How I got the Rhode Skin jumbo size delivered to Australia without the huge markup
Why Rhode Skin is still my 2026 favorite
It has been a few years since Hailey Bieber launched her brand, and I honestly thought the hype would have died down by now. However, as of February 2026, the Rhode Skin Barrier Restore Cream remains a permanent fixture on my vanity. The formula is just too good for my dry Australian skin, especially with the newer, larger jumbo sizes they released late last year. These bigger tubes offer significantly better value than the original 50ml version, but there is a catch: they are often exclusive to the US store or bundled in 'Skin Kits' that aren't easily available here in Sydney.
Whenever I check the latest us trends, Rhode is consistently at the top of the list for high-demand imports. The brand has maintained its "cool girl" status while actually delivering on the science of skin barrier repair. For me, the Barrier Restore Cream is the only thing that keeps my face from feeling like sandpaper after a day at the beach.
The math on US prices versus Australian markups
I did some quick calculations before placing my last order. In Australia, if you can even find a reseller with stock, you are often looking at a 50% to 80% markup. By buying directly from the US Rhode store, I found that even with the cost of international shipping, I was saving about $40 AUD per kit. When you buy the larger sizes or the bundles, the savings start to stack up quickly. I prefer to buy two or three tubes at once to make the shipping cost per item much lower.
How I used a freight forwarder to get my package
Since Rhode doesn't ship directly to Australia yet, I had to find a reliable way to get my hands on the goods. I decided to use comGateway as my freight forwarder. The process was surprisingly simple. I signed up for a tax-free US address in Oregon, which meant I didn't have to pay any US sales tax on my purchase—a nice little bonus that saved me another few dollars.
Once my Barrier Restore Cream arrived at the warehouse, I was notified immediately. I’ve tried a few different services over the years, but I keep coming back to this parcel forwarding service because they are efficient with their consolidation, which helps me save on bulkier orders.
What I did when my credit card was declined
One of the biggest hurdles I faced when I first started shopping from US stores like Nike, Sephora, and even Rhode, was the dreaded "Order Cancelled" email. Many US retailers have strict security filters that block international credit cards or refuse to ship to addresses they recognize as commercial warehouses. It is incredibly frustrating to see your order disappear minutes after you place it.
This is where I started using the "BuyForMe" service. Instead of me trying to use my Australian debit card, I let the team at comGateway handle the purchase. This is a form of proxy shopping where they use a US domestic card to buy the items on my behalf. I just send them the link to the Rhode Skin kit I want, and they take care of the rest. It is the safest way I have found to guarantee that my order doesn't get flagged or cancelled by the merchant's system. If you are struggling with a store that won't accept your payment, I highly recommend this assisted purchase route.
Estimating costs with a shipping calculator
Before I commit to a haul, I always use the shipping calculator to see what the landed cost will be. It helps me decide if I should add more items to my cart to make the weight worth it. Generally, DHL international shipping is my preferred method for skincare because it is fast and I can track it every step of the way from the US to my door in Melbourne.
I also make sure to check the current international shipping rates to see if there are any seasonal discounts. In 2026, shipping logistics have become quite streamlined, but being smart about how you package your items still makes a big difference in the final price.
Understanding import tax for Australian shoppers
One thing we have to keep in mind in Australia is the import tax. Since 2018, the 10% GST applies to low-value imported goods (under $1,000 AUD). Most of the time, your freight forwarder will handle this at the point of shipping, so there are no surprises when the package hits our shores. I always factor that 10% into my budget, but even with the GST added, the US prices for Rhode Skin are still significantly cheaper than buying from local gray-market sellers. If you are buying a huge amount of skincare (over $1,000 AUD), just be prepared for additional customs duties, but for my usual two-kit haul, it stays well under that limit.
If you are looking for other great beauty finds, you might also like to check our guide on popular products trending in the US this month. Getting the Rhode Skin Barrier Restore Cream to Australia isn't nearly as difficult as it used to be, provided you have the right setup!
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