Our History

Esse means ‘to be’ in Latin. Launched in 2002, Esse established itself in the nascent organic skincare market in South Africa. The move into probiotic skincare started in 2009, and since then Esse continues to be at the forefront of microbiome skincare.

2002

Esse was born.​

​Launched 3 refrigerated preservative-free moisturisers.​

Three metallic canisters labeled "esse" in silver, light gold, and bronze shades stand next to a refrigerator displaying similar canisters inside. The fridge sign reads "esse" with a grass background.
An image displays a set of five skincare products from the brand Esse. The items include Light Moisturiser, Deep Moisturiser, Rich Moisturiser, Serum, and Tissue Oil. Each product has a color-coded label featuring a nature-inspired image.

2005

Added cleanser, toner and non-refrigerated moisturisers for a more complete skincare offering.

> Discover the Esse Product Range

2008

Professional product range added after testing at a local beauty school owned by Lynelle Harrison.

> Discover the Esse Professional Product Range

Image of various skincare products from the brand "Esse" arranged in a group. The items include bottles of massage cream and cream mask with pump dispensers, several jars of creams and scrubs with white lids, and boxes of assorted sachets labeled "Omega.
Various laboratory glassware and skincare product tubes from the brand "Esse" are arranged on a white surface. Visible products include a Microderm Exfoliator, Anti Cellulite Mask, and a Facial Moisturiser. The background is clean and minimalistic.

2010

Complete reformulation of the range following the first findings of the Human Microbiome Project –  prebiotics, and postbiotics added. 

Rebrand of the professional line.

Products begin to sell in Europe.

2015

Esse launches the first live probiotic skincare product. A serum containing 1 billion live probiotic microbes per millilitre.

Sensitive Range launched.

> Discover the Sensitive Range

A white bottle of Esse probiotic serum with a silver pump sits in front of a blue petri dish with a white cultured microorganism inside. Lab glassware, including a graduated cylinder and a beaker, are in the background. The image has a clean, scientific ambiance.
A collection of ten brown, cylindrical bottles with silver caps arranged in a triangular formation. Each bottle is labeled "esse foundation" and stands on circular swatches of different shades, indicating the range of foundation colors available.

2019

Launch of foundation in 10 shades, containing prebiotic and probiotic actives.

Growth worldwide – Esse is available in 27 countries.

> Read more about Foundation

2020

Launch of the Esse Academy.

A modern, glass-walled building is surrounded by trees and landscaping at dusk. Warm lights illuminate the interior, and a crescent moon is visible in the sky above. Pathways and desert plants are in the foreground.
Four Esse skincare products are arranged in front of a decorative green and teal circular background. The products include a clarifying cleanser, clarifying oil, clarifying serum, and another clarifying skincare item, all in sleek white and silver packaging.

2021

Professional-only launch of the Clarifying Range using biotechnology to fight the root causes of acne.

> Discover the Clarifying Range

2023

Launch of the world’s first live probiotics to optimize the results of aesthetics treatments.

Three Esse skincare products (pre-care oil, activator, and post-care oil) are arranged in front of a round dish with a green and teal abstract pattern resembling a petri dish or watercolor art.
A brown spray bottle labeled "Esse live probiotic mist" stands next to its white and yellow box, with a small vial placed in front. The packaging highlights a skincare product.

2025

Launch of live probiotics in aqueous format – two-part activation system.​

​Growth worldwide – Esse is available in 42 countries.​

Stockists

We partner with endorsed professionals to help you find a bespoke and sustainable solution for your skin with long term benefits.

Products

The Esse product range is scientifically formulated for all skin types – with prebiotics, probiotics and active ingredients to get your skin back to its best.