The older I get, the less time I want to spend fussing about my skincare (ironic, because older skin needs more care and attention!).
That’s why I like multitasking products like Epionce Intense Defense Serum. This baby promises to hydrate your skin, fight wrinkles, and fade away dark spots to boot.
It’s a tall order, but one it’d better keep (and not just because it costs an arm and a leg). Does it? Let’s find out:
What’s In Epionce Intense Defense Serum?
NIACINAMIDE TO HYDRATE AND BRIGHTEN
I have a huge crush on niacinamide. This form of vitamin B3 is a jack-of-all-trades that can fix any skincare woe. Here’s what it can help you with:
- It hydrates skin: It increases ceramide and free fatty acid levels in the skin and reduces water loss.
- It fights wrinkles: It works by stimulating the production of collagen, the protein that keeps skin firm.
- It treats acne: 4% niacinamide is just as effective as 1% clindamycin gel (and way gentler!).
- It soothes rosacea: It does this by repairing the skin’s protective barrier (if you have rosacea, it’s badly damaged).
- It lightens skin: Niacinamide is an effective treatment for melasma and dark spots.
Told ya there was nothing it couldn’t do!
P.S. Niacinamide is the 3rd ingredient in Epionce Intense Defense Serum, so there’s definitely more than enough here to do the job.
Related: 5 Reasons To Use Niacinamide In Your Skincare Routine
TETRAHEYLDECYL ASCORBATE TO PREVENT WRINKLES
Don’t let the name fool you. Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is a form of vitamin C. Probably the best one after L-Ascorbic Acid.
(L-Ascorbic Acid is the pure form of vitamin C. Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate one of its derivatives).
What makes it stand out from the other vitamin C derivatives? It’s oil-soluble. In plain English, this means its’s able to penetrate skin deeper and faster than all other forms of vitamin C (including L-Asorbic Acid!).
Once it’s in the skin, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate works just like any other form of vitamin C:
- Antioxidant: It destroys the free radicals that cause premature wrinkles.
- Brightening: It fades away discolourations by reducing the production of melanin by more than 80%.
- Firming: It boosts the production of collagen (even more than L-Ascorbic Acid).
The catch? So far, research on Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate was done in vitro, not on real skin. But the results are promising, aren’t they?
P.S. Vitamin C isn’t the only antioxidant in Epionce Intense Defense Serum. It also has vitamin E, Shiitake mushroom and other natural extracts that help you keep those pesky wrinkles at bay.
Related: Is Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate The Best Form Of Vitamin C?
HYALURONIC ACID TO HYDRATE SKIN
Hyaluronic acid is a moisture magnet. Literally.
It hydrates skin by attracting water from the air into the skin and binding it in. It’s so powerful, it can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water!
Can you imagine how happy your skin is now it has all that extra moisture? It gets all plumped up so your fine lines and wrinkles look smaller. Its texture gets softer. The whole complexion glows.
P.S. Epionce Intense Defense Serum uses sodium hyaluronate, a form of hyaluronic acid that works in the same way.
Related: What You Should Add Hyaluronic Acid To Your Skincare Routine
Struggling to put together a skincare routine that minimises wrinkles, prevents premature aging, and gives your complexion a youthful glow? Download your FREE “Best Anti-Aging Skincare Routine” to get started (it features product recommendations + right application order):
Texture
Yellowish in colour, Epionce Intense Defense Serum has a lightweight texture that absorbs in seconds into my dry skin.
Fragrance
It’s fragrance-free.
How To Use It
Morning and/or evening, right after cleansing.
Performance & Personal Opinion
I like to put Epionce Intense Defense Serum on in the morning straight after cleansing. Now that fall’s here (boo!!), my skin needs all the moisture it can get to stay soft and supple.
That’s what I notice first: how soft and hydrated it makes my skin. Best part, it stays like that all day long. Oh, this extra moisture fills in the fine lines around my eyes, so they don’t look as obvious as I go about my day.
The other benefits are more subtle. Antioxidants prevent rather than treat wrinkles so it’s unrealistic to expect to see results straight away. What you’ll see straight away is the dewy glow vitamin C gives you.
I can’t vouch for its ability to fade away dark spots either – because I have none (I know, lucky!). But I can tell you this: niacinamide + vitamin C can help fade away mild hyperpigmentation. It’s this combo alone isn’t enough for you, then it’s time to bring out the big guns.
Who Is This For?
Anyone who wants to prevent and slow down premature aging.
Who Is This NOT For?
If you have severe hyperpigmentation, this won’t be enough for you.
Packaging
A grey bottle with a pump applicator. Sleek and practical.
Does Epionce Intense Defense Serum Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| Experience the most complete multivitamin for your skin safely and with fast results. | I wouldn’t say it’s the most complete, but it does have several vitamins, it’s safe, and adds hydration fast. |
| Visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. | True, but then anything that hydrates skin does this. |
Price & Availability
$136.00/£129.00 at Epionce and Dermstore
Do You Need It?
If you’re looking for a multi-tasking anti-aging serum, this is a good option to consider.
Dupes & Alternatives
I don’t know of any dupes for this product.
Ingredients
Water (Aqua), Propanediol, Niacinamide, Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Bidens Pilosa Extract, Bixa Orellana Seed Extract, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Cucumis Melo (Melon) Fruit Extract, Dimethicone, Disodium EDTA, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycerin, Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Oil, Hexylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Maltodextrin Crosspolymer, Lentinus Edodes Extract, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Raspberry Seed Oil/Tocopheryl Succinate Aminopropanediol Esters, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Linoleate, Triethanolamine.
I would love to use this but unhappily $136 is just beyond my skin care budget
Karen, it’s a great serum but there are many good alternatives around. 🙂
Hi Gio,
I’d be interested to know if you’ve tried any of their other products?
Jessica, this was my first foray into the brand but I plan to try more products in the future. 🙂
Brilliant, I shall wait and see what you think! 🙂
🙂