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Prelude Facial Treatment Cleanser

Prelude Facial Treatment Cleanser

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

A therapeutic gel cleanser powered by patented MicroFusion Technology™ that draws out micro-pollutants and pore-clogging debris while gentle botanical AHAs, fulvic acid, and antioxidant-rich extracts leave skin clean, balanced, and hydrated — never stripped.

Sulfate-Free Paraben-Free Non-Comedogenic Dermatologist Tested Cruelty-Free Vegan All Skin Types Petrolatum-Free
Pregnancy
Caution
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
180ml / 6 fl oz
Price
~$58
Type
Gel Cleanser
Concerns
Pores, Acne, Dullness
Use
AM & PM Daily
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

MicroFusion Technology™

Patented bi-directional fulvic acid molecule that draws out micro-pollutants and toxins like a magnet while delivering active ingredients deep into the skin.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Clear Gel
Scent
Light Botanical Citrus
Absorption
Rinse-Off
Finish
Clean, Balanced

MicroFusion Technology™

Patented bi-directional fulvic acid molecule that draws out micro-pollutants and toxins like a magnet while delivering active ingredients deep into the skin.

Gentle Botanical AHAs

A proprietary blend of mild alpha hydroxy acids that promotes cellular turnover and improves skin tone and texture without irritation.

Barrier-Friendly Cleansing

Sulfate-free surfactants (Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate) combined with glycerin and botanicals cleanse without stripping the moisture barrier.

Antioxidant-Rich Botanicals

Chia seed, jojoba, sunflower, rosehip, and chamomile extracts work together to soothe, protect, and nourish skin during cleansing.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Contains multiple essential oils (bergamot, lavender, lemon, lime, tangerine) which some healthcare providers recommend avoiding during pregnancy. No retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone. Consult your OB-GYN before use.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia)

Not fungal acne safe. Contains Polysorbate 20, Coconut Fatty Acid, Jojoba Seed Oil, and Sunflower Seed Oil — all of which can feed Malassezia yeast.

Sensitive Skin

Formulated with gentle, sulfate-free surfactants and soothing botanicals like aloe vera, chamomile, and panthenol. Dermatologist tested and suitable for even compromised or post-procedure skin.

Non-Comedogenic

Rated 1/5 on the comedogenic scale. Designed to de-congest pores rather than clog them. Rinse-off formula minimizes any pore-clogging risk from plant oils.

Retinol & Vitamin C Compatible

This gentle cleanser pairs well with retinol, vitamin C, and other active treatments. The mild AHAs will not over-exfoliate when combined with actives in a normal routine.

AHA/BHA Compatibility

Contains gentle botanical AHAs already. If layering with stronger AHA/BHA exfoliants, use the Prelude cleanser in the morning and your chemical exfoliant in the evening to avoid over-exfoliation.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Fulvic Acid (MicroFusion Technology™) Key ActivePatented

A naturally occurring organic compound that acts as a bi-directional delivery molecule — drawing out toxins, micro-pollutants, and debris from pores while simultaneously transporting beneficial active ingredients deeper into the skin.

  • Function: Detoxification + active ingredient delivery into dermal layers
  • Research: Fulvic acid has demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and chelating properties in dermatological studies
  • Benefit: 91% of clinical study participants reported skin felt more balanced and hydrated
Unique to Hydrinity — this patented technology is not found in any other cleanser on the market.

Proprietary Botanical AHA Blend GentleProven

A custom mix of mild alpha hydroxy acids derived from natural botanical sources. Enhances skin exfoliation and promotes cellular turnover at a gentle enough level for twice-daily use.

  • Function: Mild chemical exfoliation and skin resurfacing
  • Research: AHAs are well-documented for improving skin texture, tone, and radiance at low concentrations
  • Benefit: 100% of clinical study participants reported smoother, softer skin texture

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice SoothingProven

Rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and polysaccharides, Aloe calms irritation, supports wound healing, and replenishes moisture in the skin.

  • Source: Aloe vera plant leaf extract
  • Research: Extensively studied for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties
  • Benefit: Helps prevent post-cleansing tightness and irritation

Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil ConditioningProven

Closely mimics human sebum, making it an excellent skin-conditioning oil that delivers fatty acids and antioxidants to support repair and calm the skin without clogging pores.

