#BeautyBoss: Sandra Statz, Founder & CEO of A.P. CHEM
Sandra Statz.
Our latest #BeautyBoss is Sandra Statz, Founder & CEO of A.P. CHEM—a high-performance line of age-decelerating skincare products that are formulated with curated combinations of classic and proven Alt-Pharma™ ingredients for optimal skin renewal, in addition to being dermatologist developed and tested.
A beauty industry veteran who has worked with brands such as La Mer, Clinique and Guerlain for more than 15 years, Statz is also a ketamine advocate and educator who was inspired to create the brand after a life-changing medical diagnosis that led to her discovery of alternative treatments.
In 2022, she joined forces with her friend and leading dermatologist, Dr. Sherwin Parikh, to create a skincare line that would open minds to the concept of psychedelic medicine for mental, physical and spiritual wellness. Since its inception, the brand has become a platform to illuminate treatment options for mental and physical health (classic and alternative), and is proud to partner with The Ketamine Fund, a nonprofit organization that provides free ketamine treatment to veterans suffering from PTSD.
We chatted with Statz, who shared the inspiration behind the brand, secrets for success, wellness tips, and much more.
Dr. Sherwin Parikh.
When was A.P. CHEM founded and what does the name mean?
A.P. CHEM launched in September 2022 with our debut product microDOSE™ Magical Moisturizer. The brand name is a nod to the advanced placement course for chemistry, because we’re all about the science. We love researching and learning about cutting edge advancements in skin health.
A.P. CHEM also stands for Alt-Pharma™ ingredients. When it comes to skincare, Alt-Pharma™ to us means ingredients that have clinically-proven topical applications but are not commonly found in skin care. To be candid, typically because of cost. We work with reputable labs and ingredient suppliers to achieve numerous high standards for our formulas. Among these standards include ethical sourcing as well as adhering to our commitment to be vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, fragrance-free, and dye-free. We would never use an ingredient that wasn’t already clinically tested and proven to be safe and efficacious.
A.P. CHEM is a science-forward, age-decelerating skincare brand formulated with curated combinations of classic and proven Alt-Pharma™ ingredients for optimal skin renewal.
What inspired the creation of the brand?
We started our brand to address a white space in the market. We make age-decelerating skincare for Gen X and Xennials without charging a fortune that many brands who address aging concerns do. We’re also self-proclaimed “cool nerds” who are always looking into innovation in skin science. That’s one of the reasons why we formulate with a combination of classic and clinically-proven Alt-Pharma™ ingredients.
Another reason is inspired by my autoimmune and inflammatory disease. As I was being diagnosed, I looked to classic and alternative treatments, specifically psychedelic medicine, to help me cope with my new reality of chronic pain and the mental challenges that came with it. A diagnosis like this impacts one’s inner and outer health. So we formulate with anti-inflammatory ingredients to address what you see on the surface, from redness to irritation, to underlying inflammation that may inhibit optimal skin renewal.
That is why our mission is to advocate for psychedelic medicine. We understand that it’s not for everyone. We respect that everyone’s path to wellness is unique and deeply personal. We simply want to illuminate options. After years of formulation, we launched A.P. CHEM® to bring this concept to life—a science-forward, age-decelerating skincare brand formulated with curated combinations of classic and proven Alt-Pharma™ ingredients for optimal skin renewal.
A.P. CHEM microDOSE Magical Moisturizer ($75) delivers anti-oxidative, age-decelerating benefits and leaves skin looking brighter and smoother—instantly and over time.
Does A.P. CHEM have a hero product?
Our debut product was microDOSE™ Magical Moisturizer; however, we have more in the pipeline that we can’t wait to share! microDOSE delivers antioxidative, age-decelerating benefits that lead to brighter, smoother skin. Our moisturizer features our proprietary adaptoGEN8™ Complex, which is a magical blend of eight adaptogenic mushroom extracts. Our moisturizer, as well as our new launches, all include our proprietary KETAmino Acid Complex® loaded with proteins, amino acids, and naturally occurring neuropeptides.
Where are your products sold?
We initially launched exclusively on our website because we felt it was the best way to manage the verbal and visual communication of our unique mission, our tone—which is scientific yet witty (not sterile)—and our values around diversity, equity and inclusion.
Future plans for the brand?
We launched two new products in April 2023, our Enlightening Eye Treatment and our Uplifting & Smoothing Serum. We are also planning on partnering with retailers soon.
Who inspires you?
Our customers. We’ve cultivated a great community whose opinions and points of view we welcome. We’re Gen X’ers ourselves, so we understand many of our customers’ common skincare concerns. For example, just because you’re in your 40s doesn’t mean you don’t have oily skin. That’s why our formulas are carefully curated to address common concerns for Gen X and Xennials including hydration, lines and wrinkles, and lifting and firming. It’s also why we ensure our textures are suitable to most skin types.
A.P. CHEM eyeAHUASCA Enlightening Eye Treatment ($85) reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles while visibly lifting and firming the eye area.
Secret to success?
Staying true to our formulation philosophy while remaining curious. We believe inflammation is a core component of virtually every skin concern, if not most health concerns. That’s why we use potent concentrations of key actives with compatible skin soothers to achieve and maintain homeostasis. Balanced skin is necessary for optimal renewal.
Beauty secrets?
Confession: I don’t wash my face at night, I’m just lazy. However, I will always put on our moisturizer and let its actives and the body’s renewal process at night do its job.
Wellness tips?
Glowing skin is a natural gift for some and hard work for others. Regardless, your internal health plays a larger role in how you look on the outside than many people acknowledge. Take care of yourself. Yes, drink water and maintain a healthy diet. We advocate for alternative options for both mental and physical health. There’s no perfect prescription for everyone. Be curious, explore your options, and take charge.
Best advice?
Get a second opinion. We’re pretty savvy, but we’re all students. We’re always learning. Whether it’s your skin health, your physical health, or your mental health—if something doesn’t feel right, ask questions and get answers.
How do you like to relax?
Watching TV with my favorite blanket. I wanted to say meditation, but while it’s relaxing and resets my mind each day, it’s work. My daily indulgence comes from watching repeats of “The Office.”
For more information, visit A.P. CHEM’s website and follow on Instagram: @apchembeauty
[Images courtesy of A.P. CHEM]
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk