxanthin, hyaluronic acid and phytonadione reduce inflammation, redness and help repair the look of broken capillaries caused by rosacea to improve circulation and skin tone.

 

For optimal results, Tritt recommends consumers follow its Moon Beings routine while keeping their gut microbiome balanced. This can be achieved by eating a healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruits spanning the color spectrum—from butternut squash to watermelon, oranges and leafy greens. Browse the product line here.