I’m someone with over-reactive skin. My skin is unpredictable to the point where a consistent routine of toner and moisturizer will overwhelm my skin. It’s been a trying process to keep up with a consistent skincare routine. Enter Esse, with a promise of “rewilding your skin.”
The brand is a pioneer in microbiome skincare, focusing on the restoration of microbial diversity. A healthy microbiome maintains the skin’s pH among other benefits, which results in young and fresh-looking skin. As someone with sensitive skin, Esse skincare might be the secret to balancing it out.
Full disclosure, these items were sent in for use, but this article is not a paid-for piece. I was genuinely impressed by the products, prompting my review of Esse. The Sensitive Mist and masks have been my saving grace. Here’s what I thought of the products in detail.
All about the brand
Since 2002, South African skincare brand Esse has been using biotechnology to create microbiome skincare. The microbiome refers to the millions upon millions of microbes, such as bacteria and fungi, which reside on and within our bodies.
It is the answer to all skin-related issues, and a healthy microbiome means acne and sensitive skin are a no-show. It also means an effortless balance of the skin’s pH and the natural production of hyaluronic acid, which can help skin look calm and healthy.
A typical modern lifestyle makes one susceptible to surfactants, parabens, and other chemical compounds. In response, Esse’s products target the revival of natural microbial diversity. The brand champions a sustainable solution with the use of probiotics and prebiotics in their products, creating an environment on the skin where microbes can thrive. As a brand that prides itself on offering a sustainable solution for both the planet and one’s skin, its products are certified organic, vegan and cruelty-free, along with being carbon- and plastic-neutral.
There are specific ranges within Esse that target different outcomes. I tested the Sensitive Mist from Esse Sensitive, alongside the Cocoa Exfoliator and Clay Mask from Esse Core. Esse Sensitive is a range for reactive skins, which aims to reduce allergic responses and restore barrier function. Esse Core refers to the brand’s everyday probiotic products. These products feature prebiotic and probiotic extracts to promote the skin’s equilibrium.
Esse Sensitive Mist
Fitted in a slender box with a steel blue side, the Sensitive Mist is a toner that contains probiotic extracts (Tyndallised Lactobacillus & Lactobacillus Ferment) and prebiotic nutrients (Inulin and Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharides) which help to balance the skin’s microbiome. Lactic acid is also a significant ingredient that improves skin hydration and reduces fine lines. Colloquially speaking, my skin should be getting a good evening out with this.
Following the instructions, I went home, took my makeup off with a double cleanse, and spritzed myself with it. Face, neck, décolleté, all the works. One firm push is enough to give me a very even coverage of toner. There’s no dripping or a need to scramble for the excess. Based on the packaging alone, I was already delighted.
Despite not noting any immediate difference in my skin, I do have to commend how quickly it dries. It goes on crisp and light, drying within ten seconds of application. In contrast to products with a heavier texture in the dry-down, the toner’s residue (if there even is any) is barely noticeable. The sensitive mist isn’t scented deliberately but gives off a warm homey scent that lingers in the air. My guess is the vanillin within the ingredients.
To commit, I took to heart the extended instructions (apply throughout the day), and misted myself with the fervour I’d take to a drooping houseplant. Four days passed, and my redness was down. That one stinging patch next to my nose faded to a slight pink, despite not doing anything different in my daily routine. My face was also noticeably softer and less reactive, which is something I’m very happy about.
Esse Cocoa Exfoliator
Before going in, I just have to spotlight the packaging (again). Sustainability is so outwardly present because the masks come in weighty glass pots that are tinted to prevent sunlight exposure. The detailing is impeccable, and I will reuse them when I’m done.
The Cocoa Exfoliator is a pH-balanced scrub that aims to remove dead skin while improving blood circulation. It smells just like chocolate syrup, with very fine granules of cocoa in the mix. Think a treacle-style rich cocoa spread, perfect for pouring liberally on a pancake stack, but kindly note that it’s not edible. The texture is slightly oily, due to the wild-sourced African oils that help the exfoliator go on easily.
Just from rubbing it between my fingers, my first thoughts were how gentle it was. I scrubbed it on my face, and the cocoa particles dissolved as I moved it around in circular motions. Essentially, you can control how much exfoliation you want, just by applying a bit more force. It’s very gentle, so I felt safe enough to move beyond my T-zone and smeared it all over my face.
When I went to rinse it off, I wasn’t expecting how easily it would come off. I was surprised by how light the oil residue was — enough to be nourishing but not enough to make me have to go at it with a towel. The little bumps on my forehead were not entirely gone, but they were noticeably smoother.
Esse Clay Mask
Now, the Clay Mask. I tried this one a couple of days later when my acne was acting up from stress. Made with Kaolin and Bentonite clays, the mask is meant to draw out impurities which leaves the skin bright and supple. It’s a light taupe colour and silky smooth. The instructions say to clean your face, spread it on, and spritz with toner or water. I did the first two steps and found that the mask was very watery on its own, so I decided to drop the spritzing from my routine.
The recommended time is five minutes, but as I was browsing the new releases on Netflix and caught up in me-time so I forgot I had a mask on my face. Forgetting about a clay mask is a very rare occurrence, considering the typical product will tighten and become very texturized, giving you a natural reminder to wash it off. Esse’s clay mask was a moisturising experience. Even after leaving it on for more than ten minutes, my skin was not dried out. The wash-off process, again, was incredibly easy. After towelling off, there was a noticeable glow to my skin, and I felt refreshed.
Final Thoughts
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with Esse’s products. Each product I tried, including the ones outside of the Esse Sensitive line, was very gentle. I loved the scents, the texture, how it felt on my skin… and the fact that I never had an allergic reaction to the products needs to be mentioned again. I recommend trying them out, especially if you’re someone with sensitive skin.
The packaging is something I keep going back to, and it needs to be hammered in — the glass spray container and the little mask pots can absolutely be reused. It’s clear the brand really puts a lot of detail into packaging design. Esse’s products are something I’d proudly display on my vanity, both for aesthetics and easy access.
If you feel like giving it a go, Esse works with a number of small, organic shops to sell its products all over Hong Kong. For the full list of stockists, check here. The prices run at a little bit of a premium at over HK$350 for full-size, but it’s a very worthy investment for the health of your skin.
Currently, the brand is collaborating with Madame Fù for a limited-time Radiance and Vitality Afternoon Tea set until June 30. Enjoy a collection of afternoon tea savoury snacks and sweet treats at the price of HK$550 for two people. Upon ordering the afternoon tea set, guests will receive a complimentary Esse Radiance Skincare gift set (valued at HK$493 per person). This includes the Sensitive Cleanser (200 ml), Sensitive Mist (100 ml), and Microderm Exfoliator (50 ml). Book your table to enjoy the light bites and skincare at their website or call +852 2114 2118.
