Skincare Reinvented: Ädesē™ Brings Elevated, Multitasking Beauty to Holt Renfrew

Beauty insiders are turning their attention to Ädesē™ (phonetically pronounced ‘odyssey’), a Toronto-based skincare brand that is quietly redefining the rules of modern skin health. Founded in 2022 by creative director and designer Stephen Shaw, Adese fuses advanced biotechnology with artistic intention, offering a high-performance, multitasking skincare line that delivers visible results with minimal effort.

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Powered by Walled Garden™ Technology

At the core of Ädesē™ is a proprietary innovation called Walled Garden™—a scientific breakthrough inspired by the skin’s natural regenerative abilities. After a year of intensive in-house research, this advanced technology was developed to accelerate skin cell turnover, restoring the youthful pace of renewal seen in teenage skin. All Ädesē™ formulas harness this mechanism, giving each product the ability to not only treat but transform the skin from within.

Clinically proven and designed to work across all skin types, including melanin-rich and sensitive skin, Walled Garden™ is a true game-changer.

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Cleanse, Exfoliate, Tone—In One Step

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The Äwakēn Cleanser ∞ Toner offers more than just surface-level cleansing. This rich, woody-scented formula acts as a cleanser, exfoliator, and toner, delivering active ingredients deep into the skin while supporting moisture balance and barrier function. Unlike traditional cleansers that simply rinse away, Äwakēn begins the renewal process on contact, prepping skin for deeper hydration and long-term resilience.

The Future of Hydration

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For those seeking a streamlined solution to multiple skin concerns, Äscēnd Serum ∞ Moisturizer is the standout multitasker. This 3-in-1 hybrid formula combines the benefits of a serum, face oil, and moisturizer into one luxurious, citrusy-herbaceous gel-oil. With key ingredients including Systenol A (Bakuchiol), Niacinamide, 2D Hyaluronic Acid Complex, and Vitamin E, it tackles everything from uneven tone and dryness to fine lines and environmental stress.

Äscēnd is crafted without fillers—every drop is an active step toward smoother, brighter, and more youthful-looking skin.

A Founder with Vision

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Stephen Shaw’s path to beauty entrepreneurship is as unconventional as it is inspiring. Born in Sault Ste. Marie and raised in Toronto, Shaw left his university studies to join Janet Jackson’s creative team in 2009. After more than a decade collaborating with global artists and brands, Shaw channelled his multidisciplinary experience into Ädesē™, building a skincare company that reflects his artistic integrity and commitment to meaningful innovation.

To Shaw, Ädesē™ is not just about skincare—it is about celebrating the human journey and empowering people to honour their time, their skin, and their ambitions.

Sustainability and Sophistication

Proudly formulated and manufactured in Toronto, every Ädesē™ product is vegan, cruelty-free, non-comedogenic, genderless, and made from all-natural ingredients. The packaging tells its own sustainability story, with refillable glass bottles and kelp-based paper from Venice, Italy’s iconic waterways, helping reduce fossil fuel usage, water waste, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Now Available at Holt Renfrew

Following a successful introduction to Vancouver’s top beauty media and influencers, Ädesē™ has launched at Holt Renfrew locations including Vancouver, Yorkdale, Bloor Street, and Ogilvy, as well as online.

Offering sophisticated, multifunctional formulas that replace multiple steps in a traditional routine, Ädesē™ invites consumers to embrace a new standard in beauty: less clutter, more results, and a deeply personal connection to the products they use.

Author Profile

Helen Siwak, Luxury Lifestyle Observer: Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Communications & Marketing Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine and PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at [email protected].