Review: Prequel Gleanser

I heard about this product on this sub and was immediately interested because 1) I actually keep a small bottle of plain glycerin on hand to augment my skincare during dry weather - my skin likes it that much. And 2) I have been planning to switch to taz and suspected my current cleanser was a bit too stripping. Lots of folks on here says taz is crazy potent and can really blow up your barrier if you aren't careful. So a cleanser primarily made of glycerin sounded promising for my skin and my upcoming needs. The texture right out of the pump is, to be blunt, mucosal and vaguely off-putting. If you have tried Cosrx 96 snail mucin, imagine that but thicker and.. stretchier? However, when applied to the skin it transforms into a pleasant, velvety lather. A little goes a long way - you could probably do most of your body with a loofah and one full pump. I use a large pea size amount for my face. It takes a fair bit of rinsing to get all of it off, especially if you use too much. The experience may be improved by using a wash cloth or similar, but I just rinse several times and dry with my usual face towels. My skin dries down to a very clean, soft texture over the course of a few minutes. I apply my retinoid after 15+ minutes of drying time, depending on my timing that evening. I do not wear makeup so I can't speak to that, but I could see this being an appealing second step in a double cleansing routine because it leaves my skin feeling primed for products. I don't need new products, but my experience with this one makes me want to try the brand's matching oil cleanser or vitamin C lotion. Lastly, packaging: very attractive, but not that sturdy-feeling. This pump and bottle both feel a bit flimsy - perhaps better suited for a bathroom counter than a shower shelf, which is at odds with the size of the bottle. Routine: AM: Rinse with water. (Opt) Apply glycerin rosewater spritz or Cosrx 96 snail mucin Aestura Atobarrier lotion OR Vanicream daily facial moisturizer TJ's invisible facial sunscreen PM: Prequel Gleanser Let dry 10+ minutes 0.025% micro gel tretinoin OR short contact therapy 0.05% taz