  • Source: Extracted from the jojoba plant seed
  • Research: Shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and enhance skin barrier function
  • Benefit: Helps balance oil production and supports the skin's natural lipid barrier

Salvia Hispanica (Chia) Seed Extract ProtectivePromising

Packed with antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and anti-inflammatory compounds that help protect the skin and maintain a balanced skin barrier.

  • Source: Derived from Chia seeds
  • Research: Rich in alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) with demonstrated skin-barrier-strengthening and anti-inflammatory effects
  • Benefit: Reinforces the moisture barrier while providing antioxidant protection during cleansing

Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) HydratingProven

A humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, enhancing hydration and supporting the skin's natural repair processes.

  • Source: Provitamin B5, converts to pantothenic acid in the skin
  • Research: Well-established moisturizer and skin protectant used in both medical and cosmetic formulations
  • Benefit: Prevents post-cleansing dryness and supports barrier repair

Anthemis Nobilis (Roman Chamomile) Flower Oil CalmingProven

Derived from Roman chamomile, this botanical active is known for its skin-soothing and antibacterial benefits, making it ideal for blemish-prone skin.

  • Source: Roman chamomile flower extract
  • Research: Contains bisabolol and chamazulene with well-documented anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties
  • Benefit: Calms redness and irritation while supporting clearer skin
Essential oil — may cause sensitivity in individuals with chamomile or daisy family allergies. Patch test recommended.

40 ingredients

Water/Aqua/Eau, Propanediol, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate, Fulvic Acid, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Coco-Glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Mixed Tocopherols, Panthenol, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xylitol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Polysorbate 20, Galactoarabinan, Trehalose, Coconut Fatty Acid, Sorbitol, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Phosphate, Rosa Canina Seed Oil, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Bergamot Oil Cold Pressed, Benzyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Lavender Oil Organic, Lemon Oil Cold Pressed, Lime Oil, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Tangerine Cold Pressed, Limonene, Phenoxyethanol, Aminopropanol, Myrcene.

FREE FROM: Sulfates (SLS/SLES), Parabens, Synthetic Fragrances, Petrolatum, Dyes, Synthetic Antibiotics, Retinoids, Hydroquinone, Salicylic Acid, Phthalates, Formaldehyde
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleanser (This Product)
2
Toner / Mist
3
Serum
4
Eye Cream
5
Moisturizer
6
Sunscreen (AM)

Use as Step 1 in both AM and PM routines. In the evening, Prelude works as a double cleanse — no separate makeup remover needed. Follow with Hydrinity HYACYN Active Mist and serums for best results.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Dampen Your Face

Splash warm water onto face and neck to prepare the skin for cleansing.

2

Apply Two Pumps

Dispense two pumps of Prelude cleanser onto your fingertips. The gel will lather into a rich, bubbly foam.

3

Massage for 60 Seconds

Gently massage in circular motions across the face and neck for at least one minute. This allows the MicroFusion Technology to draw out impurities.

4

Rinse & Pat Dry

Rinse thoroughly with warm water and gently pat dry with a clean towel. Follow with your serum and moisturizer.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You want a deep cleanser that does not strip or dry out your skin
  • You struggle with clogged pores, congestion, or blackheads
  • You have sensitive or post-procedure skin that needs a gentle formula
  • You want a single cleanser that removes makeup, sunscreen, and impurities
  • You prefer medical-grade, dermatologist-tested skincare
  • You want a cleanser with active treatment benefits (AHAs, antioxidants)

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have fungal acne (Malassezia) — this formula contains triggering ingredients
  • You are allergic to essential oils or botanical fragrances
  • You need a completely fragrance-free cleanser
  • You are on a very tight budget — this is a premium-priced cleanser
  • You prefer a foam or micellar water cleanser format
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Fulvic acid and gentle AHAs effectively de-congest pores and balance oil production without over-stripping. Gel texture rinses clean with no residue.

Dry Skin
Good

Glycerin, panthenol, and jojoba oil help preserve moisture. Some dry skin types may still want a richer second cleanse or extra moisturizer after.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Balances well across T-zone and cheeks. Cleanses oily areas without drying out drier patches. Ideal for this skin type.

Sensitive Skin
Good

Sulfate-free surfactants and aloe/chamomile make it gentle. Contains essential oils, so patch test first if you have very reactive skin or contact allergies.

