We Can’t Stop Gleansing
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Last fall, Strategist beauty writer Tembe Denton-Hurst wrote an ode toPrequel’s cleanser, calling it the most hydrating face wash she has ever used. “After washing my face, my skin felt like I’d applied a very light moisturizer,” she wrote. “After that first wash, I kept using it to see if that had been a fluke. It continued to work and after a few weeks, I noticed that I wouldn’t reach for anything else. It saw me through hormonal-acneflareups, dermaplaning accidents, and trying out a series of actives that probably did more harm than good. Over time I noticed my skin was generally happier.”
In the year since, we have all become Prequel-pilled. I converted after I was putting together ourroundtable on summer beauty, when Tembe and thenKrista Bennett DeMaiomentioned using the Gleanser and convinced me to try it. I’ve never been this enamored with a cleanser before. Cleansers, to me, were always the workhorses of my routine. Essential, sure, but never all that exciting. As its name would suggest, the gleanser is formulated with 50 percent glycerin so it’s non-stripping while still managing to remove all my makeup and sunscreen. It also contains inulin, arginine, oat extract, and aloe for even more skin soothing. My skin has never looked this supple or this even. I’m pretty sure it’s even helped calm my rosacea (which makes sense, as it’s gotten a coveted seal of approval from both theNational Rosacea Societyand theNational Eczema Association.)
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Prequel Gleanser
When I took a recent poll, I discovered that seven (and counting) members of the Strategist team are all using this cleanser, which is a rarity amongst a group of people who test out products for a living. The Gleanser has become the Strategist’s Sisterhood of the Traveling Face Wash — no matter the skin type or skin concern, it somehow magically works for everyone.
It’s great for single and double-cleansing
The tricky thing about face wash is that gel cleansers clean deeply but sometimestoowell, leaving the skin feeling dry, while cream cleansers are moisturizing, but sometimes don’t get the skin fully gunk-free. The Gleanser is the rare face wash that does it all. I love it is a one-and-done cleanser that leaves my skin both clean and hydrated. But it works just as well for double-cleansing.
“When I double cleanse my face, the gleanser is my second cleanse — I love how squishy it feels and never leaves my already drier skin stripped,” says Strategist writer Brenley Goertzen. “I was using it as a second step in a double cleanse, and it never left me feeling stripped or tight the way some other gel cleansers do,” adds writer Kitty Guo. “It basically feels like a more grown-up and luxe version of Cetaphil.”
It also works as a bodywash …
Goertzen also tested it for our Best in Class bodywash story and realized it was an even-better replacement for the discontinued CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash. “It has a slippery, smooth texture with a slight lather, but it’s non-stripping, so my skin never feels tight, even after drying off post-shower. In just a few weeks, it has alleviated some of the dry and rough skin on my elbows and legs,” she wrote. Strategist senior editor Crystal Marting also uses it below the neck.
… and as a shaving gel
In addition to using it as a bodywash and second cleanse, Goertzen also discovered it’s great for shaving. “I’ve also used it as a barrier between my skin and my razor for shaving with no irritation. The formula is ideal due to the gel-like consistency that then can be lathered.” Guo made a similar discovery and cites the “gentle and fragrance free,” formula as leaving her free of irritation post-shave.
It’s a hit with teens and tweens, too
Writer Krista Bennett DeMaio started gleansing in June and has had her bottle stolen twice by her daughters. Her teen daughter snuck it into her suitcase for a week of sleepaway camp, and she often has to steal it back from her bathroom. Her 9-year-old also used the Gleanser for the first time last week and had this review to share: “Um, that cleanser is amazing!” (High praise from the tween set.)
More cleanser we love
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