The luxury skincare sphere is hardly short on bold promises, but few brands have generated quite as much buzz as Augustinus Bader. Loved by celebrities such as Margot Robbie and Hailey Bieber, dermatologists, and beauty enthusiasts alike, the science-backed range has built a reputation around its patented TFC8 technology. The brand claims this complex can smooth texture and ensure firmer, brighter skin. However, that prestige comes at a price, with many formulas costing well into the triple digits.
As someone with oily, rosacea-prone, and congestion-prone skin, I approached testing with a healthy dose of scepticism. Could one moisturiser really justify a spend exceeding £200? Would the brand's famously gentle retinol actually deliver visible results without irritation? To find out, I spent weeks putting some of Augustinus Bader's most talked-about products through their paces.
The Best Augustinus Bader Products of 2026
Best Overall: Augustinus Bader The Retinol Serum
Key ingredients: Retinol, TFC8 including peptides, squalane, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ectoin, shea butter, rice protein, vitamin E, niacinamide, vitamin C, amino acids
Suitable for: All skin types
Why we love it: Smooths into skin quickly and without dragging, seemingly endless skin benefits, non-irritating
Take note: Even more expensive than other AB formulas
The Augustinus Bader retinol serum is the star of the trio. Packed with every skin-loving ingredient under the sun, from brightening vitamin C derivative to thirst-quenching hyaluronic acid, Bader has left no stone unturned. The serum is practically weightless and sinks into the skin almost instantly. I experienced no inflammation to my irritation-prone skin; instead, it made my skin less textured with each subsequent use. It's recommended that you use retinol in the evening, as it can increase the risk of sun damage. I found it caused pilling under makeup, so even more reason to use it at night. In two weeks, I saw congestion across my cheekbones lessen and volume across my forehead increase. This is my favourite Augustinus Bader product, a serious outlay but a big-time multitasker.
Best for Dry Skin: Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
Key ingredients: Patented AB TFC8 complex including peptides, squalane, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, argan oil, rice protein, vitamin E
Suitable for: Normal to dry skin (but suits oily skin too)
Why we love it: Non-greasy, hygienic product dispensing, leaves skin comforted
Take note: Expensive
The rich cream has a texture akin to sun cream but smooths into the skin without greasiness. It leaves a layer of moisture, likely from shea butter and squalane. After several weeks of use, my skin looked plumper. The two peptide types have softened fine lines between my eyebrows and across my forehead. The cream was responsible for my skin's comfortable, relaxed feel throughout testing. While many brands have tried to emulate it, none have succeeded. It's a true one-and-done solution for dry complexions and everyone else.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Augustinus Bader The Rich Eye Cream
Key ingredients: TFC8 including peptides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, rice, vitamin E, jojoba oil
Suitable for: All skin types
Why we love it: A little goes a long way, tub lasts despite high cost, soothes sore, dry eyes
Take note: Creases under makeup
You only need the tiniest amount of the rich eye cream to cover both undereyes and eyelids. The consistency is thicker than the rich cream and has good slip. After use, the skin surrounding my eyes felt hydrated, awake, and slightly plumped. My smile lines look smoother and my skin less sunken. I see it as a preventative measure for further fine lines and volume loss.
Your Augustinus Bader Questions Answered
Are Augustinus Bader products worth it?
The rich cream impressed with deep hydration without slickness, while the rich eye cream delivered comforting and subtly plumping results. My favourite was the retinol serum, which noticeably improved texture, congestion, and early fine lines without irritation. Are they eye-wateringly expensive? Absolutely. But unlike many luxury launches, the formulas feel thoughtfully engineered and packed with hard-working ingredients. You can replicate similar results with cheaper products, but you'll likely need multiple steps.
What is TFC8?
At the heart of every Augustinus Bader formula is the patented TFC8 complex, which stands for trigger factor complex 8. It's a blend designed to support the skin with nourishing, repairing, and barrier-strengthening ingredients. According to Skinskool, it combines hydration heroes like water and glycerin with skin-replenishing ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol, plus amino acids, antioxidant vitamins C and E, and peptides.
How We Tested
I tested Augustinus Bader's rich cream, rich eye cream, and retinol serum over several weeks, using them exclusively as directed. I assessed each formula against consistency, hydration, compatibility with makeup, skin improvements, irritation levels, and value for money. Given the premium pricing, I considered whether performance felt worth the investment.
As a senior shopping writer, I review beauty products daily, including competitors in guides to best moisturisers and hyaluronic acid serums. I know whether AB's high-cost formulas are worth their salt.
