Aesop

Aesop is a luxury Australian brand that formulates skin, hair, and body care products of the finest quality. Established in Melbourne in 1987 by Dennis Paphitis, the company was founded with a clear objective to create superlative products through a combination of plant-based and laboratory-made ingredients, using only those with a proven record of safety, efficacy, and sustainability. The brand's philosophy is rooted in a commitment to creating products with meticulous attention to detail, and with both sensory pleasure and tangible results in mind. This approach extends to all facets of the company, from the formulation of its products to the design of its signature retail spaces. Each Aesop store is uniquely designed, often in collaboration with renowned architects and designers, to integrate into the local environment and community, rather than imposing a uniform brand identity. This focus on thoughtful and intelligent design is a core tenet of the brand's identity.

Initially launched from a hair salon in Armadale, Victoria, Aesop has grown into a globally recognized name with a presence in numerous countries and a network of hundreds of signature stores and department store counters. The company's growth was significantly bolstered after being acquired by Brazilian cosmetics group Natura & Co. in 2012, and it later became a subsidiary of the French beauty giant L'Oréal in 2023. Despite its global expansion, Aesop has maintained its core values and distinctive brand identity, characterized by its minimalist amber packaging, literary-inspired marketing, and a focus on customer experience. The brand is also a Certified B Corporation, underscoring its commitment to meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. All Aesop products are vegan and are not tested on animals, aligning with the company's ethical principles.