Aesop is an Australian luxury skincare brand established in 1987 by Dennis Paphitis in Melbourne, distinguished by its unique philosophy of accepting natural beauty while providing daily protection and nourishment for skin. Unlike traditional beauty brands that focus on anti-aging promises, Aesop takes a distinctive approach by developing only four carefully researched products per year, responding to genuine customer needs rather than market trends. Their philosophy combines plant-based botanicals with laboratory-made ingredients, backed by scientific research, rejecting the "natural-only" positioning in favor of proven efficacy. This commitment to quality over quantity has established Aesop as a premium skincare destination that prioritizes substance over marketing hype, even following their 2023 acquisition by L'Oréal while maintaining their distinctive identity as a certified B Corp.
Aesop's product portfolio features carefully curated formulations that emphasize vitamin C for hydration, parsley seed extract for fortifying benefits, and thoughtfully sourced botanical ingredients from reputable global suppliers. Their bestselling products include the Parsley Seed Facial Cleanser, featuring lactic acid, licorice root, and blackcurrant seed for gentle exfoliation and urban pollution protection. The iconic Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm, the brand's first hand product, combines mandarin rind, rosemary leaf, cedar atlas, sweet almond oil, and shea butter for rich hydration with a distinctive citrus-woody-herbaceous aroma. Each product represents a harmonious blend of natural botanicals and scientifically-proven ingredients, designed to address specific skin concerns while maintaining the brand's commitment to minimalist aesthetics and sustainable practices.
Located at #01-27 Westgate Mall and operating daily from 10:30am-9:30pm, the Aesop Westgate store showcases a unique design collaboration with Russell & George that pays homage to Jurong's industrial sawmilling history. The store features rectilinear configurations, coarse-textured white render walls, transparent façade with white Oak frames, and extensive wooden elements, with a climbing Heartleaf Philodendron gradually covering the walls as a living design element. Trained consultants provide personalized skincare consultations, focusing on education about ingredients and philosophy rather than aggressive sales tactics, reflecting the brand's commitment to customer-focused service. This approach to retail creates an educational experience where customers learn about skincare science and ingredient benefits, embodying Aesop's premium positioning in the luxury skincare market through thoughtful service and environmental design.