From her early days as a MECCA skin specialist to launching a breakthrough skincare brand, Melitta Adam is redefining the way we think about SPF. Growing up in South-East Asia, sunscreen wasn’t top of mind – until she returned to New Zealand and saw firsthand the damage our harsh sun can cause. Enter GLOWGUARD, the innovative SPF-50 sunscreen that’s setting a new benchmark in Aotearoa. In this Friday Muse Q&A, Melitta shares the journey to launching Melitta Skin, the challenges of disrupting an industry, and why SPF isn’t just for summer.
In conversation with Melitta Adam
Let’s get up to speed. Tell us a bit about you and your career to date.
Growing up in South-East Asia, sunscreen was barely on my radar until I returned to New Zealand – the melanoma capital of the world – where I witnessed firsthand the harsh impact of the sun. My beauty journey began on the shop floor as a summer host at MECCA, where I worked my way up to become one of the top skin educators and facialists in the country. Alongside that, I took on roles at Chatty Chums, NZ Native Oils, Women on Boards, and the Business School, but no matter what I did, my heart always pulled me back to skincare.
In my final year of university, I started digging into the sun care market and quickly realised how broken it was. That research became the foundation for GLOWGUARD and with the backing of Velocity 100K Launchpad and King’s Trust, GLOWGUARD was born.
Melitta Skin started as an idea between colleagues at MECCA. Can you take us back to that moment and what sparked the drive to create your own skincare brand?
I vividly remember those early days at MECCA, surrounded by endless rows of moisturisers and serums, yet finding hardly any sunscreen. Through countless skin consultations, the glaring market gap became undeniable. We were frustrated by sunscreens that required constant reapplication, left a heavy or white cast and simply couldn’t keep up with modern lifestyles. That collective realisation ignited the seed for MELITTA SKIN, a mission to redefine sun care and protect our skin with products that work as hard as we do.
Most sunscreens need reapplication every two hours, yet GLOWGUARD offers four-hour protection. What challenges did you face in achieving this benchmark, and how did you overcome them?
Achieving four-hour protection was a four-year journey of relentless innovation. We collaborated with labs across New Zealand, Australia, and the US, but our breakthrough came through our South Korea lab- where top dermatologists and cosmetic chemists pushed our formulation to meet our rigorous standards. Independent testing by trusted Consumer NZ labs validated our claims, and my regulatory training in 2022 deepened our approach to sun care. This blend of expert collaboration, scientific rigor, and independent validation enabled us to overcome the challenges and deliver GLOWGUARD.
Many view sunscreen as a summer-only product. How does GLOWGUARD challenge this misconception and promote year-round usage?
We were determined to launch GLOWGUARD last winter to challenge the idea that sunscreen is just a summer accessory. Despite missing that launch window, our mission remains unchanged: sun protection is essential every day, regardless of the weather. With only 10% of Kiwis using SPF outside the warmer months, our habits leave us dangerously exposed. GLOWGUARD offers superior, long-lasting protection that integrates seamlessly into your daily routine, making sun care a year-round necessity for healthier, safer skin.
Do you have a go-to ritual or activity that helps you recharge and stay centred?
I keep it simple: even on hectic days, I make time to pause, whether that’s a quiet morning, an extra hour of sleep, or letting a deadline slide. Those moments help me recharge and stay grounded.
What’s one piece of skincare advice you swear by?
I’m a firm believer in, you guessed it, wearing sunscreen every single day. As a skin specialist, I’ve seen how accessible active skincare has become and with it, increased sun sensitivity. Sunscreen is the foundation of any great routine: simple, essential, and supported by extensive research. It’s the one step that truly makes a difference in protecting your skin.
How would you describe your personal style, and what influences it the most? Are there any New Zealand designers you gravitate to?
My personal style is all about colour, I adore days when I can ditch my standard blacks for vibrant pieces. I’m constantly inspired by New Zealand’s creative scene, and one creative I’d love to spotlight is Levi Tan. His playful approach to styling and creative direction is timeless and passionate.
Who or what inspires you creatively?
I’m inspired by stories of women making a difference, especially in the start-up world. Natassia from Conserving Beauty is a standout role model. She pioneered the world’s first dissolving oil cleansing wipes and was incredibly supportive when I was starting out. Her journey is a powerful reminder that innovation and perseverance can truly change the game.
What advice would you give other young female entrepreneurs who’d like to bring their own visions to life?
Back yourself. Keep in mind that some people won’t believe in you. It would be easy to say ignore those who don’t believe in your vision, but there is still some value in their criticism. It gives you the opportunity to think critically about every aspect of what you’re doing.
Not everyone will get you, and that’s okay. It’s essential to hear different perspectives. There will always be more people who believe in you than those who don’t. Instead, focus on your support system- whether that be your target market, your industry or your friends and family that are on this journey with you. Keep your focus on your goals and let your hard work speak for itself.
QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS
The next item on my wardrobe wishlist is… Rachel Mills’ locally made basics.
My favourite place to dine… First Mates, Last Laugh
My next holiday destination… Patagonia
My guilty pleasure TV show or movie is… The Meg.
Three beauty products I can’t live without… my lash curler, specifically Surratt’s Relevee Lash Curler; I’m obsessed with Hourglass powders; Iconic Nude by Charlotte Tilbury. Forget Pillow Talk, this shade is simply unmatched.
