# Prequel Barrier Therapy Skin Protectant Cream for combination skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for combination skin.**
Combination Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/prequel/barrier-therapy-skin-protectant-cream/for/combination-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Canada.

Brand: [Prequel](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/prequel)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for combination skin; other products fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate moisturizing for your combination skin due to oat and ceramides, which enhance barrier resilience, but lacks sufficient ingredients for optimal oil control on your oily shine concern.
- Glycerin and Butyrospermum Parkii Butter provide humectant and emollient actions, offering general skincare benefits like hydration and barrier support.
- The product is safe for your combination skin with no risks of irritation due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/prequel/barrier-therapy-skin-protectant-cream/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/prequel/barrier-therapy-skin-protectant-cream/for/dry-skin): Superior
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/prequel/barrier-therapy-skin-protectant-cream/for/combination-skin): Average (this page)
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/prequel/barrier-therapy-skin-protectant-cream/for/sensitive-skin): Superior
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/prequel/barrier-therapy-skin-protectant-cream/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/prequel/barrier-therapy-skin-protectant-cream/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/prequel/barrier-therapy-skin-protectant-cream/for/mature-skin): High
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/prequel/barrier-therapy-skin-protectant-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Superior
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/prequel/barrier-therapy-skin-protectant-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Oat, Multi-Ceramides, Allantoin, Adenosine

## What the research says

- Application of Body Lotion for 5 weeks on cosmetic dry skin improved barrier properties, increased levels of cholesterol, ceramides, and long-chain fatty acids, increased beneficial skin bacteria, and enhanced microbiome functional potential compared to baseline. ([Scientific Reports, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35340018/))
- A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- A repair cream containing Rhealba oat plantlets extract, l-ALA-l-GLU dipeptide, and hyaluronic acid provided immediate relief and was judged by doctors as good or very good in 96.8% of cases for wound healing in 2,363 patients following dermatological acts. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30519069/))
- Topically applied Avena sativa and Avena Rhealba oatmeal extracts significantly reduced skin irritation parameters including a* parameter increase and blood flow increase compared to vehicle in 12 healthy individuals subjected to the sodium lauryl sulfate irritation model. ([Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11867969/))
- Colloidal oat extracts diminished pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro and colloidal oat lotion improved skin dryness, scaling, roughness, and itch intensity in healthy female subjects compared to baseline. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25607907/))
- Topical gel containing chitosan, 0.2% chlorhexidine, allantoin and dexpanthenol did not improve postoperative comfort regarding swelling and pain, but improved the wound's aesthetic appearance following impacted lower third molar extraction compared to no gel. ([Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27475700/))
- A topical gel containing chitosan, chlorhexidine, allantoin, and dexpanthenol significantly reduced postoperative pain, trismus, swelling, and analgesic consumption, while improving wound healing after third molar surgery compared to a placebo. ([Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32683390/))
- An overnight patch containing Allium cepa extract and allantoin safely promotes scar healing after dermatologic surgery, resulting in significantly greater reductions in observer- and patient-assessed POSAS scores compared to no treatment. ([Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29948103/))
- Topical adenosine treatment significantly increased the anagen hair growth rate and thick hair rate compared to placebo in Japanese women with female pattern hair loss over 12 months. ([The Journal of Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19239555/))
- Topical application of a disodium adenosine monophosphate-based formulation reduced wrinkles and hyperpigmentation while improving hydration, barrier function, skin lifting, and epidermal turnover in female participants. ([International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42278371/))
- Adenosine and cordycepin stimulate the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway through adenosine receptor and PKA activation, promoting cell proliferation, migration, and growth factor secretion in cultured dermal fibroblasts. ([International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34070360/))

## What reviewers say

While the vast majority find it deeply hydrating and an excellent value for the size, a subset of users reported burning sensations or breakouts, and the product faced a significant recall in 2024 due to contamination concerns.

