Reactive Skin Solutions 5% Ectoin Cream
Reactive Skin Solutions 5% Ectoin Cream
Product Description
Product overview
Prequel Reactive Skin Solutions 5% Ectoin Cream is a steroid-free, fragrance-free barrier cream that pairs a potent 5% dose of ectoin with urea, hydroxyethyl urea, and allantoin to calm reactive, irritated skin while restoring a compromised moisture barrier. Developed by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sam Ellis, this small-but-mighty 30 ml tube is built for targeted relief on dry, red, flaky, or sensitized areas of the face and body.
Barrier Rescue
5% ectoin binds water and forms a protective shield to stabilize and rebuild a compromised skin barrier.
Texture & feel
SENSORYBarrier Rescue
5% ectoin binds water and forms a protective shield to stabilize and rebuild a compromised skin barrier.
Steroid-Free Calm
Soothes redness, itching, and irritation without steroids, making it suitable for long-term daily use.
Gentle Resurfacing
Urea, hydroxyethyl urea, and allantoin soften flaking and smooth rough texture without harsh exfoliation.
Derm-Trusted
Carries the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance and the National Psoriasis Foundation Seal.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Ectoin, urea, allantoin, glycerin, and panthenol are all considered pregnancy-friendly.
The fatty-alcohol and ester base (cetearyl alcohol, cetearyl isononanoate, lecithin, jojoba oil) may feed malassezia. Those with fungal acne should patch test or skip.
Steroid-free, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic. Recognized by both the National Eczema Association and the National Psoriasis Foundation.
Generally layers well with most routines, but avoid applying directly with high-strength AHA/BHA acids in the same step to keep reactive skin calm.
The brand confirms this formula is not vegan and not soy-free, though it is gluten-free and cruelty-free.
Designed for reactive skin, but a 24-hour patch test on the inner arm is advised for highly sensitive or allergy-prone users.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSEctoin 5%Proven
An amino-acid-derived osmolyte produced by extremophile bacteria. It binds water molecules to form a hydration shield around skin cells, defending against dehydration, pollution, and environmental stress while calming inflammation.
- Source: A 20-person study found 1% ectoin reduced surfactant-induced redness about as well as 0.25% hydrocortisone.
- Source: A 7-day hydration study showed ectoin raised skin moisture meaningfully, with benefits largely preserved a week after stopping.
- Source: Higher 5–7% ectoin concentrations are used in OTC medical products for eczema and atopic skin.
Urea ~5%Proven
A natural moisturizing factor that hydrates and, at this level, gently resurfaces by loosening dead, flaking skin cells. It softens roughness without the sting of acid exfoliants.
- Source: Urea is a well-documented humectant and mild keratolytic widely used in dermatology for dry, scaly skin.
- Function: Works alongside hydroxyethyl urea for layered, non-exfoliating texture renewal.
Hydroxyethyl Urea —Proven
A gentle humectant derivative of urea that draws and holds water in the upper layers of skin, reinforcing long-lasting hydration without the resurfacing action of standard urea.
- Function: Pure humectant — boosts moisture retention and comfort on dehydrated, irritated areas.
Allantoin —Proven
A classic soothing and skin-conditioning agent with keratolytic and moisturizing properties. It calms dry, flaky skin and supports a smoother, softer surface.
- Function: Soothing + softening; a staple in barrier-repair and post-procedure formulas.
Glycerin —Proven
One of the most studied humectants in skincare. It pulls water into the skin and supports the barrier, making it a reliable backbone for hydration in this cream.
- Function: Core humectant — hydrates and helps lock in the actives above it.
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) —Promising
Provitamin B5 that hydrates and helps soothe and support barrier recovery, a common pairing with ectoin in barrier-focused formulas.
- Function: Humectant + skin-conditioning; supports comfort and barrier feel.
Jojoba Seed Oil —Promising
A skin-mimicking wax ester that softens and conditions, giving the cream its cushiony, non-greasy emollient feel while helping seal in moisture.
- Function: Emollient — improves slip, comfort, and a silky dry-down.
19 ingredients
Water (Aqua), Cetearyl Alcohol, Ectoin, Urea, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Glycerin, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Triacetin, Panthenol, Lecithin, Allantoin, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Xanthan Gum, Cetearyl Glucoside, Sodium Lactate, Ethylhexylglycerin.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as a targeted treatment on reactive areas after serums. Because it's a rich barrier cream, it can also act as your final moisturizer at night. In the morning, always follow with SPF.
How to use
HOW TO USEStart with clean, dry skin
Cleanse gently and pat dry. Apply to the face or body, focusing on dry, red, rough, or irritated areas.
Massage in a thin layer
A little goes a long way. Gently massage onto targeted areas; it's thick but absorbs effortlessly to a silky finish.
Use daily or as needed
Safe for morning and night, every day. The brand designed it for targeted, as-needed relief rather than full-face slathering.
Always finish with SPF (AM)
When used in the daytime, follow with sun protection to support the barrier you're working to rebuild.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have sensitive, reactive, or easily irritated skin
- You deal with eczema, psoriasis, or dry, flaky patches
- You want a steroid-free way to calm redness and roughness
- You prefer fragrance-free, dermatologist-developed formulas
- You want targeted barrier repair you can use long-term
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You need a strictly vegan or soy-free product
- You want a large-format daily all-over body cream (this is a 30 ml tube)
- You dislike richer, balm-like textures on oily zones
- You're seeking strong active exfoliation or anti-aging actives
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLayered humectants plus emollients deliver lasting hydration and soften flaking beautifully.
