3 Dermatologists Recommended This Clinical Skincare Brand
I spent years navigating the beautiful, bewildering world of beauty as an editor. It’s a marathon of testing thousands of products, juggling deadlines, and trying to cut through the sheer noise of the beauty industry. But when you’re deep in the trenches, you start looking for the true gold—the products that don’t just look good, but genuinely work.
Finding that elusive holy grail often means trusting the experts. Lately, I’ve been leaning heavily on the advice of top dermatologists and estheticians, and I’ve noticed a fascinating pattern. When multiple experts recommend the same brand, it’s time to put those recommendations to the ultimate test. Weeks later, I found a skincare line that passed the scrutiny, proving itself to be affordable, accessible, and, most importantly, clinically effective.
Meet Prequel, a skincare line founded by Sam Ellis, MD, a board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist. Prequel’s philosophy is built on the principle that skincare should be science-backed and solution-oriented for every skin type. As an editor, I appreciate that every Prequel product undergoes rigorous clinical testing to ensure optimum efficacy and real results, making the brand truly trustworthy.
Prequel’s commitment to medical-grade ingredients is evident in its formulation. The brand focuses on elegant, no-frills formulas that tackle skin concerns with precision. For example, their hero hydrating ingredient, glycerin, is superior to hyaluronic acid because its smaller molecular size allows it to penetrate deeper into the skin, offering more sustained moisture and barrier-strengthening support.
The product line offers some truly game-changing formulas. For deep cleansing, the Prequel Gleanser cleanser, formulated with 50% glycerin, melts onto the skin to remove impurities without stripping moisture. For those looking for refinement, the Gleanser + Glycolic Acid cleanser provides gentle exfoliation, helping to reveal brighter, smoother skin.
For those who love double cleansing, the Pre-Gleanse oil-based formula effectively cuts through sunscreen and makeup without leaving any residue, making it perfect for all skin types, even acne-prone complexions.
When it comes to daily moisture, the AM/PM Moisturizer is a masterclass in simplicity. This mid-weight cream is fast-absorbing, non-greasy, and packed with a ferment-peptide complex and ceramides to replenish moisture and lock it in, all while playing beautifully with makeup.
For targeted treatments, Prequel shines with its advanced treatments. The Retinal Renew gel is my favorite for resurfacing, targeting fine lines, acne, and sun damage. It’s infused with soothing ingredients like ectoin and cica, ensuring powerful renewal without irritation.
Hydration is further amplified by the Multi-Quench Polyglutamic Acid Serum, which uses dual-weight polyglutamic acid to provide 48 hours of deep hydration. And for those dealing with chronic redness, the Redness Reform Sulfur Cleanser and Redness Reform Serum work wonders, utilizing soothing ingredients like colloidal sulfur, arnica, and oat to calm inflammation.
Even for stubborn marks, the Scar Solutions Stick uses 60% silicone to effectively reduce the appearance of red and healing scars. And for radiant skin, the Lucent-C Serum delivers potent antioxidant protection with vitamin C and ferulic acid to fight free radicals and brighten dullness.
Prequel proves that you don’t have to choose between clinical efficacy and a beautiful routine. By focusing on ingredient know-how and tangible results, this brand has become my trusted source for skincare that truly delivers.