Aesop

Aesop has maintained a fiercely independent approach to product research and development from the outset. Our team of skilled chemical scientists work out of our Head Office in a utilitarian, custom-built laboratory – conceptualising product ideas, researching blends, and creating prototypes. We source our ingredients from the most reputable suppliers across the globe, then marry cutting-edge technology with long-established scientific practices and principles to craft formulations of exceptional quality.

We are a product-focused company and regularly launch new products for skin, hair and body, in response to genuine needs expressed by our customers

In 2004, in an underground nook in the Melbourne bayside suburb of St Kilda, Aesop hosted its first in-store customers. The space – once a narrow ramp descending into an underground car park – set the benchmark for future architectural ambitions.

So when it was proposed to craft the ceiling of Aesop Adelaide from 7560 amber glass bottles, few eyebrows were raised. Nor did we shy away from the architectural challenge of constructing a store with 400,000 sheets of reclaimed copies of the New York Times in New York’s Nolita, or using 3000 cardboard boxes – the kind used to ship our products – in the assemblage of Aesop Flinders Lane.

Our sincere interest in intelligent and sustainable design extends to every aspect of Aesop’s workings. Just as meticulous research is integral to the formulation of each product, our utilitarian containers are carefully considered to ensure they function with ease and bring delight to our eyes. We believe unequivocally that well-considered design improves our lives.

‘Order and simplification are the first steps toward the mastery of a subject.’ Thomas Mann

Oxidation occurs every day as part of our metabolic functioning and plays an important role in overall health. However, the process of oxidation also unleashes free radicals, which can damage healthy cells.

Free radicals occur in greater numbers after the skin is exposed to UVA and UVB rays, pollution or when the skin experiences minor trauma. Our susceptibility to them is heightened if we are stressed, smoke, eat poorly or don’t allow ourselves sufficient rest.

Anti-oxidants are found in a variety of foods, and bring health benefits by neutralising free radicals. Polyphenolic anti-oxidants are found in coffee, chocolate, red wine, soy, oregano and olive oil; flavonoids in tea, citrus fruit, onion and apple; and lycopene in tomato and grapefruit.

Anti-oxidants in tablet form have been shown to be less effective than those consumed as part of a balanced diet. Accordingly, we recommend a hearty intake of fruits and vegetables, washed down with a small amount of red wine.

Anti-oxidants may also provide protection when applied topically. A common analogy is that of a slice of apple rubbed with lemon juice. Left unprotected, the apple will quickly turn brown as it oxidises; however, the lemon juice (rich in Vitamin C) slows this process noticeably. Applying anti-oxidants to the skin has a similar effect.

Anti-oxidant ingredients are present in the majority of Aesop’s skin care products. Our celebrated B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel, Perfect Facial Hydrating Cream and our entire Parsley Seed range contain potent doses of anti-oxidant rich elements.

Anti-oxidant Vitamins A, C and E (Tocopherol) are easily absorbed by the skin and assist in repairing and protecting surface cells. The water-soluble topical Vitamin C derivative, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, has the ability to protect skin from UV ray damage by reducing the amount of free radical formation. Used long term, application of anti-oxidants has also been shown to reduce spots and pigmentation of the skin.