The Concept Store
Welcome to the Esse Skincare Concept Store, the ultimate destination for a transformative skincare experience. Established in 2018 as the first flagship outlet for the brand, our concept store epitomises the essence of Esse. With an extensive range of products on display, it is here that we invite you to explore the full potential of our groundbreaking formulations and treatments.
As pioneers in the field of treating skin through therapists and aestheticians, our concept store symbolises our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional innovative skincare solutions. Our dedicated team of therapists, renowned for their microbiome and skincare expertise, has made us a beloved choice among local clientele. Moreover, as Esse exports its products to numerous countries worldwide, our store has become a must-visit destination for visitors, where they can experience our signature treatments during their stay in South Africa.
Conveniently situated in the vibrant Lifestyle Centre in Ballito, we are proud to cater to the professional skincare needs of our local residents. Step into our world and experience the transformative power of Esse Skincare firsthand.
About Esse Skincare
Optimal skin depends on probiotic microbes living on and in it. Without microbes, your skin can’t perform its basic functions and the rate of skin ageing increases sharply. Everything we do considers the skin microbiome. Ingredients are chosen and products formulated based on evolutionary first principles. We mimic the conditions for which human skin has evolved. By adding different levels of probiotics to our products, we actively shift the skin microbiome towards an optimal state, ensuring skin health.
Esse Skincare was established in 2002 in South Africa, by organic chemist, Trevor Steyn.
Esse researches rewilding techniques to restore your skin’s microbiome with probiotics and organic biotechnology. We use organic biotechnology to create an environment on skin that allows your natural microbial biodiversity to return. Probiotics and prebiotics in organic formulations help to restore the balance and REWILD YOUR SKIN. Click HERE for more information on the science behind Esse Skincare.
Esse has made significant strides in the microbiome skincare industry and in 2015, launched the world’s first live probiotic skincare product.
Proudly, we opened our first concept store in November 2018 at the Ballito Lifestyle Centre, located outside Durban, in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
As Founder Trevor Steyn says, ‘You only truly get to know someone when you’re invited into their home.’ This is Esse inviting you into our home, allowing you to experience first-hand what the brand stands for.
Our concept store provides an immersive experience into the world of Esse and microbiome skincare. We offer a comprehensive range of facial treatments, massages, and grooming services. You can also experience our ultimate treatment, the Esse Live Probiotic Experience, where we make use of the Esse live probiotic ampule.
The concept store is comprised of three treatment rooms and is staffed by four highly trained and qualified therapists with over 35 years of combined experience. Our concept store stocks the full range of Esse Skincare products for you to test and purchase.
Visit us in store, where one of our friendly therapists will guide you on your rewilding journey.
Our professional therapists are immersed in the science and philosophy of our approach to skincare
Chrissy has over 22 years of experience as a skin therapist. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team, and she has been working at Esse Skincare Ballito since the store opened in 2018. One of her favourite treatments to do is threading and her favourite product is the Repair Oil, which is great for healing all types of scarring and pigmentation.
“I love working at the Esse concept store. Its location in Ballito brings an array of clients from all over Durban and internationally. One of my favourite treatments is the Esse Live Probiotic Experience facial as it brings a different type of treatment to our clients that they love. Especially when we take off the exclusion mask and the immediate reaction that we get is that this is such an amazing treatment.”
Cera is the Concept Store receptionist with a passion for skincare and providing customer service at a level of excellence. Her favourite product is the Repair Oil because it leaves her with “baby soft skin”. Aside from Esse, she loves spending time with her pet dog named Bella. “Esse skincare is revolutionary to the field of Skincare and being part of this alongside my team is nothing but a gift”.
My name is Sthabile and I like to think of myself as a skincare enthusiast passionate about promoting the well-being of my clients. I find fulfillment in introducing clients to the innovative Resurrect Serum. This groundbreaking concept not only offers advanced treatments but also nurtures delicate skin with care. For me, making a positive impact on my clients’ skin health is the ultimate reward.
Hi my name is Tshegofatso but I go by the name Tshego and until recently TeeTee, I have a passion for skincare and wellness and I find joy in enhancing the natural beauty of the clients. I enjoy working with the Esse cleansers as it gently provides a rejuvenating experience that leaves a long lasting impression for those who come and join me for facials.
Esse does not believe in damaging skin in pursuit of short-term results. We optimise skin health to slow ageing in the long term, with biochemistry that makes beneficial changes to the skin’s microbiome. We keep the pH of all our products at 5, using mild preservatives and rapidly biodegradable foaming agents. We have always remained true to our core principles: We support fair trade and are a certified organic, vegan, cruelty free and carbon- and plastic neutral company.
Since inception, Esse has subscribed Ecocert’s organic standards and percentages. We’ve omitted ingredients deemed unsafe or unsustainable, which is verified through production facility audits to ensure full traceability of all raw materials. Ecocert regulates our packaging, ensuring that materials used are safe, recyclable and don’t leach into the product over time.
Esse is on a mission to reduce carbon emissions year-on-year. We audit our energy consumption annually to maximise efficiency and continually improve. But because we believe we can still do better; carbon credits are purchased to offset the company’s carbon emissions.
Esse has stepped up to help protect the ocean by being plastic neutral. We’ve partnered with Cleanhub to ensure that the plastic equivalent of our usage is collected and recycled. Cleanhub collects plastic waste in the world’s most highly polluted locations, through a global network of local Collection Hubs, before it enters the ocean.
Esse does not test products on animals. We will not source ingredients from suppliers who do. There are many alternatives to the use of animals in research, and our products are tested on human volunteers. We are accredited members of PeTA’s cruelty-free company programme and Beauty Without Cruelty, who educate the public about the exploitation and abuse of animals.
Esse is accredited by The Vegan Society – the worldwide standard for products free from animal ingredients and animal testing. We will always endeavour to use animal free ingredients in our formulations and will never support the unethical practice of animal testing on our products or their ingredients. We will only consider using animal ingredients when no plant-based alternatives exist, and when we do we only use by-products that cause no harm to the animal in processing. And we will always be transparent and open about where they are used and why. Esse is uncompromising about the integrity of our suppliers and products, putting the health of people and planet first.
Esse is committed to the fair trade of natural products. In short, the indigenous plants of Africa are sustainably harvested from the wild by communities and processed into high-end active ingredients. The equitable trade in natural products has raised the standard of living of tens of thousands of people. Through buying fair trade ingredients, we’re helping enable women to send their kids to school, visit the clinic, invest in local credit schemes or even build a house. By supporting fair trade, Esse is ensuring plants are wild-harvested to maximise the potency of the extracts. But more importantly, we’re helping people create a more sustainable future for their families.
Sign up to receive your discount code, as well as the latest updates on new products, exclusive offers, and skincare tips.
*Add your date of birth to receive a special gift in your birthday month (DD/MM)
By submitting your details, you agree to receive emails from us at the email address provided.
You can unsubscribe at any time.
View our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.