Augustinus Bader’s The Cream Is Our Secret to Smooth Skin

After receiving a complimentary sample from the brand, we put Augustinus Bader's The Cream to the test. Keep reading for our full product review. 

When it comes to testing a product like Augustinus Bader's The Cream, it’s hard not to go in with high expectations. After all, with a price tag of almost $200, you'd expect it to give you a facelift or something, right? Maybe that’s a lot to expect from a moisturizer but with the celeb-backed hype and big claims from the company (like glowy skin, diminished scars and age spots, less redness, and a healthier appearance), we were looking forward to seeing some serious results. We tested The Cream (along with its more hydrating formula, aptly named The Rich Cream) for two weeks and tapped a dermatologist for her honest thoughts to determine whether the formula is worth it.

About the Ingredients: Unique to the brand

Behind the formula lies TFC8, also known as Trigger Factor Complex, a combination of amino acids, vitamins, and synthesized molecules of the same kind naturally found in the skin. The magic of TFC8 is that it guides key nutrients to skin cells, and allows the skin to heal itself. The Cream also features aloe vera, vitamins A, B, C, and E, as well as antioxidants and amino acids. There are no parabens, fragrances, mineral oils, SLS, SLES, or DEA; their products are never tested on animals.

About the Formula: Ideal for oily or combination skin

The moisturizer applies lightly, so you only need two small pumps to cover your entire face and neck. It spreads easily and seems to melt into the skin, so makeup applies over it cleanly (and with no waiting period to boot). Our skin stayed hydrated throughout the day, never veering too dry or oily. According to double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Jennifer Levine, MD, this formula is ideal for those with oily or combination skin, while the Rich Cream is better for drier, more mature skin types.

The Results: Immediately softer skin

The first morning after we used The Cream, we were pleasantly surprised to find our skin was smooth and soft to the touch. Despite trying out many moisturizers, this was the first time we were actually noticeably shocked at the immediate difference in our skin—which is saying something. The vice president of commerce Bronwyn Barnes even noticed that she's able to go longer without Botox because the lines on her forehead are significantly less visible. "It's hydrating and a little goes a long way," she explains. "So even though it's expensive, I don't go through as much as I would with a cheaper moisturizer." Even the bottle feels expensive (and at $170 for an ounce, it better be), but the bottle style means you’ll never know when you’re down to the last drop.

The Value: Expensive but worth it

Augustinus Bader The Cream is a luxury product and priced like one too. The biggest size, 1.7 ounces, sells for $290 and will last about six weeks. The 1-ounce (which I tested), costs $180 and lasts about a month. The smallest size, 0.5 ounces, is $92 and will last two weeks. If you're on a budget, it's hard for us to say that the product is worth it. However, we’ve been happy with the results, especially as it pertains to anti-aging.