Industry Voices - XO Treatment Room's Annie Graham

One of the great things that the ChemBox has allowed us to do, is to get to know so many amazing cosmetic formulators. 

This week we interviewed Annie Graham from the XO Treatment Room. Annie is a wonderful cosmetic formulator who is the very definition of a knowledgeable beauty professional. Her rich experience in the industry gives us a unique look in the edition of industry voices.

The Interview

1. Tell us about your cosmetic journey?

I opened XO Treatment Room 7 years ago. I was not from the beauty industry, but my love of science, lasers and chemicals led me to the world of skincare. I love it so much. We have a wonderful treatment room where we can treat clients with all kinds of cool energies to help them achieve good skin.

We also have a lab that we produce our in house line (xo face care). I love the creativity and science in cosmetic chemistry. And at the end - hopefully you help someone or at least make them happy. 

2. What are your top favourite formulas?

I really like the Milk Skin Care line and their use of Sodium Stearate. It’s such a unique experience for the consumer and they really did and elegant job putting it all together. The sticks are just fun. 

For formulations I’ve made - my vitamin C is my favourite. I love Ethylated Vitamin C and I love gel textures. 

3. Is the story of the ingredients important for you?

I like to know about he ingredients. The stories I like are non fiction tho. Ha ha. I like when things read like a manual. What/how and when. 

4. What would you change in the cosmetic industry?

I love that cosmetic chemists and formulators are being consulted and listened to so much more. There are so many facets of the beauty industry and I really like that more people are being heard - not just brand stories. I’ve seen that change start and I I hope that continues. Derms, Estheticians, Regulatory, Toxicology, Packaging - I like to hear from everybody. And I think that change has started.

5. What is your dream product to make?

Oh boy. I think that changes daily. Canada is rather conservative with it’s ingredient approvals so I guess I dream of using certain European Sunscreen Filters or Azelaic Acid or some of the retinol esters we don’t have access to here. I want the things I cant have lol.
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