Aesop Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash Review With Photos

I remember the first time I tried Aesop’s exfoliating hand wash (read: years ago) like it was yesterday. I was in New York City at a super cozy and chic downtown restaurant for brunch. I was nursing a hangover, so obviously I treated myself to a loaded breakfast sandwich that was as fancy as it was messy. Afterward, I wandered into the bathroom, which can only be described as a candle-lit nook that looked straight out of a design blog. And there it was: the Aesop Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash ($43).

I’d heard of Aesop before, mostly because of its steep price tag. But as I felt the exfoliating particles and rubbed them into my skin, breathing in the relaxing essential oil-infused scent that felt like a gift to my pounding head, I was sold. It left my hands feeling super soft thanks to its exfoliating granules, without any dryness. I never thought I’d care for a hand soap so deeply, but in that moment, I knew I’d be dreaming of it until I could justify spending $43 on it myself.

A little update: that day has come. Ahead, I share more about my love affair with this hand soap and why you should consider investing in it, too.

I loved Aesop Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash before I even pressed my fingers down on the dispenser for the first time. But hey, before you think I hastily pledged my allegiance, hear me out: the presentation was just that good. The bottle arrived in a sleek linen mesh drawstring bag that I could reuse for travel, and it made the unboxing process feel like a luxury experience. Pulling it out of the bag was more like twisting up a brand new bullet of lipstick than the usual meh feeling of pumping up a new hand soap.

The bottle itself features minimalist branding that complements any decor — even the all-pink, ’50s-esque bathroom in my rental house. I swapped it out with a less luxe-looking soap and convinced my husband to vote on whether Aesop elevated the bathroom’s vibe. He agreed that it definitely did. Using it feels luxurious as I massage all the little granules into my skin. While I usually count down from 20 for a thorough wash, I’m pretty sure I’ve been doubling that time since my Aesop upgrade.

Even though I initially worried the exfoliating granules might leave my skin feeling dry, I can report after a week of using it exclusively at one pump per wash that my hands feel as soft as ever. Aside from how great the soap feels on my hands, it also smells as memorable as it did years earlier. It’s packed with mandarin orange peel oil, lavender oil, rosemary leaf oil, and more essential oils and extracts for a non-overwhelming scent that’s woody, herbal, and a little citrusy. It’s a relaxing yet refreshing aroma that even scents up my bathroom temporarily without having to light a candle.

I’m confident you know how to wash your hands, but the Aesop Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash is a bit special; you’ll want to apply it just right to get the most bang for your buck. How it’s done: Dampen your hands under water, use just one (!) pump of soap, and lather up, making sure to massage the granules into your skin. Remember, you won’t reap the benefits of those exfoliating granules if you skip the massage and just gently lather.

Before trying the Aesop Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash, there’s one thing to consider: Pretty please be cautious if you have very sensitive skin. I’m not an MD or a medical expert, but as a seasoned beauty editor, I know that essential oils can be irritating to some.

Now, for the fun part: If you fall in love with the hand wash’s scent, Aesop also offers a matching hand cream. Enter the Aesop Reverence Aromatique Hand Balm ($33). I haven’t added it to my collection yet, but if it’s anything like the hand wash, it’s bound to be a luxe treat for your hands and your home.

In my opinion, the Aesop Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash is worth the splurge — but within reason, of course. Do I think you should always buy it over a more affordable option because it’s absolutely necessary? No. (Brands like Bath and Body Works, Method, and many others get the job done, too.) But if you have the means, the Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash is definitely a treat for both your bathroom’s aesthetic and the state of your hands. I would purchase it again — maybe not right after I finish this bottle — but when I’m itching to indulge. It’s also the perfect gift for others, whether for a holiday, birthday present, or just because.

Aesop’s Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash is available at a range of retailers, including Amazon, Nordstrom, and the brand’s own site, among others.

Rating:
★★★★★

Marisa Petrarca is a contributing editor for PS Shopping and has more than five years of experience writing and editing beauty, fashion, and lifestyle content. Her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Allure, and InStyle, among others. In the rare case that she’s not working on a story, you can likely find her testing new makeup, skin care, or hair launches — or obsessively taking photos of her corgi.