# The Rhode Shortage Problem: What Editors Are Reaching For Instead

Rhode Beauty products have become notoriously difficult to find. The brand's viral status and limited distribution mean fans regularly encounter stockouts of bestsellers like the Peptide Glazey Eye Cream and Lip Tint formulas. Cosmopolitan's editors faced this exact problem and tested alternatives that deliver comparable results without the waitlist frustration.

The shortage reflects Rhode's explosive growth under founder Hailey Bieber's ownership. The brand prioritizes quality over scale, which means production often cannot keep pace with demand. What started as an Instagram sensation has evolved into a bona fide cult phenomenon, but accessibility remains a challenge for many consumers.

Editors identified several product categories where alternatives work equally well. For eye creams, they tested formulas from established skincare houses that use similar peptide technology. Peptides are amino acids that signal skin to produce collagen, reducing fine lines and puffiness. Brands like SK-II, La Roche-Posay, and Augustinus Bader offer peptide-rich eye treatments at comparable or lower price points than Rhode's $62 Peptide Glazey Eye Cream.

Lip products proved easier to replace. Rhode's Lip Tints retail for around $18, but editors found dupes in the color cosmetics space that match the buildable pigment and glossy finish. Liquid lipsticks from Rare Beauty, MAC, and e.l.f. delivered similar staining power and longevity without the Rhode markup.

Skincare layering matters more than brand loyalty. The Cosmopolitan team emphasized that chasing one specific product often comes down to ingredient overlap rather than exclusivity. A peptide eye cream from any reputable brand will perform similarly if formulation is solid. Glycerin, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid appear across price ranges and remain the real workhorses.

This approach addresses a larger beauty industry trend. Consumers increasingly recognize that expensive doesn't equal effective. The rise of accessible brands like The Ordinary and CeraVe validated ingredient-focused shopping. Rhode built its empire partly on aspirational branding and Bieber's influence, not revolutionary formulations. That's not criticism. It means alternatives exist for nearly every Rhode product without sacrificing results.

The editors also highlighted lesser-known heritage brands worth exploring. French pharmacy staples and Japanese skincare lines offer targeted solutions that predate Rhode's viral moment. Sometimes the best alternative isn't a competing young brand, but an older formula that simply never trended on TikTok.

Availability anxiety drives purchasing decisions in beauty. Consumers feel pressure to buy when products are in stock, regardless of whether they actually need them. Testing alternatives removes that stress and encourages more intentional shopping. Building a skincare routine based on actives, skin type, and concerns beats chasing scarcity-driven hype.

Rhode continues restocking bestsellers, but demand outpaces supply regularly. The brand benefits from this dynamic, which reinforces desirability. For consumers tired of checking inventory, the Cosmopolitan guide provides a practical reset. Quality skincare exists at every price point and from dozens of brands. Finding your alternative might lead to a new favorite that rivals Rhode, without the frustration of perpetual unavailability.