Prequel Skincare Launches in UK, Offering Dermatologist-Formulated Products
The cult US brand, known for its focus on skin barrier health and effective, straightforward formulas, has arrived at Space NK with eight products.
Cult US skincare brand Prequel has officially launched in the United Kingdom, making its products available at retailer Space NK. The brand, founded by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Samantha Ellis, aims to combine dermatological expertise with everyday skincare, focusing on formulas that support the skin barrier and long-term skin health.
Prequel's product line emphasizes evidence-led formulations without complicated routines or excessive active ingredients. Instead, the brand utilizes well-known skincare components such as glycerin, ceramides, peptides, oat extract, and hypochlorous acid in straightforward combinations. All products are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and developed with sensitive and irritation-prone skin in mind. The UK range is priced between £19 and £30.
Since its arrival, Prequel has been tested by journalists, with particular attention paid to its viral "Gleanser." This product features a unique jelly-like texture due to its high glycerin content, making it suitable for a second cleanse. Another notable product is the "Pre-Gleanse" oil, designed for the first step of a double cleanse, which effectively removes makeup without leaving a residue or causing eye irritation.
The "Half & Half" is described as a lightweight liquid moisturizer, ideal for those seeking hydration without a heavy feel, making it suitable for warmer weather or as an under-SPF layer. Its counterpart, the "AM/PM" moisturizer, is a more substantial, no-nonsense cream formulated with peptides and ceramides to hydrate and support the skin barrier, recommended for normal, combination, or mildly dry skin.
For those incorporating hypochlorous acid into their routine, Prequel offers a 0.02% stabilized formula. This ingredient is known for its antimicrobial, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties, commonly used in sprays to calm irritated skin.
Additionally, the "Redness Reform" serum is designed to soothe redness and irritation, utilizing oat kernel extract, beta-glucan, and fatty acids. The "Multi-Quench Serum" focuses on hydration, featuring polyglutamic acid and glycerin to plump the skin and protect against dehydration and environmental stress. This serum has a bouncy, silky texture rather than a sticky one.
The brand also offers an exfoliating product containing a blend of AHAs like glycolic, phytic, malic, mandelic, and lactic acids, combined with squalane to help soften the skin and reduce moisture loss. However, caution is advised for those with sensitive skin or those already using other exfoliating treatments.
After extensive testing, Prequel has garnered praise for its foundational approach to skincare, prioritizing hydration, soothing, and barrier support over complex ingredient trends. Several products, including the Gleanser, Half & Half Fluid Moisturizer, and Multi-Quench Serum, were highlighted as standouts, suggesting a strong initial impression for the brand in the UK market.