Our History

Esse means ‘to be’ in Latin. Launched in 2002, Esse established itself in the nascent organic skincare market in South Africa. The move into probiotic skincare started in 2009, and since then Esse continues to be at the forefront of microbiome skincare.

2002

After two years of formulation work, Trevor Steyn launches Esse with three refrigerated, preservative-free moisturisers; organic with African actives.

> Read more about Trevor

An image featuring three metallic cigarette cases labeled "deep," "light," and "rich" standing upright beside a small refrigerated display case stocked with similar cylindrical cigarette cases. The display has a sign with "esse" and green grass imagery at the top.
A range of Esse skincare products is displayed against a white background. The selection includes Light Moisturizer, Deep Moisturizer, Rich Moisturizer in pump containers, a bottle labeled Serum with a spray cap, and a bottle labeled Tissue Oil with a dropper cap.

2005

Added cleanser, toner and non-refrigerated moisturisers for a more complete skincare offering.

> Discover the Esse Product Range    

2008

Professional product range added after testing at a local beauty school owned by Lynelle Harrison.

> Discover the Esse Professional Product Range

A collection of green and white skincare products labeled "Esse," including bottles of massage cream and cream mask, jars of various creams and scrubs, and boxed sets of smaller containers. The products are organized neatly on a white surface.
A collection of skincare products is arranged among clear glass laboratory beakers and flasks. The products include a tube of Microderm Exfoliator, Anti Cellulite Mask, and Facial Cleanser, all labeled "esse organic skincare" with green and orange accents.

2010

Complete reformulation of the range following the first findings of the Human Microbiome Project –  prebiotics, and postbiotics added. 

Rebrand of the professional line.

Products begin to sell in Europe.

2012

Tyndallised probiotics incorporated.

International markets expand rapidly to include markets in the East.

A woman with closed eyes and hands gently touching her face, surrounded by six circular images representing various microscopic organisms, connected to her face through dotted lines. The background features biological illustrations in green and blue tones.
A white bottle of Esse Probiotic Serum with a metallic pump cap is displayed in front of a teal petri dish containing a white mold colony. The background includes laboratory glassware, such as a beaker and graduated cylinder marked with measurements.

2015

Esse launches the first live probiotic skincare product. A serum containing 1 billion live probiotic microbes per millilitre.

Sensitive Range launched.

> Discover the Sensitive Range

2018

First concept store launches in South Africa, and a renewed commitment to treating skin through therapists and aestheticians.

Esse begins worldwide genetic sequencing to study skin microbiomes.

> Read more about the Esse Concept Store

A modern retail store front with large glass windows and doors, featuring sleek, light wooden accents. The sign above the entrance reads "esse." Inside, a minimalist reception desk is visible along with bright, contemporary decor.
Multiple brown bottles with silver caps, labeled "esse foundation F1," are grouped together on a white surface. Each bottle casts a circular shadow in varying shades of beige, indicating different foundation shades.

2019

Launch of foundation in 10 shades, containing prebiotic and probiotic actives.

Growth worldwide – Esse is available in 27 countries and becomes the third largest professional skincare brand in Sweden.

> Read more about Foundation

2021

Professional-only launch of the Clarifying Range using biotechnology to fight the root causes of acne.

> Discover the Clarifying Range

Image of four Esse skincare products: clarifying cleanser, clarifying oil, clarifying serum, and a smaller bottle in front of a green agar plate with bacterial culture. All products have white packaging with silver accents and pumps.

Stockists

We partner with endorsed professionals to help you find a bespoke and sustainable solution for your skin with long term benefits.

Products

The Esse product range is scientifically formulated for all skin types – with prebiotics, probiotics and active ingredients to get your skin back to its best.