Forget the elaborate skincare routine—these straightforward products have truly transformed my glow.
Can I be truly candid for a moment? Each time I hear about a new skincare brand launching, I can’t help but think: "Is another one really necessary?" I find it already challenging enough to curate the ideal skincare routine without complicating it with more products. As a beauty editor who evaluates products professionally, I prefer to rely on my staple cleansers, moisturizers, and serums that I know genuinely work for my skin. Nonetheless, one recent launch has certainly caught my eye. I'm referring to Prequel, which is among the fastest-growing skincare brands in the US and embodies many qualities that I appreciate in my current skincare staples, so I was eager to try it out. Founded by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Samantha Ellis, Prequel has just debuted at Space NK, offering eight of its most popular products, all priced at £30 or below.
While the pricing certainly enhances its appeal, what initially attracted me was the brand’s effective ingredients and straightforward approach to daily skincare. Each product is formulated with the skin barrier in mind, avoiding trends in favor of gentle, fragrance-free formulas that are suitable for even sensitive skin. Furthermore, every product has a distinct purpose, whether it’s to remove makeup, hydrate, or alleviate redness and irritation. I’ve been busy testing the brand, and within just a few days of using the products, I could tell I’d want to write a full review on Prequel. That’s a rarity, but it’s clear why this brand is generating buzz...
### The Best Prequel Products, Tried & Tested
- **Best Cleanser:** Prequel Gleanser, £20
- **Best Serum:** Prequel Redness Reform Soothing Serum, £22
- **Best Moisturiser:** Prequel AM/PM Modern Moisturizer, £20
- **Best Facial Mist:** Prequel Universal Skin Solution Dermal Spray, £19
1. **Prequel Pre-Gleanse Cleansing Oil**
**Best Cleansing Oil**
**Key Ingredients:** Cica oil, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, rice bran oil
I enjoy using cleansing oils to take off my makeup, but my skin can easily become congested, so I am cautious when trying new formulas. Prequel's cleansing oil effectively removes makeup and excess oil without clogging my pores, thanks to a non-comedogenic, oil-to-rinse formula. It's one of the few cleansing oils I've tested that doesn't leave a greasy film on the skin, and it’s safe for sensitive and acne-prone skin types. After my first cleanse using this, my skin feels soft, supported, and never deprived of moisture.
**Pros:**
- Easily removes makeup
- Non-comedogenic formula
- Leaves skin feeling soft, not oily
**Cons:**
- Cleansing oils can be cumbersome to travel with
2. **Prequel Gleanser**
**Best Cleanser**
**Key Ingredients:** Glycerin, oat extract, aloe vera
This cleanser first came to my attention when esthetician and Who What Wear UK beauty contributor Grace Day highlighted it in her best products for sensitive skin roundup. Intended for both face and body, it is infused with glycerin, which acts as a humectant that draws moisture into the skin. Additionally, it contains calming ingredients like oat extract and aloe vera, making it great for dry or irritated skin (it’s even suitable for those with rosacea). Pair this with the cleansing oil above for an ideal gentle cleansing routine.
**Pros:**
- Excellent for daily use
- Leaves skin super hydrated
- Soothing components
3. **Prequel Redness Reform Soothing Serum**
**Best Serum**
**Key Ingredients:** Oat, arnica, vitamin F
The brand offers two serums currently at Space NK: the Redness Reform Soothing Serum mentioned above and the Multi-Quench Plumping Hydration Serum (£30). While I typically enjoy a hydrating serum, my skin has been quite red and irritated lately, so I opted for the Redness Reform Soothing Serum, and I’m really pleased I did. The lightweight formula feels cool and comforting on the skin, and it's effective at reducing redness while soothing skin beneath the surface with its blend of oat, arnica, and vitamin F. Though I might not use it nightly, I can definitely foresee reaching for this one when using actives in my routine to maintain balance.
**Pros:**
- Lightweight texture
- Instantly soothes skin
**Cons:**
- Some may want a more active formula
4. **Prequel Half & Half Fluid Moisturizer**
**Best Lightweight Moisturiser**
**Key Ingredients:** Peptides, ceramides
This is undoubtedly my favorite product from the brand
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Forget the elaborate skincare routine—these straightforward products have truly transformed my glow.
There's a reason it is favored by editors.
