Quick Summary
We've discovered that the CKD Guaranteed Retino Collagen Small Molecule 300 Intensive Cream is a promising and more affordable alternative to ultra pricey Rationale #6 The Night Crème. Both products share key ingredients and have similar claims, focusing on hydration, anti-aging, and skin repair. While there are differences in some components and formulations, CKD’s cream holds up well in terms of functionality and effectiveness.
The Challenge of Finding Rationale Dupes
We were recently prompted by a member of our private Facebook Group to find them a Rationale dupe when we asked what was their current dream dupe. Finding alternatives for Australia based Rationale products has always been particularly challenging. Rationale is renowned for their super long ingredient lists, making it difficult to find comparable products when looking at full INCI ingredient lists. Even with our super power of pulling up full comparison brand reports of high matches, Rationale reports often come up empty. However, thanks to our robust ingredient comparison platform, we were able to uncover a suitable alternative after an extensive search through our database. This marks a significant achievement in our quest to provide affordable alternatives for even the most ingredient heavy skincare formulations.
Key Ingredients Comparison
Similarities
Both the CKD Guaranteed Retino Collagen Small Molecule 300 Intensive Cream and Rationale #6 The Night Crème share a commitment to hydration, anti-aging, and skin repair.
- Hydration: Both creams contain glycerin, a powerful humectant that draws moisture into the skin. Additionally, they both include butylene glycol, which helps to retain moisture and improve the texture of the skin.
- Anti-Aging: The key anti-aging ingredients in both products are retinoids. CKD’s cream contains retinal, while Rationale’s night crème includes both retinol and retinal. These ingredients promote cell turnover and collagen production, helping to reduce fine lines and improve skin texture.
- Skin Repair: Both products incorporate collagen to support skin elasticity. CKD uses soluble collagen and hydrolyzed collagen, while Rationale includes hydrolyzed DNA/RNA, which helps in skin repair and resilience.
Differences
Despite these similarities, there are notable differences in the formulations that could influence your choice between the two products.
- Additional Hydration Ingredients: CKD’s cream includes Cyclohexasiloxane and Propanediol, which enhance the hydrating properties, making the skin feel soft and smooth. Rationale, on the other hand, uses jojoba esters and dicaprylyl carbonate for additional moisture retention.
- Soothing Ingredients: CKD incorporates betaine and various plant extracts like Laminaria Japonica and Eclipta Prostrata, which provide soothing and antioxidant benefits. Rationale’s formulation includes bisabolol and allantoin, which are known for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Advanced Skin Repair: Rationale features more advanced skin repair ingredients such as Bifida Ferment Lysate and a mix of hydrolyzed DNA/RNA. These ingredients support the skin’s natural repair mechanisms more robustly compared to CKD’s collagen focus.
Claims and Functionality
Hydration
Both creams excel in their hydrating capabilities. CKD’s combination of glycerin, butylene glycol, and propanediol ensures that moisture is effectively attracted and retained within the skin. Cyclohexasiloxane adds a layer of silky smoothness, making the skin feel soft and hydrated. Rationale’s formula also prioritizes hydration with glycerin and jojoba esters, which provide lasting moisture and help to maintain the skin’s natural barrier.
Anti-Aging
Anti-aging benefits are a key focus for both products, driven by the inclusion of retinoids. CKD’s cream includes retinal, a potent form of Vitamin A known for its efficacy in improving skin texture, reducing fine lines, and promoting cell turnover. Rationale’s night crème leverages both retinol and retinal, enhancing skin renewal and collagen production. This dual approach helps to combat signs of aging effectively, making both products strong contenders in the anti-aging category.
Skin Repair
When it comes to skin repair, CKD’s cream includes soluble collagen and hydrolyzed collagen, which aid in maintaining skin elasticity and structure. The additional plant extracts provide antioxidants and soothing benefits, further supporting skin health. Rationale’s formulation takes a more advanced approach with Bifida Ferment Lysate and hydrolyzed DNA/RNA, which promote skin repair and resilience. These ingredients work together to enhance the skin’s natural repair mechanisms, ensuring a healthy and radiant complexion.
Comparing Textures
Rationale Night Creme texture (L) vs CKD Guaranteed Retino Collagen Cream (R)
The CKD cream includes Cyclohexasiloxane for a silky, smooth texture, with glycerin and butylene glycol providing a hydrating, slightly tacky feel. Fatty alcohols and oils add richness and moisture.
Rationale's night crème features jojoba esters for a lightweight, non-greasy feel and dicaprylyl carbonate for a velvety texture. Silicones like polysorbate 20 and mica add a luxurious, silky finish and a subtle glow.
Both products aim to enhance spreadability and provide smooth textures, but CKD may feel richer and more moisturizing, while Rationale may have a lighter, more luxurious finish. These are educated guesses based on the ingredient lists, and the actual texture can only be confirmed through direct experience with the products.
Price Comparison
The CKD Guaranteed Retino Collagen Small Molecule 300 Intensive Cream is significantly more affordable compared to Rationale #6 The Night Crème. The CKD cream sells for $19 for 25mL, whereas Rationale’s night crème is priced at $198 for 50mL. When considering the price per mL, CKD costs $0.76 per mL, while Rationale costs $3.96 per mL. This stark difference in pricing makes CKD a more budget-friendly option for those looking for similar skincare benefits.
Conclusion: Is CKD a Legitimate Dupe?
The CKD Guaranteed Retino Collagen Small Molecule 300 Intensive Cream indeed presents itself as a strong contender as an affordable alternative for Rationale #6 The Night Crème. The similarity in key ingredients and their functions, particularly in hydration, anti-aging, and skin repair, makes CKD a viable alternative. While the formulations are not identical and purchasing Rationale would undoubtedly offer a more luxurious experience, CKD offers a comparable solution for those aspiring to the benefits of Rationale’s night cream at a significantly lower price point.
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Feel free to explore more comparisons and discover new alternatives on our platform. At Skinskool, we’re committed to helping you find the best products for your skincare needs.
