Why I use a freight forwarder to get Prequel Gerapy Barrier Balm in the Netherlands

Why I joined the Prequel Gerapy Barrier Balm hype

I first noticed the Prequel Gerapy Barrier Balm on my TikTok feed early in 2026. As someone with sensitive skin living in the Dutch climate, the promise of a dermatologist-formulated balm that mimics the skin's natural lipid structure was too good to pass up. Unlike traditional heavy ointments, this balm uses a unique lamellar structure that absorbs beautifully while repairing the skin barrier.

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Dermatologists in the US have been praising its high concentration of ceramides and fatty acids. For me, it became the missing piece in my evening routine, especially during the cold, windy months in Amsterdam. However, as many of us in the Netherlands have discovered, getting your hands on it isn't straightforward.

The difficulty of finding Prequel in the Netherlands

Even though we are well into 2026, Prequel remains a US-exclusive brand. I checked several local boutiques and major European retailers, but nobody stocks it. Shipping directly from many US skincare sites is either impossible or comes with astronomical flat-rate fees that don't make sense for a single tube of balm.

You might also like: Read more: Can a lazy Dutch skincare routine actually include the US-exclusive Prequel Gerapy Barrier Balm?

The math: US prices versus shipping costs

The Prequel Gerapy Barrier Balm retails for around $22 in the US. When I looked at third-party resellers on international marketplaces, they were charging upwards of €50 plus shipping. I realized that by using a freight forwarder, I could control the costs much better. By using a tax-free us address provided by comGateway, I saved on US sales tax immediately.

I always use the shipping calculator to estimate shipping cost before I commit to an order. By bundling the balm with a few other US-exclusive products, the per-item shipping cost dropped significantly. This is the only way I find it economically viable to maintain my skincare routine.

My solution for US credit card blocks

One of the biggest hurdles I faced was the payment process. Many US-based skincare stores and major retailers like Sephora or Nike often block international credit cards or refuse to ship to known forwarding addresses. I have had several orders cancelled because my Dutch billing address didn't match the US shipping destination.

To solve this, I started using the "BuyForMe" service. This is a proxy shopping solution where comGateway buys the item on my behalf using a US domestic credit card. This buy for me service is the most reliable way I've found to guarantee my order doesn't get flagged or cancelled by strict US merchant systems.

Check our guide on: Read more: Ordering Prequel Gerapy Barrier Balm for Netherlands delivery despite those US credit card blocks

How I use comGateway for international shipping

The actual process of getting the balm to my door is simpler than it sounds. Here is the how it works step-by-step guide based on my experience:

• I sign up to get a tax-free us address in Oregon.
• I shop us store websites and enter my comGateway address at checkout (or use BuyForMe).
• Once my package arrives at the warehouse, I am notified.
• I choose my preferred international shipping service.
• My package arrives in the Netherlands within a few business days.

I typically choose DHL international shipping for speed, but FedEx international shipping is also a great option if I want to save a few Euros on a larger haul. Using a parcel forwarding service gives me the flexibility that direct retail shipping simply doesn't offer.

Understanding import tax for Dutch deliveries

When you forward packages to the Netherlands, you must account for import tax and VAT. In 2026, the Netherlands strictly applies a 21% VAT on all commercial goods entering from outside the EU. When I calculate my total spend, I always add this 21% plus a small administrative fee from the carrier to the US price.

Even with these costs, international shipping remains cheaper than buying from resellers. For example, a $22 balm with a portion of the shipping and VAT usually ends up costing me around €35. That is still significantly less than the €55 I see on unofficial local marketplaces. I recommend using a professional freight forwarder to ensure all customs documentation is handled correctly, which prevents my packages from getting stuck at the border.

By being a smart shopper and using a package forwarding strategy, I keep my skin barrier healthy without overspending on local markups. If you want to shop us ship international, this is the most direct path I have found in 2026.