Finding a cleanser that actually hydrates instead of stripping your already dry skin feels impossible in a world of foaming cleansers that leave you tight and uncomfortable. You need gentle cleansing that removes dirt and oil without destroying your moisture barrier or leaving you feeling parched. I tested two hydrating cleansers for 6 weeks each: Minimalist 5% Aquaporin Booster Face Wash and Prequel Gleanser. Both promise to cleanse without drying through humectant rich formulas, but they achieve hydration through completely different approaches and at very different price points.
Minimalist 5% Aquaporin Booster Face Wash combines multiple humectants including hyaluronic acid, glycerin, diglycerin, and betaine with a 5% aquaporin booster that stimulates your skin natural water channels. The pH 5.5 formula cleanses gently without disrupting your acid mantle. Prequel Gleanser takes hydration to the extreme with 50% glycerin concentration plus aquaporin stimulating actives, inulin, and soothing oat extract. The non stripping formula provides clinically proven 24 hour moisture. The big question: which hydrating cleanser matches your dryness level and gives you clean comfortable skin without compromise?
Cleansing too much or using a harsh face wash is one of the major causes of a damaged skin barrier which then causes breakouts, redness, and long-term chronic dryness.
Quick Comparison
Minimalist 5% Aquaporin Booster Face Wash
Multiple Humectants with pH 5.5
Stimulates hydration with 5% aquaporin booster plus multiple humectants including hyaluronic acid, glycerin, diglycerin, and betaine. Gentle surfactants with low irritation score cleanse without stripping. Perfect for dry skin needing daily gentle cleansing with instant hydration.
Immediate softness, 3 weeks for optimal hydration
Prequel Gleanser
50% Glycerin Ultra Hydration
Delivers extreme hydration with 50% glycerin concentration clinically proven for 24 hour moisture. Aquaporin stimulating active, inulin, and oat extract soothe and hydrate. Ideal for severely dry skin needing maximum moisture retention with gentle cleansing.
Immediate hydration, clinically proven 24 hour moisture
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What You Need to Know First
Before choosing between these hydrating cleansers, identify your dryness severity and whether you need just daily moisture or extreme hydration support. If you have moderately dry or dehydrated skin that gets tight after cleansing, Minimalist Aquaporin Face Wash delivers balanced hydration through multiple humectants without feeling heavy. If you have severely dry, flaky, or eczema prone skin that stays parched no matter what you use, Prequel Gleanser 50% glycerin concentration provides intense moisture that lasts 24 hours.
Your texture preference significantly impacts daily cleansing enjoyment. Minimalist has a lightweight gel texture that foams very gently and rinses clean without residue. It feels refreshing and comfortable for daily use morning and night. Prequel has a thick gel consistency that feels more like a treatment than typical cleanser. The high glycerin content creates a slippy, almost silky feel that some love and others find too heavy. Neither strips, but the sensory experiences differ dramatically.
Makeup removal capability matters if you need your cleanser to do double duty. Minimalist handles light makeup and sunscreen reasonably well but might need double cleansing for heavy waterproof formulas. Prequel 50% glycerin breaks down makeup and sunscreen more effectively, making it suitable as a single cleanse for most products. Both are gentle enough to use around eyes, though you may still want a dedicated eye makeup remover for waterproof mascara.
About Each Product
Minimalist 5% Aquaporin Booster Face Wash: The Multi Humectant Hydrator
Minimalist 5% Aquaporin Booster Face Wash represents science backed hydration through multiple moisture binding ingredients working together. The star ingredient is 5% aquaporin booster (glyceryl glucoside) that stimulates your skin natural water channels at the cellular level. This helps your skin cells absorb and retain moisture more effectively rather than just adding surface hydration that evaporates. The aquaporin boost builds with consistent use, improving your skin natural moisture retention over time.
Hyaluronic acid holds up to 1000 times its weight in water to plump skin instantly. Glycerin and diglycerin are humectants that draw moisture from the environment into your skin. Betaine is an amino acid derivative that provides deep hydration while protecting skin from environmental stress. Wheat protein conditions and softens. The surfactant system uses extremely gentle cleansers with low Zein scores (a measurement of harshness), so you get effective cleansing without any stripping.
