The Epionce story

After years of trial and error, Dr. Thornfeldt partnered with a formulation chemist previously employed at one of the major beauty companies in the world. Together they developed the initial Epionce product offerings, formed the company Episciences, Inc., and launched the Epionce product line at Dr. Thornfeldt’s medical practice.

Dr. Thornfeldt believed that it was imperative for the Epionce products to be backed by the kind of clinical studies he would expect to see as a physician. He wanted to ensure that the technologies in the Epionce products moved beyond theory, but could be proven to actually work through rigorous clinical testing. Dr. Thornfeldt was a pioneer in demanding high quality, thorough testing on market-ready products for cosmetics. The Epionce Renewal Facial Cream paired with the Lytic Tx were the first non-prescription products to take on the top retinoids in head-to-head clinical studies. The results were clear – the study participants and physician investigators saw the same anti-ageing results, but without irritation reactions often associated with retinoid use.

In the early days of Epionce, the co-founder and formulation chemist was based in the New York area, while Dr. Thornfeldt’s medical practice was in rural Idaho. The Epionce brand was growing, and it was time to consolidate their efforts and open an office where they could work together more closely. An office space was chosen in Boise, Idaho, and the first official Epionce headquarters was opened.

Dr. Thornfeldt’s mother told him that while she loved the Renewal Facial Cream, sometimes she felt her skin needed a bit “more.” He took her comments to heart and developed what became the Intensive Nourishing Cream. He incorporated the same concepts as the Renewal Facial Cream and Lite Lytic Tx, utilised different ingredients, and created a new, luxuriously thick cream that has become a mainstay for very photo-damaged skin. The Intensive Nourishing Cream can be used to help reduce visible redness in the skin, is a wonderful night cream and is the answer for visible ageing on the neck and décolleté.

Epionce was introduced into the European market through Episciences Europe, LLP. Since the initial launch in the United Kingdom, Epionce can now also be found in Ireland, Poland, The Netherlands and Scandinavia.

Epionce was discovered by a global Japanese company, Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., LTD. Episciences, Inc. went through the rigorous process of preparing our facility to be able to manufacture to the Japanese standards and having products properly registered. In March 2009, the first Epionce products were shipped to Japan.

Epionce was launched in the Hong Kong market during the Grand Opening of The Hermitage – an Epionce Signature Spa in Hong Kong. This luxurious spa offers a quiet retreat in the heart of Hong Kong featuring the Epionce product line.

Dr. Thornfeldt had many patients struggling with dark spots that were not responding well to the traditional hydroquinone, retinol, kojic acid or arbutin topical options. He wanted to utilise a different approach to address this concern. The technology behind the MelanoLyte products took a number of years to develop, and then the products were put through a clinical study against the leading hydroquinone and retinol based treatment regime. The MelanoLyte products provided the same visible benefits but without the visible redness and sensitivity.

During 2011 and into 2012, the Epionce brand underwent a complete brand re-launch with a new logo and brand concept. The original logo with a dated font was refreshed with a new elegant script that alludes to the elegant and premium nature of the Epionce products.

Many patients had been asking for a serum to supplement the effects of the other Epionce products. Dr. Thornfeldt had received a minor degree in Nutrition while in university, and believes that often the skin cells are nutritionally deficient. He wanted a solution that would be comprehensive to help the long-term visible health of the skin. After years of research, the Intense Defense Serum was created as the first complete multivitamin serum for the skin. Keeping with Epionce tradition, Dr. Thornfeldt tested the product against leading serums in the medical skin care channel in head-to-head clinical studies. The Intense Defense Serum provided benefits faster and more completely than the competing products.

During November 2018 and into 2019 the new Epionce manufacturing facility was built. Exponentially increasing manufacturing capacity, the approximately 18,500 sq. ft. building increases production and research capabilities.