Episencial

Episencial operates in the natural baby skincare market, offering professional-quality products specifically formulated for the developing skin of babies and children. The company was founded in 2003 as Babytime! by Episencial by Kim Walls, a second-generation skincare expert. Walls' journey into skincare was deeply influenced by her upbringing; her father, a biochemical engineer, founded the natural skincare brand Epicuren. Growing up, she was involved in the family business, which provided her with a foundational understanding of product formulation and branding.

The inspiration to create Episencial came after Walls became a mother and was dissatisfied with the baby skincare options available, many of which contained ingredients like paraffin. Leveraging her education in cultural anthropology from UCSB, where she studied the integration of humans and technology, and her subsequent studies in biochemistry and nutrition, Walls aimed to create a product line that was safe, effective, and accessible. The business targets parents seeking organic, natural, and chemical-free skincare for their children. Its revenue is generated through the direct sale of its products, which are also distributed online and were available in retailers like Whole Foods.

The product line, which also goes by the name Babytime by Episencial, includes items such as lotions, washes, balms, and powders. A key differentiator is the focus on supporting the skin's natural immune functions. The formulas are free from parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances, instead utilizing organic ingredients and an exclusive "skin immune complex™" to protect and enhance the skin's barrier. The products are developed to be gentle enough for newborns and address common conditions while defending against environmental contaminants. Episencial also emphasizes its commitment to sustainability by using solar power for manufacturing and packaging in recycled materials. Keywords: baby skincare, children's skincare, natural skincare, organic baby products, Kim Walls, Episencial, Babytime, sensitive skin, chemical-free baby products, newborn safe, skin immunity, eco-friendly skincare, natural baby lotion, organic baby wash, diaper rash relief, parabens-free, phthalates-free, sustainable manufacturing, family skincare, child skin health