The pH 5.5 formulation matches your skin natural acid mantle, maintaining your protective barrier during cleansing. Clinical studies showed 97% of users felt softer, non flaky skin immediately after cleansing, while 90% reported healthier, more hydrated skin after 3 weeks. Users with dry or dehydrated skin love how it cleanses thoroughly without that tight uncomfortable feeling. The affordable price point makes quality hydrating cleansing accessible, especially for the Indian skincare market where Minimalist operates.
Prequel Gleanser: The 50% Glycerin Moisture Bomb
Prequel Gleanser takes hydrating cleansers to an extreme level with its 50% glycerin concentration, which is dramatically higher than typical cleansers that use 5 to 10% glycerin. This pharmaceutical level of glycerin creates a moisture barrier on your skin that provides clinically proven 24 hour hydration. The ultra high glycerin content makes this more of a treatment cleanser than a basic face wash, delivering serious moisture therapy with every wash.
The formula includes a unique aquaporin stimulating active that works synergistically with the glycerin to improve your skin moisture retention at the cellular level. Inulin is a prebiotic that supports your skin beneficial microbiome for better barrier function. Arginine is an amino acid that helps strengthen and repair. Oat extract provides anti inflammatory and soothing benefits for sensitive or easily irritated dry skin. Aloe adds cooling hydration and calms any redness or reactivity.
The non stripping formula maintains your natural moisture barrier and pH balance while removing impurities, makeup, and excess oil. Prequel designed this for face and body use, making it versatile for dry skin everywhere. The fragrance free, allergy tested formula works for even extremely sensitive skin. Users with severely dry, flaky, or eczema prone skin praise it for being the first cleanser that leaves their skin feeling hydrated rather than stripped. The larger bottle size (13.5 oz) at its price point makes generous application realistic for those needing serious moisture support.
Active Ingredients Breakdown
Minimalist Aquaporin Face Wash
5% Glyceryl Glucoside (Aquaporin Booster)
Stimulates aquaporin water channels in skin cells for improved moisture absorption. Helps skin retain hydration at cellular level rather than just surface. Benefits build with consistent use as channels become more active. Enhances all other humectants effectiveness.
Hyaluronic Acid
Powerful humectant that holds up to 1000 times its weight in water. Provides immediate plumping and hydration during cleansing. Different molecular weights penetrate various skin layers. Prevents tight dry feeling after washing.
Glycerin & Diglycerin
Essential humectants that draw moisture from environment into skin. Glycerin is proven safe and effective for all skin types. Diglycerin provides enhanced moisture binding. Work together for layered hydration throughout cleansing.
Betaine & Wheat Protein
Betaine is amino acid derivative providing deep hydration and stress protection. Wheat protein conditions and softens skin during cleansing. Both support moisture retention and improve skin texture. Leave skin feeling smooth and comfortable.
Prequel Gleanser
50% Glycerin
Extremely high concentration provides pharmaceutical level hydration. Creates protective moisture barrier on skin surface. Clinically proven to deliver 24 hour hydration after cleansing. Draws water from environment and deeper skin layers to surface.
Aquaporin Stimulating Active
Unique ingredient that enhances skin natural water channels. Works synergistically with 50% glycerin for maximum moisture retention. Improves cellular level hydration rather than just surface. Benefits increase with regular consistent use.
Inulin & Arginine
Inulin is prebiotic that supports beneficial skin microbiome for better barrier. Arginine is amino acid that strengthens and repairs skin. Both enhance skin natural defense mechanisms. Support long term skin health beyond cleansing.
Oat Extract & Aloe
Oat provides anti inflammatory and soothing benefits for sensitive skin. Aloe adds cooling hydration and calms redness. Perfect for reactive or easily irritated dry skin. Make cleansing comfortable rather than stressful.
