ReviewBeauty
Augustinus Bader Review: A Genuinely Luxurious Moisturizer — But You're Paying Heavily for the Science Story
Augustinus Bader's creams feel beautiful and many users see real glow and smoothness — but at roughly $5–$6 per ml, with limited independent evidence behind TFC8 and fragrance or rich oils that don't suit every skin, the value case only works for committed luxury buyers.
rating 7.3 / 10
7.3/10
- Best for
- Dry, mature or dull skin types with a luxury skincare budget who value texture, glow and a science-led brand story
- Price
- Around $96 (15 ml) – $305 (50 ml) for the flagship creamsaugustinusbader.com, Sephora, Nordstrom
The shortlist
02 PRODUCTS · PRICES CHECKED AUTOMATICALLY
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Best for Normal, Combination & Oily Skin The Cream — ~$96 (15 ml) / ~$305 (50 ml) $80 Augustinus Bader
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Approach With Caution Third-Party Marketplace Listings Augustinus Bader
How this works — Links to shops may earn FailleGlam a commission. It never decides what we recommend, the score, or the order. Prices are read from each shop and shown with the time we last checked. How we review →
01 Why We Reviewed Augustinus Bader
Augustinus Bader is built on a compelling origin story. Professor Augustinus Bader, a stem cell biologist at Germany's Leipzig University, developed a hydrogel that helped some burn patients avoid skin grafts. That research inspired the brand's patented TFC8 complex — a blend of amino acids, vitamins and synthesized molecules designed to support the skin's natural renewal. Its flagship creams have collected more than 100 beauty awards, and reviewers are frequently won over. Katie Couric Media called The Rich Cream possibly the best moisturizer the reviewer had ever used, and Editorialist's tester saw a noticeable glow within days, with the cream working as a smooth base under makeup.
The honest caveat: dermatology-focused reviewers are far more skeptical. DermApproved notes TFC8's clinical validation in cosmetics is limited and brand-sponsored, and dermatologists often point out that well-formulated moisturizers from SkinCeuticals or La Roche-Posay deliver similar hydration and barrier benefits at a fraction of the price. The Rich Cream contains fragrance and rich oils that can bother sensitive or acne-prone skin, and The Cream contains retinyl palmitate, which isn't recommended during pregnancy. At around $305 for 50 ml, that matters.
02 Augustinus Bader at a Glance
At a glance
- Founded
- Launched 2018 — built on Prof. Augustinus Bader's research at Leipzig University
- Product Category
- Luxury skincare, body care, haircare and supplements
- Price Range
- ~$96 (15 ml creams) – $305 (50 ml creams) – $430 (The Skin Infusion)
- Ships To
- USA, UK and international markets
- Made In
- Formulated in Germany/UK; see packaging for manufacturing details
- Warranty
- Not applicable — check retailer satisfaction policies
- Return Policy
- Varies by retailer; Sephora and Nordstrom offer standard beauty returns
- Available At
- augustinusbader.com, Sephora, Nordstrom, Violet Grey
- Review Count
- Thousands of reviews across Sephora and luxury retailers
- FailleGlam Rating
- 7.3 / 10
03 What FailleGlam Found: The Honest Breakdown
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+01
✅ Exceptional texture and feel Reviewers compare The Rich Cream's cushiony, warm-to-apply texture to La Mer, with a silky finish some liken to a foundation.
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+02
✅ Visible glow and smoothness Editorial testers report brighter, more even-looking skin within days to weeks of daily use.
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+03
✅ Great under makeup Testers found it acts as a smooth base without pilling.
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+04
✅ A real research pedigree The brand is rooted in Prof. Bader's academic stem cell and wound-healing work, and dermatologists acknowledge the research is genuine.
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+05
✅ Thoughtful packaging The brand says most of its packaging is plastic-free and recyclable, and the airless pump dispenses a consistent amount.
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−01
❌ Very expensive per ml At roughly $5.80 per ml, it costs about double SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore and many times more than drugstore barrier creams.
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❌ Limited independent evidence for TFC8 Dermatology reviewers note the clinical data is limited, proprietary and brand-sponsored.
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❌ Not for every skin type The Rich Cream contains fragrance plus shea butter and oils that can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
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❌ Not pregnancy-friendly (The Cream) It contains retinyl palmitate, so a retinoid-free alternative is advised during pregnancy.
Our readAugustinus Bader delivers a genuinely lovely skincare experience. The question isn't whether it works — it's whether the results are worth several times the price of well-formulated alternatives.
04 Best Augustinus Bader Products Worth Considering
The brand's range is broad, but its reputation rests on a few hero products. After reviewing editorial tests, dermatology critiques and Sephora feedback, here are the standouts — and one to approach carefully.
