Epionce Intense Recharge Mask to Boost Skin Radiance

As a beauty editor with combination skin, I’ve tested more clay masks over the years than I can count—and trust me, they are not all created equal. Oftentimes, my skin is left feeling dry and a bit stripped, like I have to replenish with a barrier cream STAT. However, when I first tried Epionce’s clay-based Intense Recharge Mask ($80) for our 2025 Beauty Awards—where it ultimately won—I was blown away. Instead of dryness, my skin felt more hydrated, visibly brighter, and noticeably smoother after just one use. How is a clay mask doing this? I spoke with Epionce founder and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Thornfeldt, also known as “The Father of the Skin Barrier,” to find out.

Why This Mask Stands Out

I’ve been a fan of Epionce’s product line for years (you honestly can’t go wrong with any of the products), so I wasn’t surprised to love this mask. Dr. Thornfeldt is always furthering his research with the goal of creating formulas that are proven to work through rigorous clinical testing. “As skin science continues to evolve, additional mechanisms of action have been discovered that I wanted to ensure the Epionce range was addressing,” he says. “This mask allowed me to build additional anti-aging bioactives with different chemical characteristics that cannot be used in traditional leave-on products like serums and moisturizers.”

Those forward-thinking bioactives include carefully selected extracts of enmei, noni, immortelle, red seaweed, wild carrot, pink catchfly, and nourishing safflower seed oil. Together, they are clinically proven to rapidly enhance skin radiance, improve skin rejuvenation and visible signs of aging, and visibly clarify and refine the skin. “The clinical test performed by an international research group found definite improvement, even with wrinkles, when the mask had been used every other day for only 30 days,” Dr. Thornfeldt says. “Other aged skin parameters were also shown to demonstrate improvement, such as fine lines, roughness, sagging, and sallowness.” Intense Recharge Mask is great for all skin types, even sensitive skin (it’s also fragrance-free), which is a plus, too. It’s evident that the brand’s proven barrier-rejuvenating ingredients—cholesterol, ceramide, and free fatty acids in proven concentrations—are included in the formula.

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How to Use It for Best Results

Intense Recharge Mask can be used up to three times a week. Smooth a generous layer over the face and neck, leave on for up to 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water (I love a warm washcloth). I could see and feel the difference in my skin after one use, especially compared to other clay-based masks. “Many clay masks get hard and crack as they dry out, and when a traditional clay product dries out after application, it often fractures. This disrupts the stratum corneum of the underlying skin, triggering inflammation and increasing risk of infections such as impetigo,” Dr. Thornfeldt explains. “Other clay masks are also hard to wash off. This one feels light and soft upon application, it has a whipped formula that locks in hydration and doesn’t dry out—making it easy to wash off.” I like to use a mask brush to apply the creamy formula, which feels like a nice self-care ritual, but you can certainly use your fingers as well.

“We have found that using the mask at least twice weekly for a month can significantly reduce hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles,” says Dr. Thornfeldt. “We had one patient report that she was able to extend the time between her neurotoxin injections because the mask had improved her fine lines and wrinkles so much.” For me personally, I include the mask in my self-care Sunday ritual and then choose one night during the week depending on when I wash my hair.

“I like to apply Epionce Intensive Nourishing Cream after using the Intense Recharge Mask,” Dr. Thornfeldt says. “If someone is particularly dry, they could apply the Epionce Enriched Firming Mask to sleep in overnight for additional hydration and firming. Our clinical trial used the Lytic Gel Cleanser prior to mask application, but any of the Epionce cleansers one uses due to skin type will be beneficial before and after mask application.”

The Bottom Line

Epionce Intense Recharge Mask stands out in a crowded category by doing what most clay masks don’t—delivering deep rejuvenation without compromising skin hydration or barrier function. With clinically verified results in radiance, fine lines, texture, and clarity in as little as 30 days, it’s a smart addition for anyone looking to boost their glow and support long-term skin health. Gentle, nourishing, effective—and backed by science—this is one award winner that earns its title.