Skin as it should be.
The Belle Derma Boutique is proud to carry Esse Skincare — the pioneering microbiome-focused brand that founded modern probiotic skincare. Thoughtfully formulated to support, shift, and restore the skin's natural ecosystem.
Microbiome-first skincare, clinically backed.
Your skin is home to millions of diverse microbes that make it youthful and resilient. Esse was founded in 2002 by biochemist Trevor Steyn and introduced the world's first live probiotic serum in 2015 — over one billion living probiotic cells per millilitre.
Why the microbiome matters.
- i.
The Resident Flora
Beneficial bacteria, yeasts and viruses on your skin's surface crowd out pathogens and produce compounds that keep inflammation at bay.
- ii.
The Acid Mantle
A slightly acidic film of sebum and sweat (pH 4.5–6.0) is where resident microbes thrive. Harsh cleansers disrupt it; probiotic skincare helps restore it.
- iii.
Diversity Equals Resilience
A thriving microbiome contains over a thousand species in balance. The more biodiverse, the more resilient — brighter, calmer, and more protected.
- iv.
The Esse Approach
Rather than stripping or sterilising, Esse's live probiotics and prebiotic botanicals feed, support, and rebalance — working with your biology.
Independent laboratory study · n = 32 · 28-day protocol · Brand-reported outcomes
When we talk about remaking the skincare system, we're advocating for companies to make more effective, microbiome-beneficial products that prioritise the best interests of their clients, not just their shareholders.
The biochemist who rewrote the rules.
A trained biochemist from South Africa, Trevor Steyn founded Esse Skincare in 2002 with a radical idea for its time — that skin should be treated as a living ecosystem, not a surface to be stripped and polished.
Over the following decade, Trevor and his team pioneered the field of microbiome skincare, formulating products designed to support rather than disturb the trillions of microbes that keep skin resilient. In 2015, they released the world's first live probiotic serum — a landmark achievement that remains unmatched by most of the industry.
Today, Esse is sold in 42 countries and continues to publish independent clinical research. Trevor remains at the helm, advocating for a fundamentally more ethical, biochemically intelligent approach to beauty.
Five professional collections. One philosophy.
Each Esse range is formulated for a specific skin concern or lifestage — all unified by one principle: supporting the microbiome to help the skin function at its best.
Esse Sensitive
Minimalist formulations designed to support compromised, sensitised skin while rebalancing the microbiome.
Esse Core
The foundational collection — barrier-supporting formulas for everyday balance, hydration, and glow.
Esse Plus
Clinically advanced treatments including the signature live probiotic serum — one billion cells per millilitre.
Esse Clarifying
Formulated to clarify, balance oil, and gently address acne without stripping the skin's natural defenses.
Esse Aesthetics
Elevated formulations including concealers, foundations, and treatments that integrate with the skin microbiome.
Signature Esse. Available at the Boutique.
The pieces that defined microbiome skincare — formulated with botanical intelligence and clinical precision.
Protect Oil
A fast-absorbing facial oil rich in antioxidants and omega-rich botanicals. Shields the skin from environmental stress while nourishing the microbiome — leaving a soft, luminous finish.
Shop Protect Oil →
Live Probiotic Mist
Lightweight, water-based spritz powered by live Bacillus coagulans. Boosts hydration, strengthens the barrier, and rebalances the microbiome.
Shop Mist →
Barrier Rescue
Intensively nourishing moisturiser with Propionic Acid and Ceramides. Breaks the cycle of recurring dry skin while supporting the barrier.
Shop Barrier Rescue →
Bakuchiol Serum
A plant-based alternative to retinol. Bakuchiol smooths the appearance of fine lines, boosts firmness and refines skin tone — without the irritation or microbiome disruption of traditional retinoids.
Shop Bakuchiol →The hours your skin repairs itself.
While you sleep, the skin undertakes its most restorative work — rebuilding collagen, rebalancing the microbiome, and recovering from the day's stress. A considered nighttime ritual is not an indulgence. It is the single most generous thing you can do for your skin.
- i.Peak cellular renewalBetween 10pm and 2am, skin cell regeneration accelerates up to three times its daytime rate.
- ii.Microbiome restorationThe skin's natural defenses rebalance overnight, when the barrier is calmest and most receptive.
- iii.Deeper absorptionWithout environmental stressors, actives like bakuchiol and probiotics work undisturbed, hour after hour.
Find your Esse. Match your skin.
Twenty-plus years of microbiome science.
Esse is Founded
Trevor Steyn establishes Esse in South Africa with a focus on biochemically intelligent, organic skincare.
Microbiome Pivot
Esse begins developing the world's first commercial skincare range focused on supporting the skin's microbiome.
Live Probiotic Serum
Esse launches the world's first live probiotic serum — over one billion live cells per millilitre, now the brand's flagship.
Available in 42 countries. Now at The Belle Derma Boutique.
Skin as it should be.
Shop the full Esse collection at The Belle Derma Boutique — or connect with us for personalised guidance on choosing the Esse range best suited to your skin.