Why I am skeptical of the 50% glycerin hype
I see the same skincare products cycling through my social media feed daily. Right now, in March 2026, the Prequel Skin Gleanser is everywhere. It is a US-based brand that went viral because of its 50% glycerin content. Most cleansers I find in Australian chemists use water as the primary ingredient, with glycerin way down the list. We know glycerin is a humectant that pulls moisture into the skin, but is 50% actually necessary or just clever marketing? I decided to find out by getting a bottle sent to Sydney.
I follow us trends closely to see which brands are actually worth the effort of importing. Prequel Skin claims this formula is non-drying and maintains the skin barrier better than traditional surfactants. Since I struggle with the dry Australian air during the transitional seasons, I felt my skin was the perfect testing ground for this heavy-hitter.
My experience buying from the US store
I quickly realized that Prequel Skin does not ship directly to Australia. This is a common hurdle I face when trying to get my hands on rising stars in the skincare world. To solve this, I used comGateway to provide me with a US-based shipping address. This allowed me to shop the US store just like a local resident would.
I found the process straightforward. I placed my order on the Prequel website and used my tax-free us address at checkout. This saved me from paying US state sales tax, which is a nice win when the Australian dollar is fluctuating. I simply waited for the notification that my package had arrived at the warehouse.
Shipping Estimates for Australia
I need to be practical about the logistics. Skincare bottles are heavy because they contain liquids, and shipping costs can add up if I am not careful. Before I committed, I used a shipping calculator to get a rough idea of the total landed cost. Here is what I found regarding the Prequel Gleanser packaging:
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Box Weight | Approx. 0.7 kg (1.5 lbs) for a single 500ml bottle including packaging materials. |
| Box Dimensions | Small. Usually around 22cm x 10cm x 10cm. |
| Volumetric Warning | Low. Since this is a dense liquid, the actual weight usually exceeds the volumetric weight. However, if I were to order light, bulky items like empty foaming bottles or sponges with it, I would watch out for volumetric charges. |
| Battery Check | None. This product is a liquid cleanser and contains no lithium batteries or electronic components. |
I calculated the costs so you do not have to
I always check the prohibited items list before shipping liquids. While simple soaps and cleansers are generally fine for Australia, some medicated skincare can have restrictions. Thankfully, Gleanser is a standard cosmetic product. I recommend bundling a few bottles or adding other US-exclusive products to your shipment to make the international freight more cost-effective per item.
GST and customs rules for Aussie shoppers
I am often asked about import tax when buying from overseas. In Australia, the 10% GST applies to low-value imports (goods valued at AUD $1,000 or less). When I used my freight forwarder, I made sure to account for this in my budget. If your total order exceeds $1,000, you will likely face additional import duties and processing fees at the border. For a few bottles of cleanser, you will just be looking at the standard GST.
My final verdict
I have been using the Gleanser for two weeks now. Is it better than what I can get at the local chemist? Yes. The texture is unique—almost like honey—and it leaves my skin feeling hydrated rather than stripped. I think the 50% glycerin formula is more than just a trend; it is a legitimate staple for anyone with a compromised skin barrier. While I had to go through the extra step of using a shop us store service, the results on my skin justify the effort and the shipping cost. If you are tired of cleansers that leave your face feeling tight, I suggest you give this one a try.
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