Purpose-Built, a Lasting Balm for Outdoor Professionals
SUI Wässer is intentionally formulated as an anhydrous balm rather than a water-based lotion.
After prolonged sun, wind, cold, and dry air exposure, the skin barrier is often compromised and more vulnerable to moisture loss and irritation. Water-based lotions are designed for quick absorption and hydration, but they can evaporate rapidly — sometimes increasing transepidermal water loss once they wear off.
A balm behaves differently. By using oils and waxes instead of water, SUI Wässer stays on the skin longer, forms a breathable protective layer, and supports barrier recovery during the critical hours after exposure. This approach focuses on comfort, recovery, and repair — not just immediate hydration.
Our love & appreciation for the outdoors go into every batch!
The Balm’s we create are used by our family, friends, and community at large. The greatest care and research goes into every batch, from the ingredients used, through the preparation, and packaging every step is carefully monitored because we know that those who use the our balms are those we love — our family.
A Skiing Legacy
SUI Wässer was born from time spent outdoors — and from loss.
My Motivation
In 2025, I lost my mother, Becky Schaefer, to skin cancer, a cancer that began on exposed areas of her face and neck. Like most cancers, identifying a definitive root source is not possible. However, after she passed, I started thinking more deeply about the long-term elevated risks faced by people who spend a lifetime outdoors: athletes, parents, coaches, guides, and workers.
Who We Are
My family has spent generations in the ski industry. We grew up outdoors racing, coaching, canoeing & kayaking, sailing, and working in the mountains. Today our kids and all of the adults continue to spend a lot of time outdoors — skiing, biking, hiking, sailing, climbing, and working. Despite our awareness and threat, like many families, applying skin protection prior to heading outdoor is often an afterthought. Like most people, we tend to think about it only after we come inside and feel the chapped, burned cheeks, lips, and noses.
I wanted to understand whether there was a better way to support skin after exposure — not just protect it during.
Throughout the fall of 2025, I spent months reviewing scientific research on skin damage, inflammation, and cancer linked to environmental exposure. What stood out most was the growing evidence that much of the damage associated with sun, wind, and cold continues in the hours after exposure, as inflammatory and oxidative processes persist.
That insight, that post-care maybe equally important, became the foundation for SUI Wässer.
Rather than focusing solely on protection, SUI Wässer is built around recovery — supporting the skin during the critical window after sun, wind, cold, and dry air exposure. The balm is designed to calm inflammation, support barrier repair, and provide comfort, much like how an athlete treats a sore joint or muscle after training.
Today, SUI Wässer is refining and testing a recovery-focused skin balm for people who spend serious time outdoors. Each batch is developed carefully, tested in real conditions, and improved through feedback from a small community of testers.
I am deeply grateful for the love, life, and time I was able to share with my mom. She was a remarkable person who left a lasting impression on her community through the unconditional love and leadership she shared with others. This work — and the products in development — are dedicated to her.
What’s with the name?
“Soy Whaaa?…SUI Wasser!”
SUI is the common international abbreviation for Switzerland…I raced against a lot of SUI’s in my day. :-)
Switzerland is also where my mom, Becky Schaefer’s, family originated — Bern, Switzerland. And ‘Wasser’ is German for water. Translated simply, it means “Swiss Water.” So that’s it, “SUI Wasser“ is a way to honor Becky.
In loving memory of Becky Schaefer- Mother, 2nd Grade Teacher, Environmentalist, Outdoor Enthusiest, and Recycling Champion.
Becky was instrumental in introducing statewide recycling to Massahchusetts in the 1980’s. As well, she was honored by the Audobon Society in the 80’s for her progressive environmental education efforts within Public Schools where she taught for over 35 years.