In the past 30 days, three dermatologists have suggested this budget-friendly, clinical-grade skincare brand to me.

In the past 30 days, three dermatologists have suggested this budget-friendly, clinical-grade skincare brand to me.

      As a beauty editor, I recognize that my career is far from conventional. Whether you choose to call it breaking the fourth wall or unveiling the curtain, I’m about to do just that. Each year, beauty editors like me evaluate thousands of new products, handle numerous deadlines, conduct interviews with industry authorities, and sort through an overwhelming number of emails. All the while, we remain perennially connected online and informed about trending beauty news. I genuinely enjoy my role, but in such a crowded field, it can be challenging to sift through the clutter and select the finest beauty items. However, I have my strategies. One key method involves noting the recommendations from leading dermatologists and estheticians during interviews and casual chats. Recently, I’ve observed a noteworthy trend: over the past 30 days, three dermatologists have consistently suggested the same skincare brand. Naturally, I did what any diligent beauty editor would and tested the brand's offerings. After several weeks, I’m thrilled to declare that I’ve discovered a new favorite skincare brand that is both affordable and clinical-grade (meaning it’s exceptionally effective). Keep reading to discover the editor-approved products.

      Introducing the Brand

      Allow me to present Prequel, a skincare line you may recognize from the shelves of Target or Amazon’s online shop. Developed by Sam Ellis, MD, a board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist, Prequel is rooted in scientific principles and tailored for diverse skin types and concerns. As an editor, I value that each product is clinically tested for optimal effectiveness and genuine results.

      Examining its wide range of products reveals its origins in dermatological expertise; it incorporates medical-grade ingredients, emphasizes straightforward formulas, and prioritizes robust sun protection—with offerings like SPF, Fingerless Sun Gloves ($25), and a Wide-Brimmed UPF 50+ Hat ($30). The brand’s name reflects its mission; as Ellis remarks on the website, “My goal with Prequel was to create a line of products that can be used before you ever need to see a dermatologist—things that can help keep your skin healthy over time.”

      Top Prequel Products

      In case you missed it, glycerin is a standout hydrating ingredient. Experts indicate that it outperforms hyaluronic acid due to its smaller molecular size, allowing deeper penetration into the skin. While HA excels at plumping, glycerin provides more profound, long-lasting moisture and strengthens the skin barrier. This cleanser is formulated with an impressive 50% glycerin, hence its name "Gleanser." Thanks to the high glycerin content, it has a unique jelly-like texture that melts into the skin and transforms into a silky lather, efficiently removing sunscreen, makeup, oil, and impurities without stripping the skin or disrupting its pH. Additional ingredients like arginine, oat extract, and aloe ensure soothing properties and prevention of irritation. Best of all? It’s designed for all skin types.

      PREQUEL

      Gleanser + Glycolic

      Then there’s the Gleanser + Glycolic, which shares the same base formula as the original (50% glycerin) but includes 5% glycolic acid for exfoliation and firming benefits. This cleanser brightens, firms, smooths, and evens skin tone, functioning as a resurfacing cleanser that avoids stripping, irritation, or aggravating redness.

      I’m a fan of double cleansing, and if you share that affinity, I highly recommend Prequel's Pre-Gleanse. This product is meant to precede the "Gleanser" and possesses an oil-based formula that effortlessly breaks down sunscreen, makeup, and impurities without leaving a residue or clogging pores. Thanks to a unique blend of oils—cica, linoleic, linolenic, and rice bran—along with gentle surfactants, it rinses off cleanly, refreshing the skin and clearing pores.

      PREQUEL

      AM/PM Moisturizer

      This, dear reader, is now my go-to moisturizer. I've used it twice daily for two weeks and I can’t get enough. It’s a medium-weight moisturizer (not too light or heavy) that absorbs quickly, is non-greasy, and leaves a natural finish. This means it’s an ideal no-frills formula that fulfills all my needs without unnecessary extras. Featuring a ferment-peptide complex, ceramides, and hydrating ingredients (glycerin, polyglycerides, and vitamin F), it replenishes the skin's moisture and secures it. True to its name, I use it both morning and night, and it performs well in both instances. And yes, it plays nicely with makeup—no pilling, smudging, or cakiness.

      After a summer spent at the beach, I’m refocusing on consistent retinol use this fall, and this is my top choice. The advanced, stable retinaldehyde (the strongest nonprescription form of vitamin A) addresses fine lines, wrinkles

In the past 30 days, three dermatologists have suggested this budget-friendly, clinical-grade skincare brand to me. In the past 30 days, three dermatologists have suggested this budget-friendly, clinical-grade skincare brand to me. In the past 30 days, three dermatologists have suggested this budget-friendly, clinical-grade skincare brand to me. In the past 30 days, three dermatologists have suggested this budget-friendly, clinical-grade skincare brand to me. In the past 30 days, three dermatologists have suggested this budget-friendly, clinical-grade skincare brand to me. In the past 30 days, three dermatologists have suggested this budget-friendly, clinical-grade skincare brand to me. In the past 30 days, three dermatologists have suggested this budget-friendly, clinical-grade skincare brand to me. In the past 30 days, three dermatologists have suggested this budget-friendly, clinical-grade skincare brand to me. In the past 30 days, three dermatologists have suggested this budget-friendly, clinical-grade skincare brand to me. In the past 30 days, three dermatologists have suggested this budget-friendly, clinical-grade skincare brand to me. In the past 30 days, three dermatologists have suggested this budget-friendly, clinical-grade skincare brand to me. In the past 30 days, three dermatologists have suggested this budget-friendly, clinical-grade skincare brand to me. In the past 30 days, three dermatologists have suggested this budget-friendly, clinical-grade skincare brand to me. In the past 30 days, three dermatologists have suggested this budget-friendly, clinical-grade skincare brand to me.

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In the past 30 days, three dermatologists have suggested this budget-friendly, clinical-grade skincare brand to me.

As a beauty editor, I recognize that my role is quite unique. Whether you refer to it as breaking the fourth wall or lifting the veil, I'm going to do just that. Each year, we beauty editors evaluate countless new products, handle numerous deadlines simultaneously, conduct interviews with industry professionals, and manage a flood of emails. All of this is done while being constantly connected online and keeping up with the latest beauty trends.