Victoria Beckham, Kim Kardashian, Hailey Bieber, and Jennifer Aniston all have one thing in common: flawless skin. It's likely no coincidence they're all fans of luxury skincare brand Augustinus Bader's The Rich Cream. The moisturiser has become one of the beauty industry's most talked-about products for its science-backed formula and ability to make skin look '10 years younger'.
What Makes The Rich Cream Special?
Costing £80 for a 15ml tube, it's certainly an investment, but it has almost 1,200 glowing five-star reviews from fans who say they 'cannot switch to another' after trying it. The Rich Cream centres around Professor Augustinus Bader's patented Trigger Factor Complex TFC8 technology. Developed following over 35 years of research, the blend of vitamins, lipids, and peptides is designed to support skin renewal by creating what the brand describes as the 'optimal environment' for healthy-looking skin.
Alongside TFC8, the formula combines ingredients such as hyaluronic acid for hydration, antioxidant-rich argan oil, avocado oil, vitamin E, and evening primrose oil. Together, they work to replenish dry skin, strengthen the skin barrier, and help improve firmness, elasticity, and the appearance of fine lines over time.
Celebrity Endorsements and Results
Victoria Beckham was first introduced to The Rich Cream by her facialist Melanie Grant, declaring it as 'exceptional', and using it on her models before runway shows to help them achieve radiant, glowing skin. She's such a devotee to Professor Bader's patented ingredient that the former Spice Girl has since collaborated with the brand on a collection of skincare-powered makeup products, including her popular Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturizer and The Foundation Drops, which retail at £104.
It's hugely popular with celebrity makeup artists, too, with Katie Jane Hughes - who regularly works with Dua Lipa - previously hailing both The Rich Cream and The Rich Eye Cream as 'a makeup artist's best kept secret' and 'true must-haves'. For something more budget-friendly but still MUA-approved, the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré is £21.99 for a 75ml tube and is a firm favourite in Emily Clarkson's kit. Emily uses it as a base to prep the skin of clients like Michelle Keegan and Perrie Edwards for a hydrated, dewy finish.
Clinical Trial Results and Customer Reviews
The Augustinus Bader Rich Cream has been backed by some pretty impressive stats, too. During a clinical trial, within four weeks, users saw forehead wrinkles were reduced by 37%, crow's feet by 54%, and skin firmness improved by 92%. During a further 12 week trial, every participant agreed their skin felt instantly hydrated and nourished, while 96% said it looked firmer and felt more supple and elastic.
In a five-star review of the cream, one customer wrote: "I'm 46 years old and this has absolutely changed my skin. Before my skin was dry and old looking. Now it's soft and I look 10 years younger. Six months of using this and I will never go back." Another reviewer in her 50s described it as the "holy grail" of her skincare routine, adding: "Yes it's pricey but it lasts you don't need a huge quantity and more importantly it works. My skin has never looked better, no blemishes reduced wrinkles giving me confidence which I cannot put a price on - I love and it will be a staple in my life."
"I've been using the Rich Cream for about three years now and honestly have to say it is the best cream I have ever used," a third wrote. "I cannot switch to another. I'm 64 years old and a plastic surgeon friend recently told me I shouldn't get any work done (I've never had fillers, lasers or any intervention at all) for at least 7 years. That is proof enough."
Considerations and Comparisons
However, a few have found The Rich Cream to be too rich, one writing: "This cream is a little too thick for me. I prefer the lighter version, which seems to soak into my skin much better." Another echoed: "Not able to use every day as it is too rich but a very nice product." For those who prefer lighter formulas, Augustinus Bader also offers The Cream, or even The Light Cream, which is better for those with oily skin.
Some customers have compared The Rich Cream to even more premium formulas, with a five-star review reading: "I switched from la mer to AB after using it for 15 years. Best decision ever. Skin is glowing and absolutely everyone has noticed." By comparison, a 100ml tub of La Mer's Crème de la Mer Moisturizing Cream is £480 at Harrods. The cream is powered by the brand's signature 'miracle broth' which prominently features Seaweed (Algae) Extract and has a similarly impressive list of famous fans ranging from Beyonce to Jennifer Lopez.
Returning to Augustinus Bader, one shopper wrote: "I will be 80yrs in a couple of weeks and really enjoy my skincare. This is the best ever. It keeps my skin hydrated and dewy. I am also using the Victoria Beckham Complexion Drops and the 2 together is as good as it gets." "With Rosacea, sensitive skin and dry skin, I have tried everything," another commented: "Finally in my fifties found this and don't go a day without it. It addresses all my issues and my skin is amazing."
Is It Worth the Price?
Another glowing testimonial read: "I've used Augustinus Bader Rich Cream for more than five years and had always thought looking younger was because I've been a competitive cyclist for the last 10 years so am fit and have a healthy diet. Recently I've noticed that friends and people in the media who are 5 or 10 years younger than me have lots of thin wrinkles all over their face and I don't. One of my close friends is five years younger than me, sporty and healthy like me and her skin looks older so I'm thinking that the Rich Cream must be keeping wrinkles away."
Of course, The Rich Cream won't be for everyone. At £250 for 50ml, it's one of the most expensive moisturisers on the market, although smaller 15ml (£80) and 30ml (£155) sizes are available for those wanting to try it before committing to a full-size jar. For shoppers prepared to invest in premium skincare, however, The Rich Cream's enviable reputation seems to be a well earned one.
