Decléor returns – here’s why it’s good news for Irish customers …
French heritage brand Decléor has long been a favourite for its naturally fragrant skincare, powered by essential oils. The brand was gone for a while, and we almost forgot about it – but now it’s back, and genuinely better than ever. There’s a great family story behind Decléor: it’s now run by Matthieu Lesieur, whose father originally ran the brand for 35 years. In between father and son, it was owned by L’Oréal for many years. They stopped the business in 2022, and Matthieu Lesieur bought it from them in 2024. You’ll find it in pharmacies and beauty salons nationwide; see the full range here.
In just a year, Decléor is already back in 15 countries. Lesieur and team started with a blank page, and aim to take Decléor to new heights. Yes, it has a loyal existing audience (“We had customers before we had products!” he told us at the recent Paris event to mark the brand’s revival), but this time around Decléor aims to bring in a new young customer too. It certainly fits with the current trend for natural skincare brands that have wellbeing at their core. Think accessible luxury, available at your trusted pharmacy.
First and foremost, there’s a return to the best-quality essential oils. “We are using the same suppliers my father had originally – the best harvesters and distillers,” says Lesieur. The raw material quality changed over the past few years, but it’s indisputably exellent now. One drop of the Néroli Bigarade Aromessence makes this clear – it smells and feels incredible, rich but light.
How else is Decléor new and improved for 2026? The packaging is now more minimalist, suiting today’s aesthetic (and more easily recyclable). And prices are more affordable, from €23. As Lesieur brings the brand into the modern age (Decléor was originally founded in 1974), he’s highlighting the elements that make it relevant for today: “We are focusing on performance, results and experience. And we want to be affordable.”
The original ranges we remember and love, from rose to green mandarin, are back – each is suitable for a different skin requirement, from dryness to oiliness. And in each line, there’s a core routine including an Aromessence (€46), a day cream and night balms. We particularly love the glorious rosy cream in the Magnolia Blanc range, and the Green Mandarin line for a glow boost. They all smell incredible.
The Néroli Bigarade range is the prime focus for Decleor’s initial comeback, targeted at dehdyrated and dry skin. The hero item is the Aromessence, a concentrated but light plant-based oil-serum you might remember using in the past. In its elegant, minimal bottle, this water-free, natural “beauty booster” is brilliant for keeping skin supple and glowy. How to use it? Warm just three drops between your palms – it’s concentrated – and then lock in moisture with the day cream or night balm.
While the campaigns focus on a younger audience, bear in mind that the Aromessence is a brilliant product for mature skin too. I’ve been using a few drops of the Néroli each morning and night, and find it a pleasure to use. The Night Balm (€41), featuring three per cent essential oils along with natural waxes, is a gentle, non-greasy night-worker – warm a pearl-sized amount in your hands before applying.
The Aromessences fit so well into a modern skincare routine, encouraging the idea of taking time for yourself, and enjoying the texture and sensory experience of a beautiful, fragrant oil. It’s a ritual. And when you consider the price of most serums and face oils on the market, these are competitively priced, with day creams at €23. A very welcome return.
