“At first, I just wanted to make something I wasn’t allergic to. But then I became obsessed with making a luxurious product that ticked all the boxes of what I think the ultimate lip balm should be.”

- Jane Allsop (Actress and Founder of XOE AND THE FOX)

In 2004, when I was working on a top rating television show, I began to develop severe contact dermatitis, and was having reactions to a huge range of make-up products. I was forced to resign myself to some very basic skin and hair care products, but I was always disappointed that they lacked a luxurious feel. Around this time I also travelled through Borneo, and saw first hand the effects of deforestation and habitat destruction as a result of Palm Oil plantations. So I came home with a strong passion to avoid Palm Oil in all it's guises, including it's prolific use in skin care and makeup. I started thinking about making my own products, but working and family life consumed much of my time, and I never pursued it further.

Then 2016 took us on a wild journey as we fought to keep our twin girls alive throughout both the pregnancy, and their first year of life. The Women's Hospital and their NICU unit, were absolutely critical in that journey, and you can read more about our journey here. I fully credit the unit and their magnificent medical staff for the girls' survival. 

So when a pandemic and lengthy lockdown came along in 2020, I was at home with twin 4yo's who were constantly raiding the bathroom and stealing any lip balms they could get their hands on. My creative mind kicked into gear, and I decided to make them their own lip balms using safe, organic, ethical, allergy conscious, and essentially edible ingredients. Then I became obsessed with trying to make a product that could tick all those boxes, but also offer food-safe tint, shimmer, and a little luxury. As I started experimenting with different formulations, I began sharing them with friends. And with their feedback, I kept refining them until I had products that were truly something that a fussy lip balm connoisseur such as myself, was happy with.

The XOE AND THE FOX brand takes it's inspiration from my twin daughters. And 5% of our profits are given to the Royal Womens Hospital in gratitude for the fact that my daughters are even here. I do hope you enjoy the products I've created in their name.

xx Jane