Acne-Prone Skin
Excellent

Non-comedogenic, pore-clearing formula with gentle AHAs and anti-inflammatory botanicals. Clinically tested on acne-prone patients with positive results.

08

Results timeline

WEEK 4+
Week 1

Immediate Comfort & Clean Feel

Skin feels thoroughly cleansed yet comfortable — no tightness or dryness. Noticeable freshness and smoother texture after each wash. The gel-to-foam lather provides a satisfying cleansing experience.

100% noticed cleaner, softer skin
Weeks 2–3

Visibly Smoother & Balanced Skin

The gentle AHAs promote cell turnover, revealing brighter and more even-toned skin. Pores appear less congested and breakouts begin to calm as the MicroFusion Technology clears micro-pollutants.

91% reported more balanced, hydrated skin
Week 4+

Clearer Complexion & Improved Skin Health

Consistent use leads to visibly de-congested pores, reduced redness, and a healthier skin barrier. The antioxidant-rich botanicals contribute to a more radiant, resilient complexion over time.

100% reported effective makeup removal and smoother texture
09

Ratings by platform

150+ REVIEWS
Hydrinity.com (Brand Website)
5.0
Rating
50+
Reviews
Main complaint: Limited availability — sold primarily through authorized med spa retailers
Authorized Retailer Sites
4.8
Rating
100+
Reviews
Main complaint: Higher price point compared to drugstore cleansers
Professional / Clinic Reviews
4.9
Rating
4,000+
Practices
Main complaint: Contains essential oils which some estheticians prefer to avoid for very reactive skin
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Patented MicroFusion Technology for deep, magnetic-like cleansing
  • Clinically proven results in as little as 2 weeks
  • Sulfate-free and gentle enough for sensitive and post-procedure skin
  • Multi-tasking: removes makeup, sunscreen, and impurities in one step
  • Luxurious gel-to-foam texture that feels amazing and lathers beautifully
  • Medical-grade formulation with regenerative medicine heritage
  • Leaves skin feeling clean without tightness or dryness
  • Pleasant, natural botanical citrus scent

Criticized

  • Premium price point (~$58 for 180ml) compared to drugstore alternatives
  • Not widely available in major retail chains — mostly through med spas and authorized retailers
  • Not fungal acne (Malassezia) safe due to oils and Polysorbate 20
  • Contains essential oils — not suitable for those with botanical allergies
  • Not completely fragrance-free despite marketing as free from synthetic fragrances
  • Limited independent consumer reviews compared to mass-market brands
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
65% Match
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
$16.99
Budget Pick

Ceramide-based hydrating cleanser with a similar gentle, non-stripping philosophy. Lacks the fulvic acid MicroFusion Technology and AHAs but excels at barrier support. Fragrance-free and fungal acne safe.

70% Match
Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
$15.99
Budget Pick

Another gentle, non-foaming cleanser with ceramides and niacinamide. Lacks the AHA exfoliation and MicroFusion detox technology but is pregnancy safe, fragrance-free, and better for fungal acne-prone skin.

60% Match
Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser
$39.00
Similar Price

Antioxidant-rich gel cleanser with kale, spinach, and green tea. Similar botanical-forward approach and gel texture but lacks the patented MicroFusion deep-cleansing technology and mild AHA resurfacing.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Cleanser
Key Technology Standard surfactant blend
Size 150ml / 5 fl oz
Exfoliation None
Sulfate-Free Yes
Fragrance-Free Yes
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Fungal Acne Safe Check ingredients
Best For Sensitive, irritated skin
Cleansing Complex
Key Technology Bio-nutrient complex
Size 180ml / 6 fl oz
Exfoliation Glycolic + Salicylic Acid
Sulfate-Free No (contains SLS)
Fragrance-Free Contains menthol
Pregnancy Safe No (salicylic acid)
Fungal Acne Safe Check ingredients
Best For Oily, acne-prone skin
Gentle Cleanser
Key Technology Standard surfactant blend
Size 200ml / 6.7 fl oz
Exfoliation None
Sulfate-Free Yes
Fragrance-Free Contains fragrance
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Fungal Acne Safe Check ingredients
Best For All skin types, gentle daily cleansing
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep cap tightly closed between uses to preserve the botanical actives and essential oils.

