If you’ve spent any time in the luxury skincare world, chances are you’ve heard of Augustinus Bader. Rooted in science and wrapped in sleek blue packaging, Augustinus Bader has become a skincare brand synonymous with its sleek blue packaging, innovation, and indulgence. Not to mention it’s beloved by celebrities like Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Aniston, and Margot Robbie, to name a few. Over time, I’ve tried a few of the brand’s best sellers, and here are my honest thoughts on what’s worth it (and what’s not).
A few of the products reviewed here were gifted to me from the brand, but all opinions are my own. If you have skincare questions or concerns, be sure to ask a professional dermatologist.
Augustinus Bader Review
Who is Augustinus Bader?
Professor Augustinus Bader is a globally known scientist and physician, widely recognized as a leading expert in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. Born in Germany, his career has spanned more than 30 years of pioneering research focused on unlocking the body’s natural ability to heal itself—particularly by reactivating cells that become dormant with age or trauma.
In 2008, Professor Bader developed a revolutionary Wound Gel that could heal severe skin injuries without surgery or skin grafts. This breakthrough laid the foundation for what is now his namesake skincare brand, Augustinus Bader. Augustinus Bader products are powered by the same healing principles of his Wound Gel, and are designed to support the skin’s renewal process from within.
What is TFC8?
TFC8®, or patented Trigger Factor Complex, is the patented technology that powers Augustinus Bader skincare. It is made to nourish and protect with natural amino acids, high-grade vitamins, and peptides naturally found in the skin.
My Skin Profile
- Skin Type: Combination
- Skin Tone: Olive
- Skin Concern(s): Acne-prone, fine lines
- Age: 37
My Augustinus Bader Favorites
The Face Cream Mask
The Face Oil
The Eye Patches
My Favorite Augustinus Bader Products
The Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
One of the newest additions to the Augustinus Bader line is The Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50.
This definitely isn’t a facial SPF to toss into your bag when you’re going to the beach or the pool. Given that it’s a luxury skin care product, it’s the kind of sunscreen you apply daily as part of your morning skincare routine.
I’ve been a long-time fan of Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen. While that still reigns supreme as my favorite chemical sunscreen, I had yet to find a mineral one that I loved for all-day wear, and I really like this product.
As a mineral sunscreen, this is one of the most luxurious (and comfortable) formulas I have tried. It’s a thick, almost whipped-like texture that looks more like a moisturizer than an SPF. While it does leave just the slightest tack, it feels more like a heavier moisturizer than an actual sunscreen, without being too dewy or greasy on my combination skin. It leaves no white cast on my olive complexion, and major bonus points for no fragrance or traditional sunscreen smell.
Given the hefty price tag, I don’t think The Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 is something I’ll buy regularly, but it’s definitely a formula that feels worth the splurge. However, having said that, it’s one of the only mineral sunscreens that I like wearing, so if you’re specifically looking for an everyday mineral sunscreen, the price may be worth it for you.
My one call out is that the tube seems just a little too tall, and feels a bit precarious towering amongst my other skincare products, especially in my narrow medicine cabinet of my NYC apartment.
The Eye Patches
I’m a sucker for eye patches, especially hydrogel ones. I love the cool, refreshing sensation they provide; they instantly help to de-puff the under-eye area, much like an ice roller but without the extra effort.
Augustinus Bader promises a lot of benefits with these single-use eye patches, including reducing dark circles, puffiness, and the appearance of fine lines, along with hydrating the undereye area and calming redness/irritation.
These Augustinus Bader eye patches didn’t disappoint. The photo below shows a before and after of just one use. I feel like my under eye area looks more well-rested, less puffy, and overall brighter than the image on the left. My friend Rachel even commented that my under eye skin texture looks better, too.
The brand recommends using these patches 2-3 times per week. At over $100 for a pack of six, I can’t bear to run through them that quickly, so I’ve been using them just once a week, twice if I have a particularly hectic schedule.
These are more affordable hygrogel eye patches that I also enjoy, but I will say, the Augustinus Bader eye patches feel noticeably a little more hydrating.
