Epionce: What You Need to Know

Written byWendy Rose Gould Updated on June 13, 2023
You can trust RealSelf content to be unbiased and medically accurate. Learn more about our content standards.
Written byWendy Rose Gould Updated on June 13, 2023
You can trust RealSelf content to be unbiased and medically accurate. Learn more about our content standards.

Fast facts

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$98 average cost

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Suitable for all skin tones


Epionce (Page Image)
Epionce (Page Image)

Epionce is a cosmeceutical line of skin-care products developed by Dr. Carl Thornfeldt, a dermatologist in Fruitland, Idaho. Each product was developed with the goal of improving skin by strengthening its barrier, curbing signs of aging, and treating common skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema.

Though they have gentle, botanical-based formulas, the products are highly results-driven, with more than 15 independent clinical studies to back up their efficacy.

Epionce skin-care products don’t require a prescription. They can be purchased online as well as in select dermatologic offices and medical spas across the United States.

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Pros

  • The line was developed by a noteworthy dermatologist. It’s rooted in hard science and has been proven effective by independent clinical studies.
  • Epionce products don’t contain harsh, sensitizing ingredients that might irritate the skin—that means no retinol, hydroquinone, or benzoyl peroxide. They’re also free of parabens, sulfates, and fragrance.
  • You don’t need a prescription to access Epionce products, and they’re readily available for purchase online.

Cons

  • Similar to other medical-grade skin-care lines, the products cost more than over-the-counter products typically do. Expect to pay $30+ per product.
  • While some results—such as quick hydration—can be instant, you’ll need to use these products consistently to see long-term results (just as with any skin-care line).

Epionce products vary in cost. 

  • The least expensive item is the Restorative Hand Cream, at $19.
  • The most expensive is the Intense Defense Serum, at $136. 
  • Cleansers range from $32 to $42. 
  • Toners range from $27 to $29.
  • Lytic Tx treatments range from $54 to $69. 
  • Serums range from $99 to $136. 
  • Creams range from $19 to $108.

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The wide-ranging product line can treat a variety of skin types and concerns, including aging, dry, dull, hyperpigmented, and acne-prone skin. The line also includes products that treat inflammation, eczema, and rosacea. A standout is the Epionce Medical Barrier Cream, which hydrates, soothes, and strengthens dry skin that’s resistant to standard moisturizers. 

For those with sensitive skin or who have experienced irritation with harsh ingredients (like retinol or benzoyl peroxide), Epionce products can deliver results more gently.

The assortment of products allows you to pick and choose which products are best for your skin type and specific concerns. An optimal Epionce skin-care regimen for healthy skin consists of a cleanser or wash, lytic lotion, moisturizer, and sunscreen. 

  • Epionce Lytic Gel Cleanser is a makeup-dissolving formula designed for oily or problem skin. It contains menthol, which can cause a reaction for some people, so you may want to start with the Gentle Foaming Cleanser or Milky Lotion Cleanser if you have especially sensitive skin.
  • Epionce Balancing Toner helps remove traces of dirt, oil, and makeup while providing skin with moisture. Those with blemish-prone skin may prefer Purifying Toner, which also helps clarify and reduce shine.
  • Epionce Lytic Tx Retexturizing Lotion (also available as Lite Lytic Tx, Lytic Plus Tx, and Lytic Sport Tx—all formulated at different strengths for different skin types) is a daily treatment that uses a blend of salicylic acid, plant extracts, and shea butter to exfoliate and nourish for smoother skin texture and more even tone over time. It’s ideal for those dealing with redness and breakouts.
  • Epionce Intense Defense Serum is like a multivitamin for your skin. It contains vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, to reduce signs of aging. 
  • Epionce Renewal Eye Cream targets the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the thin, delicate eye skin. It also features soft-focus technology, to scatter and diffuse light and make dark circles less noticeable.
  • Epionce Renewal Facial Cream, the brand's flagship product, is a best-selling, highly moisturizing cream that aims to ward off fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin clarity and radiance. The brand claims that when used with Lytic Tx, it has shown “better visible anti-aging results than [with] leading retinoids.” (Epionce does not manufacture a retinol product.)
  • Epionce Renewal Facial Lotion is a lighter version of the cream, making it an ideal product for normal to combination skin (rather than dry or mature skin). There’s also the Renewal Lite Facial Lotion for oily skin.
  • Epionce Intensive Nourishing Cream, another hero product in the line, is highly emollient and targets sun-related damage, including dark spots and pigmentation. Meanwhile, it creates a soft-filter effect, for radiant-looking skin.
  • Epionce Daily Shield Tinted SPF 50 Sunscreen offers broad-spectrum UV protection, water resistance, and a sheer tint that adjusts to most skin tones.

Yes, Epionce skin-care products are professional strength, meaning that they contain higher concentrations of active ingredients than most over-the-counter skin-care lines.

Epionce does not market itself as a natural brand, and “natural” is not a regulated designation, since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not govern chemicals in skin care. However, the line is heavily based on botanical ingredients and formulated without parabens, sulfates, fragrance, and gluten. 

Certain plant extracts and essential oils present in the formulas can still irritate some skin types, so it’s wise to do a patch test first if you’re concerned.

No, according to the brand’s website, it does not do animal testing for any of its skin-care products, “either directly or indirectly.” It tests finished formulations only on humans.

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Updated June 13, 2023


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