The world of sustainable beauty is in mourning following the sudden passing of Trevor Steyn, the visionary founder and scientific pioneer behind Esse Skincare. His death has sent shockwaves through KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and across the global skincare community, where he was widely celebrated for his groundbreaking work in microbiome science and eco-friendly innovation.
A trained green chemist and passionate environmentalist, Trevor dedicated his life to bridging the gap between science and nature. His approach reshaped the skincare industry, inspiring a movement toward probiotic-based products that nurture both the skin and the planet.
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Trevor earned his Master of Science in Chemistry from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where his fascination with microbiology and sustainability began. In 2002, he founded Esse Skincare with a simple but revolutionary vision — to create organic, preservative-free skincare that supported the skin’s natural microbiome rather than disrupting it.
At a time when the beauty industry leaned heavily on synthetic ingredients, Trevor charted a bold new path. He introduced probiotic, prebiotic, and postbiotic formulations, pioneering a new era of skincare that worked in harmony with the body’s natural ecosystem. Under his leadership, Esse grew from a small South African brand into an internationally acclaimed name, renowned for its ethical sourcing, scientific credibility, and environmental responsibility.
Trevor’s influence extended far beyond the laboratory. Those who worked with him describe a man of humility, quiet confidence, and deep compassion — a leader who inspired creativity and collaboration. He championed a workplace culture rooted in curiosity, sustainability, and purpose, believing that every innovation should contribute positively to people and the planet.
His passing marks a profound loss for both the scientific and ethical beauty communities. Yet, Trevor’s vision continues to live on through Esse’s commitment to green chemistry, sustainability, and microbiome research, all of which remain central to the brand’s mission.
Friends, colleagues, and customers around the world have taken to social media to share tributes, remembering Trevor as not only a brilliant mind but also a kind and inspiring soul whose work redefined what responsible beauty could look like.
As South Africa and the wider world mourn his loss, Trevor Steyn’s legacy endures — in every bottle of Esse Skincare, in every breakthrough in microbiome research, and in every person inspired to see science and nature not as opposites, but as partners in healing and innovation.