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Prequel is one of those brands that I had seen everywhere, but somehow hadn’t actually tested myself. I had heard plenty of beauty editor friends rave about the products’ efficacy and affordable price point, but it wasn’t until I was at another brand’s launch dinner and met an influencer who couldn’t stop raving about the Lip Visor SPF that I knew: it was time to finally try it.
ICYMI: The affordable brand was founded by dermatologist Dr. Sam Ellis, M.D. Each of their products is focused on gentle and effective ingredients that are broken up by different skin conditions, ranging from Psoriasis to eczema, dry skin, aging, rosacea, and more. At first glance, I was impressed not only by the size of the products (you get a lot of product for the budget-friendly price point), but also by the lack of fragrances or dyes in them.
So, I decided to swap my tried-and-true skincare to Prequel products over the course of two weeks. Keep reading to see my unfiltered thoughts on some of the brand’s best-selling products.
We like
- Clinically proven products
- Created by a dermatologist
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Products specifically created for different skin issues
- Allergy-tested
- Affordable price points
- A lot of product for the price
We don't like
- None that I experienced!
My Unfiltered Thoughts
Prequel has been gaining a lot of momentum as a dermatologist-founded brand, especially amid the current celebrity brand fatigue that has been occurring among consumers. I, too, have personally been feeling heavily fatigued by a new celebrity-backed brand popping up every other day. Usually, I stray away from switching up my skincare routine because I feel like I’ve finally nailed down a routine to clear skin. But since I’ve been hearing rave reviews about the brand, not just from influencers but other dermatologists whom I trust my skin with, I was less hesitant to give the brand’s bestsellers a try. I was particularly intrigued by the products’ affordable price points with their extremely generous sizing. Since its launch, the brand has also expanded into Target, doubling down on the category of effective skincare products that are derm-vetted. Ahead, you’ll find my honest reviews of some of Prequel’s bestselling products.
I started my morning skincare routine by testing out this "gleanser," which is a non-stripping cleanser for your face and body that has 50% glycerin in it. It's also formulated with inulin and an aquaporin-stimulating active that is meant to help make your skin more supple. As for the texture, it comes in a fun jelly formula that glides easily across the skin and also helps remove makeup and excess oil. After using it, my skin didn't feel stripped at all, and I loved that it comes in a giant 13.5-ounce bottle for only $18 (that's a steal!). The cleanser also has two major seals: it's accepted by the National Eczema Association and the National Rosacea Society.
We like
We don't like
This cream is a luxurious, rich skin protectant that's created for the face and body, but I particularly loved it on my body. Since I have developed dry to very dry skin, I decided to focus on my body, as my face isn't as dry. It really helped with the tightness when your skin is so dry and the itchiness you feel, especially after a hot shower or a flare-up. It's super soothing and soaks right in with a blend of colloidal oatmeal, ceramides, allantoin, and adenosine.
We like
We don't like
As someone whose hands get very dry (and who has a four-year-old, which leads to washing my hands constantly), I fell in love with Prequel's Hand Wrap. The product has been clinically tested for 24 hours of wear, and I have to say that it was really moisturizing, even when I washed my hands consistently. The cream itself was not greasy and didn't leave a sticky feeling. After applying, I was able to continue with my day without having to wait a while for the cream to really soak in. Over a few weeks of use, my hands felt softer and looked less dry overall. That's all thanks to the product's proprietary lipid complex that contains glycolipids, soybean sterols, and plant-based sodium hyaluronate to work together to protect your skin's barrier.
We like
We don't like
Finding a sunscreen that doesn't leave a white cast is always a struggle, but this one is a lightweight, chemical sunscreen. It helps produce your skin's moisture barrier while also protecting you from the sun's harsh rays. It was easy to blend in, didn't leave an annoying white cast, and worked well when paired with makeup. It's formulated with ingredients like rice phytomolecules, organic UV filters, and microalgae.
We like
We don't like
I've always dealt with cracked feet – I blame it on all my years of dancing growing up — and I've never really found a foot cream that's helped me solve the issue. I was a little hesitant at first since the brand's Foot Rescue Advanced Restorative Treatment had acids in it and I have super sensitive skin, but I was happily surprised that it was actually a gentle exfoliating treatment that truly delivers. The ointment is formulated with salicylic acid, malic acid, and 15% pure urea to help exfoliate and soften rough, dry feet. This instantly became one product that I knew I was going to continue to add to my body care routine, especially in the summertime.
We like
We don't like
My Final Thoughts
After using all of the brand’s hero products for the past few weeks, it’s easy to see why so many people swear by Prequel. These products do exactly what they say they’re going to, and you’re not going to break the bank getting the results you actually want.
Standouts for me had to be the Solar Shade (because I live in California, where the sun is always out!), the Hand Wrap, and the Foot Rescue treatments. The last two products were especially winners because I didn’t even know I needed them in my routine until I tried them out. And, now that I have tried them out, I simply can’t do without them. If you’re in the market for affordable, effective, and all-around easy-to-use skincare products, you can shop Prequel now at https://prequelskin.com.
