Augustinus Bader’s documented strength is a cult following for its signature moisturizers. The brand launched in 2018, created by German biomedical scientist Professor Augustinus Bader, a regenerative medicine expert, according to The Quality Edit. DermFND notes Bader was a stem cell biologist at Leipzig University before the brand appeared in the Goop gift guide and on celebrity vanities. Every product contains TFC8, short for Trigger Factor Complex, a proprietary blend of amino acids, vitamins and other molecules that the brand says supports the skin’s natural renewal processes. Space NK says The Rich Cream was hailed as the only skincare product you need, alongside cleanser and SPF, and Sheerluxe notes makeup artists and industry insiders call it one of the best moisturizers money can buy.
Customer ratings at major retailers are strong. Space NK lists The Rich Cream at 4.0 from 651 reviews, and Feelunique lists the 30ml Rich Cream at 4.42 from 1,150 reviews. Katie Couric Media’s reviewer called it a game-changer. On Trustpilot, Cherrelle (UK, 5 stars) said she struggled with her skin since her teens, tried many brands and treatments, and that after nearly two years of Augustinus Bader her skin has never been better, with people assuming she’s had Botox. Helen Clargo (UK, 2 stars overall) said she loves the brand’s hair products, which keep her hair shiny and healthy. Norman Yap (Germany, 3 stars) said he’s used the products for years and finds them good, despite delivery frustrations.
The range spans facial moisturizers, including The Cream, The Rich Cream and The Light Cream, plus serums, eye creams, cleansers, masks, body care and haircare like The Shampoo, The Rich Conditioner and The Scalp Treatment. The Rich Cream costs $305 for 50ml in the US, according to The Quality Edit, and £145 for 30ml or £230 for 50ml at Space NK. The Rich Eye Cream costs $205. Smaller sizes and discovery sets lower the entry price.
The honest caveat: Augustinus Bader’s Trustpilot score is 1.9 from 58 reviews, with 81% one-star. The profile is unclaimed and small, but the complaints are consistent. Reviewers describe AI-only support, unanswered emails, difficulty cancelling auto-replenish subscriptions, irritation and rosacea flare-ups, an allergic reaction, and pump bottles that seemed half full. Some long-term users say they saw little improvement for the price. DermFND gives The Rich Cream a score of 64 out of 100.
Quick Highlights
✅ Founded by regenerative medicine expert Professor Augustinus Bader
✅ Proprietary TFC8 complex in every product
✅ The Rich Cream rated 4.0 from 651 Space NK reviews
✅ The Rich Cream rated 4.42 from 1,150 Feelunique reviews
✅ Loved by makeup artists and beauty editors, per Sheerluxe
✅ Three moisturizer textures: Light, Cream and Rich
✅ Many fans report smoother, more radiant skin
✅ Haircare praised by some customers
✅ Smaller sizes and sets lower the entry price
✅ Paraben-free and cruelty-free, per DermFND
✅ Auto-replenish discounts and loyalty points
✅ Helpful in-store staff at retailers like Selfridges, per a reviewer
❌ Trustpilot score of 1.9 from 58 reviews, 81% one-star
❌ Very expensive: The Rich Cream is $305 for 50ml
❌ AI-only customer support, per reviewers
❌ Auto-replenish cancellations difficult, per reviewers
❌ Irritation, rosacea flares and allergic reactions reported
❌ Some find pump bottles only partly filled
❌ DermFND score of 64/100 for The Rich Cream
Why Trust This Review
This review draws on 58 Trustpilot reviews of Augustinus Bader (TrustScore 1.9), larger retailer samples from Space NK and Feelunique, reviews from The Quality Edit, Sheerluxe, Katie Couric Media and DermFND, and product information from Augustinus Bader and retailers. Some retailer reviews were collected through promotions. The brand’s Trustpilot profile is unclaimed and small, so we weighed it against much larger retailer ratings.
