Prereq Ingredients Explained | Safe Skincare for Teens

🧪 The Science

What's actually in Prereq products?

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1. What is Ectoin and why is it in Hydro-Mist?

Ectoin is a powerhouse molecule that does triple duty: it locks in moisture, shields your skin from pollution and blue light, and keeps your skin calm when life gets stressful. It's clinically proven to increase skin hydration by up to 200% in just 12 days and reduce water loss through the skin. Think of it as a protective bubble for your face—especially useful when you're staring at screens all day.

2. What's AquaCacteen and why cactus?

AquaCacteen is cactus extract, and it's in Hydro-Mist for a reason. Cacti survive in the harshest, driest conditions by holding onto water—and that's exactly what this ingredient does for your skin. It delivers instant, long-lasting hydration while soothing irritation. Studies show it boosts skin hydration by up to 39% that lasts for 24 hours and reduces redness by up to 30% in sensitive skin. Desert plant energy for your face.

3. What is Sodium Hyaluronate and is it the same as hyaluronic acid?

Sodium Hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid with smaller molecules, which means it penetrates deeper into your skin. It's in Hydro-Mist because it pulls moisture into your skin and holds it there. Despite the "acid" name, it's one of the gentlest ingredients out there—your skin already makes it naturally. We just give it a boost.

4. What is DeoPlex and how does it work in Deo Multi-Mist?

DeoPlex is a natural odor neutralizer made from sugarcane fermentation. Instead of just covering up smell with fragrance (which can irritate sensitive skin), it actually neutralizes odor-causing bacteria. It's clinically proven to reduce malodor by 55-60% in sensory panel tests. The result: you stay fresh without aluminum, synthetic fragrance, or anything harsh.

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5. What are glycolipids and why are they in a deodorant?

Glycolipids (specifically Serenibiome in Deo Multi-Mist) are skin barrier supporters. Most deodorants just focus on odor, but your underarm skin is still skin—it needs care too. Serenibiome boosts skin hydration by 34%, reduces redness by 30%, and strengthens your skin barrier by 50%. It even selectively reduces bad bacteria (up to 93% of S. aureus) while keeping the good bacteria your skin needs. It's deodorant that actually works with your skin, not against it.

6. Why don't Prereq products have aluminum, parabens, or baking soda?

Aluminum blocks sweat glands—some people are fine with that, but it can irritate sensitive skin. Parabens are preservatives that have gotten a complicated reputation. Baking soda can throw off your skin's pH and cause irritation over time. We skipped all of them because young, sensitive skin doesn't need the risk. Every ingredient in our products has the safest possible score from the Environmental Working Group. No compromises.

7. What does "EWG Score of 1" actually mean?

The Environmental Working Group rates ingredients on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being the safest. Both Prereq products are formulated so every single ingredient scores a 1. That means zero high-risk or questionable additives. When we say "obsessively safe," we mean it—every ingredient was chosen with your skin's safety as the non-negotiable priority.

8. Is hyaluronic acid in Hydro-Mist going to burn or irritate my skin?

No. Sodium Hyaluronate (our form of hyaluronic acid) isn't an exfoliating acid—it's a hydrator. It's something your skin already produces naturally. It won't burn, sting, or cause irritation. It just pulls water into your skin and keeps it there. One of the gentlest, most effective ingredients out there.

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9. Why does Deo Multi-Mist have coconut and vanilla extracts?

Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract nourishes and conditions your skin. Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract provides a subtle, natural scent without synthetic fragrance. Together, they give Deo Multi-Mist a light, pleasant smell that comes from actual plants—not a lab trying to mimic them.

10. What makes Prereq ingredients different from other teen skincare brands?

Two things. First, every ingredient is selected specifically for young, evolving skin—not repurposed from adult formulas. No harsh actives, no anti-aging ingredients you don't need, no trendy fillers that sound good but don't do much. Second, safety isn't an afterthought. We're dermatologist-tested, pending National Eczema Association approval for Deo Multi-Mist, and every ingredient has the highest safety rating possible. Most brands talk about being "gentle." We actually built products that way from the start.