What is Aesop skincare?
Aesop is a skincare brand founded in Melbourne in 1987 by hairdresser Dennis Paphitis. Known for its amber bottles, botanical ingredients and distinctive store designs, it has become a global luxury brand.
Dennis Paphitis began creating products in his hair salon in Armadale, Melbourne, wanting to offer high-quality, plant-based formulations. The brand's name was inspired by the ancient Greek storyteller Aesop.
Aesop products include hand washes, cleansers, moisturizers, hair care and fragrances. The simple, apothecary-style packaging has become instantly recognizable.
Stores as design statements
Every Aesop store is designed differently, often by well-known architects and designers, to reflect the character of its neighborhood. The stores have won many design awards.
The company expanded internationally from the early 2000s, with stores in Asia, Europe and North America. It was bought by Brazilian company Natura in 2012, which helped fuel its global growth.
In 2023, the French cosmetics giant L'Oréal bought Aesop in a deal worth about US$2.5 billion, one of the largest sales of an Australian-founded consumer brand. Aesop hand wash is found in many upmarket cafes, hotels and restaurants around the world.
Did You Know?
Aesop also supports literature and the arts through its foundation and prizes.