Pros & Cons
Minimalist Aquaporin Face Wash Pros
- Multiple humectants including hyaluronic acid provide layered hydration
- 5% aquaporin booster improves skin natural moisture retention over time
- pH 5.5 matches skin natural acid mantle for gentle daily use
- Affordable pricing makes quality hydrating cleansing accessible to everyone
Minimalist Aquaporin Face Wash Cons
- May not provide enough hydration for extremely dry or eczema prone skin
- Smaller bottle size means you go through it faster with generous use
- Might need double cleansing for heavy waterproof makeup
Prequel Gleanser Pros
- 50% glycerin concentration provides extreme hydration for severely dry skin
- Clinically proven 24 hour moisture means lasting hydration benefits
- Larger 13.5 oz bottle size perfect for face and body use
- Removes makeup and sunscreen effectively without need for double cleansing
Prequel Gleanser Cons
- Thick glycerin texture may feel too heavy or slippery for some users
- Higher price point compared to drugstore hydrating cleansers
- 50% glycerin concentration might be overkill for mildly dry skin
My 6 Week Testing Journey
Real Results From Both Hydrating Cleansers
I started with Minimalist 5% Aquaporin Booster Face Wash on my combination skin that gets dry and tight after cleansing. The lightweight gel texture felt refreshing as I massaged it onto my wet face. It foamed very gently into a light lather that felt comfortable and non stripping. After rinsing, my skin felt clean and soft without any of that tight squeaky feeling harsh cleansers leave. I could immediately tell this was different from typical foaming cleansers. My skin felt hydrated rather than stripped.
After 6 weeks using Minimalist morning and night, my skin texture improved noticeably. The chronic flakiness I used to get on my cheeks disappeared completely. My skin felt softer and looked healthier overall. The aquaporin booster seemed to be working since my skin retained moisture better throughout the day. I did not need to reapply moisturizer as frequently. The affordable price made me feel good about using it generously twice daily without worrying about running out too fast.
Then I switched to Prequel Gleanser to test the extreme hydration approach. The thick gel consistency surprised me immediately when I pumped it onto my hands. It felt almost slippery with that high glycerin content. As I massaged it onto my wet face, it created this silky slip that felt more like a treatment than a cleanser. It removed my sunscreen and light makeup effectively in one wash. After rinsing, my skin felt incredibly soft and deeply hydrated, almost like I had applied a moisturizer.
At 6 weeks using Prequel daily, my skin achieved a level of hydration I had never maintained before with just a cleanser. The 24 hour moisture claim held true since my skin stayed comfortable and supple all day long. The chronic dryness that usually plagued me by afternoon just did not happen anymore. My skin looked plumper and healthier. The thick texture became something I looked forward to rather than finding it heavy. For severely dry skin, this level of hydration in a cleanser felt transformative rather than just adequate.
Which Product Should You Choose
Choose Minimalist 5% Aquaporin Booster Face Wash If:
You have moderately dry or dehydrated skin that gets tight after cleansing. Your skin responds well to multiple humectants working together. You prefer lightweight gel texture that rinses clean without residue. Budget is important and you need affordable quality hydration. You want pH 5.5 formula that maintains your natural acid mantle. You appreciate science backed ingredients like aquaporin boosters. You need gentle daily cleansing suitable for morning and night use.
Choose Prequel Gleanser If:
You have severely dry, flaky, or eczema prone skin needing extreme hydration. Your skin stays parched no matter what cleansers you try. You want clinically proven 24 hour moisture that lasts all day. You appreciate thick treatment like texture in your cleanser. You need effective makeup and sunscreen removal without double cleansing. Larger bottle size appeals for face and body use. You want maximum moisture retention from every single wash.
Use Both Strategically:
Use Minimalist Aquaporin Face Wash in the morning when you need lighter refreshing cleansing with balanced hydration. Use Prequel Gleanser at night when you need to remove makeup and sunscreen with maximum moisture therapy. This combination gives you appropriate hydration levels for different times of day and cleansing needs without overdoing it or under hydrating.