The Face Cream Mask
I love this face mask from Augustinus Bader. There is a tackiness to the formula after it sits on your skin a bit, but it’s somehow hydrating without feeling heavy while you’re wearing it. It has a really nice subtle fragrance, too. This mask provides a nice pick me up when you need a quick burst of hydration to your skin, and my skin feels and looks instantly more plump and more glowy after using it. Basically, it feels like I gave my skin a nice drink of water when I use this mask.
I have a love-hate relationship with the hypoallergenic applicator, though. On one hand, I love the cooling sensation it adds to my skin, especially in the summer. It feels like a gua shua and is very therapeutic and spa-like. However, I do think the little handle is a bit small, and I find myself holding onto it for dear life with my fingertips when I dip it into the jar. If you let go, it sinks in, so don’t make the mistake I did the first time I used it. But of course, you can always just use your (clean!) fingers instead of the applicator to get the job done.
It says you can use this mask overnight, but I wear it for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off.
Key ingredients of The Face Cream Mask include Chinese root extracts that help to de-stress skin from pollution and other environmental aggressors, while vitamin C and pomegranate add a boost of antioxidants. Squalane and hyaluronic acid both help to increase hydration.
If you’ve ever tried Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask, I think this formula feels less cream-like and a little more goopy in terms of weight and texture.
The Face Oil
I first bought The Face Oil back in 2023 during a Black Friday sale, and to this day, it is one of my favorite skincare splurges. The only reason why I don’t have it in my current rotation is because I’ve been testing a few other oils over the last few years.
Depending on your skin type, you only need 2-3 drops. A little bit goes a long way, meaning that this 30 ml bottle will last you for a long time. I love mixing my face oils with moisturizer, and this oil is lightweight yet hydrating, and doesn’t leave your face feeling gross or greasy.
The Face Oil is a favorite Augustinus Bader product, and even with a high price point, I would buy this again, even if it’s not on sale.
The Rich Cream
I feel like I’d be remiss not to mention Augustinus Bader’s The Rich Cream in this review. It is the original, award-winning moisturizer backed by 30 years of research that put the brand on the map and had beauty editors everywhere talking about this product.
The first time I tried this Augustinus Bader moisturizer was several years ago, so I admit my memory of it is a bit hazy. While I recall generally liking it as a night cream for my combination skin, I also remember that the formula seemed to separate in the bottle after some time, even when it was well within the period after the opening date. I did like it, but at the time, I didn’t think it was one of those knock-me-off-my-seat face creams that warranted its high cost.
Now that I’m almost 38, I may have a different opinion on the product, along with different skincare needs, but it’s something I’ll need to try again before jumping ship from the current moisturizers I’m using or calling it a holy grail product. And perhaps if I had dry skin, I’d be singing a different tune, as I have a couple of friends who truly love this product.
My Augustinus Bader Favorites
The Face Cream Mask
The Face Oil
The Eye Patches
Is Augustinus Bader Worth It?
Skincare and makeup purchases are extremely personal, so what may work for someone with oily skin may not work with dry skin or vice versa. So, it’s always important to consider your own skin type and preferences when reading any beauty review.
There’s no denying that Augustinus Bader makes great skincare. I’ve tested a handful of the products, and for the most part, I’ve liked them. As a blogger, I’ve had some items gifted to me, but I’ve also spent my own money on other products in this review.
That said, the brand is expensive, and there’s no way around saying it. For me personally, right now, Augustinus Bader is a brand that I’ll occasionally splurge on rather than stock my cabinet full of everyday products.
Augustinus Bader delivers on its promise of science-backed, luxury skincare, but it’s not a must-have for everyone. While not every product was a game-changer for me, a few standouts like The Face Oil, The Face Cream Mask, and The Eye Patches feel worth the investment when your budget (or a good sale) allows. Luckily, you can find Augustinus Bader on sale several times throughout the year.
If you’re skincare-obsessed, results-driven, and looking to splurge on something special, this is a brand worth exploring.
Shop Augustinus Bader directly on the brand’s website or at the following retailers:
