What's In My Jar
The Better Skin Co. Epik C Boost
The Better Skin Co.

The Better Skin Co. Epik C Boost

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing
Panthenol, Glycerin + 6 more
Works well
What the product description says
“• Cleansing, Brightening, Hydrating and Refreshing.”
Source: The better skin co

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": biosaccharide gum-1, glycerin.

When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: panthenol

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.45–1.05%
GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~4.1–6.1%
Biosaccharide gum-1Key active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin~0.55–1.35%
Gelidiella acerosa extractKey activeEffect: HighAn algae extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant properties~0.2–0.75%
Leontopodium alpinum callus culture extractKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumA plant stem cell extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in skin~0.2–0.7%
Aloe barbadensis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin~0.4–0.9%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.4–0.9%
Caprylic/capric triglycerideUnder-dosedA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~0.05–0.25%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, Leontopodium alpinum callus culture extract + 3 more
May help

This product contains antioxidants (sodium ascorbyl phosphate) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

Sodium ascorbyl phosphateKey activeEffect: MediumA stable derivative of vitamin C. It is oil-soluble which means it is more likely to penetrate the skin compared to the pure form of vitamin C (which is water-soluble), but it is less bio-available and is way less effective in stimulating collagen and reducing wrinkles compared to the pure form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and its other derivatives (for example, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate). At the same time, this vitamin C derivative has been shown in studies to be effective in reducing acne, blemishes and clogged pores. It is less irritating then the pure form of vitamin C~1.8–2.7%
Leontopodium alpinum callus culture extractEffect: LowA plant stem cell extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in skin~0.2–0.7%
Gelidiella acerosa extractEffect: LowAn algae extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant properties~0.2–0.75%
Tocopheryl acetateEffect: Low, below effective doseA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.~0.05–0.2%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractUnder-dosedCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.4–0.9%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
3 strong irritants: Citrus limon seed oil, Gelidiella acerosa extract + 1 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 9 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Citrus limon seed oil—High~1.1–1.7%est.
Gelidiella acerosa extractAn algae extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant propertiesHigh~0.2–0.75%est.
Humulus lupulus extractHops extract. Can contain common irritants and allergens geraniol, limonene, linaloolHigh~0.01–0.1%est.
Sodium ascorbyl phosphateA stable derivative of vitamin C. It is oil-soluble which means it is more likely to penetrate the skin compared to the pure form of vitamin C (which is water-soluble), but it is less bio-available and is way less effective in stimulating collagen and reducing wrinkles compared to the pure form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and its other derivatives (for example, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate). At the same time, this vitamin C derivative has been shown in studies to be effective in reducing acne, blemishes and clogged pores. It is less irritating then the pure form of vitamin CMedium~1.8–2.7%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~1.2–1.8%est.
Sodium citrateHelps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve productsMedium~0.95–1.4%est.
Aloe barbadensis leaf extractTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~0.4–0.9%est.
Tocopheryl acetateA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.Medium~0.05–0.2%est.
Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~0.05–0.25%est.
Comedogenic
1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
1 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Macrocystis pyrifera extract—3/5~0.2–0.8%est.
Alternatives
The closest match we found
Sake Bright White Mask
Etude House Sake Bright White Mask
Closest match58% match
View all alternatives

User reviews

Would you recommend?
No community reviews yet.

Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Glycerin~4.1–6.1%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
Polysorbate 20~3.2–4.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 20
Sclerotium gum~2.5–3.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create gel-like formulas and stabilize emulsions

More about Sclerotium gum
Sodium ascorbyl phosphate~1.8–2.7%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-blemishAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

A stable derivative of vitamin C. It is oil-soluble which means it is more likely to penetrate the skin compared to the pure form of vitamin C (which is water-soluble), but it is less bio-available and is way less effective in stimulating collagen and reducing wrinkles compared to the pure form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and its other derivatives (for example, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate). At the same time, this vitamin C derivative has been shown in studies to be effective in reducing acne, blemishes and clogged pores. It is less irritating then the pure form of vitamin C

