Stroke of Genius: Meet RATIONALE Skincare Founder, Richard Parker

Uncover the science of beautiful, healthy skin and shop the Essential Six taking luxury skincare to innovative new heights.

RATIONALE skincare is known for two things: a streamlined, luxury routine and the unmistakably luminous skin each formula creates. But behind every serum and crème spotted on an A-Lister or beauty expert’s top shelf, there’s much more than meets the eye. 

“Healthy, glowing skin is a moving target throughout each decade of life,” says RATIONALE founder, Richard Parker. “This makes understanding your skin’s unique and changing needs an absolute imperative,” he explains. So determined to delve deeper into skin health and facial ageing research, “I studied skin in its optimal state of health from the very beginning, and used this data to create genetically informed formulations and rituals,” says Parker.

After 30 years of research and revolutionary product development, RATIONALE now boasts seven targeted skincare collections. Each is formulated to enhance skin’s protection during the day and its repair at night with a “skin identical” philosophy. This is where Parker’s dedication to research makes all the difference.

As Parker explains, the skin is composed of proteins like keratin and DNA, ceramides, vitamins and minerals, “which work synergistically to protect the skin from environmental compromise, and repair cellular damage.” But, “these natural ingredients diminish with age, which makes topical supplementation vital,” says Parker.  So with each skin identical formula, RATIONALE delivers vitamins and minerals the skin recognises – and ultimately absorbs more effectively – to target specific skin concerns with unmatched results.

To curate your RATIONALE routine, keep reading and discover RATIONALE at David Jones or book a next-gen facial

How Do You Use RATIONALE Skincare? Create Your Own RATIONALE Essential Six

RATIONALE’s streamlined routines are best tailored to your skin concerns. Find your guide to RATIONALE products below, or book in for a RATIONALE Platinum Consultation at David Jones Elizabeth Street.

For calm, resilient skin

RATIONALE #1 The Serum

A morning skincare all-in-one, this RATIONALE serum supports skin’s resilience with B vitamins and hydrating, barrier-repairing lipids. Apply to clean skin every morning for a calm, clear complexion.

For antioxidant-boosted hydration

RATIONALE #2 The Light Crème

Next, try a RATIONALE moisturiser with antioxidant vitamin C. By massaging this lightweight, hydrating formula into skin, a trial found 95% of participants reported hydrated, firm skin and 91% reported an even tone after eight weeks of application.

For a lightweight SPF

RATIONALE #3 The Tinted Serum SPF50+

Finish with a RATIONALE SPF like the #3 The Tinted Serum SPF50+*. This zinc-based SPF calms and hydrates, with a light, velvet-finish formula and luminous pigments to enhance skin’s natural glow.

For a comforting cleanse

RATIONALE #4 The PreCleanse Balm

In the evening, massage a RATIONALE cleanser into skin to dissolve makeup, SPF and impurities. For dry and sensitive skin, this balm-to-oil cleanser will even help comfort and rehydrate skin while cleansing. 

For a skin-brightening treatment

RATIONALE #5 The Mask

A weekly radiance reset, this clarifying mask uses an organic acid complex to refine skin’s texture – revealing bright, smooth and hydrated skin in just 20 minutes.

For overnight rejuvenation

RATIONALE #6 The Night Crème

Complete your RATIONALE routine with a RATIONALE night cream. This RATIONALE retinol formulation plumps fine lines and supports skin’s collagen and DNA repair functions, while ceramides and essential fatty acids lock in moisture for firm, nourished skin by morning.

*Use as directed. Always read the label. Avoid prolonged UV exposure and always wear protective clothing, hat and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent use and re-application in accordance with directions is required for effective sun protection.