Is the Prequel Gleanser Glycerin Cleanser worth the shipping ordeal for Belgian skin? I analyzed the true cost of US imports

Why I had to get the Prequel Gleanser in Belgium

As we move through 2026, the obsession with skin barrier health has only intensified. I spent months watching dermatologists rave about the Prequel Gleanser Glycerin Cleanser, a product that boasts a staggering 50% glycerin content. For someone like me living in Belgium, where the winters are harsh and the tap water is hard, this sounded like a necessity rather than a luxury.

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The problem is that Prequel remains a US-exclusive brand. I searched every local pharmacy and European online retailer, but it was nowhere to be found. I realized that if I wanted to fix my parched skin, I would have to look into **international shipping** options directly from the United States. I was skeptical at first—is a single cleanser worth the effort? But the promise of a non-stripping, humectant-rich formula was too tempting to ignore.

Logistics & Shipping Analysis: What I discovered

Before I committed to the purchase, I needed to know exactly what I was getting into. I didn't want any surprises when the package arrived at my door in Brussels. Here is the data I gathered for the Prequel Gleanser (500ml bottle):

Because it is a liquid, I made sure to check the prohibited items list to ensure there were no specific **shipping rules** against importing large volumes of liquid soap into Belgium. Fortunately, for personal use, it is generally permitted.

Estimating the cost

I used a shipping calculator to **estimate shipping cost** for a single bottle. While the cleanser itself is affordable in the US, the distance to Europe adds a premium. I found that consolidating it with other US beauty finds made the most sense for my budget.

My experience using a freight forwarder for US stores

I quickly learned that many US retailers do not accept Belgian credit cards or ship directly to Antwerp or Ghent. I decided to use comGateway as my **freight forwarder**. They provided me with a **tax-free US address**, which meant I didn't have to pay US sales tax on my order before it was sent to Belgium.

If you are new to this, I suggest looking at the how it works page. It provides a **step-by-step guide** on how to use their warehouse as a middleman. I found the process straightforward: I bought the Gleanser from the official US store, shipped it to my assigned US address, and then waited for the notification to ship it home.

Check our guide on: Read more: Direct Retailer Checkout vs. comGateway BuyForMe for Belgian Gleanser Orders to see which method suits your shopping style better.

Dealing with import tax and Belgian customs

I have to be honest: importing goods into Belgium in 2026 involves dealing with the FPS Finance. You must account for the **import tax** (VAT) which is currently 21% for most cosmetic goods. When the package arrives, Bpost or the courier will likely charge a small administrative fee alongside the VAT.

To avoid overpaying, I checked the international shipping rates beforehand. I preferred using **DHL international shipping** because they handle the customs clearance more efficiently than some of the slower postal services, even if the **shipping fees** are slightly higher. I've found that **FedEx international shipping** is also a reliable alternative for getting skincare products into the EU without them sitting in a warehouse for weeks.

When I couldn't buy it myself: Proxy shopping

At one point, the Prequel website had issues with my local payment method. I almost gave up until I tried the BuyForMe service. This **proxy shopping** option meant that the team at the warehouse bought the item for me using their own US-based payment methods. It removed the stress of my transaction being declined, which is a common problem for us in Belgium when shopping at smaller US boutiques.

My final verdict on the shipping costs

Was the Prequel Gleanser worth the effort? After using it for three weeks, I can say my skin has never felt more hydrated. While the **international shipping** costs almost as much as the product itself if you only buy one bottle, the value improves significantly if you buy the larger sizes or multiple bottles at once.

I recommend that my fellow Belgian skincare enthusiasts plan their hauls carefully. Don't just buy the cleanser; look for other US-exclusive brands and bundle them together to make the most of your **freight forwarder** services. My barrier is finally repaired, and I didn't have to wait for a European launch that might never happen.