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Posted: 01 October 2026
6 Minute ReadEPII: The Brand At The Forefront of Anti-Aging
EPII is a Korean skincare brand built on a simple idea: real anti-ageing science shouldn't come at a prestige price. Rather than chasing trends, EPII starts from the skin problem and works backward, pairing European dermatological ingredient science with Korean formulation speed.
meet HPT6: the ingredient you haven't heard of yet
As skin matures, the layers that keep it firm start to lose their grip on each other. That's when contours look softer, lines settle in and skin stops bouncing back the way it used to. HPT6 tackles this from two depths. HPT (hydroxypropyl tetrahydropyrantriol), a firming molecule derived from beechwood sugar, helps skin hold on to moisture and supports the connection between its upper and deeper layers, for skin that looks plumper and firmer. Matrixyl Synthe'6, a peptide from French ingredient house Sederma, works underneath, supporting six key proteins in the skin's support structure, including collagen.
What can you expect? With consistent morning and evening use, think firmer, denser-looking skin and softer-looking lines, with EPII's independent testing recording visible changes in just four weeks.
EPII runs HPT at 5% to 10%, printed right on the box, where many formulas don't disclose a percentage at all. It's also structural rather than exfoliative, so it can sit in a routine alongside retinol.
what results can you expect from HPT6?
Big claims deserve proof, so here's the honest version. EPII had each HPT6 formula tested independently by Intertek Testing Services Korea, measuring skin with instruments rather than relying on how people felt. Here's what the two Forte formulas achieved after four weeks of use.
HPT6 Ultra Drop 10% Forte
+23.29%*skin density
+23.47%*skin firmness
−26.16%*wrinkle depth (marionette lines)
HPT6 Ultra Cream 10% Forte
−23.08%*forehead lines
−18.04%*eye wrinkles
−18.9%*wrinkle depth around the eyes
*Brand-commissioned instrumental testing by Intertek Testing Services Korea on 20 Korean adults aged 30 to 59, after 4 weeks of use (July to August 2026). Each formula was tested separately. It's a small study, so treat these as an encouraging early signal rather than a guarantee; individual results vary. Source: EPII's published clinical results.
Skin Cupid approved
why EPII earned its place on our shelves
We only bring in brands we'd happily recommend to a friend, and EPII ticks the boxes we care about most:
- Nothing hidden. The exact percentage of every key active is printed on the jar, so you know what you're paying for.
- Results you can check. Each HPT6 formula was independently tested by Intertek Testing Services Korea, with the study size and dates published.
- Kind to skin. Fragrance-free and essential-oil-free formulas, dermatologist-tested on sensitive skin.
- Serious actives, fair price. Firming actives at the strengths used in supplier studies, from £24.
the HPT6 line: finding your concentration
HPT6 comes in four formats, built as a ladder so you can start where it makes sense and build up over time. Not sure where you sit? Our quick guide below the products will match you in seconds.
1
EPII HPT6 Ultra Drop 5% (30ml)
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EPII HPT6 Ultra Drop 10% Forte (30ml)
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EPII HPT6 Ultra Cream 5% (50ml)
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EPII HPT6 Ultra Cream 10% Forte (50ml)
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A lightweight entry serum, ideal for combination or sensitive skin, or anyone new to actives.
Best for skin typeCombination or sensitive skin, new to actives
Tackles concernEarly loss of firmness, dehydration
Bonus benefitsEctoin and Panthenol for comfort
A maximum-strength serum, best for oily skin or those already experienced with actives like retinol.
Best for skin typeOily skin, experienced with actives
Tackles concernVisible loss of firmness and elasticity
Bonus benefitsLightweight layering under any moisturiser
The full formula in a daily moisturiser with elevated Panthenol, suited to dry or sensitive skin.
Best for skin typeDry or sensitive skin
Tackles concernDryness, early loss of firmness
Bonus benefitsElevated Panthenol, one-step care
EPII's flagship, adding a ceramide-rich barrier complex for "two-depth restoration", best for dry or normal skin.
Best for skin typeDry or normal skin
Tackles concernLoss of firmness, dryness, weakened barrier
Bonus benefitsCeramide NP, cholesterol and squalane
New to actives or sensitive skin?
Start with 5%Already using actives, or oily/normal skin?
Try 10% FortePrefer lightweight?
Choose DropPrefer one-step care?
Choose Creamcomplete your routine: double up creams
Anti-ageing actives work best on a strong, hydrated barrier, so if your skin feels tight or reactive, this is where to start. That's where EPII's Double Up Creams come in: the everyday foundation that lets HPT6 do its structural work properly.
Supports everyday resilience and tone: a lighter, glow-focused formula for daily vitality.
Best for skin typeAll skin types, dull or uneven tone
Tackles concernDullness, uneven tone
Bonus benefitsLighter, glow-focused texture
Focuses on barrier repair and comfort, helping skin resist everyday stressors like wind and temperature changes. Ideal through colder, drier months.
Best for skin typeDry or stressed skin
Tackles concernWeakened barrier, wind and temperature changes
Bonus benefitsIdeal through colder, drier months
Think of Double Up as the foundation, and HPT6 as the structural work it supports.
explore the full EPII range
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HPT skincare and EPII: frequently asked questions
What is HPT in skincare?
HPT is short for hydroxypropyl tetrahydropyrantriol, a xylose-derived molecule first developed in European cosmetic research. It supports the skin's glycosaminoglycans, the water-holding molecules in the skin's support matrix, which helps skin look firmer, denser and better hydrated over time. It is a structural active, not an exfoliant.
Is HPT the same as Pro-Xylane?
Yes. Pro-Xylane is a trade name for hydroxypropyl tetrahydropyrantriol. On an ingredient list you will see the full INCI name, hydroxypropyl tetrahydropyrantriol, whichever brand uses it. EPII lists it second on its HPT6 ingredient lists, straight after water.
Should I start with EPII HPT6 5% or 10% Forte?
Start with 5% if you are new to targeted actives or prefer a gentler introduction. Choose 10% Forte if you already use actives such as retinol comfortably and want the highest HPT level in the range. Both strengths pair HPT with 2% Matrixyl Synthe'6.
Can I use HPT with retinol?
HPT is not an exfoliant, so it can sit in a routine alongside retinol. Apply HPT6 after toning and before or in place of your moisturiser, and introduce one new active at a time. Patch test first and wear SPF in the morning.
What is the difference between HPT6 Ultra Drop and HPT6 Ultra Cream?
Ultra Drop is a lightweight serum you layer under a moisturiser. Ultra Cream puts the same HPT and Matrixyl Synthe'6 pairing into a moisturiser, so it works as a one-step option. The 10% Forte Cream adds squalane, ceramide NP and cholesterol for extra barrier support.
Who is EPII and where are its products made?
EPII is a Korean skincare brand whose name combines "episode" and "individual", reflecting its idea that skin changes with stress, climate, sleep and season. Its products are made in Korea, and it discloses the percentage of its key actives on the packaging.
About the publisher
Team Skin Cupid
Skin Cupid is the UK's leading destination for authentic Korean and Asian skincare. Founded in 2020, we curate, test and demystify Asian beauty for UK skin, with a flagship store in central London. Our editorial team works directly with brand teams and product chemists to bring you guidance you can trust.