Oh, you love the luxury skincare experience, but Aesop’s got you stretching that budget? Trust me, you’re not alone. The apothecary style, minimalist design, and earthy scents have us all swooning, but sometimes, the wallet says, “Hey, maybe let’s consider some other options.”
Well, guess what? We’ve found some brands like Aesop that tick those very boxes, offering high-end self-care, natural ingredients, and that elusive boutique experience without necessarily breaking the bank.
Don’t fret about compromising on quality skincare or unique formulations. These brands offer everything from plant-based products to artisanal items that’ll make your self-care rituals feel just as luxurious.
We’re talking about options that offer the same level of ingredient-focused and cruelty-free options you’ve come to appreciate. But we’re not stopping there—ethical sourcing and sustainable packaging also come into play. If you’re the eco-conscious type, we’ve got brands that put eco-friendly at the forefront without skimping on effectiveness.
So, if you’re in the market for a little change—whether it’s to discover something new or simply to find a more budget-friendly exclusive skincare alternative—stick around.
We’ve got a curated list of 10 brands that’ll match your criteria and even bring something extra to the table. No more FOMO when it comes to pampering yourself with the best in skincare!
In A Hurry? Here Are The Brands Mentioned In This Article
| Brand | What You’ll Love | What to Watch For |
|---|---|---|
| Dermalogica | Known for quality skincare and professional-grade products. A focus on ingredient-focused and plant-based products. | Can be on the pricier side, akin to a luxury skincare experience. |
| The Ordinary | Amazing high-end self-care options at a budget-friendly price. They’re transparent about their unique formulations. | Limited range of earthy scents if that’s your jam. |
| Estée Lauder | Offers a boutique experience with decades of skincare expertise. Artisanal products that ooze luxury. | Not the go-to for sustainable packaging or ethical sourcing. |
| Prose | Customizable products offer a unique formulation tailored for you. Quality skincare is their forte. | Can require a subscription model, locking you in for a bit. |
| Onélogy | An eco-friendly brand focusing on natural ingredients. You’ll love the ethical sourcing. | Smaller range, so fewer options to choose from. |
| Vacation | It’s all about high-end self-care with a youthful, modern vibe. Great artisanal products and unique formulations. | Some products are seasonally available or limited edition. |
| SpoiledChild | A fantastic choice for plant-based products. Prides itself on ingredient-focused, quality skincare. | May lack the minimalist design and apothecary style you’re used to. |
| Bask Suncare | Specializes in eco-friendly suncare options with natural ingredients. Focused on sustainable packaging. | If you’re looking for a broad skincare range, this isn’t it. |
| Glossier | Trendy high-end self-care that’s always Insta-ready. They offer plant-based products in gorgeous minimalist design packaging. | Their artisanal items can sell out fast, leading to availability issues. |
| Good Weird | Offers a quirky take on luxury skincare, making self-care fun. Excels in ingredient-focused and unique formulations. | The brand’s quirkiness may not be everyone’s cup of tea. |
10 Brands Like Aesop
Hey skincare enthusiasts and seekers of the lush life! If you’re reading this, you’re probably an Aesop aficionado who’s craving a little variety, or maybe your wallet’s just screaming for a breather. Either way, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve scoured the market to find brands that meet that je ne sais quoi we all love about Aesop: the luxury skincare, the earthy scents, the plant-based products, you name it. Ready to meet your next obsession? Read on!
Dermalogica: The Professional’s Choice
You love Aesop for its quality skincare, right? Well, Dermalogica is all about that, but with a clinical twist. Think of it as that smart friend who knows all the science behind the good looks. Their products are often found in professional settings, like spas and skincare clinics. Yep, this is high-grade stuff designed by folks who live and breathe skin health.
But wait, there’s more. Dermalogica excels in ingredient-focused care. Ever flipped over one of their bottles? It’s a science class that makes sense—no weird names you can’t pronounce. However, all this glam science comes with a pretty penny attached. So, if you’re keeping an eye on your finances, maybe pick your favorites instead of going all in.
The Ordinary: Luxury on a Budget
Oh, the irony of calling something extraordinary “The Ordinary.” But man, this brand brings high-end self-care to the masses without emptying their bank accounts. Imagine getting some of the same unique formulations that make Aesop great, but at a price that makes you double-take—in a good way.
Though budget-friendly, there’s no skimping on quality here. You’ll still find a focus on plant-based products and a surprising level of transparency about what goes into each bottle. The downside? If you’re a fan of earthy scents, their range might not tickle your nostrils the way Aesop does.
Estée Lauder: Old-School Glamour Meets Modern Chic
Say hello to Estée Lauder, the epitome of timeless beauty. If Aesop is the chic modern loft in a cityscape, Estée Lauder is the historic mansion filled with classic art. With its roots going back decades, this brand has been serving artisanal products and quality skincare long before it was a trending hashtag.
While it offers the boutique experience and focuses on artisanal products, it may not be your go-to for sustainable packaging or ethical sourcing. And let’s be honest, some of their stuff can be a bit on the pricey side. But hey, classic beauty often comes at a classic price.
Prose: Personalized Pampering
Tired of one-size-fits-all skincare? Enter Prose, your new BFF in unique formulations. With Prose, you’re not just a customer; you’re a collaborator. They’re big on customizing their range to fit your specific needs—talk about taking quality skincare personally!
Being able to customize your products is definitely a luxury, and you can feel confident knowing you’re not getting a generic formula. But hold up, there’s a catch. The brand often leans towards subscription models, so you might find yourself committed for a while. Make sure you really like what you’re getting before you take the plunge.
Onélogy: Earth First, Glamour Second
Calling all eco-warriors! Onélogy has got your back, or rather, your face. This brand puts eco-friendly and ethical sourcing front and center. Imagine this: you’re doing good for your skin while doing good for Mother Earth. Can it get any better?
Their products are filled with natural ingredients, often organically sourced, so you’re getting all the earthy goodness without any of the guilt. But it’s a niche brand, so their range isn’t vast. If you’re looking for a plethora of choices, this might not be your first stop.
Vacation: The Eternal Holiday for Your Skin
Vacation is basically summer in a bottle. If Aesop’s known for its apothecary style, Vacation brings the beachside cabana experience to your bathroom. Think artisanal products that make you feel like you’re perpetually sipping a tropical drink on a sandy beach.
What’s not to love? Well, their focus on creating a high-end self-care experience sometimes means their products are seasonally available or even limited edition. You might fall in love with something, only to find out it’s a summer fling and not a long-term relationship.
SpoiledChild: The Quirk in Your Routine
Yes, you read that right. A brand that’s willing to call itself SpoiledChild is definitely out to catch some attention. If you’re the kind of person who wants their plant-based products to come with a side of sass, this is the brand for you.
Their products are as ingredient-focused as they are eye-catching, but their in-your-face attitude might not be everyone’s cup of tea. They lack the minimalist design and apothecary style that many Aesop fans love. But hey, some of us like our skincare like we like our friends—bold and a little quirky.
Bask Suncare: Sunshine Without the Burn
Alright, Bask Suncare knows you want to catch some rays, but without turning into a lobster. Specializing in eco-friendly suncare, this brand protects you and the environment at the same time. We’re talking sustainable packaging, natural ingredients, the whole nine yards.
However, if you’re looking for a brand that offers more than suncare, this might not be your jam. Bask Suncare is a specialist, not a jack-of-all-trades. So, maybe don’t ditch all your other skincare faves just yet.
Glossier: Insta-Ready at All Times
Ever wanted to look like those influencers who seem to live in perpetual golden hour? Glossier is your answer. Serving high-end self-care in irresistibly cute packaging, this brand makes you feel like a superstar from the get-go.
However, because they’re so trendy, their artisanal items can sell out like hotcakes. So, if you find something you love, you might have to act fast. The FOMO is real, but so are the glowing reviews.
Good Weird: The Rule-Breaker in Your Regimen
Okay, let’s wrap this up with something a little offbeat—Good Weird. This is for those of you who like to march to the beat of your own drum. They offer a luxury skincare experience, but not like anything you’ve seen before. We’re talking ingredient-focused, unique formulations that push the boundaries.
Now, Good Weird may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Their unusual approach can be a bit polarizing. But if you’re looking to break out of your comfort zone, this brand has your name all over it.
And there you have it, folks! Ten incredible brands that’ll make you rethink your Aesop loyalty. Whether you’re into eco-friendly, artisanal, or high-end self-care, there’s something here for everyone. So go on, live a little, and treat your skin to some new experiences.
What Type of Aesthetic Is Aesop
Ah, Aesop! The epitome of minimalist chic, am I right? If Apple and a high-end spa had a baby, it would probably look a lot like an Aesop store. Think clean lines, muted colors, and apothecary-style bottles. The aesthetic is so soothing, you almost feel healthier just walking into one of their shops.
Now, what’s Aesop well-known for? Two words: Quality ingredients. They’re all about plant-based and lab-made ingredients that are proven to work. Ever flipped an Aesop bottle around? It’s like reading a garden menu. Plus, their stuff smells amazing—like you just stepped out of a forest or a herb garden.
But let’s not forget about the price tag. You’re paying for that luxurious experience, my friend. The brand’s not what you’d call “budget-friendly,” but hey, some people swear by it.
So, if you’re into self-care but want it to be backed by some serious science and don’t mind splurging a bit, Aesop might just be your jam.
Reasons Why You Might Look For Brands Like Aesop
Hey there, skincare enthusiasts and lovers of all things chic! Ever walked into an Aesop store and felt like you’ve entered a sanctuary? The earthy aromas, the minimalist design, and those uber-cool apothecary bottles. Ah, it’s a vibe!
But let’s face it, not everyone’s wallet agrees with the whole “Aesop experience.” So, you might find yourself on the hunt for brands that offer something similar but with maybe a less daunting price tag—or for other reasons altogether.
That Price Point, Though
We’ve all been there. You go in for a “quick browse” and leave questioning all your life choices and financial decisions. Quality comes at a price, and for some, it can be a steep one. If you love the natural, effective ingredients but your bank account’s throwing you shade, you might be on the hunt for something a tad more budget-friendly. No judgment here.
Seeking Variety is the Spice of Life
Aesop has a unique range of products, no doubt. But sometimes you’re just itching for a different texture or a scent that’s not in the usual lineup. Maybe you’ve got super-specific needs that even a catch-all brand like Aesop can’t quite meet. Your skin’s a unique snowflake, after all.
When Availability Becomes a Roadblock
Limited edition. Sold out. These are words that can break a skincare junkie’s heart. And while Aesop’s popular for a reason, their stock isn’t always up to pace with demand. Maybe you’re in a location far from an Aesop store or their online shipping just doesn’t reach your remote paradise. Time to broaden that horizon, my friend.
Trust Issues
Let’s be real. Just because something’s popular doesn’t mean it’s a one-size-fits-all miracle. You might’ve heard a not-so-great review from a friend or read some critique online. If you’re someone who likes to venture out and make your own judgments, alternatives are your playground.
Eco-Friendly or Bust
While Aesop does focus on quality ingredients, maybe your ethos leans more toward sustainability or a specific type of ethical sourcing. It’s 2023, and eco-consciousness is not just a trend, it’s a lifestyle.
The Thrill of Discovery
Let’s not underestimate the sheer joy of stumbling upon something new and fabulous. The skincare and wellness market is a vast ocean, and Aesop’s just one (admittedly gorgeous) island in it.
So, whether it’s the cost, the variety, or just the thrill of the new, there’s a whole world of options out there waiting to be explored. And who knows? Your next favorite might just be a click or a sample away.
We’re Michele and Allan Wilson, a dynamic duo of brand experts with a passion for simplifying the world of comparisons. Through relatable stories and straightforward advice, we transform challenging brand decisions into enjoyable explorations. With a touch of humor, we break down complex choices into manageable steps, guiding you through the brand maze while fostering a genuine connection. Our expertise lies in dissecting brand philosophies, highlighting hidden gems, and sharing practical solutions. Join us on a journey to unravel the mysteries of brands, discover unique options, and embark on a brand-savvy adventure together!