Aesop Review: The High End Soap and Skincare Line. Is it Right For You?

Ok, let’s talk about it. Not everyone has access to the “bougiest” gym or the nicest hotels but if you’ve ever used that free day pass to try out a new fancy gym or have eaten in a splurge-worthy restaurant, chances are you’ve come across the Aesop line in the restroom. It’s sleek, dark brown, white labeled pump is hard to miss. The initial draw tends to be its aesthetically pleasing appearance. But then you push down and… VOILA! Aromatic scents embody the whole room and engulf your nostrils. The quality ingredients seep into your skin and for the 30 seconds it takes for you to lather and rinse off, you’re in a blissful, sensory-filled state of existence…

That’s probably how these high end soap and body companies expect you to feel when using their products. Aesop though not only has amazing smelling products, but their ingredients can provide benefits for your skin! They truly know how to bottle up an experience. In this article we’ll discuss Aesop as a brand, my opinion on some of their products, Aesop’s key ingredients and we’ll discuss some controversial ingredients.

AESOP The Brand

Aesop is that perfect mix of quality and design. Established in Melbourne, Australia 1987, Aesop’s mission focuses on finding a way to blend unique ingredients sourced from reputable suppliers while providing a minimalistic vegan and eco-friendly brand. Aesop uses a minimum of 97% recycled material for its containers and they are widely known for their array of aromatic formulations in body, hair, hand, and skincare. They focus on awakening both visual and olfactory senses, creating a unique experience to an everyday routine.Today they have over 200 stores all over the world.

I visited one of their stores in the Century City Westfield Mall in Los Angeles, California located on the first floor of the shopping center. The store itself is filled with tiles, meant to mimic a bathroom. A very organized bathroom. There are sinks to help test out some of the washes which really helps to get the feel of the product, but the employees tend to be very heavy handed so testing out the products included too much handwashing for my liking. Another CON, which may be someone’s PRO, is their collection variety. They only have one exfoliating wash (The Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash) and one regular hand wash (The Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash) for their hand wash collection. For hand balms they also only have 2 with the same Reverence and Resurrection names. Great if you like both scents and get overwhelmed with too many choices, but I personally would have loved to choose from even more exotic scents. They do however have body lotions that can be bought in smaller tubes and a list of different body, skin and hair products. Also, the store is small so even if you’re just browsing, expect the staff to hover and ask you constant questions including, “what’s your budget?” What I do appreciate is that the employees, while checking out, will ask about your skin type or preferences and throw in some samples that truly have me running back to the store for more.

Review of Aesop Products

Let’s break down some of the products I own in order of favorite to least favorite and their ingredients.