More about Sodium ascorbyl phosphate
Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Ethylhexylglycerin~1.2–1.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Citrus limon seed oil~1.1–1.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Citrus limon seed oil
Sodium citrate~0.95–1.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products

More about Sodium citrate
Biosaccharide gum-1~0.55–1.35%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin

More about Biosaccharide gum-1
Panthenol~0.45–1.05%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol
Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.4–0.9%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAntibacterialAnti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizing

Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation

More about Camellia sinensis leaf extract
Aloe barbadensis leaf extract~0.4–0.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf extract
Macrocystis pyrifera extract~0.2–0.8%
Comedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
More about Macrocystis pyrifera extract
Gelidiella acerosa extract~0.2–0.75%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An algae extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant properties

More about Gelidiella acerosa extract
Monostroma nitidum
Not recognized
Leontopodium alpinum callus culture extract~0.2–0.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-inflammatory

A plant stem cell extract that might help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in skin

More about Leontopodium alpinum callus culture extract
Xanthan gum~0.2–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Marrubium vulgare extract~0.1–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Marrubium vulgare extract
Mica~0.15–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light

More about Mica
Titanium dioxide~0.15–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin

More about Titanium dioxide
Iron oxides~0.15–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

An umbrella term for the following three colorants: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499. They might be able to offer some protection against visible light, but the degree of the protection is not clear

More about Iron oxides
Calcium aluminum borosilicate~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to thickenthe product consistency

More about Calcium aluminum borosilicate
Silica~0.15–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica
Tin oxide~0.15–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A colorant that can add a pearl-like appearance to the formulation

More about Tin oxide
Tocopheryl acetate~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.

More about Tocopheryl acetate
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.05–0.25%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride
Humulus lupulus extract~0.01–0.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Hops extract. Can contain common irritants and allergens geraniol, limonene, linalool

More about Humulus lupulus extract
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Sclerotium gum, Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citrus limon seed oil, Sodium citrate, Biosaccharide gum-1, Panthenol, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Macrocystis pyrifera extract, Gelidiella acerosa extract, Unknown, Leontopodium alpinum callus culture extract, Xanthan gum, Marrubium vulgare extract, Mica, Titanium dioxide, Iron oxides, Calcium aluminum borosilicate, Silica, Tin oxide, Tocopheryl acetate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Humulus lupulus extract

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

No pricing data available yet for this product.

Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
The Better Skin Co.Epik C BoostYOUR PRODUCTEtude HouseSake Bright White Maskeb5Anti-Aging Vitamin C Serum ConcentratePacificaCoconut Essence Hydro Mist
Match—58%56%56%
Price———$5.00
Shared key ingredients—3 of 73 of 73 of 7
Key difference—Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7BetaineCaffeine
Irritancy High Medium Low Medium
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop
  • matches yours
  • differs
  • cheaper

More alternatives: Olay Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer Fragrance-FreeDisco Hydrating Face Moisturizer

Cheaper alternatives? Browse formulas in the same category.
We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.
Open dupe finder

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 15 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Sodium ascorbyl phosphate shows in vitro and in vivo efficacy in the prevention and treatment of acne vulgarisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Sodium ascorbyl phosphate in topical microemulsionssciencedirect.com
  4. 4
    Final report of the safety assessment of L-Ascorbic Acid, Calcium Ascorbate, Magnesium Ascorbate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Ascorbate, and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate as used in cosmeticseuropepmc.org
  5. 5
    Regulation of collagen synthesis in human dermal fibroblasts by the sodium and magnesium salts of ascorbyl-2-phosphatekarger.com
  6. 6
    Comparison of clinical efficacies of sodium ascorbyl phosphate, retinol and their combination in acne treatmentonlinelibrary.wiley.com
The Better Skin Co. Epik C Boost
The Better Skin Co.Epik C Boost
Find on Amazon

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Find on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.