Prelude Facial Treatment Cleanser
Prelude Facial Treatment Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
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.
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.
Texture & feel
SENSORYMicroFusion 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.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains 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.
Not fungal acne safe. Contains Polysorbate 20, Coconut Fatty Acid, Jojoba Seed Oil, and Sunflower Seed Oil — all of which can feed Malassezia yeast.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSFulvic 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
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
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.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse 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.
How to use
HOW TO USEDampen Your Face
Splash warm water onto face and neck to prepare the skin for cleansing.
Apply Two Pumps
Dispense two pumps of Prelude cleanser onto your fingertips. The gel will lather into a rich, bubbly foam.
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.
Rinse & Pat Dry
Rinse thoroughly with warm water and gently pat dry with a clean towel. Follow with your serum and moisturizer.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect 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
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESFulvic acid and gentle AHAs effectively de-congest pores and balance oil production without over-stripping. Gel texture rinses clean with no residue.
Glycerin, panthenol, and jojoba oil help preserve moisture. Some dry skin types may still want a richer second cleanse or extra moisturizer after.
Balances well across T-zone and cheeks. Cleanses oily areas without drying out drier patches. Ideal for this skin type.
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.
Non-comedogenic, pore-clearing formula with gentle AHAs and anti-inflammatory botanicals. Clinically tested on acne-prone patients with positive results.
Results timeline
WEEK 4+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 skinVisibly 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 skinClearer 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 textureRatings by platform
150+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- 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
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESCeramide-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.
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.
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.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEHydrinity Prelude
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep cap tightly closed between uses to preserve the botanical actives and essential oils.
Pump bottle dispenser — hygienic, easy to use, and prevents contamination of the product
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.
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse 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.
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
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.
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.
Quick Product Notes
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.
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
Notable Effects & Ingredients
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.
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!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
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.
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.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
Cleansing, Surfactant
|
|
|
| 4 |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate
Surfactant, Antistatic Agent, Cleansing, Foaming
|
|







