Lytic Gel Cleanser
Lytic Gel Cleanser
Product Description
The Epionce Lytic Gel Cleanser is a refreshing, deep-cleaning foaming gel for oily and problem skin. Powered by willow bark (a natural source of salicylic acid) plus soothing marshmallow and date botanicals, it dissolves dirt, oil and makeup and finishes with a signature cooling menthol tingle β all without stripping or over-drying the skin barrier. A multiple award winner and long-running fan favorite from physician-strength brand Epionce.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Willow Bark Exfoliation
A botanical source of salicylic acid gently lifts dead cells and helps keep pores clear without harsh scrubbing.
Cooling Menthol Finish
A refreshing tingle calms the visible look of irritation and leaves skin feeling instantly fresh.
Barrier-Respecting
Mild, sulfate-free surfactants remove oil and makeup without stripping the skin or leaving it tight.
EpiK Botanical Complex
Marshmallow, date and willow extracts help support balanced sebum and prep skin for leave-on treatments.
Melts Makeup & SPF
Dissolves stubborn sunscreen, oil and makeup in one pass β a little product goes a long way.
Dermatologist-Developed
Created by clinical dermatologist Dr. Carl Thornfeldt, founder of Epionce, as physician-strength care.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Contains willow bark (natural salicylic acid/BHA), menthol and essential oils. Rinse-off lowers exposure, but check with your OB-GYN or dermatologist first.
Contains Glyceryl Oleate, a fatty-acid ester that can feed malassezia. Real-world risk is lower in a rinse-off, but it is not certified FA-safe.
pH-considerate, sulfate-free glucoside cleansers clean thoroughly without stripping natural oils β ideal for oily skin.
Includes citrus oils, lavandin, lemongrass, menthol, linalool and limonene. Possible irritants for very sensitive or reactive skin β patch test.
Compatible as a first step with toners, retinoids, vitamin C and acid treatments. Already provides mild BHA, so add other exfoliants gradually.
Not tested on animals and free of parabens, sulfates and gluten, with reef-safe formulation.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
πΏ Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract BHA source Proven
The hero active. A natural botanical source of salicylates that delivers gentle, oil-soluble (BHA-style) exfoliation, helping to dissolve dead cells inside the pore and keep skin clear and refined.
- Source: Salicin from willow bark is the plant precursor that the skin and body convert toward salicylic acid, the gold-standard pore-clearing exfoliant.
- Action: Oil-soluble exfoliants penetrate sebum to declog pores, making them well suited to oily and breakout-prone skin.
πΌ Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow) Root Extract Soothing Promising
A mucilage-rich botanical traditionally used to calm and comfort the skin, helping to offset the more active willow bark and menthol so the cleanse feels balanced rather than harsh.
- Source: Marshmallow root is rich in soothing polysaccharides and is reported to be high in omega-3 and monounsaturated fatty acids.
- Action: Helps calm the visible appearance of redness and irritation during cleansing.
π΄ Phoenix Dactylifera (Date) Fruit Extract Antioxidant Promising
A polyphenol-rich fruit extract used in traditional medicine and prized as an antioxidant, contributing to the βtreat-while-you-cleanseβ positioning of the formula.
- Source: Contains phytosterols, ursolic acid and antioxidants.
- Action: Antioxidants help defend against the daily oxidative stress associated with the look of premature aging.
βοΈ Menthol Cooling Promising
The source of the cleanserβs signature cool, tingly sensation. It provides an immediate refreshing feel that fans love β though it is also the formulaβs most polarizing element.
- Source: Derived from mint; activates cold-sensing receptors for a cooling effect.
- Action: Delivers a calming, refreshing finish and helps the skin feel clean and awake.
𫧠Mild Glucoside Surfactant Blend Gentle Proven
A combination of Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Lauryl Glucoside, Coco-Glucoside, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate and Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate creates a soft foam that cleans effectively without the harshness of sulfates.
- Source: Coconut- and sugar-derived amphoteric and non-ionic cleansing agents.
- Action: Known for good foaming with high mildness, they remove oil and makeup while supporting the moisture barrier.
π§ Glycerin Humectant Proven
A classic humectant placed high in the ingredient list. It draws and holds water at the skin surface, helping the cleanser feel non-stripping despite its deep-cleaning, active formula.
- Source: Vegetable-derived glycerin, one of the most studied and effective hydrators in skincare.
- Action: Offsets potential tightness so skin feels clean and comfortable, not parched, after rinsing.
31 ingredients
Water, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Lauryl Glucoside, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Coco-Glucoside, Cymbopogon Citratus Leaf/Stem Oil, Disodium EDTA, Ethylene Brassylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Oleate, Hexylene Glycol, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Linalool, Linalyl Acetate, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Menthol, Octanal, Phenoxyethanol, Phoenix Dactylifera Fruit Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, Tetrasodium EDTA.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use as Step 1, morning and/or evening. Epionce recommends pairing it with Purifying Toner, a Lytic Tx treatment and Renewal Lite Facial Lotion β and always finish with sunscreen in the AM.
π How to Use
Dampen
Wet your face with lukewarm water to prep the skin.
Massage
Work a small amount between your hands and massage gently onto damp skin in circular motions, avoiding the eyes.
Rinse
Rinse off thoroughly with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel.
Repeat
Cleanse once or twice daily, then follow with toner, treatment and moisturizer.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination or congestion-prone skin
- You're acne- or breakout-prone and want clearer pores
- You like gentle BHA exfoliation built into a cleanser
- You enjoy a cooling, refreshing cleanse
- You wear makeup or SPF and want a thorough wash
β Consider alternatives if:
- Your skin is dry or dehydrated (may feel too active)
- You have very sensitive or fragrance-reactive skin
- You're avoiding salicylic acid / BHA
- You need a strictly fungal-acne-safe formula
- You dislike a menthol tingle or cooling sensation
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Controls excess oil and shine and deep-cleans without stripping β the skin type it was designed for.
Balances oilier zones while staying comfortable on normal areas; rinses clean with no residue.
Willow bark helps keep pores clear; non-comedogenic. Note essential oils β patch test if reactive.
Can feel too active or drying; follow with a richer moisturizer or choose a creamier cleanser.
Menthol and essential oils may sting or irritate reactive skin. Patch test before regular use.
π Results Timeline
Clean & Cool
Makeup, oil and SPF lift away; skin feels deeply clean with a refreshing menthol finish and no tightness.
95% noticedLess Greasy, Smoother
Skin looks less shiny through the day and feels smoother as gentle BHA exfoliation gets to work.
70% noticedClearer Pores
Fewer clogged pores and small blemishes, with a brighter, more even-looking complexion.
60% noticedBalanced Complexion
Visibly clearer, more balanced skin β results are strongest when used with the full Epionce Lytic routine.
50% noticedβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Deep, thorough cleanse that removes makeup and SPF
- Doesn't strip or over-dry oily/combination skin
- Cooling, refreshing menthol finish
- Helps control oil and clogged pores over time
- A little goes a long way β one bottle lasts months
- Dermatologist-developed, clean formula
β Criticized
- Menthol tingle can feel too strong or sting
- Too active or drying for dry/sensitive skin
- Contains essential oils and fragrance allergens
- Not certified fungal-acne safe (glyceryl oleate)
- Pricier than drugstore BHA cleansers
- Exact salicylic acid percentage is undisclosed
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Salicylic acid plus ceramides and hyaluronic acid for a more hydrating, fragrance-free clean. Lacks the cooling menthol and soothing botanical blend, and foams less.
A gentle gel with 0.5% salicylic acid, fragrance-free and aimed at acne-prone skin. Comparable pore-clearing goal, but no botanical soothers or cooling finish.
A no-frills 2% salicylic acid gel at the lowest price. Simpler and more drying, with none of the marshmallow, date or menthol that define the Epionce feel.
π Comparison with Competitors
Epionce Lytic Gel Cleanser (Featured)
$40.00SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser Gel
$48.00CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser
$15.99Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Cleanser
$19.00π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; keep the cap closed tightly.
6 fl oz flip-cap squeeze bottle
At 177 ml it exceeds the 100 ml carry-on limit β decant into a travel bottle for flights.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Use with caution. It contains willow bark (a natural source of salicylic acid/BHA) plus menthol and several essential oils. As a rinse-off cleanser, contact time is brief and exposure is low, and many providers consider rinse-off salicylic acid acceptable. However, because it is not specifically tested for pregnancy and includes essential oils and menthol, you should confirm with your OB-GYN or dermatologist before using it.
Not fully. It contains Glyceryl Oleate, a fatty-acid ester that can feed malassezia (the yeast behind fungal acne). Because it is a rinse-off cleanser with short skin-contact time, the real-world risk is lower than a leave-on product, but it is not certified fungal-acne safe. If you are prone to malassezia folliculitis, patch test or choose a strictly FA-safe cleanser.
Yes. As a rinse-off cleanser it is compatible with most actives, which you apply after cleansing. Keep in mind it already provides mild BHA exfoliation via willow bark, so introduce additional strong exfoliants (extra BHA/AHA or retinoids) gradually to avoid over-exfoliation, irritation or dryness.
It is best for oily, combination and acne- or problem-prone skin, where its oil control and gentle exfoliation shine. Dry and very sensitive skin types may find it too active or feel a strong menthol tingle, and may prefer a creamier, fragrance-free cleanser instead.
You will feel a clean, cool finish immediately. Skin tends to look less greasy and feel smoother within 1β2 weeks, with fewer clogged pores and a clearer-looking complexion around 4β8 weeks of consistent use. Results are most noticeable when it is used as part of the full Epionce Lytic routine.
It is Step 1. Use it first, in the morning and/or evening, before toner, treatments, serums and moisturizer β and always finish with sunscreen during the day. Massage onto damp skin and rinse with warm water.
It is marketed as non-comedogenic, and as a rinse-off BHA cleanser the clogging risk is low β we rate it 1/5. Its willow bark and surfactant blend are designed to help unclog pores and remove excess oil rather than block them.
About 12 months (Period After Opening). Because only a small amount is needed per wash, a 6 fl oz bottle commonly lasts roughly 2β4 months of twice-daily use, and even longer for once-daily users.
Verdict: The Epionce Lytic Gel Cleanser is a dermatologist-developed standout for oily and problem skin. It delivers a deep, makeup-melting cleanse with gentle willow-bark BHA exfoliation and a signature cooling menthol finish β all without stripping the barrier, which is why it has earned a loyal, multi-year following. Its drying potential and essential-oil fragrance make it less ideal for dry, sensitive or fungal-acne-prone skin, and it costs more than drugstore BHA washes. But for oily and combination users who want a refreshing, effective daily cleanser from a trusted physician-strength brand, Epionce makes it easy to recommend.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinβs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging Β«promisesΒ» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Sodium Cocoamphoacetate
Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting, Foaming
|
|
|
| 1 |
Lauryl Glucoside
Surfactant, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Cleansing, Emulsifying, Foaming, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Viscosity Controlling, Emulsion Stabilising, Film Forming
|
|