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

A metal fridge with a transparent door houses vertical canisters. The fridge has a display on top showing "esse" with a green design. To the left of the fridge, there are three canisters labeled "deep," "light," and "rich" in silver and bronze colors.
An image displays a set of five skincare products from the brand Esse. The items include Light Moisturiser, Deep Moisturiser, Rich Moisturiser, Serum, and Tissue Oil. Each product has a color-coded label featuring a nature-inspired image.

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

Image of various skincare products from the brand "Esse" arranged in a group. The items include bottles of massage cream and cream mask with pump dispensers, several jars of creams and scrubs with white lids, and boxes of assorted sachets labeled "Omega.
Various laboratory glassware and skincare product tubes from the brand "Esse" are arranged on a white surface. Visible products include a Microderm Exfoliator, Anti Cellulite Mask, and a Facial Moisturiser. The background is clean and minimalistic.

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 near her face is centered against a circular, teal background. Surrounding her head are six circular insets displaying various microscopic views of cells and bacteria, suggesting a focus on skin health and microbiology.
A white bottle of Esse probiotic serum with a silver pump sits in front of a blue petri dish with a white cultured microorganism inside. Lab glassware, including a graduated cylinder and a beaker, are in the background. The image has a clean, scientific ambiance.

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 beauty salon with glass walls and an entrance sign that reads "Esse." The interior features a sleek wooden reception desk, product displays, and stylish decor. Natural light streams in, highlighting the contemporary design and indoor plants.
A collection of ten brown, cylindrical bottles with silver caps arranged in a triangular formation. Each bottle is labeled "esse foundation" and stands on circular swatches of different shades, indicating the range of foundation colors available.

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

Four Esse skincare products are arranged in front of a decorative green and teal circular background. The products include a clarifying cleanser, clarifying oil, clarifying serum, and another clarifying skincare item, all in sleek white and silver packaging.

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.