Aesop Rind Concentrate Body Balm Review – Bright, Uplifting, Effortlessly Easy to Like
Soft citrus peel, a hint of sweetness, and an unmistakable Aesop freshness. Rind Concentrate Body Balm is one of the brand’s most easygoing scents — bright without being sharp, citrusy without tipping into perfume.
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Category: |
Skincare |
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Product Type: |
Body Balm |
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Size: |
100mL / 500mL |
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RRP: |
From $50 AUD, depending on size |
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Made in: |
Australia |
Overview
Rind Concentrate is often thought of as Aesop’s “fresh day” moisturiser — something uplifting, smooth, and straightforward. It’s a balm that feels instantly familiar: citrus-led, lightly sweet, and gentle enough for everyday use. If Resolute is warm and peppered, and Geranium Leaf is herbal and woody, Rind is the bright one — universally pleasant and very safe to gift.
Scent
The first impression is orange rind: not sugary orange, and not bitter zest — more like the soft oiliness released when you bend a peel. As it settles, the citrus widens. Grapefruit brings lift, lemon adds clarity, and together they stay clean without ever becoming sharp.
Even in winter, the scent lingers for a couple of hours on low-friction areas — light, fresh, and recognisably citrus. It remains consistent after the initial drydown, never spiking, never souring, and never sliding into a cologne-like territory.
It’s one of Aesop’s most approachable and likeable scent profiles: bright, steady, and genuinely hard to dislike.
Texture & Finish
Rind has the pale-yellow tint you’d expect from a citrus-rich formula. Compared with Aesop’s heavier balms (like Geranium Leaf or Resolute), it’s noticeably lighter, faster to absorb, and less tacky.
On first contact, there’s still that signature Aesop slip, but once it settles, the skin feels soft, conditioned, and smooth. Hydration is moderate — reliable for daily use, but not enough to repair heavily textured skin or rough heels.
Consistency over time is good. Once absorbed, it maintains a clean, comfortable finish without stickiness.
Atmosphere & Ritual
Although positioned as a summer balm, Rind works surprisingly well in winter. Kiki and I both found it invigorating on cold mornings — fresh enough to lift the senses without feeling “icy” or out of place. It slides easily into a morning routine, a midday reset, or a quick post-shower moisturise, and its neutrality makes it a safe and thoughtful gift.
It’s fully unisex, but readers who prefer warm, spiced, or more traditionally masculine scents may still gravitate toward Resolute.
ATC Verdict: Is It Worth the Splurge?
Rind Concentrate offers a versatile, fresh, and easygoing experience that fits effortlessly into almost any routine.
Would I buy it again? Yes. Especially as a morning moisturiser or a reliably giftable option.
Would I use the whole tube? Yes. It’s light, uplifting, and easy to reach for in both warm and cool weather.
Was it worth opening? Yes. It performs well without demanding attention, and the citrus profile stays pleasant from start to finish.
Bright, clean, and quietly energising. A balm that lifts without trying.
Snapshot Summary: Reverence Aromatique
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Scent strength: |
Light to Medium |
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Hydration: |
Moderate |
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Texture: |
Creamy, smooth, faster-absorbing |
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Price: |
Accessible indulgence |
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Packaging: |
Luxe aluminium tube |
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Routine fit: |
Morning / Daily use / Summer or winter-friendly |
Editor’s Note
This review reflects testing across both warm and cold weather, with use on arms, torso, and low-friction areas of the body. As with all Aesop balms, hydration varies by skin type and season. Rind Concentrate was evaluated without competing fragrance to ensure clarity of scent development. Performance will differ slightly depending on application amount and routine.
–Adrian – Editor at All That Is Cool