Packaging

Pump bottle dispenser — hygienic, easy to use, and prevents contamination of the product

Travel Friendly

Full size (180ml / 6 fl oz) exceeds TSA carry-on limit. Travel size available at 15ml. Pack in checked luggage or purchase the travel version.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Use with caution. The Prelude Cleanser does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone — the most commonly flagged pregnancy-unsafe ingredients. However, it does contain several essential oils (bergamot, lavender, lemon, lime, tangerine, litsea cubeba) which some healthcare providers recommend avoiding during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Since this is a rinse-off product with brief skin contact, the risk is generally considered low, but we recommend consulting your OB-GYN or dermatologist before use.

No, this cleanser is not considered fungal acne safe. It contains several ingredients that can feed Malassezia yeast, including Polysorbate 20, Coconut Fatty Acid, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, and Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil. If you are prone to fungal acne, consider a fungal-acne-safe alternative such as the Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser or La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser.

Yes! The Prelude Cleanser is compatible with retinol, vitamin C, and most other active treatments. Its mild botanical AHAs are gentle enough that they will not over-exfoliate when combined with a normal active routine. If you use strong AHA or BHA exfoliants (like glycolic peels or salicylic acid treatments), consider using the Prelude in the morning and your stronger exfoliant in the evening to avoid potential sensitization. The cleanser pairs particularly well with Hydrinity's own HYDRI-C Daily Vitamin C Moisturizer and RetaXome Daily Retinal Hydrator.

The Prelude Cleanser is formulated for all skin types, including sensitive and post-procedure skin. It particularly excels for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin due to its pore-decongesting MicroFusion Technology and gentle AHA exfoliation. Dry skin types can also use it comfortably thanks to the glycerin, panthenol, and jojoba oil in the formula, though they may want a richer moisturizer afterward. Clinical testing included patients across Fitzpatrick I-VI skin types with both dry and oily skin.

Most users notice an immediate difference in how their skin feels — clean, fresh, and comfortable without tightness. In clinical studies, 100% of participants reported smoother, softer skin texture within 2 weeks of twice-daily use, and 91% said their skin felt more balanced and hydrated. More significant improvements in pore congestion, skin tone, and overall clarity typically become visible after 3 to 4 weeks of consistent use.

Prelude is your Step 1 — it should be the first product you use in both your morning and evening skincare routines. Apply to damp skin, massage for at least one minute, and rinse thoroughly. In the evening, it can also serve as a double cleanse for removing makeup and sunscreen. Follow with your toner or mist (like Hydrinity HYACYN Active), then serum, eye cream, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only).

No. The Prelude Cleanser is non-comedogenic with a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. While it does contain some plant oils (jojoba, sunflower, rosehip), these are present in small amounts in a rinse-off formula, meaning they have very brief skin contact time and minimal pore-clogging potential. The product is specifically designed to de-congest pores, and the MicroFusion Technology actively draws out pore-clogging debris. It has been dermatologist tested and is suitable for acne-prone skin.

The Prelude Cleanser has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. With twice-daily use at two pumps per application, the full-size 180ml / 6 fl oz bottle typically lasts approximately 2 to 3 months. Store in a cool, dry place with the cap securely closed to maintain freshness and efficacy of the botanical actives and essential oils.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.3 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: The Hydrinity Prelude Facial Treatment Cleanser is a genuinely innovative medical-grade cleanser that stands out from the crowd with its patented MicroFusion Technology™. The fulvic acid-powered deep cleansing combined with gentle botanical AHAs delivers real results — clinically proven smoother texture and more balanced skin in just two weeks. It excels for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types seeking a treatment cleanser that does more than just clean. The premium price is justified by the patented technology and medical-grade formulation, though the inclusion of essential oils and Malassezia-triggering ingredients means it is not for everyone. If you want a high-performance, barrier-friendly cleanser backed by regenerative medicine science, Prelude is an excellent investment in your skin health.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.

We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.

Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Tocopherol
brightening Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Glycerin
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 4 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Tocopherol Panthenol Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
question
lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.

We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.

One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
4
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
1
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
55% 13% 30%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 43 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 Unknown
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
1 B
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
Cleansing, Surfactant
4 B
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
1 B
Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate
Surfactant, Antistatic Agent, Cleansing, Foaming
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS