From routine to ritual: Aesop elevates the daily shower with Eleos Nourishing Body Cleanser

In a world that moves fast and rarely quiets, is taking a pause ever too much to ask? While self-care is often on our lips, it’s just as easily overlooked – seen as another task to check off the list. But what if it came in a familiar form?

Aesop’s new Eleos Nourishing Body Cleanser, which takes its name from the ancient Greek personification of mercy and compassion, captures this spirit. With a thoughtful and nurturing formulation, it transforms a simple daily routine into a pleasurable moment of joy and care.

A GENTLE MOMENT OF PAUSE

The demands of modern life often creep in quietly, catching up with us before we even notice. Shuttling from air-conditioned spaces to the heat outdoors can leave both body and mind drained well before the day is done.

Our skin, in particular, bears the brunt of these shifts. With its natural barrier compromised, dryness and sensitivity begin to surface, revealing signs of neglect. That’s why self-care shouldn’t be an afterthought, but a daily essential – something we turn to in order to replenish and restore.

Eleos Nourishing Body Cleanser is Aesop’s response to this need. Developed over eight years of research, the cleanser lifts impurities gently without disrupting the skin’s moisture, while replenishing it with hydrating ingredients.

Eleos marks the brand’s first body cleanser in an emulsion format – chosen specifically to address dryness in a way that feels both effective and indulgent.

“Our experience in developing face cleansers tells us that drier skin types require non-disruptive, non-aggravating but nonetheless efficient cleansing containing mild surfactants alongside generous measures of emollients and hydrating ingredients,” said Mr Samy Hamada, Aesop’s director of research and development. “For many years, we have harboured a desire to offer such nurturing, emulsion-based cleansing to the whole body, and following much experimentation, we are able to realise that ambition with Eleos Nourishing Body Cleanser.”

THE SCIENCE OF REPLENISHMENT

Crafting a formulation that balances gentle yet thorough cleansing with deep hydration required careful scientific precision. Drawing from Aesop’s extensive knowledge, the development team began by establishing the fundamentals, then focused on incorporating oils and mild surfactants into a stable emulsion base. Months of meticulous refinement followed: Adjusting ratios, testing for stability and perfecting the cleanser’s comforting, creamy texture.

At the heart of the formulation are skin-loving emollients such as shea butter and jojoba seed oil – long celebrated for their moisturising properties, especially when paired. Shea butter, rich in essential fatty acids, nourishes and helps protect against moisture loss, while jojoba seed oil mimics the skin’s natural sebum, delivering long-lasting hydration without leaving a greasy residue. Tocopherol (Vitamin E) is added to support skin repair and soothe dryness, offering antioxidant protection for a more supple finish.

A BOTANICAL INTERLUDE

As with all Aesop formulations, nature serves as both inspiration and source. Following in the footsteps of the similarly scented Eleos Aromatique Hand Balm, Eleos Nourishing Body Cleanser features an herbaceous trio that lends both skin-revitalising and aromatic qualities to the cleansing experience.

Cedar atlas, renowned for its purifying properties, is paired with patchouli for its grounding, earthy warmth and calming effects. A touch of clove bud introduces subtle spice while enhancing the formula’s cleansing efficacy. As the cleanser turns into a delicate lather on the skin, these essential oils gently unfurl in the steam of a warm shower, creating a soothing, aromatic cocoon. This sensorial moment transforms the act of cleansing into a mindful ritual, encouraging a slower pace and greater attention to often-neglected areas like elbows and knees.

The invitation to pause continues beyond the rinse. The scent lingers gently, a botanical imprint on the skin. To extend this cloud of calm, Aesop offers a suite of complementary balms and lotions, each designed to reinforce hydration and enhance the moment of care. Yet even on its own, Eleos Nourishing Body Cleanser stands as a formulation both intelligent and indulgent – blending nature’s finest elements into a gesture that doesn’t strip but restores, offering hydration, comfort and ease in every use.

Discover the restorative power of Eleos Nourishing Body Cleanser – available at Aesop stores, counters and online.