Prequel

Prequel Non-Drying Glycolic Acid Cleanser.

Cleansers

About this product

A non-drying glycolic acid cleanser with 5% glycolic acid for daily exfoliation.

Full ingredients

Glycerin, Water (Aqua), Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Glycolic Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Hydroxide, Polyglyceryl-10 Tristearate, Coco-Glucoside, Inulin, Glycol Distearate, Polyquaternium-10, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Lecithin, Xanthan Gum

Guru Score

78%

Yay

4 experts · Moderate agreement

What the gurus are saying

This cleanser combines 5% glycolic acid with 50% glycerin, delivering chemical exfoliation without the dryness that usually comes with glycolic products. Since it rinses away quickly, the acid spends less time on skin, making it a gentler option for sensitive skin and daily use, so anyone hesitant about glycolic irritation can feel secure using it.

Synthesized from 4 expert reviews · most recent take July 2026

What they liked

Gentle glycolic exfoliation in a rinse-off format
High glycerin keeps skin hydrated while cleansing
Does not leave skin feeling tight or dry

What they flagged

Nothing. None of the experts who reviewed it raised a problem.

Best for

Oily skin Combination skin Acne-prone skin

Type

CleansersLiquid

Key actives

AHA

Formula notes

Fragrance-freeNo drying alcohol

Where to buy

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What the gurus are saying.

Every take we've logged from this product's reviews across YouTube. Click any row to watch the moment they said it.

All takes Yay takes Nay takes Mixed takes Hide sponsored

The Budget Dermatologist

724k subs

✓Yay

"Another option for a cleanser is by Prequel, it's their Glanser. This has 5% glycolic acid in it. Another great entry point to trying this ingredient in your routine."

All 2 takes from The Budget Dermatologist

Anti-Aging on a Budget: The Morning Routine I Swear By!

"The one I'm using today is by Prequel. This has 5% glycolic acid in it."

How To Incorporate Glycolic Acid Into Your Anti-aging Routine! + Budget Product Recommendations

"Another option for a cleanser is by Prequel, it's their Glanser. This has 5% glycolic acid in it. Another great entry point to trying this ingredient in your routine."

AliceintheRabbitHole

59k subs

✓Yay

"This is Prequel's newest cleanser, a Non-Drying Glycolic Acid Cleanser. [...] I have to be really careful with glycolic acid, but I think we can use it in a cleanser because you're getting short contact therapy, and it's also a high glycerin product, so it's more hydrating while you wash your face. [...] My skin does not feel dried out. I cannot believe I just used a non-harsh glycolic acid cleanser. Another wonderful addition to the Prequel brand, which has grown a lot."

Beyond50Skin

32k subs

✓Mixed

"This has glycolic which is great for collagen boosting but for me personally is slightly sensitizing. So I can only do this once a week and sometimes once every other week."

Dr. Sam Ellis

898k subs

✓Yay

"It's the one with the navy cap. It just has 5% glycolic acid, so you get this very gentle chemical exfoliation that's just like a little nudge for your skin. You can safely use it head to toe, and it works amazing for shaving."

SponsoredFounder's own brand

All 2 takes from Dr. Sam Ellis

How to Fix Dull, Crepey Body Skin | Firm Glowing Skin Tricks | Dr. Sam Ellis

Introducing Prequel's NEW Gleanser + Glycolic Non-Drying Glycolic Acid Cleanser | Dr. Sam Ellis

"I love glycolic acid in a rinseoff product. It's such an effective way to exfoliate and encourage skin renewal for that smoother, more radiant, youthful skin. It's great for both the face and body, like this lives in my shower. And it also helps with things like those pesky body bumps, also known as keratosis pilaris. And it can even help prevent ingrown hairs. Like our other cleansers, this cleanses the skin without stripping it."

What the evidence says.

Independent of what the gurus think, this is what the published research supports about the main active ingredients here.

Alpha hydroxy acids

Alpha hydroxy acids loosen the bonds holding dead cells at the surface. The evidence supports smoother texture and more even tone over time, and they can leave skin more sensitive to sun.

Source: NIH, National Library of Medicine

Frequently asked.

What is Prequel Non-Drying Glycolic Acid Cleanser?

A non-drying glycolic acid cleanser with 5% glycolic acid for daily exfoliation.

Is Prequel Non-Drying Glycolic Acid Cleanser worth it?

Mostly yes. 3 of the 4 gurus who reviewed it give it their stamp of approval, for a Guru Score of 78%.

What is Prequel Non-Drying Glycolic Acid Cleanser's Guru Score?

Prequel Non-Drying Glycolic Acid Cleanser holds a Guru Score of 78%. That is our read on how warmly the experts talk about it, based on the verdicts of 4 expert reviewers we have collected.