Botanicals: The Powerhouse Skincare Heroes

Forget harsh chemicals and endless ingredient lists! Botanical skincare is having a major moment — and for good reason. These plant-powered products are packed with nature’s goodness, rivaling and even surpassing their synthetic counterparts.

As a company focused on restoring the skin’s barrier, Epionce is highly selective about ingredients. Trendy ingredients are out and only what works is in. That’s why, unlike many other products on the market, Epionce products are free of harsh chemicals that irritate or dry your skin. Their meticulously balanced formulas are rigorously tested and clinically proven to deliver healthier, younger-looking skin.

But Epionce doesn’t stop there. To truly elevate the skin’s health and appearance, Epionce leverages the power of botanicals. These plant extracts are packed with potent, multitasking antioxidants, plus barrier-boosting ingredients like cholesterol, ceramide, and free fatty acids — all at optimal concentrations.

Dr. Carl Thornfeldt, founder of Epionce, emphasizes the complexity and effectiveness of botanicals in promoting healthy, beautiful skin:

“Botanical ingredients are very complex, and they can influence various pathways in the skin that cause issues like rashes or signs of aging. By using botanicals in our formulas, we can help to address many skin concerns and calm sensitive skin. It’s an efficient way to improve the health of the skin, which will enhance your natural beauty.”

In other words, botanicals are incredibly complex, yet incredibly effective. Let’s explore the science behind these powerful plant-based heroes and discover how they can transform your skincare routine.

What Are Botanicals?

For starters, a botanical ingredient is a component that originates from plants like herbs, roots, flowers, fruits, leaves, or seeds. Some plants and their ingredients have been known and used for centuries in traditional medicine. Other botanicals have only recently come into use, but regardless of their history, they can provide a variety of restorative effects and health benefits.

Ditch the Myth

Many people believe all botanical ingredients are created equal, but the truth is far more nuanced. Let’s debunk the two key points that separate myth from reality:

MYTH 1: All Botanicals Are Effective

Dr. Carl emphasizes that, while many plants might be considered botanicals, those with a long history of medicinal use, like herbs, are more likely to offer real improvement for compromised skin. These “hero herbs” have stood the test of time, having been studied and used for thousands of years, demonstrating their effectiveness in addressing specific skin concerns

MYTH 2: Botanicals Cause More Allergies

Another common concern is that botanicals might cause more allergies. While allergies are a possibility, Dr. Carl suggests a solution: “proper extraction methods.” He continues, “The extraction methodology is really important because it can increase the effectiveness of the botanicals by up to 3,000 times and remove the primary allergen component, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions.”

Are Botanical Ingredients in Skincare Effective?

In short, YES! Many botanicals have potent properties because plants are full of naturally occurring vitamins, antioxidants, and other bioactive compounds that can target specific skin concerns. Clinical studies support this theory.

Dr. Carl emphasizes the importance of handling botanicals carefully throughout their life cycles to ensure effectiveness.

“When it comes to understanding botanicals and using them effectively, there is a lot to keep in mind. Number one is that there are big variations in the botanicals based on how they’re grown, how they are harvested, how they are stored, how they are transported, and especially how the active components, the active juices, are removed so that you can then use it in products.”

He adds, “We know that a lot of the active ingredients in botanicals like antioxidants and calming agents are all very sensitive to temperature changes and humidity changes. People will say to use this particular herb because it’s present, but one of the problems with herbs, like any medication or any other treatment, is that you have to have a high enough concentration of the active ingredients [for them] to actually work.”

Products like the Epionce Renewal Facial Cream and Lytic TX have shown major success in clinical trials as well.

The Clinical Trial:

In 2002, Dr. Carl Thornfeldt put his products to work. He wasn’t satisfied with just using botanical ingredients; he wanted to ensure their effectiveness through clinical studies. Epionce took a pioneering step by putting their botanical formulations to the test.

The Renewal Facial Cream paired with Lytic Tx was the first non-prescription product to go head-to-head with leading retinoids in clinical trials. The results were impressive: Epionce emerged victorious, proving that gentle botanicals could deliver powerful anti-aging benefits without the harsh side effects often associated with retinoids. Participants and physicians alike saw significant improvements in signs of aging, but with a gentler touch.

Dr. Carl Thornfeldt’s commitment to scientific evidence is evident.

“For our earliest prototypes, to see if the botanicals worked, we tested them against a variety of other anti-aging products that were popular: alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), beta hydroxy acids (BHA), and a variety of others. We found that, in fact, we were 50% better than any of those other products in reducing signs of aging. That’s what gave us confidence that the herbs were working in our formulations,” says Dr. Carl.

The Renewal Facial Cream is loaded with skin-boosting botanicals such as Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Meadowfoam Extract, Safflower Seed Oil, Olive Oil, and more. The Lytic TX is powered by botanicals found in Willow Bark Extract, Orange Fruit Extract, Shea Butter, and so much more.

Let’s dive deeper into these powerhouse botanicals and discover their specific benefits for your skin.

Rosa Canina Fruit Oil: Containing the activity of flavonoids, minerals, and vitamin C, Rosa Canina is known to help reduce irritation, improve the visible appearance of skin tightness, and reduce signs of skin aging.

Meadowfoam Extract: A rich source of fatty acids, which is a key component of skin structure and appearance, it’s a natural hydrator to help keep skin feeling moisturized, and improves the appearance of rejuvenated skin.

Safflower Seed Oil: Rich in fatty acids, which is a key component of the skin, Safflower Seed Oil is naturally hydrating to help maintain moisture in the skin. It is also full of antioxidants and helps calm redness caused by irritation.

Olive Oil: A rich source of monounsaturated fatty acid, which is found naturally in skin and is key to skin health. It helps reduce the visible appearance of redness in skin and is a source of antioxidants to prevent skin deterioration.

Willow Bark Extract: A botanical source of Salicylic Acid, a common ingredient that helps prevent and diminish blemishes.

Orange Fruit Extract: In addition to antioxidant benefits, it has properties to help improve the visible appearance of unwanted dark spots.

Shea Butter: A natural source of moisturization for skin, it has a soothing and hydrating effect when applied to dry skin.

Botanical ingredients, particularly those with a long history of medicinal use, offer a powerful and natural approach to skincare. Their ability to address multiple skin concerns simultaneously, while potentially minimizing allergic reactions, makes them exciting alternatives or complements to synthetic ingredients. So, next time you’re looking to boost your skincare routine, consider the power of plants and explore the world of botanical heroes!

Interested in learning more about Epionce’s approach to healthy skin? Contact one of our Epionce Pros — trained skincare professionals who will provide in-person guidance tailored to your needs. Find an Epionce Pro Near You