#4 The Cleanser

The Promise

– Skin appears more hydrated
– Skin feels softer and more supple
– Comforts skin, soothing the appearance of irritation
– Gently cleanses to optimally prepare skin for night-time actives

 The Ritual

Massage cleanser over dry or damp skin. Rinse thoroughly with tepid water. Follow with your RATIONALE Essential Six formulations for night. 

 The Research

The skin’s outermost layer, the Stratum Corneum, exists to perform its vital barrier function. An exquisitely balanced composition of lipids, comprised of ceramides, cholesterol and triglycerides comprise a living barrier that keeps skin moist and supple, helping to prevent infection by providing a shield against sunlight and other environmental aggressors.

These ‘living lipids’ are also crucial to cell-to-cell communication and biochemical signalling, forming a dynamic, interactive interface between the skin and the outside world.

Stratum Corneum lipids and proteins are synthesised in the skin’s upper layers, but the efficiency of this process diminishes with age and environmental damage, leading to skin dryness and sensitivity. Topical lipid supplementation through the processes of cleansing and moisturising can replenish and stabilise this biological defensive function.

Foaming cleansers tend to dry and strip the skin of precious nutrients and lipids, increasing dehydration and reactivity. The correctly balanced combination of intercellular lipids, vitamins and botanicals can gently remove daily debris, including sunscreens and pollution, while augmenting and reinforcing Stratum Corneum barrier structures.

The Integrity Actives

Vitamin E (Tocopherols + Tocotrienols) enhances the synthesis of NMFs. A powerful skin antioxidant, Vitamin E calms and promotes natural healing processes.
Vitamin D3 PreCursor is activated by sunlight to simultaneously improve skin barrier function and protect against UV-induced damage and cellular senescence.
Australian Botanicals have the potential to promote a luminous, healthy complexion through calming the skin and increasing micro-circulation.
Skin Identical Ceramide Complex supports natural cleansing mechanisms, while amplifying hydration and increasing Natural Moisturising Factors (NMFs) to fortify barrier function and skin resilience.
Intercellular Lipids (Phospholipids + Cholesterol) nourish and reinforce the skin, replenishing natural lipid barrier reserves and preventing Trans-Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL) to encourage moisturising and healing processes.
Amino Acids boost moisture retention, promoting elasticity.