- Liked: Great value (often mentioned)
- Liked: Non-greasy texture (often mentioned)
- Liked: Versatile use (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Availability issues (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Burning sensation (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Recall history (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Caused breakouts (rarely noted)

## Questions and answers

### How well does Prequel Barrier Therapy Skin Protectant Cream work for combination skin?

This cream works moderately well for combination skin, offering basic hydration and barrier support from oat and ceramides, but it lacks sufficient ingredients for oil control. Combination skin of this type needs brightening agents and oil-balancing ingredients to reduce oily shine while keeping the skin hydrated.
Sources: [Scientific Reports, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35340018/)

### Which ingredients make this cream a good fit for combination skin?

Oat and multi-ceramides make this cream a good fit for combination skin by strengthening your skin barrier and providing gentle moisture. This product of this type needs additional oil-balancing ingredients to manage shine.
Sources: [Scientific Reports, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35340018/)

### What does Oat do for combination skin?

Oat helps calm redness and soothe irritation while keeping combination skin feeling balanced and comfortable. Because a poor fit for this skin type can leave dry patches flaky and oily zones overloaded, products of this type need lightweight hydration and soothing plant extracts like colloidal oatmeal to calm irritation without clogging pores.
Sources: [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17373175/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25607907/)

### What do Ceramides do for combination skin?

Ceramides help balance combination skin by supporting the skin barrier to keep dry areas hydrated without feeling heavy on oily zones. This type of skin needs lightweight hydrators and barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides and cholesterol to maintain a smooth and calm feel across both dry and oily areas.
Sources: [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12553851/), [Scientific Reports, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35340018/)

### Where does this cream go in a skincare routine for combination skin?

This cream goes as the third step in the morning routine after a cleanser and hydrating toner, and as the last step in the evening routine after a treatment. It is safe for combination skin with no risks of irritation, though a product of this type for this skin needs oil-control ingredients to better handle oily shine.

### Can I use this cream with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this cream with retinol by applying your retinol treatment first and then smoothing this moisturizer over it. Using a barrier-supporting moisturizer helps keep combination skin comfortable and may reduce the dryness or irritation that often comes with retinoids.
Sources: [Cutis, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17121065/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37276158/)

### How often should I use this cream?

You can safely use this cream daily as part of your morning and evening routine because it is gentle and free of harsh ingredients. To work best for your combination skin, this type of product needs added oil-controlling ingredients to keep oily shine balanced.
Sources: [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32239984/)

### Can this cream clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?

This cream is unlikely to cause severe breakouts on your combination skin, though reviewers occasionally mention minor pimples. It provides moderate moisture, but a product for this skin needs lighter texture agents and oil-controlling ingredients to prevent clogged pores.

### Is this cream fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol. Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.

## Alternatives for combination skin

- [Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/drunk-elephant/protini-polypeptide-cream/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — CA$95.99 at Amazon
- [The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/natural-moisturizing-factors-ha/for/combination-skin) — High fit — CA$16.20 at Amazon
- [Allies of Skin Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/allies-of-skin/peptides-and-antioxidants-firming-daily-treatment/for/combination-skin) — High fit — CA$98.99 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — CA$44.95 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — CA$37.60 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — CA$29.98 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in Canada has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Oat, Water, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, C10-18 Triglycerides, Allantoin, Adenosine, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eos, Ceramide Eop, Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ns, Cholesterol, Caprooyl Phytosphingosine, Caprooyl Sphingosine, Glycolipids, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Behenic Acid, Ceteareth-25, Glycine Soja Sterols, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Kernel, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Sodium Hydroxide
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/prequel/barrier-therapy-skin-protectant-cream/for/combination-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/prequel/barrier-therapy-skin-protectant-cream/for/combination-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/prequel/barrier-therapy-skin-protectant-cream/for/combination-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/prequel/barrier-therapy-skin-protectant-cream/for/combination-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/prequel/barrier-therapy-skin-protectant-cream/for/combination-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/prequel/barrier-therapy-skin-protectant-cream/for/combination-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/prequel/barrier-therapy-skin-protectant-cream/for/combination-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/prequel/barrier-therapy-skin-protectant-cream/for/combination-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/prequel/barrier-therapy-skin-protectant-cream/for/combination-skin (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/prequel/barrier-therapy-skin-protectant-cream/for/combination-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/prequel/barrier-therapy-skin-protectant-cream/for/combination-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/prequel/barrier-therapy-skin-protectant-cream/for/combination-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/prequel/barrier-therapy-skin-protectant-cream/for/combination-skin