is aesop skincare good?

Question

Shadman Sweta · Answer

from Australia with love

Today we will be finally talking about one of the most popular skincare brands on social media. As you might already know, Aesop are an Australian brand famous for their minimal, old-school "apothecary" packaging, botanical formulations and somewhat steep price tags. I have selected three interesting products to review for you in this post.

Curious? Then please keep on scrolling

My Skin: dry, sensitive

Aesop are known for their active use of essential oils. While their skincare is scientifically formulated in a way that should be safe and effective, some people might still have an allergic reaction to it. Personally speaking, I am fine with the ingredients used here; however, if you are unsure, please consult your dermatologist first.

All Aesop products are cruelty-free🐇 and vegan🍃 and come in a recyclable♻️ glass packaging.

Aesop Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Facial Toner (63 USD; 6.8 fl oz/200 ml; Made in Australia) - is described as an antioxidant-rich toner that is supposed to balance and even the appearance of skin. Some of the key ingredients here are Aloe, Witch Hazel, Parsley Seed Oil, Lavender Stem and Blue Chamomile.

This product was my first purchase from the brand and it has quickly become an essential part of my daily skincare routine. Now, I know there are people who think that toners are a waste of money. As for me, my skin can be quite dry and irritated from being overexposed to chlorine (I am a swimmer), so I tend to benefit from layering multiple products including toners.

Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Facial Toner has a tea-like, watery texture and noticeable herbal scent that doesn't linger. I usually pour about a tea spoon amount directly onto palms and pat the product gently onto my face and neck. This formula has quite a calming effect on the skin (especially after swimming, when my face is practically burning from chemicals) and acts as a great "base" for all other skincare products I layer on top of it. I find that whenever I use this toner, my serums and creams penetrate skin better and as a result - it stays nurtured and hydrated all day long (especially during winter). This toner absorbs seamlessly and doesn't leave a weird, sticky residue.

If you have been on a hunt for that "all in one" refreshing and hydrating toner to use both day and night, you might really enjoy this formula. I have noticed positive changes as I kept on using this product: skin feels supple and I breakout less. While it is expensive, I find that one bottle will last you a very long time (at least 9-10 months) as you only use a small amount of toner at a time. Beautiful product for normal and dry skin types in particular that crave extra moisture. A+

Aesop Camellia Nut Facial Hydrating Cream (43.50 USD; 2.1 oz/60ml; Made in Australia) - is a potent, yet lightweight cream that is infused with Aloe, Macadamia, Chamomile Bud, Sandalwood, Rosemary Leaf and Cocoa Seed Butter. It is specifically designed for people with dry or sensitive skin types and has a light herbal scent to it that doesn't linger.

This cream has been a true friend during colder winter months. It glides on like silk upon application and absorbs well, leaving my skin feeling supple and happy. One thing I really like about this formula is that it provides intense hydration, without ever being thick or heavy. Often times I add a few drops of Fabulous Face Oil to it and wake up to a baby smooth skin in the morning. I find that my skin's texture has improved over time, which is an added bonus. Can be used twice a day, however, I think it works best as a night cream.

Having said all that, this product does contain Coconut Oil that many people try to avoid as it can be quite comedogenic. My skin is sensitive, but thankfully it did not react badly to Camellia Nut Facial Hydrating Cream.

Excellent night cream for people with dry or very dry skin types. It did not clog pores, cause irritation or any other drama for that matter. Not the biggest fan of the scent (pretty herbal), but can live with it as long as I keep getting great results from Camellia Nut Facial Hydrating Cream. Is it my all time favorite? Not necessary, however, it does what it says and is worth the try. Although it is excellent for hydration, I feel like I want to explore more advanced options next, so my hunt for the ultimate night cream continues. I give this product B

Aesop Fabulous Face Oil (57 USD; 0.9 fl.oz/25 ml; Made in Australia) - is a blend of nine potent botanicals that boost your skin with hydration and radiance. Some of the highlighted ingredients here are Macadamia, Sweet Almond and Camellia Seed Oils (as well as Juniper Berry, Ylang Ylang, Jasmine Petal).

