Aesop personal care and skincare

Aesop was established in 1987 in Melbourne, Australia, by hairdresser Dennis Paphitis. The brand is renowned for its distinctive apothecary-style aesthetic, minimalist packaging, and high-quality plant-based and laboratory-made ingredients. Since its inception, Aesop has focused on meticulous formulation and sensory pleasure, expanding from a small local brand into a global leader in premium personal care and fragrance.

Over the decades, Aesop's ownership has evolved from an independent Australian startup to its current status as a crown jewel in a global beauty portfolio. In 2012, the Brazilian beauty giant Natura & Co acquired a majority stake, eventually taking full ownership. However, in one of the most significant beauty industry acquisitions of 2023, the brand was acquired by L'Oréal for approximately $2.5 billion USD. This transition has consolidated Aesop within L'Oréal's Luxe Division.

Despite the change in ultimate leadership, the brand maintains its headquarters in Melbourne, Australia, and continues to produce many of its core products there. The brand's philosophy remains rooted in the marriage of art, science, and design, with signature amber bottles that have become iconic symbols of luxury retail worldwide. Today, Aesop operates hundreds of signature stores globally, each designed with unique architectural elements that reflect their local environments.