Leading the way in holistic skincare offerings, Esse Skincare share their expertise on a sustainable spa experience and the skincare products to incorporate to make a difference.
In 2002, Esse founder, Trevor Steyn, wanted to provide a real alternative to the ‘business-as-usual’ approach: “Whenever that phrase is used, I just hear everything being justified in terms of profit. Making money is placed ahead of the environment and the long-term health of the client. Product cost is driven down to a minimum and the money is spent on advertising to increase sales.”
Ethics Before Profits
Esse’s range is certified organic according to COSMOS standards by Ecocert. The brand is also vegan, cruelty-free, and carbon-neutral. Esse is committed to the fair trade of natural products – a significant percentage of ingredients used are purchased through programmes that provide fair remuneration to rural communities who sustainably harvest plants.
Esse is plastic-neutral – the brand packages its products in glass, but has to use plastic closures, so every year they calculate the plastic used and recover an equivalent amount from the ocean through a partnership with Cleanhub.
“There’s been a move away from brands making unsubstantiated claims,” explained Steyn. “It’s great to see this positive momentum after what’s felt like years of shouting into the abyss. Consumers are questioning ingredients, they’re questioning skincare routines, and they’re questioning the profit-driven model.”
Founded in Science
Using live probiotics, Esse has achieved excellent anti-ageing results which actually support the skin’s natural processes by ‘rewilding’ the skin.
As Steyn explained: “We cater for intelligent clients who want to age gracefully through the use of science-driven skincare that has minimal impact on the environment.”
What sets Esse apart is not simply its sustainable practices or science-driven approach, it’s that the brand is constantly researching innovative ways to improve skin health.
Making the Sustainable Choice
For spas that are serious about adopting sustainable practices, it’s imperative to source products with the necessary independent certifications.
Esse is a skincare product that delivers on science and results while retaining sustainability at its core. Every single Esse product holds official certifications ensuring they are organic, vegan, cruelty-free, plastic-free, and carbon-neutral.
“If your spa is adopting green solutions, you really need to rely on products that adopt the same ethos. Consumers are looking at what you do, how you do it, and who you support – because it really matters” concluded Steyn.