Similarly to pretty much everything from the brand, this clear oil too has a very "spa"-like, green scent to it that is a bit more noticeable. Once applied, it does not linger on the skin though.

Fabulous Face Oil feels quite balmy and rich, so I would not recommend overusing it as it might then sit on the skin without getting fully absorbed. You can wear it on its own or mix it with other products. I typically add two-three drops of this oil to my moisturizers and that is all you need if your skin is on a drier side. Whenever I use this oil, I notice the difference right away: complexion is brighter, texture is smoother and pores don't get clogged as much.

This is a wonderful oil to mix in with your favorite moisturizers and creams if you want that extra kick of hydration. As long as you use Fabulous Face Oil sparingly, you will truly enjoy it. Best for people with dry skin types; might be overwhelming for those of you, who have combination or oily skin. I am a big fan of this oil, its quality and benefits, which is why I give it A

If you want to explore the world of Aesop skincare, yet you are a bit unsure whether these herbal formulations will work for you or not, ask for free samples at any Aesop store first. Whenever I buy their skincare, I get a ton of free sachets generously filled with product, that I can then safely test before breaking the piggy bank. At this point I must have tried at least ten different products from the brand, yet only three of them really stood out to me. Herbal skincare might not be for everyone, but overall this brand offers amazing quality products and has some hidden gems that I will gladly try in the future.

What do you guys think about this brand? Let's chat some more in the comments!

More online:

nordstrom.com (USA)

cultbeauty.com (World)

spacenk.uk (World)

Purchased products; full disclaimer here

Rooney Trailsmen · Answer

By Chere Di Boscio

Confession: I have always had a ‘thing’ for skincare specialised brand Aesop, ever since I was given a freebie skin cream at a launch party in Paris. I adored the minimalist glass bottles; the refreshing, light scents of the products, and the philosophy behind the range. That philosophy includes the notion of harnessing the power of nature to enhance our beauty and cure what ails our skin.

So when I was given the opportunity to try and test the brand’s skincare range, I couldn’t refuse.

I went to the Marylebone branch of their London shop to learn how to use the products correctly. Which was a good thing, because as I learned, to my surprise – I had been doing everything wrong.

Dennis Paphitis established the brand in Australia in 1987. At the time, he owned and operated a hair salon, and loved blending essential oils into hair products. His clients loved it, and after continued success, he decided to create a brand that used his techniques.

He called it Aesop, after the Greek fabulist and storyteller. He eventually sold the company to Naturua & Co, a Brazilian natural cosmetics company, while maintaining a role as advisor.

Today, each Aesop store has a unique interior design developed in collaboration with various architects, interior designers and artists. As of 2019, the brand had over 320 points of sale across 25 countries. The brand is produces 83 products, including perfumes, face washes, toners, shaving products, body lotions and much more.

Each store is staffed by highly trained individuals who are happy to advise on how to use the products, and to offer samples.

One of those Aesop staff members gave me a serious re-education in skincare! Normally, to remove makeup I apply some creamy cleanser to a cotton pad, rub it around my face a few times, then wipe clean with a damp face cloth, before dabbing some toner on a cotton round and dragging that across my skin to remove all traces of the cleanser, then moisturizing.

Bad, bad, bad, says Isabelle, my consultant at Aesop.

She explained that I need to ditch those cotton rounds for two reasons: one, they are wasteful and bad for the planet. Two, they contain bleach and chemicals which can irritate sensitive skin. Instead, she suggested applying the product with a totally natural resource: my fingertips. This, she explained, would warm the oil and allow it to work deep in the pores.

