Aesop Eleos Aromatique Hand Cream Review: Pros and Cons After Testing

The brand describes the scent as herbal, woody, and spicy, and our impression largely matches that description. Testers noted that it has a fresh, clean herbal aroma with subtle depth, giving it a natural, refined feel rather than a sweet or artificial one.

Among the hand creams we compared, herbal scents like this one tended to divide opinion more than lightly floral options. Some reviewers mentioned that plant-based fragrances aren’t their preference or that it doesn’t smell like a typical hand cream. If you usually go for sweet, classic hand cream scents, this may not be the best match.

That said, those who enjoyed the scent described it as “uplifting,” “elegant,” and “not artificial.” As many reviews note, its gender-neutral fragrance makes it easy for both men and women to use. If you like clean, refreshing herbal scents, it works well as a small pick-me-up during the day.

Tester Comments on the Scent:

1. “Spicy and smoky, almost ginger-like. It feels elegant and natural, which I really like.”

2. “A refreshing scent with hints of citrus and forest notes. I’d use it before bed or when I feel tired.”

3. “It has a deep aroma with a fresh finish. Stylish and mood-boosting. I personally love it.”

4. “A clean herbal scent that isn’t overpowering. After a few minutes, it softens nicely, though it may not suit floral lovers.”

The packaging is generally easy to use. Although the aluminum tube looks firm at first glance, testers found it surprisingly soft and easy to squeeze. Many noted that "the cream comes out smoothly with light pressure." Unlike some hand creams that dispense too much at once, this one releases only the amount you press out, making it easy to control how much you use.

The cap is on the smaller side and requires a few twists to open and close, which can feel a bit fiddly. However, it seals securely, so there’s little risk of leakage when carrying it in a bag or pouch.

Tester Comments on Packaging:

1. “The metal tube is soft and easy to squeeze. The cap is small, but it closes securely.”

2. “It looks stiff, but I didn’t need much force to get the cream out. Opening and closing the cap takes a few turns, which felt slightly inconvenient.”

3. “Even though the tube looks hard, the cream comes out easily. The cap also opens without much effort.”

4. “The cap is a bit small and not the easiest to handle, but the cream comes out exactly as much as you press, which makes it intuitive to use.”

As many reviews mention, it doesn’t leave a heavy, oily film after application. Compared with some hand creams, the finish feels well-balanced rather than overly greasy.

That said, it isn’t the lightest or most airy option available. While some products offer an almost weightless feel, this one has a slightly richer finish. For people who regularly use hand cream, stickiness is unlikely to be an issue. However, if you strongly prefer a very light, barely-there texture, it may feel a bit heavy for your taste.

In terms of moisture, this hand cream is best suited for normal type skin. It helps boost hydration after application, but the overall effect is more moderate than deeply nourishing.

Compared with some hand creams that deliver intensive moisture, its hydrating performance feels restrained. Despite being marketed for “high moisturizing power,” it may not be enough for hands that experience severe dryness. On the other hand, if dryness isn’t a major concern and you value scent and overall experience, it can be a good option for daily use.