Fragrance-free, steroid-free, and hypoallergenic — purpose-built to calm reactive skin.
Great on dry zones; apply sparingly on the T-zone since the texture is rich.
Some users notice a protective-film feel; best used as targeted spot care rather than all-over.
Low comedogenic risk and steroid-free, but not fungal-acne safe — patch test if prone to malassezia.
Results timeline
6–8 WEEKSInstant comfort & relief
Reactive, tight, itchy skin feels soothed and cushioned on contact thanks to the rich barrier texture.
~85% noticedLess redness & roughness
Hydration builds and flaking softens as urea and humectants smooth the skin's surface.
~70% noticedCalmer, more resilient skin
With consistent use, sensitivity and reactivity decrease as the barrier stabilizes.
~60% noticedSustained barrier support
Long-term hydration and reduced irritation become the new baseline for reactive skin.
~55% noticedRatings by platform
800+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Potent, medical-grade 5% ectoin concentration
- Genuinely calms redness, itching, and irritation
- Steroid-free and safe for long-term daily use
- Fragrance-free and gentle on reactive skin
- NEA & National Psoriasis Foundation recognized
- Absorbs to a silky, non-greasy finish
Criticized
- Small 30 ml tube relative to the price
- Not fungal-acne (malassezia) safe
- Not vegan and not soy-free
- Rich texture can feel heavy on oily skin
- Limited brick-and-mortar availability (mostly DTC/Amazon)
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Also ectoin-based with panthenol and niacinamide in a larger 1.69 fl oz tube. Far lower ectoin (1% vs 5%) and no urea resurfacing, so it's gentler but less targeted for severe reactivity.
A soothing, barrier-repair balm with panthenol and madecassoside for irritated skin. No ectoin or urea, but a beloved, affordable calming option for flare-ups.
Shares urea-driven hydration and smoothing at a low price in a big tube. Lacks ectoin and the reactive-skin focus, but excellent value for dry, rough skin.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEPrequel 5% Ectoin Cream (Featured)
Paula's Choice Ectoin + HA Milky Serum
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in controlled temperatures (2–25°C / 35–77°F), away from direct heat and sunlight
Squeeze tube
Yes — 30 ml, well under the 100 ml carry-on limit
Frequently asked questions
FAQGenerally, yes. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens — the actives commonly flagged during pregnancy. Its key ingredients (ectoin, urea, hydroxyethyl urea, allantoin, glycerin, panthenol) are widely considered pregnancy-friendly. As always, confirm with your OB-GYN or dermatologist before adding any product during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
No. The cream's base includes fatty alcohols and esters such as cetearyl alcohol, cetearyl isononanoate, lecithin, and jojoba oil, which can feed malassezia yeast. If you're prone to fungal acne, this is best avoided or limited to small, targeted, non-acne areas after a patch test.
Yes, and ectoin is actually known to improve tolerance to actives like retinol. Apply your serum first, then layer this cream on top to buffer and soothe. To keep reactive skin calm, avoid mixing it directly in the same step as high-strength AHA/BHA acids — let acids absorb first, or alternate them to different times of day.
It shines on dry, sensitive, reactive, and eczema- or psoriasis-prone skin. Combination skin can use it on drier areas, while oily skin may prefer it as targeted spot care rather than an all-over cream because of the rich texture.
Soothing relief is often immediate, with reduced redness and roughness within the first week. Calmer, more resilient skin typically builds over 2–4 weeks of consistent use, with sustained barrier benefits by around 6–8 weeks.
Apply it after cleansing and any treatment serums, as a targeted barrier cream on reactive areas. At night it can double as your final moisturizer. In the morning, always follow with sunscreen.
Its comedogenic risk is low (around 2/5). Jojoba oil is the main ingredient with mild pore-clogging potential, but overall the formula is considered low-risk for most people. Those who break out easily can patch test and use it on targeted areas first.
About 12 months after opening (12M PAO). Store it in controlled temperatures (2–25°C / 35–77°F), away from heat and direct sunlight, and keep the tube tightly closed to preserve the formula.
Verdict: The Prequel Reactive Skin Solutions 5% Ectoin Cream is a standout, derm-developed barrier rescue for sensitive, reactive, and eczema- or psoriasis-prone skin. Its medical-grade 5% ectoin paired with urea, hydroxyethyl urea, and allantoin delivers genuine soothing and texture renewal, all steroid- and fragrance-free, with backing from the National Eczema Association and National Psoriasis Foundation. The main trade-offs are the small 30 ml tube for the price and the fact that it isn't fungal-acne safe, vegan, or soy-free. If you need a targeted, long-term-safe way to calm irritated skin, it earns its spot.
Product Overview
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.
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.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
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.
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
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 4 ingredient(s):
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.
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!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
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.
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.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Opacifying, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasingagent - Aqueous, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Emulsifying, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 1 |
Ectoin
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Buffering Agent
|
Anti-Aging
Hydrating
Irritation
|
|
| 0 |
Urea
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Buffering
|
Hydrating
Texture
|
|
| 1 |
Cetearyl Isononanoate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Hair Conditioning
|
|