After examining my skin, she decided it was the ‘dehydrated’ rather than ‘flaky’ kind of dry, and recommended the Parsley Seed Cleansing Oil. Comprised mainly of avocado, sweet almond, Macadamia nut, lavender and of course, anti-oxidising parsley seed oil, the product was a bit runny and messy, but had a pleasantly herbal scent. I let it sit on my skin for a bit, then took a warmed, damp linen cloth and massaged it off. The amount of makeup that came clean was incredible! (Note to self: ease up on the foundation!).

After patting my skin dry, the second step was the In Two Minds toner. Again, normally I would apply this with a cotton round, but Isabelle told me to simply splash it all over my face and pat dry. I did just that, but this technique used a lot more of the product than I normally would, which is a pretty scary prospect considering this is $55 a bottle. I also didn’t feel as sure that it was removing any last traces of cleanser and makeup. That being said, some will appreciate the fact that this is an alcohol-free based product, and it’s quite gentle. It smelled lightly of herbs and didn’t sting or leave my skin feeling tight at all.

The final step was the Camellia Nut facial hydrating cream, which my skin greedily soaked up like a sponge. My face felt instantly soothed and hydrated, and there was zero sticky residue. I absolutely love this product! It’s rich and gentle, and contains some ingredients like Glycine Soja, Tocopherol and Sodium Lactate. These may sound scary, but these are just a stabilised form of soya, Vitamin E and fermented sugar. All of which help protect the skin from free radicals.

That’s one thing I learned from my Aesop skincare specialist. Don’t fear the longer ingredient names on the packaging. Just get to know which synthesised ingredients are helpful and which ones are harmful (try an app like Think Dirty to learn more).

Overall, I was highly impressed by the Aesop skincare range that I tested. But there’s so much more! There are ranges of different serums, eye creams, masques and many other products to try. Like all Aesop skincare products, they were designed using natural ingredients to suit all skin types, both male and female, and are sold with unisex, minimalist, recyclable packaging. And with their gorgeous, recyclable packaging, they make wonderful gifts!

See why I love this brand?

For more info on Aesop skincare, please click here.

This was a sponsored post.

Rabiya yqczwi · Answer

Born in 1987 in Australia, Aesop hit its fellow millennials where it hurts: Clean, sophisticated aesthetics, an attainable but slightly elevated price point, and a high-performing assortment that builds loyalty among those skeptical of the pretty packaging. I was that skeptical person before I got in the grooming business; flash forward to me visiting Aesop HQ in Melbourne, like some sports fan meeting his favorite team’s quarterback. I got to meet Aesop’s then-head scientist, who gave me an inside peek at the extensive research and development that goes into each formula.

Look, I could write a book about the brand and all that there is to love—somebody already beat me to that, by the way—but instead I’ll spotlight my 10 favorite Aesop products below. Most fall under the skin care umbrella, but it should be noted that the brand has a fantastic assortment of hair care products and has low-key one of the best fragrance collections in the industry, including home scents (from incense and diffuser oils to candles and those beloved post-poo drops).

Here are the 10 best Aesop products, according to this longtime loyalist.

I'll kick things off with the brand's newest skincare offering, this featherlight Vitamin B- and C-powered serum for combination and oily skin types. It's a shortcut to brighter, more supple skin—perfect if you over-wash and need skin to stay balanced. It counters inflammation (especially for acne-prone individuals) with niacinamide and rose petal extract.

Along with the Reverence Aromatique Hand Balm, I think this hand wash is the most recognizable Aesop product; any mid-priced, photo-ready restaurant probably has this stuff stocked in their restroom. With one pump, you should know if it's Aesop or if they're just recycling the vessel, because that crisp bergamot-vetiver scent is unmistakable, as is the formula containing pumice granules to gently exfoliate your mitts while you wash up.

This is the second product on this list that summons both Vitamin B and Vitamin C for brightening and hydrating the skin. It skews more towards normal and combination skin, in this gel-based formula. I love the tightening effect it has, especially when I wear it by day. I also apply it before bed, underneath a night cream or mask, in order to keep my mug feeling hydrated and looking alert come morning. (especially when I sleep in an air conditioned room or during the colder, dryer months).

It is difficult to choose a favorite scent of the brand's grossly underrated selection. I've always been a Rozu lover, but the Othertopias collection is getting more mileage from me lately. What started as a trio is now a family of four, with Eidesis joining in 2022. This peppery-resinous-woody blend smells every bit as sophisticated as its brethren, but also punches up the "edge". Very "bad boy with a good job" if you know what I mean.

The tangerine-vanilla-sandalwood scent in the Rejuvenate formula is like olfactive melatonin—it soothes the senses and lightens the day's stress. On top of that, you also wake with soft, supple skin...

I'll never not laugh at a product being called a "slab", but that's exactly what this nearly 11-oz. soap brick is. You can try to grip it with each shower, but that's like running something the size of a giant iPhone all around your body. Instead, take a knife and slice away a third of it; each slice is going to last three or four times longer than your standard-fare bar, and the vegetable-based essential-oil-tinged formula will have your skin soft and purified with each use.

For the uninitiated, an overnight mask (like Sublime here) should be deployed once or twice a week, and will leave a light film on the skin since it's more of a deeply nourishing treatment. But my skin always looks so bright, plump, and firm in the morning after each use, that I go a little more liberal with each application (and frequently so). If you want to use it as designed, then keep it as a secret weapon, for the days you have to show up to work in person, or before a big meeting.

If you've got sensitive skin, then this aptly named moisturizer will bring peace and calm: Seeking Silence is enriched with soothing bisabolol as well as ultra hydrating squalane and jojoba oil. It wears light on skin, and I've even used it as a post-shave soother on more than a few occasions. I'd suggest it for any and all skin types, too; after all, if it's formulated for sensitive folks, then the rest of us will get the same moisture-boosting and -preserving bennies.

Budd Belson · Answer

From Post Poo Drops to a Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash, Aēsop has got you covered. Aesop is an Aussie skincare brand that does things differently, or at least when they started out a few decades ago they were definitely different!

They fit all the modern checklists that a cosmetic brand should have. They’re vegan. They’re cruelty-free. They are environmentally sustainable. And their design aesthetic is simple and elegant.

The basis of their brand is about using ingredients that are safe and actually work! Let’s get on with this review to find out if they are actually worth the hype and the splurge!

Everything about their design philosophy is utilitarian at best. Their packaging is biodegradable and can be recycled infinitely. The design of their products is simple yet classy and elegant and fits with their ethos perfectly.

Aesop Skincare products will upgrade your bathroom to a spa-like experience in how they look and feel!

Aesop is generally well accepted. Especially with a zero-waste campaign, and product quality that really brings wellness to your skin.

They offer skincare, haircare, body, fragrance, and indoor aromatics— both for men and women. Heck, they even have a quarterly publication called “The Paris Review” up for sale on their site.

Other contributing factors that make Aesop products great are that they don’t contain colourants, mineral oils, animal derivatives, silicones, parabens and almost no synthetic fragrance compounds (save for a couple of products in their perfume line).

There are many positives to Aesop Skincare, actually, I’ll rephrase that. Aēsop Skincare is mostly 99% positive but there is one small con.

The brand stands by many values and that can come at a heavy price. Aesop Skincare is playing with organic ingredients and if you don’t add any fragrance to organic stuff it can sometimes smell bad, that is despite their fab quality.

Don’t fret, not all of their products smell bad. On the contrary, some have the most amazing fragrances thanks to the natural oil extracts added to the products.

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase using these links, you don’t pay more, I simply earn a small commission!

Discover Aesop for yourself with some of its bestselling products. You’ll find one for every part of your body that is significantly in need of some skincare love.

We all need to do our bodily needs but we don’t need other people smelling it! A little discretion would be nice. With these Post-Poo Drops, not only will no one know your business, but your bathroom will also smell delightfully pleasant right after.

Call it magic, this stuff seriously works! It has a citrusy smell combined with a little floralness which somehow makes every other smell disappear!