Skin safety note: Patch-test new skincare on your inner arm or behind your ear for a few days before applying it to your face, especially if you have sensitive skin, rosacea or eczema. Stop using any product that causes redness, burning or swelling, and see a dermatologist if a reaction is severe. GlossGirly has no commercial relationship with Augustinus Bader that affects this verdict.
Full Review Breakdown
The Science and TFC8
Augustinus Bader’s story centers on its founder’s scientific background. Professor Bader is a stem cell biologist and regenerative medicine researcher, and the brand launched in 2018 with two products, The Cream and The Rich Cream, according to The Quality Edit. All products contain TFC8, which the brand describes as a complex of amino acids, vitamins and other molecules designed to support the skin’s natural regeneration. Katie Couric Media notes the brand positions TFC8 as a universal formula that can help with dryness, aging and hyperpigmentation, which explains the higher price.
It’s worth keeping claims in perspective. TFC8 is proprietary, so independent research on the finished formulas is limited. DermFND scored The Rich Cream 64 out of 100 in its analysis. Many users love the results, but individual responses vary widely, as reviews show.
The Moisturizers: Light, Cream and Rich
The brand’s moisturizers come in three textures. The Rich Cream is the most emollient. A blogger who tested it for a month described it as deceptively thin in texture but very rich once massaged in. Space NK suggests The Cream or The Light Cream for combination or oily skin. Sephora UK reviewers note The Rich Cream feels thinner than expected but heavy on the skin.
Results vary. Cherrelle credits it with clear, line-free skin after nearly two years. Space NK’s team reviewed The Rich Cream with before and after photos. Greenlit Content’s reviewer said improvements in tone and texture were noticeable over time. But Maria Cabral (UK, 1 star) said her skin seemed to sag more after six months compared with her previous retinol routine. marguerite olivier (Spain, 2 stars) said she saw no real improvement after a year at 65. Sadia Iqbal (UK, 1 star) and Dawn Kitchingman (UK, 1 star) said the creams caused irritation and rosacea flares, and Joanna K (UK, 1 star) described a severe allergic reaction requiring steroid prescriptions.
Customer Service, Subscriptions and Delivery
Customer service is the brand’s biggest weakness on Trustpilot. Lalique (Australia, 1 star) said she got only AI responses to three different issues. NotHappy (US, 1 star) said emails were answered by what seemed like ChatGPT with irrelevant excuses, and she had to open a PayPal case for a refund. Thompson (UK, 1 star) said emails went unanswered about a £170 eye cream she believed was contaminated. Hirak (India, 1 star) said payment was taken but no order appeared.
Auto-replenish subscriptions draw specific complaints. Sidney Pagter (US, 1 star) said charges continued and he couldn’t reach anyone to stop them, noting the program requires three cycles before cancelling. Charles Furness-Smith (UK, 1 star) said a cancelled subscription shipped anyway with no return label. Samantha (UK, 1 star) received duplicate replenishment orders. Norman Yap said UPS deliveries often went straight to pick-up points. In-store service can be better: Shahenur Rashid (UK, 5 stars) praised a knowledgeable staff member at Selfridges.
Price and ValuePrice and Value
Auto-replenish subscriptions draw specific complaints. Sidney Pagter (US, 1 star) said charges continued and he couldn’t reach anyone to stop them, noting the program requires three cycles before cancelling. Charles Furness-Smith (UK, 1 star) said a cancelled subscription shipped anyway with no return label. Samantha (UK, 1 star) received duplicate replenishment orders. Norman Yap said UPS deliveries often went straight to pick-up points. In-store service can be better: Shahenur Rashid (UK, 5 stars) praised a knowledgeable staff member at Selfridges.
Value depends on your results. Devotees say it replaces multiple products and is worth every penny. Others, like Стефка Драганова (Bulgaria, 1 star), found equally good alternatives for a fraction of the cost. Start with a small size or discovery set, patch-test, and avoid committing to auto-replenish until you’re sure.
