South Africa along with the international beauty sector is grieving the passing of Trevor Steyn, the creator of Esse Skincare.

 The realm of eco-conscious beauty is grieving after the unexpected death of Trevor Steyn, the innovative founder and scientific trailblazer of Esse Skincare. His passing has created a ripple effect throughout KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and the international skincare sector, where he was highly regarded for his revolutionary contributions to microbiome science and sustainable practices.

A qualified green chemist and fervent advocate for the environment, Trevor committed himself to connecting the spheres of science and nature. His methods transformed the skincare field, sparking a movement towards probiotic-enriched products that support skin health as well as the health of our planet.

Trevor acquired his Master of Science in Chemistry at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, a place where his intrigue with microbiology and sustainable practices took root. In 2002, he established Esse Skincare with a fundamental yet transformative goal — to develop organic skincare products free from preservatives that enhanced the skin’s natural microbiome instead of interfering with it.

During an era when the beauty sector relied mainly on synthetic elements, Trevor embarked on a courageous new route. He unveiled probiotic, prebiotic, and postbiotic formulations, leading a new chapter in skincare that functioned in alignment with the body’s inherent ecosystem. Under his guidance, Esse transformed from a modest South African brand into a globally respected name, celebrated for its ethical practices, scientific integrity, and commitment to the environment.

Trevor’s impact reached well beyond the research laboratory. Those who collaborated with him depict a man characterized by modesty, quiet self-assurance, and profound empathy — a leader who fostered creativity and teamwork. He promoted a workplace ethos anchored in curiosity, sustainability, and meaningfulness, maintaining that every advancement should yield positive contributions for both individuals and the Earth.

His demise signifies a significant loss for the realms of scientific inquiry and ethical beauty standards. Nevertheless, Trevor's vision persists through Esse’s devotion to green chemistry, sustainability, and microbiome investigation, all of which remain essential to the brand’s objectives.

Friends, colleagues, and patrons globally have taken to social media platforms to express their tributes, recalling Trevor not only as an exceptional intellect but also as a warm and motivational spirit whose endeavors redefined the notion of responsible beauty.

As South Africa and the broader world express their sorrow over his departure, Trevor Steyn’s legacy lives on — within each bottle of Esse Skincare, within every advancement in microbiome exploration, and within every individual inspired to view science and nature as allies in the pursuit of healing and innovation.