It’s not unusual for the origins of a tradition to be forgotten, over time. No one remembers exactly why Aesop has always had a relish for words that begin with the prefix ‘re’. It appears in a great swathe of our formulation names, such as Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm, Resolute Hydrating Body Balm, Redemption Body Scrub, Refresh Bar Soap, Rejuvenate Intensive Body Balm and Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash. Perhaps it has something to do with Aesop’s regard for returns—resets, restorations, and reenactments of refreshing regimens.
The story of Geranium Leaf Body Care
Aesop lore
And while our Geranium Leaf Body Care formulations were among the first to break the ‘re’ naming convention, one ‘re’ word was core to the range. ‘Respect’—for the remarkable benefits and aroma of key ingredient Pelargonium graveolens—is specifically cited in Aesop folklore as the animating force that brought the collection into being. First, Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser and Geranium Leaf Hydrating Body Treatment, then Geranium Leaf Body Balm, and then Geranium Leaf Body Scrub.
Meaning ‘strong-scented stork’—because of the bill-like shape of its fruit—Pelargonium graveolens is the Latin binomial of the plant colloquially known as rose geranium. Robust in composition, and arrestingly green in aroma, Geranium Leaf essential oil was the ingredient that captured the imaginations of Aesop scientists of old, leading to the creation of the first formulation in the collection: Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser.
1998: Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser
Once upon a time (in the 1990s), innovation-minded Aesopians cried out in one dismayed voice at the high-foaming, synthetically fragranced soaps that dominated the realm of commercial body wash. The determination to create a counterpoint to those products that could offer thorough cleansing and the aromatic uplift of essential oils—all while being gentle on the skin—was unanimous. The laboratory set to work on concocting a low-foaming shower gel that featured the verdant ingredient that would lend the finished product its name. And so, Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser—the first ever Aesop Body Cleanser—came into being. Launching in 1998, this true alternative to conventional body wash ticked every box on our laboratory’s checklist: it was replete with efficacious ingredients, entrancing in aroma, and suitable for a wide range of skin types. Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser was an instant success, delighting its creators and users alike with its purifying botanicals and its exhilarating scent. But it was not the only Geranium Leaf formulation to launch in that fruitful year.
1998: Geranium Leaf Hydrating Body Treatment
The Aesop Research and Development team made another legendary contribution to 1998 by launching a second Geranium Leaf offering, in addition to the inaugural Body Cleanser: Geranium Leaf Hydrating Body Treatment. An addition to the Aesop Body Care category unlike any before it, this intensely hydrating body oil harnessed the replenishing benefits of nut and vegetable oils in one skin-softening, versatile preparation—versatile because it could be applied on its own, or blended with any Aesop body balm to confer additional, concentrated hydration. The world over, owners of dry skin rejoiced. And it was a celebration that would reignite, nine years later.
2007: Geranium Leaf Body Balm
Though the dual offering of Body Cleanser and Hydrating Body Treatment had kept Geranium Leaf devotees satisfied for almost a decade, the Aesop chemists were busy cooking up something new—an alternative way to confer hydration that retained the olfactive uplift of Geranium Leaf. Ever the imaginative problem-solvers, the team in the laboratory set to work configuring a hydrator for those who cherished the green, citrus, fresh aroma, but had a textural preference for body creams. A medium-weight formulation was developed—one that left the skin soft, supple and hydrated, and that was available in either a portable tube, or a bottle: Geranium Leaf Body Balm.
2010: Geranium Leaf Body Scrub
The Geranium Leaf family was looking as lush as it smelled. But still, something was missing. Over the years, there was an often-voiced desire among customers—something raised repeatedly to our consultants—for an efficacious exfoliant for the body. In response, a formulation was developed containing the now familiar blend of Geranium Leaf and citrus extracts. Besides banishing grime and thoroughly refreshing the skin, this new creation had the added benefits of Pumice and Bamboo Stem to slough away dead skin cells and gently polish the skin. Geranium Leaf Body Scrub—designed for once or twice-weekly use—was an exfoliating body wash that offered a thorough cleanse while invigorating the senses with that same, cherished, exhilaratingly green aroma that has now been delighting noses for decades.
As well as telling marvellously entertaining stories, our namesake fabulist was known for stating the underlying moral of each fable at its close. The moral of the story of Geranium Leaf Body Care: it is quite possible to stay fresh even as one is getting on in years.
Lessons from the lab
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‘Life never becomes a habit to me. It’s always a marvel.’