Best Products Worth Buying
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
The brand’s signature moisturizer, a deeply nourishing cream powered by TFC8 and designed to support the skin barrier and improve the look of the complexion. It’s rated 4.0 from 651 reviews at Space NK and 4.42 from 1,150 at Feelunique, and Sheerluxe notes makeup artists consider it one of the best moisturizers available. Best for dry and mature skin seeking intense, comforting hydration. Trade-offs: very expensive, and some reviewers report irritation or rosacea flares. Start with a 15ml size or sample and patch-test first.
Augustinus Bader The Cream — similar pricing to The Rich Cream
A lighter version of The Rich Cream with the same TFC8 base, suited to normal and combination skin, according to Space NK. Greenlit Content’s reviewer said improvements in tone and texture became noticeable over time. Best for those who want the brand’s signature benefits in a less heavy texture. Trade-offs: the same premium price, and results vary by skin. Patch-test before full use.
Augustinus Bader Discovery Duo — about $168 (2 x 15ml, per a Walmart marketplace listing)
A smaller-size set with The Cream and The Rich Cream, allowing you to compare textures before committing to a full-size jar. Best for first-time buyers unsure which texture suits their skin. Trade-offs: still a significant spend, and marketplace prices vary. Buy from the brand or authorized retailers like Space NK to ensure authenticity.
Augustinus Bader Haircare (The Shampoo, The Rich Conditioner, The Scalp Treatment) — from about $67 for The Shampoo
TFC8-powered haircare designed to support hair and scalp health. Helen Clargo said she uses the hair products all the time and loves how they keep hair shiny and healthy, and a Walmart marketplace listing shows The Scalp Treatment rated 4.1 from 266 reviews. Best for those who want luxury haircare. Trade-offs: priced well above typical haircare, and one reviewer found shampoo subscriptions hard to cancel.
What Customers Actually Think
“I’ve been using these products for almost 2 years now and will not use anything else on my skin! The absolute best!!!” — Cherrelle, Trustpilot reviewer (UK, 5 stars, Augustinus Bader skincare)
“I use the 5 star hair products all the time and I love them.” — Helen Clargo, Trustpilot reviewer (UK, 2 stars, Augustinus Bader haircare)
“I use the 5 star hair products all the time and I love them.” — Helen Clargo, Trustpilot reviewer (UK, 2 stars, Augustinus Bader haircare)
“I’ve had a rosacea flare up from both the cream and the rich cream.” — Dawn Kitchingman, Trustpilot reviewer (UK, 1 star, The Cream and The Rich Cream)
“Just AI responses talking in circles.” — Lalique, Trustpilot reviewer (Australia, 1 star, Augustinus Bader order)
Is It Worth It?
Worth trying if you have the budget and want a luxurious, hydrating moisturizer with a devoted following. Start with a small size, patch-test carefully, buy from authorized retailers with strong customer service, and avoid auto-replenish until you’re confident it suits your skin.
Competitors Table
Feature | Augustinus Bader | La Prairie | SkinCeuticals | Medik8 | Tatcha | Drunk Elephant |
Trustpilot rating | 1.9/5 (58 reviews) | Not checked | 1.2/5 (187 reviews) | 4.6/5 (3.5K reviews) | 2.3/5 (99 reviews) | Not checked |
Signature technology | TFC8 | Caviar extracts | Antioxidants | Retinal, vitamin C | Japanese botanicals | Clean actives |
Hero moisturizer price | $305 (50ml) | $505 (50ml), per Greenlit | Mid to premium | Mid | Premium | Mid |
Haircare | Yes | No | No | No | No | Yes |
Sensitive skin suitability | Varies | Varies | Varies | Good | Good | Varies |
Price level | Luxury | Ultra-luxury | Premium | Mid | Premium | Mid to premium |
