This Canadian brand has streamlined skincare down to a science

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The brand Ädesē — pronounced “odyssey” — has set out to streamline skincare.

Inspired by the “pursuit of a healthier, longer life,” the Canadian skincare brand’s products feature a proprietary Walled Garden technology — which starts with a cold-pressed ingredient extraction process. Designed to be a simple, two-step skincare system that is suitable for pretty much everyone, the products are formulated and made in Toronto.

We caught up with founder Stephen Shaw to learn more.

Q: What is Ädesē?

A: Ädesē is less a product, more a proposition. We don’t just formulate skincare — we deconstruct the conventional routine, stripping away the superfluous to reveal essential efficacy. This is intelligent skincare. Effortless results. Designed to do more.

By unifying groundbreaking formulations with a philosophy that elevates beauty beyond application, we treat skincare as a form of living art, one that respects both culture and counterculture. It’s made for those who live with intentionality.

Q: Is there a story behind the name?

A: Yes. The name Ädesē — phonetically, odyssey — is the core thesis. It’s not a marketing construct — it’s a personal journey made tangible. Like a well-worn passport, it reflects a life lived, a tapestry of diverse experiences and unconventional paths.

The umlaut (Ä) and the macron/stress mark (ē) aren’t just aesthetic choices, they’re deliberate marks — a subtle signature for a brand building a world you haven’t seen yet. It’s a word, but it’s also an invitation. A symbol of continuous discovery. A non-destination. And ultimately, a powerful new way of being.

Q: What makes the brand unique?

A: We operate on a simple truth — fewer, better products. This isn’t just efficiency, it’s a philosophy. Most brands are purists within their categories, refining what’s already known. We choose to be the tourist, exploring where beauty hasn’t gone, then building it with the discipline of a purist.

Q: Who is the target customer?

A: Our customer isn’t defined by demographics, they are defined by their eye. They’re the ones who get it. The discerning few who see the signal through the noise, who understand that true luxury isn’t a label, it’s a lived standard.

They move through multiple worlds, effortlessly, with an instinct for what matters. Ädesē lives in their spaces not because we chased them, but because they recognized something real and felt seen. It’s a mutual acknowledgment, a shared worldview.

Q: The products are formulated and made in Toronto. Why was this important to you?

A: Toronto isn’t just where we make our products, it’s part of the architecture of Ädesē. My background in music and design taught me that real creative hubs define the output. Toronto’s cultural diversity and raw potential made it the only authentic space to build this.

Our local commitment isn’t just about supporting Canadian excellence; it’s about enabling an obsessive level of detail. It allows us to innovate, test, and refine without compromise.

Q: What is the price range?

A: Our core two-step System is priced between $62 and $128. Our Äirlēss Refills range between $59 and $122.

Q: And where can people learn more?

A: The best way to learn more is to step into the world of Ädesē. Explore our digital signal at adeseskin.com, or find us on Instagram and TikTok @adeseskin.