In the spirit of Aesop’s Solais Replenishing Hand Serum, we invite four craftspeople to speak to their main work tool, shedding light on how the gift of touch has moulded their passions, giving their inner worlds a means to manifest and materialise in our shared one. Read Junz Loke’s and FURA’s Christina Rasmussen and Sasha Wijidessa’s love letters here.
Anna Du Toit, Artist
My hands are how I communicate with the world. Without them, I don’t think I’d be half the person I am today; I wouldn’t be able to feel or love without their sensitivity. I explore a variety of mediums as an artist, but also as a curious human looking to carry my touch forward in the world: wedging clay in ceramics, warming bread while I fold it, or creating worlds within worlds with a ballpoint pen. I often use my hands in their entirety. The sweat in my palms makes a good blending medium, my short, bitten nails scratch and etch into malleable surfaces, and my stubby fingers make throwing clay a much easier process. To figure out living and existing with my hands is such an honour. I’d consider them my greatest collaborator, because half the time my work is informed by what they’re capable of, and since they’re capable of so much newness, I feel driven to explore everything I can.
Eleos Aromatique Hand Balm and Solais Replenishing Hands Serum
The ingredients of the Solais Replenishing Hand Serum consist of the oils of lavender stem, bergamot rind and neroli blossom, all of which are revered for their hydrating, soothing and astringent properties. When complemented by the humectants and emollient butters of hand balms like the Eleos Aromatique Hand Balm, it brightens the skin on the hands while also bolstering skin barrier support and boosting moisture retention. The resulting aroma is at first lightly floral, citrusy and herbaceous, then spiced with the most comforting note of wood — the perfect relief treatment even for the most weather-weary, dry or delicate hands.
Photography Zantz Han
Creative Direction Izwan Abdullah
Art Direction Danessa Tong
Story and Production Charmaine Tan
The Solais Replenishing Hand Serum is available at all Aesop stores and online. Once you are done with this story, click here to catch up with our May 2026 issue.