The Rich Cream — ~$96 (15 ml) / ~$305 (50 ml)
Best Overall Pick for Dry & Mature Skin
This is the brand's icon: a rich, cushiony moisturizer with argan, avocado and evening primrose oils plus TFC8. Editorialist's team recommends it specifically for dry or mature skin, and many Sephora reviewers describe plumper, smoother, more radiant skin after consistent use. Start with the 15 ml size to test how your skin reacts before committing to the full jar.
Augustinus Bader
The Cream — ~$96 (15 ml) / ~$305 (50 ml)
The lighter sibling uses the same TFC8 complex in a less occlusive base and is fragrance-free, making it better for combination and oilier skin — even as a night cream. Avoid it during pregnancy because of retinyl palmitate. If you're comparing luxury moisturizers, see our La Mer review for a side-by-side on texture and price.
The Essence — ~$99
Premium Add-On
A hydrating toner-essence that preps skin before moisturizer. It's a nice ritual step at a more approachable price, but it's the cream that drives most visible results.
Augustinus Bader
Third-Party Marketplace Listings
You'll see Augustinus Bader on general marketplaces at tempting prices. Buy from the brand or authorized retailers like Sephora and Nordstrom to avoid counterfeit or expired product — and to keep access to standard beauty return policies.
05 What Buyers Are Actually Saying
A Sephora reviewer describes their results:
It's rich without feeling heavy, absorbs beautifully, and my skin looks smoother, plumper and more radiant. Pricey? Yes. Worth it? For me, absolutely.
A beauty editor gives a strong first impression:
This may be the best moisturizer I've ever used. The price is steep, but the formula feels unmatched.
On the concerns side, a reviewer questions both hydration and hype:
Despite the name, it wasn't moisturizing enough for my skin and did nothing noticeable. The price is not worth it.
A dermatology-focused review summarizes the value debate:
It's a genuinely comforting cream for dry, mature skin, but the price reflects the brand story as much as the ingredients.
The pattern: many users love the texture and glow, while skeptics — including dermatology reviewers — question whether the results justify the premium.
06 Augustinus Bader vs The Competition
| Augustinus Bader vs The Competition | Our pick Augustinus Bader Rich Cream | La Mer Crème de la Mer | SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | ~$305 / 50 ml | ~$200+ / 30 ml | ~$140+ / 48 ml |
| Quality / Build | ✅ Rich, luxurious | ✅ Rich, iconic | ✅ Clinical, barrier-focused |
| Key Technology | TFC8 complex | Miracle Broth | 2:4:2 lipid ratio |
| Fragrance | ⚠️ Contains fragrance | ⚠️ Contains fragrance | ✅ Minimal |
| Best Skin Type | Dry / mature | Dry | Aging, barrier-compromised |
| Independent Evidence | ⚠️ Limited | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Stronger clinical backing |
| Unique Strength | Science story + glow | Heritage luxury | Value for clinical results |
| Best For | Luxury ritual lovers | Classic luxury buyers | Results-per-dollar buyers |
For a deeper breakdown, see our full La Mer review.
07 Is Augustinus Bader Right For You?
Perfect For
Buyers with dry, mature or dull skin who love a luxurious ritual, can comfortably afford the price, and want a moisturizer that feels special every morning and night.
Worth Considering If
You're curious but unsure. Buy the 15 ml size first, use it consistently for four weeks, and compare it honestly with your current moisturizer before upgrading.
Skip It If
You have acne-prone or fragrance-sensitive skin, you're pregnant (for The Cream), or you'd be stretching your budget. Clinical mid-range brands deliver similar hydration for far less.
08 FailleGlam Recommends
Augustinus Bader
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream (15 ml) — ~$96
Starting small gives you the full experience — texture, glow and makeup performance — without spending $300 upfront. If your skin loves it after a month, move to the 50 ml jar during a Sephora or Nordstrom sale event.
09 Augustinus Bader — Questions We Get Asked Most
Q.01The Rich Cream vs The Cream — which should I choose?
The Rich Cream for dry or mature skin. The Cream for normal, combination or oily skin — it's lighter and fragrance-free.
Q.02Is Augustinus Bader worth the price?
For luxury buyers who love the texture and see results, many say yes. Dermatologists note that similar hydration benefits are available for far less.
Q.03What is TFC8?
It's the brand's patented blend of amino acids, vitamins and synthesized molecules designed to support skin renewal. Independent clinical evidence in cosmetics is still limited.
Q.04Is Augustinus Bader good for acne-prone skin?
The Rich Cream's shea butter and oils may clog pores. The Cream is a better fit, but patch-test first.
Q.05Can I use Augustinus Bader while pregnant?
The Cream contains retinyl palmitate and isn't recommended during pregnancy. Check with your doctor before using any retinoid-containing products.