Esse
Probiotic, microbiome-first skincare from a South African organic chemist.
Profile by Michael C.
Founded in South Africa by organic chemist Trevor Steyn, built around microbiome science.
- 7.54 avg review score /10
- 17 reviewed products
- New this edition
Known for
Live probiotic serums built on four Lactobacillus strains at 1 billion CFU/ml.
The SkinLabs Take
Esse, founded by organic chemist Trevor Steyn, takes a genuinely different approach — feeding and rebalancing your skin's microbiome rather than exfoliating or resurfacing it. Four Lactobacillus species at 1 billion CFU/ml is a genuinely innovative delivery format. Worth knowing: Esse cites a brand-supplied German Dermatest study showing +16% firmness in 28 days — a real data point, but not independently verified, and the clinical evidence base for microbiome skincare generally is still niche.
Why they made the list
17 reviewed products spanning serum, cleanser and moisturiser, certified organic and carbon neutral — a distinct scientific angle few other SA brands are working.
Featured product
Cleanser — Cream Cleanser (8/10)All reviewed products
- Cream Cleanser — 8/10
- Esse Hyaluronic Serum — 7.9/10
- Resurrect Serum — 7.8/10
- Pro Sun D Serum — 7.8/10
- Esse Lip Conditioner — 7.7/10
- Bakuchiol Serum — 7.6/10
- Live Probiotic Serum — 7.5/10
- Esse Cocoa Exfoliator — 7.5/10
- Light Moisturiser — 7.5/10
- Esse Repair Oil (Tissue Oil) — 7.5/10
- Omega Deep Moisturisers (Normal/Combination Skin) — 7.5/10
- Sensitive Serum — 7.4/10
- Hydrator/Moisturiser — 7.4/10
- Dry Skin Trial/Travel Set — 7.4/10
- Cleanser — 7.3/10
- Eye & Lip Cream — 7.3/10
- Refine (Plant 'Retinol' Alternative) — 7.1/10
Related content
Assessed for the October 2026 edition under Spotlight Methodology v1.5.
Editorial disclaimer: Spotlight by SkinLabs is an independent editorial feature. Rankings and profiles are determined using the SkinLabs editorial methodology and available product information. Inclusion does not constitute paid endorsement. Commercial relationships, affiliate links, gifted products or other benefits are disclosed where applicable.
Reader discussion
Claire_Benoni
Living with the coastal humidity here in Gqeberha, I've found Esse's formulas perform better than most imported alternatives.
2026/05/07
PetroT
How does Esse stack up against the more clinic-distributed brands on this list? Curious if the gap is really that big.
2026/05/22
WynandN_Mbombela
Esse converted me a while back. Glad to see it's not just me who rates them this highly.
2026/07/22