AESOP Rising

Aesop was recently acquired by French cosmetics giant, L’Oréal, for US$2.5 billion. Alli Sim travels to the brand’s headquarters in Melbourne to understand the origins and ethos of this superlative skincare icon.

- Alli Sim

In my next life, I’m determined to be a scientific formulator at Aesop. I’m in Melbourne, birthplace of the brand, where for the first time in its 36 years of operation, Aesop has opened its laboratory doors to select press from around the globe. Being here in the Zen space is an unprecedented, Willy Wonka-level of rare and the room is positively vibrating with excitement. However, this isn’t just a regular tour in starched white coats and goggles, but a hands-on opportunity to create bespoke facial serums alongside some of the leading minds in skin science today.

Led by Aesop’s beloved and highly respected R&D director, Samy Hamada, the laboratory comprises individuals from diverse ages, ethnic and scientific backgrounds. From formulators to biochemists, engineers and scientists, there are four men and 17 women in its laboratory, quality control and technology teams. These are the people who have helped shepherd breakthrough products such as the cult Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Intense Serum and vitamin-enriched Exalted Eye Serum to life. Rock stars, if you ask me.