Trevor Steyn (MSc BSc Chemistry), owner and CEO of Esse Probiotic Skincare is revolutionising the way we look at skincare.
Trevor is an organic chemist with a passion to explore new ways of treating skin and fighting ageing.
For more than 15 years his research on skin has taken a very different approach. He takes a broad, long-term perspective to anti-ageing and looks at every aspect of the skin, from its health to the external factors affecting it.
Esse was born in 2002 as a result of Trevor’s passion for the chemistry of Africa’s plants. His post-graduate research was about the extraction of active compounds from African plants. After discovering the potential of these plants in skincare products, Trevor founded Esse Probiotic Skincare.
Esse means ‘to be’ in Latin
From the outset, he saw the great benefit to both the skin and human health of creating an organic brand that used no chemicals. The brand was established with a very strong commitment to science backed by exceptional ethics and has remained true to this pledge over its 13 year journey.
SCIENTIFIC ADVANCES
Over the last five years Trevor has invested a considerable amount of research into the Human Microbiome Project (HMP), and more specifically, the relationship between skin and the microbes living in and on it.
As a result Esse has focused on the use of probiotics in skincare and the enormous benefit this has for skincare, now and in the future.
The number of scientific advances that Trevor has incorporated into Esse over the last few years has laid the foundation for probiotic supplementation in its skincare range. This has effectively enabled Esse to break new ground and lead this nascent sector of the skincare industry.
Trevor is passionate about sustainable living, preserving Africa’s biodiversity. He lives in Richmond, South Africa with his wife Dee and their 7 children. He enjoys surfing, squash and practices yoga.
THE BRAND
Esse has established itself as the leading probiotic skincare line in the world and exports to more than 20 countries. They are highlighting the biodiversity of African plants and their potential in cutting-edge organic skincare.
- certified organic with Ecocert
- accredited by the Vegan Society. This means that no animal products are used in their range.
- accredited by Beauty Without Cruelty. They do not test their products on animals and will not source ingredients from suppliers who do.
- an accredited partner of PhytoTrade Africa. PhytoTrade Africa is dedicated to the development of Fair Trade and environmentally sustainable natural products. The equitable trade in natural products has raised the standard of living of tens of thousands of people.
THE ESSE RANGES
Esse Sensitive products combine advanced Probiotic (BIOME+) technology and gentle organic ingredients to restore skin barrier function. This range minimises the chances of an allergic response by helping the skin to be less reactive.
Lola ♡