Augustinus Bader skincare lines the cabinets of the rich and famous, from Kim Kardashian to Victoria Beckham. Posh even released an entire makeup range in collaboration with the luxe brand. But AB products cost in the hundreds (it’s an eye-watering £250 for 50ml of The Rich Cream), so are they worth it?
As a beauty writer for the Good Housekeeping Institute, where we test hundreds of formulations a year, I’ve learnt that more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better. Sometimes, the value buy can be just as effective (you’re probably paying for the packaging), but some science-backed treatments do justify the price tag. So, when I got the chance to try some of the brand’s bestselling products, I didn’t hesitate.
I also recruited my GH colleague, Linzi Pucino, to help with the very tough task of slathering on this ultra-luxury skincare. Read on for our honest verdict.
So why is Augustinus Bader so expensive?
This is probably what you’re all asking. It was my first question, anyway. So, even before trying it, I decided to research the tech behind the brand in the hope it could justify the eye watering prices. The second most pressing consideration for me was what makes it different to other skincare boasting the same ingredients? For example, how is its £290 vitamin C serum different to Medik8’s £45 one, or The INKEY List’s £15 one?
Well, the secret ingredient is, in fact, no secret – just pure science. The patented Trigger Factor Complex was created by Professor Augustinus Bader himself, a leading expert in stem cell research. TFC works by enhancing skin cell communication, creating the optimal environment for skin renewal. In other words, it promises to increase skin cell turnover and resurfacing, which in turn reduces wrinkles and improves skin texture.
The Good Housekeeping verdict on Augustinus Bader skincare
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream at a glance
- Suitable for normal to dry skin
- Includes the brand’s hero ingredient, TFC8. It’s used after cleansing to stimulate skin cell renewal.
- Added hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin for long-lasting hydration
- Vitamin E strengthens the skin barrier, further locking in the moisture and keeping environmental aggressors out.
- This cream boasts a richer texture than the more lightweight ‘The Cream’ from the range, due to added argan and avocado oil. This makes it ideal for drier skin types.
‘It gave a gorgeous glow’ – Linzi Pucino
First impressions
“I Googled the price of this moisturiser on the way home from picking it up at the office, and IMMEDIATELY checked it was still in my bag.
“It has a really luxurious, premium look and feel straight out of the box, so I was excited to try it. It's fairly thick, and just one pump was more than enough for full coverage. It absorbs well with barely any residue, and I found I didn't have to wait long to apply makeup afterwards.”
Did it suit your skin type?
“I'm pretty lucky with my complexion, but that's because I'm militant about removing my makeup and layering up with lotions and potions every day (you can thank my beautician mother for that!).
But my skin tends to be on the drier side, especially when I'm stressed, which is often. So, I like to make sure I use a moisturiser and SPF every day. This cream is particularly thick and lavish in texture, which made it perfect for replenishing my dehydrated, anxious skin.”
The verdict on Augustinus Bader’s The Rich Cream
“My normal daily moisturisers are a little thinner compared to this one, so I really enjoyed the luxurious thickness. It immediately replenished my skin and kept it hydrated throughout the day. It leaves my skin feeling and looking plumper straight away, and gives it a gorgeous glow. After applying in the morning, my makeup glides on with no piling, which is always a plus.
“Honestly, would I pay £250 for this cream? Probably not. I think there are plenty of other brands on the market that do the same job for a fraction of the price. But, then again, if you have the money, why not? I do really enjoy the slick packaging and the way the lid clicks back onto the bottle with barely any effort.”
Augustinus Bader The Vitamin C Serum, at a glance
We also tried the brand’s latest launch – The Vitamin C Serum, which retails at £290.
- Formulated with stable vitamin C which – when applied topically – helps reduce the appearance of dark spots by halting the production of pigmentation in skin.
- Vitamin C also protects against free radicals such as pollution and UV rays.
- Infused with ergothioneine, a mushroom-derived ingredient that helps to boost the effects of vitamin C, with brightening and evening results.
- Added niacinamide helps to protect the skin barrier, locking moisture in the skin and protecting against environmental aggressors.
‘I’ll be rationing every drop until it runs out’ – Maddie Evans
First impressions
“Firstly, the gold packaging screams luxury. But as with everything, it’s what’s inside that counts. Luckily, I was equally impressed with the texture. As recommended, I applied it after cleansing as the first point of contact with my skin, layered with a hydrating moisturiser and SPF on top. I like to give it a minute to absorbbefore adding the other two steps, which isn’t an issue as it quickly sinks in, ready for makeup application.”
Did it suit your skin type?
“The condition of my skin varies depending on the time of the month, weather, and my diet. But London’s hard water, plus a hefty dose of pollution and grey skies, mean that my skin is consistently one thing: dull. Despite this, I hadn’t ever prioritised a brightening vitamin C serum in my routine.
“When I first started using it, I had some noticeable dark spots from previous blemishes. I also seem to have a semi-permanent dark under-eye area thanks to inconsistent sleeping patterns and a far-too-busy schedule (ah, adulting). But, applying this regularly seems to have reduced the appearance of the dark spots and improved my uneven skin tone, making my complexion brighter overall.”
The verdict on Augustinus Bader’s The Vitamin C Serum
“Honestly, I’m really sold on the lightweight texture and reparative qualities. Whether I would fork out nearly £300 for it is another thing, but that might just be me. Based purely on the performance, there was a noticeable difference in how quickly my blemish marks cleared up, and I felt more confident wearing no foundation out and about, thanks to my newfound glow.
“I will be rationing every pump until it runs out, and it’s definitely converted me to using a vitamin C serum in my skincare routine – it will just have to be another version, though, given my budgetary ‘constraints’. But if hyperpigmentation is a key concern of yours, and you want to splurge on a serum that will heed quick results, this one is worth considering.”
Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and Health & Wellness products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.
When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.
