There are a lot of organic bodycare brands out there, but it's a bit rarer now that I find one that's really worth shouting about. While I'm a huge advocate for higher standards when it comes to my skincare ingredients, some organic lines fall into the trap of being underwhelming or not working very well. Esker products, however, don't fit this bill.
Featuring a range of high-quality organic bodywashes, oils, and body tools, Esker utilizes a CO2 extraction method that gives these formulas a unique edge. The brand's founder, Shannon Davenport, broke it down for me.
"I was initially drawn to CO2 extraction because it made a superstar skincare ingredient more appealing," she says. "Carrot seed oil (daucus carota) is a superb ingredient loaded with naturally occurring antioxidants, but in its traditional steam-distilled or cold-pressed format (as an essential oil) it has kind of a funky smell that is extra musky, almost bordering on kind of a barnyard scent. It's not a bad scent per se, but not one with mass appeal.
"However, when the ingredient is CO2 extracted, it smells totally different! Earthier, lighter, and almost with a touch of a smokey mesquite aroma. I am obsessed with the scent and then subsequently learned how potent and clean CO2-extracted ingredients are. Our carrot seed process is done by basically putting organic carrot seed root into a sealed chamber and using pressure to allow carbon dioxide to pass through the plant matter leaving the aromatics and/or fatty oil content behind."
This unique process gives each product an extra aromatic scent and I'm obsessed. Read on for my thoughts on a few favorites from the brand.
I had the privilege of sampling several Esker bodywash formulas, and this one was definitely a favorite. The problem I have with a lot of organic bodywashes is that they don't lather enough and you have to use a ton to feel clean. Not the case here! This formula has a really nice lather and the scent is incredible. It's earthy, uplifting, and leaves you with the softest skin. My only wish is that it came larger since I go through it a bit quickly.
My other favorite bodywash I tried from the brand was the clarifying formula. If you're prone to body breakouts, give this one a go! It offers the same nourishing and softening qualities as any Esker bodywash, but vitamin E and cypress oil in this one help reduce skin inflammation and hydrate without clogging pores.
Honestly, every body oil from the brand is so good. I love that they all feature high-quality organic oils that are noncomedogenic. If your skin isn't too sensitive to essential oils, then you may even be able to use them on your face! The firming formula is designed to help reduce the appearance of cellulite and tighten the skin. I can't exactly say that this one product alone tightened my skin since I also use a body retinol, but I will say that the combination of the two keeps my skin feeling soft and looking healthy. Grapefruit and lavender essential oil really stand out in this smell-wise and I always feel like I've just gone to the spa after applying it.
For those with sensitive skin who can't use essential oils, this one's for you! This ended up being my favorite body oil of the bunch because it provides the most long-lasting hydration. It's scent-free and contains ingredients like prickly pear seed which has powerful antioxidants, squalane, evening primrose, fractionated coconut oil, and avocado fruit oil. The formula overall is high in vitamins, amino acids, and fatty acids that keep skin soft and nourished. I use this one after a shower in the evening and wake up with the softest skin of my life. It's a perfect winter hydration staple.
This oil is the pair to the brand's Restorative Body Wash. Carrot seed extract is the foundational ingredient in this formula that's loaded with antioxidants to reduce the appearance of aging skin. Jojoba oil also makes up the formula which is rich in natural ceramides that help repair the skin's barrier.
Okay, I know what you're thinking: $52 is way too much for a hand wash, but trust me, once you try this one, you'll be hooked. While staying at the Conrad Hotel in Los Angeles once, the hotel's spa director told me it's all she uses because it keeps your hands so soft and it smells so good. I, of course, went home and tried it myself. She wasn't lying. It contains a blend of essential oils that gently and thoroughly cleanse your hands without over drying. They also have natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, keeping your hands extra clean. Trust me, this one is worth it. I'm spoiled now and probably won't be able to use any other hand soap.
The last thing that made my list of top Esker products was the brand's body planing tool. I wasn't familiar with body planing until receiving a treatment with this tool. It's great to have at home to remove any build up on your skin and promotes lympathic drainage without being overly abrasive.
More Bodycare Products I Love
As far as drugstore body lotions go, this is a favorite. It's designed for extra dry skin so it's great to reach for in the winter.
Rare Beauty's newly launched hydrating body lotion contains barrier-supporting niacinamide, ashwaganda extract, and hyaluronic acid. I haven't gotten my hands on this one quite yet, but I can't wait to do so.
This is my all time favorite body lotion. It's hydrating and rich in collagen-supporting ingredients, but is never too thick or greasy. Osea products also always smell amazing—there's no artificial fragrance, they just smell naturally earthy and wonderful.
This luze vitamin C-rich body oil is a new find for me but it's incredible. It has ceramides, New Zealand botanicals, and biotech lipids that keep your skin next-level nourished.