1. Top of the list has to go to the Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash which had put me in a chokehold the first few weeks. It just plain old feels good! I, for one, never thought of exfoliating my hands even though exfoliation of the skin is linked to increasing cellular turnover and improving blood flow to the area for better looking and feeling hands. We tend to not give love to our hands the way we give love to our faces. More and more people are coming to the realization that their hands (neck, or chest) don’t match the youthfulness of their face so it’s important to tackle all parts of our body. This product definitely has ingredients to help us do that. Reverence contains surfactants and emulsifiers like sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, sodium lauroamphoacetate and coco betaine which create lather, help separate and remove impurities and act as conditioning agents for the skin for a nice feeling after washing. It also contains pumice for exfoliation, preservatives phenoxyethanol and ethylhexylglycerin. Phenoxyethanol is effective against yeast and bacterial growth with reduced chance of affecting skin flora. It has a maximum dosage of 1% allowed in cosmetic products. Considered safe if used with the recommended cosmetic dosage of 1 or less percent. Adverse reactions have been seen in animal studies when using dosages 200 x the allowed limit. Generally considered a very tolerable preservative with low allergenic risk (although patch tests are always recommended). Ethylhexylglycerin is a synthetic skin conditioning agent. Works as a preservative and boosts other preservatives like phenoxyethanol. Typically non irritating but can be seen as a sensitizing preservative even in hypoallergenic products. For rinse off products, ethylhexylglycerin percentage should be no more than 8% and in leave on products, no more than 2%. Sodium chloride increases viscosity and stabilizes products’ ph. Acrylate Copolymer is a thickening agent and semi adhesive for grip of the product on the skin. 1,2 hexandiol preserves hydration, works as a solvent and also acts as a preservative. Coconut fatty acid is another cleansing agent that emulsifies (blends opposing solutions) and hydrates. Aesop’s key ingredients for this product include Vetiver root (used in some medicines for its antimicrobial properties) is known for its woody earthy aroma and calming effects. Petitgrain (extracted from bitter orange’s green twigs and leaves. Fresh green, slightly bitter smell) known for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, astringent, skin conditioning (moisturizing) effects. Also has high levels of AHA (lactic acid) which helps lightly exfoliate and brighten the skin. Finally Bergamot Rind (spicy citrus orange aroma). The scent of the soap itself is described as woody, earthy and smoky. Price: $41 (not including tax) for 16.9 fl oz https://www.aesop.com/us/p/body-hand/hand-and-body-gifts/reverence-aromatique-hand-wash/
2. Second favorite goes to The Rejuvenate Intensive Body Balm. It’s incredibly delicious. With ingredients like tangerine rind, vanilla, and sandalwood, the smell is sweet but not overpowering. Do I want to shove it in my mouth everytime I get a whiff of it? Yes! This balm is described as a citrus, woody vanilla fragrant. Described perfectly. Its ingredients include glycerin for moisture, sweet almond oil,- lubricant loaded with fatty acids mixed with several other oils, fatty alcohols and fatty chain acids for deep moisturizing and smoothening of the skin. Shea butter and aloe for anti inflammatory and moisturizing benefits. It has numerous aromatic oils such as cedarwood, vanilla, and citronellol (derived from plants like rose, geranium, and lemongrass ). EDTA is a chelating ingredient which means it decreases reactive ions in the product, aiding in the preservation of the product. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that can help to reduce sun sensitivity. Amongst the other ingredients, it has vitamin E and macadamia nut oil for deep hydration. Price: $37 (not including tax) for 3.3 fl oz ($100 for 17 fl oz!) https://www.aesop.com/us/p/body-hand/body/rejuvenate-intensive-body-balm/
3. Third on the list could have been #1 as I’m obsessed with anything related to nourishing lips, however, one little issue with the product brings it to #3. The Cedar and Citrus Lip Salve is a beautiful, silky-smooth salve that immediately hydrates and nourishes the lips. It also brings this red/brown, brick-toned look to my lips, even though the product itself is clear. So Strange. It’s as if blood immediately rushes to the lips and gives it this intensely hydrated, blood’s just below the surface, look. Ingredients in this product include grapefruit rind, orange rind and cedar atlas (known for its sweeter aromas). It also includes pentaerythritol tetraisostearate (synthetic lipid, seals in moisture), humectants (preserves moisture) like ricinus comunis (castor oil) which has high monounsaturated ricinoleic acid (seen to have anti inflammatory properties). Now, what knocks the product down for me is that this product has a difficult time mixing with water. If I have to drink water, there tends to be a white, milky film that forms toward the wet-dry border of the lips. As I’m writing this I just tested it out and the film actually didn’t show so it’s not something that happens all the time, but it happened enough where I didn’t want to use the product while going out in case the film occurred and no one was nice enough to inform me. The culprit for this issue may lie in the mixture called sucragel CF(sucrose laurate, glycerin, water and capric triglyceride) It’s an emulsifier used in gel-to-milk cleansing facial products. The purpose being when the gel is applied to the face and water is mixed with it, it transforms to a milky solution. I didn’t see anywhere on the site where this was explained as an intentional purpose but just be weary. Again, I would actually buy this product again as it does feel heavenly on the lips but I have to be a bit more careful when I wear it. Price: $20 (not including tax) 0.3 oz https://www.aesop.com/us/p/skin/eyes-lips/cedar-citrus-lip-salve/
4. In Two Minds Facial Toner is number 4. Quality product, it’s more just a product I’m not ready to add to my daily routine. I initially got introduced to this toner after trying a sample and falling in love with it. I instantly saw a smooth, pore-less face after applying it. I also felt this facial toner helped cleanse my skin further and prepped me for my other skincare products perfectly. Only problem is I like dewy skin and I was not use to the matte look it initially gave me, prior to me putting my products on. I worried that using something semi drying often could, overtime, reduce my oil production. The product includes, witch hazel (fights acne reduces inflammation, an astringent (tightens pores, cleans), niacinamide (brightening, minimizes pores) chamomille (ormenis maulticaulis) bud (has antioxidants, brightening and soothing), salicylic acid (keeps pores clean, exfoliates), rosemary oil (astringent, may help stimulate blood circulation., benzoic acid (preservative, ph balancer). Alcohol denat, an astringent meant to clean and give that matte, poreless look. Be careful using very often if you have very dry skin. There are some ingredients that can reduce the intense drying /irritation such as humectants and skin conditioning agents like Glycereth-26, Coceth-7, trideceth, sorbitol, panthenol and PPG-1 PEG-9 LAURYL GLYCOL ETHER, PEG 5 ethylhexonate. Camellia Sinesis (green tea) is an antioxidant (fights against free radicals which are byproducts of the metabolism process. These free radicals can accelerate our aging and break down cells.) Green tea is also antimicrobial and a uv absorber. Sodium titrate is a ph adjuster. PEG 40 Hydrogenated castor oil a surfactant (helps dissolve and remove dirt), emulsifier. Also contains the phenoxyethanol preservative accepted at the 1% or lower dosage. PPG, PEG Polysorbates, ingredients ending in laureth, steareth, ceteareth , phenooxyethanol and several other ingredients that have been ethoxylated (reacted with ethylene oxide) run the risk of contamination with 1,4 Dioxane and ethylene oxide. Ethylene oxide helps increase shelf life, solubility, enhances penetration and reduces harshness in the ingredient therefore reducing chances of irritation. All of these are great benefits to the skin care product. But be aware as a consumer that the ethoxylation can produce carcinogenic by-products such as 1,4 dioxane and ethylene oxide. Limits are made by the FDA and European commission regarding the amount of these ethoxylated ingredients in skin care. A procedure of purification post the ethoxylation is standard but still important to be aware of the process. Percentages should, though be placed on the bottle as its difficult for consumers to know the percentage in each product. Price: $35 (not including tax) 3.4 fl oz https://www.aesop.com/us/p/skin/tone/in-two-minds-facial-toner/
5. Fifth goes to The Immediate Moisture Facial Hydrosol. I’ve always wanted a moisturizing spray in a bottle, and when I came across this product, I thought it’d be a perfect refresher. Now, I have oily skin so I don’t truly need that refresher throughout the day. I thought it’d be a cool addition to my travel skin care routine but also a nice way to finish my daily skin care by spritzing myself with a light hydrator. This product contains ingredients like rose petals (smells yummy, rich source of vitamin c, known to brighten the skin), bergamot peel (would healing, anti- inflammatory) and chamomile bud (helps sooth dry, irritated skin). Second ingredient after water are polysorbates 1 (emulsifier, helps ingredients dissolve in a solvent. Reduces surface tension of ingredients being emulsified. Best at low levels) alcohol denat (an astringent also helps aroma last longer.)Benzalkonium (antiseptic preservative), d-limeone (citrus fragrance). In terms of hydration it definitely does the job and provides a beautiful glow to the skin. Not intensely hydrating so still recommended using a topical moisturizer. Price: $25 (not including tax) 1.7 fl oz https://www.aesop.com/us/p/skin/hydrate/immediate-moisture-facial-hydrosol/
6. Last but not least is A Rose by any Other Name. Love the name. Mysterious and Romantic. Actually really do love the smell too. I purchased this body soap as it smells like roses of course and who doesn’t want to smell like roses! In this case it smells great in the shower but does little for my skin post shower. It’s a great wash but nothing incredibly special. The ingredients consist of sodium laureth sulfate (surfactant-cleanses, reduces surface tension), Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine (surfactant), PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (surfactant, skin conditioning), Glycerin (humectant), Phenoxyethanol, Sea Salt (Maris Sal), Sodium Chloride, Sodium Dehydroacetate(preservative, antimicrobial), Citric Acid, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil (antioxidants, brighter complexion), Elettaria Cardamomum Seed Oil (antimicrobial,antioxident. Piper Nigrum (Black Pepper) Fruit Oil, Citronellol,and GeraniolI. With all these ingredients I still have not seen any huge results but, to be fair, I’ve never had huge skin issues to tell the difference anyways. I most likely wont be getting another bottle. I’ll stick to my cetaphil. The scent is described as warm, floral and spicy. Price: $49 (not including tax) 16.9 fl oz https://www.aesop.com/us/p/body-hand/body/a-rose-by-any-other-name-body-cleanser/

