Can I be completely honest for a second? Every time I hear a new skincare brand is launching, I think: “Do we really need another one?” I find creating the perfect skincare routine confusing enough without throwing even more products into the mix. Even as a beauty editor who tests products for a living, I like to stick to my ride-or-die cleansers, moisturisers and serums that I know truly work for me. However, one launch has really grabbed my attention lately. Yes, I’m talking about Prequel.
One of the fastest-growing skincare brands in the US, Prequel embodies pretty much everything I love about my current skincare favourites, so I knew I had to give it a go. Founded by board-certified dermatologist Dr Samantha Ellis, the brand has just launched at Space NK, offering 8 of its most popular formulas, all coming in at £30 or less.
Whilst the price point certainly adds to the appeal, what first grabbed my attention was the brand’s efficacious ingredients and simplistic approach to an everyday skincare routine. Each product has been designed with your skin barrier in mind, forgoing trends in place of fragrance-free, gentle formulas that strengthen even sensitive skin. Plus, every product has a clear use, whether that’s to remove makeup, hydrate the skin or soothe redness and irritation. I’ve been busy putting the brand to the test, and within a few days of using the products, I already knew I would be writing a full review on Prequel. That doesn’t happen often, but honestly, it’s obvious why this brand is already being talked about…
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The Best Prequel Products, Tried & Tested
1. Prequel Pre-Gleanse Cleansing Oil
Prequel
Pre-Gleanse Cleansing Oil
Key ingredients: Cica oil, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, rice bran oil
I love using a cleansing oil to remove my makeup, but my skin can get clogged easily, so I have to be very careful when trying a new formula. Prequel’s cleansing oil lifts away makeup and excess sebum without clogging my pores thanks to a non-comedogenic, oil-to-rinse formula. It’s one of the only cleansing oils I’ve tried that doesn’t leave a greasy residue on the skin, and it’s even safe for sensitive and acne-prone complexions. After using this as my first cleanse, my skin feels soft, supported and never stripped of moisture.
Pros
- Removes makeup easily
- Non-comedogenic formula
- Leaves skin feeling soft, not greasy
Cons
- Cleansing oils can be difficult to travel with
2. Prequel Gleanser
Key ingredients: Glycerin, oat extract, aloe vera
This cleanser first came on my radar after hearing esthetician and Who What Wear UK beauty contributor Grace Day include it in her roundup of the best products for sensitive skin. Designed for both the face and body, it is packed with glycerin, which works as a humectant, drawing water into the skin to keep it hydrated. It also contains soothing ingredients such as oat extract and aloe vera, making it an ideal option for dry or irritated complexions (it’s even safe for those of you with rosacea). Pair this with the oil above for the perfect everyday routine to gently cleanse the skin.
Pros
- Great for everyday use
- Leaves skin super hydrated
- Soothing ingredients
3. Prequel Redness Reform Soothing Serum
Prequel
Redness Reform Soothing Serum
Key ingredients: Oat, arnica, vitamin F
The brand currently has two serums available on Space NK: the one above, and then the Multi-Quench Plumping Hydration Serum (£30). Whilst I love a hydrating serum as much as the next person, my skin has been feeling particularly red and irritated lately, so I was keen to try the Redness Reform Soothing Serum instead, and I’m so glad I did. The lightweight formula feels cool and calming on the skin, and what I love is that it instantly works to reduce redness whilst also soothing skin under the surface thanks to a blend of oat, arnica and vitamin F. It might not be a serum I reach for every night, but when I’m using actives in my routine, I can definitely see myself reaching for this one to keep things balanced.
Pros
- Lightweight texture
- Instantly soothes skin
Cons
- Some may prefer a more active formula
4. Prequel Half & Half Fluid Moisturizer
Prequel
Half & Half Fluid Moisturizer
Key ingredients: Peptides, ceramides
This is, hands down, my favourite product from the brand (so far). As the name suggests, it sits halfway between a milky toner and lightweight moisturiser, something that my combination skin can’t get enough of. I personally use it as a moisturiser both morning and night, but if you have dry skin, you can apply it underneath a richer cream for even more moisture. Although it’s lightweight, it is packed with ceramides and peptides, adding this dewy, plump finish to the skin that has earned me so many compliments.
Pros
- Lightweight texture
- Perfect for combination skin
- Adds a dewy finish
Cons
- Dry skin types might want to layer this under a richer moisturiser
5. Prequel AM/PM Modern Moisturizer
Prequel
AM/PM Modern Moisturizer
Key ingredients: Ceramides, glycerin, polyglycerides, linoleic acid, linolenic acid
Speaking of moisturisers, I was surprised that I liked this one as much as I did. It’s full of hydrating ingredients, so I thought it would have a rich, almost greasy texture that wouldn’t agree with my combination skin. However, I was pleasantly surprised by its lightweight, somewhat gel-like consistency that leaves you with a soft, silky finish and a supported skin barrier. I’d actually say it’s the perfect middle point between a light gel moisturiser and a rich cream, making it ideal for so many different skin types. Another everyday essential I can’t imagine my skincare routine without.
Pros
- Moisturising yet lightweight
- Tube is easy to travel with
Cons
- Might not be rich enough for very dry skin
6. Prequel Universal Skin Solution Dermal Spray
Prequel
Universal Skin Solution Dermal Spray
Key ingredients: 0.02% hypochlorous acid, soothing mineral concentrate, electrolysed water
This is a bit of a new product for me, but I wanted to include it as I’ve been using it so much this past week. It’s essentially a facial mist made for reactive skin, and can be applied whenever you want to soothe or calm the complexion. It also helps neutralise acne-causing bacteria, so I like to use it after the gym if I’ve had a particularly sweaty workout. It’s not something you need in your routine, but I’ve personally found it a really helpful addition to my everyday life, especially when I’m experiencing more redness than usual.
Pros
- Refreshing, lightweight texture
- Great for calming the skin
Cons
- Not something you necessarily need as part of your skincare routine
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