I ditched hyaluronic acid for 30 days and my dehydrated skin didn’t freak out — it actually stopped flaking by week two.
Glycerin is boring. It’s in everything. But Prequel made me care about it again because their Multi-Quench Serum is basically a slick, watery slap of hydration that costs less than my iced coffee.
It’s a glycerin-based serum (20% concentration) for $18. The claim that got me: “more effective than hyaluronic acid for dry skin.” Bold. I had to test it.
20% Glycerin
Not the sticky drugstore kind — this is purified, lightweight, and sinks in before you blink.
5% Niacinamide
Calms redness without that weird tingling some niacinamide serums give you.
Panthenol + Allantoin
Basically skin Tylenol — reduces irritation so your face stops screaming in winter.
Photo: Linh Ha / Unsplash
No fragrance, no essential oils, no alcohol. It’s a short, boring list — which is exactly what dehydrated skin wants. Here’s what’s pulling weight:
- Glycerin: Pulls moisture from the air into your skin — works in low humidity
- Niacinamide: Strengthens barrier so water stays put longer
- Panthenol: Soothes angry, tight patches
- Allantoin: Gentle exfoliation without stripping
Photo: Harper Sunday / Unsplash
It’s like slightly thicker water — slides on, no tackiness, absorbs in maybe 12 seconds. I was suspicious at first because it felt too light.
Week 2 hit and my forehead stopped looking like a cracked desert floor. Unexpected thing: it played better under sunscreen than my old HA. No pilling. None.
Fine lines around my nose looked less angry. My cheeks stopped feeling tight by noon. But it didn’t fix my oily T-zone — that’s still oily. It’s not a miracle worker.
It won’t replace your moisturizer, but it’s a better hydrating step than half the HA serums on the market. I’m keeping it.