Aesop vs Le Labo — Which Is Right for You?
Two cult bathroom brands. Aesop earned its place over 35 years; Le Labo is a newer New York entrant. The real difference is more about tone than performance.
Tie — they win different jobs.
Glow's editorial team tested both brands across 12 weeks. Here's where each one wins.
Aesop vs Le Labo — compared.
| Dimension | Aesop | Le Labo |
|---|---|---|
| Heritage | Aesop ✓ Founded 1987 in Melbourne. Plant-extract led, philosophy-driven branding. Cult Australian export. |
Le Labo Founded 2006 in New York. Apothecary aesthetic, hand-blended fragrances at counter. |
| Skincare quality | Aesop ✓ Strong on barrier-supportive formulations. Parsley Seed and Toner Iris are both editorial benchmarks. |
Le Labo Less skincare focus, more fragrance. The skincare line is decent but not the brand's primary expertise. |
| Fragrance | Aesop Marrakech, Tacit and Hwyl are signature. Subtle, herbaceous. |
Le Labo ✓ Santal 33 alone built the brand. Heavier, more recognisable. |
| Bathroom aesthetic | Aesop ● Apothecary brown bottles, considered typography. The interiors-magazine choice. |
Le Labo ● Glass bottles with custom typed labels. Personalisation is a brand pillar. |
| Price tier | Aesop ✓ $25-150 across body and skincare. Skincare is mid-premium. |
Le Labo $200+ for fragrance, $80+ for body. Premium tier. |
✓ = wins this dimension · ● = tie
When Aesop wins.
You want skincare quality + bathroom aesthetic. Aesop's Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash is the single most-bought item in beauty editor's bathrooms.
When Le Labo wins.
You're buying fragrance, you want personalised labels, or you've already established Santal 33 as your signature scent.
Common questions.
Is Aesop or Le Labo better for skincare?
Aesop, by some margin. Aesop has 35 years of formula refinement. Le Labo's skincare is decent but secondary.
Is Le Labo's Santal 33 worth the hype?
Yes for many users. It's recognisable, lasts 8+ hours, and ages well on most skin chemistry. Patch test before committing.
Which brand is better value?
Aesop, generally. Larger product range at more accessible price points. Le Labo is unapologetically premium.
Are these brands available in Australia?
Aesop has stores in every major Australian city. Le Labo has stores in Sydney, Melbourne, and online via Mecca.