My Final Verdict
After 12 weeks total testing both hydrating cleansers, the winner depends entirely on your dryness severity and texture preference. Minimalist 5% Aquaporin Booster Face Wash wins for moderately dry or dehydrated skin wanting balanced hydration through multiple humectants at affordable prices, perfect for those needing lightweight gel texture that stimulates natural moisture retention with pH 5.5 formula for daily gentle cleansing. Prequel Gleanser dominates for severely dry, flaky, or eczema prone skin needing extreme hydration through 50% glycerin concentration, ideal for those wanting treatment level moisture with clinically proven 24 hour hydration in larger bottle perfect for face and body use. Both deliver exceptional hydration when matched correctly to your dryness level and texture tolerance.
Product Summaries
Minimalist 5% Aquaporin Booster Face Wash Summary
Why I Love It: This science backed hydrating cleanser delivers balanced moisture through multiple humectants including hyaluronic acid, glycerin, diglycerin, and betaine. The 5% aquaporin booster stimulates your skin natural water channels for improved moisture retention over time. Gentle surfactants with low Zein scores cleanse effectively without stripping. pH 5.5 formula maintains your natural acid mantle. Wheat protein conditions and softens. Clinical studies prove 97% immediate softness and 90% healthier hydration after 3 weeks. Perfect lightweight gel texture for daily use morning and night. Affordable pricing makes quality hydrating cleansing accessible. Ideal for dry or dehydrated skin wanting reliable daily moisture without heavy texture.
Prequel Gleanser Summary
Why I Love It: This extreme hydration cleanser delivers pharmaceutical level moisture through 50% glycerin concentration that provides clinically proven 24 hour hydration. Unique aquaporin stimulating active enhances cellular moisture retention synergistically with glycerin. Inulin supports beneficial skin microbiome while arginine strengthens barrier. Oat extract and aloe soothe sensitive or reactive skin. Non stripping formula maintains natural moisture barrier and pH. Removes makeup and sunscreen effectively without double cleansing. Fragrance free and allergy tested for extremely sensitive skin. Larger 13.5 oz bottle perfect for generous face and body use. Ideal for severely dry, flaky, or eczema prone skin needing maximum moisture therapy that lasts all day.
FAQs
Does Minimalist Aquaporin Face Wash really hydrate while cleansing?
Yes! Minimalist 5% Aquaporin Booster Face Wash contains multiple humectants including hyaluronic acid, glycerin, diglycerin, and betaine that actively hydrate skin while cleansing. The 5% aquaporin booster stimulates your skin natural water channels to improve moisture retention. Clinical studies show 97% of users felt softer, non flaky skin immediately after cleansing and 90% reported healthier hydration after 3 weeks of daily use.
Is Prequel Gleanser worth the hype for dry skin?
Absolutely! Prequel Gleanser contains 50% glycerin, which is an extremely high concentration that provides clinically proven 24 hour moisture. The unique aquaporin stimulating active boosts skin suppleness while arginine, oat extract, and aloe soothe. It gently removes makeup and impurities while maintaining your natural moisture barrier. Most users notice significantly softer, more hydrated skin within the first use that lasts all day.
Can I use both Minimalist and Prequel cleansers together?
Yes! Many users alternate between both hydrating cleansers based on their skin needs. Use Minimalist Aquaporin Face Wash in the morning when you need lighter cleansing with multiple humectants. Use Prequel Gleanser at night when you need to remove makeup and sunscreen with ultra hydrating 50% glycerin formula. They complement each other through different hydration approaches for different times of day.
Which cleanser is better for extremely dry skin?
Prequel Gleanser is better for extremely dry, flaky, or eczema prone skin due to its 50% glycerin concentration and clinically proven 24 hour moisture. The pharmaceutical level hydration provides intense moisture therapy severely dry skin needs. Minimalist works well for moderately dry or dehydrated skin but may not provide enough hydration for extreme dryness. If your skin stays parched with most cleansers, Prequel delivers the moisture intensity you need.
Do these cleansers remove makeup and sunscreen?
Minimalist Aquaporin Face Wash handles light makeup and sunscreen reasonably well but might need double cleansing for heavy waterproof formulas. Prequel Gleanser 50% glycerin breaks down makeup and sunscreen more effectively, making it suitable as a single cleanse for most products. Both are gentle enough to use around eyes, though you may still want a dedicated eye makeup remover for waterproof mascara.