Aesop Compared To Household Name Hand Soap

Aesop products listed here on EWG Range from 3-4 on their Hazard Score Range with most of their dings being from citrus/fragrent ingredients that can be at higher risk for allergy. To compare, the Dial Complete Antibacterial hand soap scores a 6 and their items range from about 4/5-9 in hazard score. However EWG also has a list of EWG certified products that meet their vigorous requirements that you can comb through and see the transparent ingredients.

Final Thoughts

Again, love me some Aesop! There will definitely be some repurchases and some items I’m ok letting go of. I do highly recommend the brand itself if you are someone who loves mixture of aromas. The products themselves are eco friendly. The product however is not organic. They do have meticulously chosen ingredients and lots of humectants and surfactants and preservatives that aid in the product maintaining its quality. Now if you have very sensitive skins it’s possible some of these ingredients may be sensitizing for you so when in doubt, always do a patch test. As mentioned above, lots of these ingredients have been researched to be safe to use but some within certain limits and it’s unclear the percentage of the ingredients in the products. Also, not everyone has access to lab testing but I do plan to test out some of these products for ethylene oxide and 1,4 dioxane to see if remnants make it past the purification stage. It’s important to know what goes on your skin to avoid possible adverse reactions in the future. Be more cognizant of everything you eat and apply to your skin. We can only control so much but it’s important that we thrive for a community that cares about putting the best of the best on our skin. Some of the items are overpriced like A Rose By Another Name, but Reverence Hand wash and the Rejuvenate Intensive Body Balm are, in my opinion, worth it. That goes for the lip salve as well. These products have lasted me some time and give me that Aesop experience I thrive for. I would suggest testing out the products as Aesop is amazing at providing testers in their stores. Who knows, you may find yourself in that sensory-filled state of existence!

Also Read: My Rhode Skincare Review On Oily Skin

References:

aesop.com