What’s In Augustinus Bader, The $280 Face Cream Celebs Love, That Makes It So Expensive Anyways?

When it comes to expensive luxury skin-care products, it’s hard to miss Augustinus Bader, the line created by a biomedical scientist and physician and beloved by celebrities including Jennifer Aniston, Hailey Bieber, and Victoria Beckham. But what’s actually in these products that make them worth the luxury price tag?

Backed by over 30 years of research, Bader’s products are designed to rejuvenate the skin cells to feel healthier, firmer, and stronger. The star ingredient is TFC8 (Trigger Factor Complex), a patented technology that powers all of its products. TFC8 combines amino acids, vitamins, and synthesized molecules that naturally exist in the body, helping to nourish and renew the skin. The technology was developed by Professor Bader, an expert in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine who has worked on topical treatments to heal wounds, so he knows something about repairing and transforming the skin. And the brand promises visible results in 27 days, the average amount of time it takes for skin cells to regenerate.

Another plus: These products have stellar scores on Yuka, an independent health app that allows you to scan the barcodes of products and see just how good (or bad) the ingredients are for you. Unlike some skin-care products that contain potentially irritating ingredients like parabens, Augustinus Bader products use potent botanicals and top-shelf vitamins.

Augustinus Bader’s Best-Sellers

1. The Award-Winning Moisturizer

The brand’s most popular product, The Rich Cream, is an award-winning vegan moisturizer that hydrates and conditions skin while reducing damage over time, courtesy of Bader’s cell-renewing TFC8 technology. Made with sustainably sourced ingredients, botanicals rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, and nourishing oils like argan, avocado, and evening primrose, it’s a great option for those with dry skin and for colder, drier climates.

There are no parabens, mineral oil, or fragrances, so the cream is gentle enough for daily use and perfect for a nighttime routine. However, if you’d prefer a more lightweight formula for combination or oily skin, then The Cream might be the way to go.

2. The Hydrating Essence That Tones & Exfoliates

A gentle exfoliant, toner, and hydrating essence, this three-in-one product leaves skin feeling soft, smooth, and refreshed. It’s formulated with effective hydroxy acids and protective botanicals that boost collagen production and clarity, and it protects the skin against potential free radical damage. Plus, there’s no fragrance, parabens, paraffins, or unnecessary preservatives, so it can be used daily. Just pat The Essence onto cleansed, dry skin, and the lightweight formula is absorbed quickly for instant benefits.

3. The Fast-Absorbing Face Oil

Apply two to three drops of The Face Oil to clean, dry skin as a moisturizer alone or mixed with The Cream or The Rich Cream for extra hydration. The TFC8 technology supports cell renewal, and it also contains conditioning babassu and hazelnut, antimicrobial karanja, and renewing pomegranate, to retain moisture, soothe the skin, and promote elasticity. There are no irritants, allergens, fragrances, mineral oil, or parabens included. Plus, it’s non-pore-clogging, non-oily, and vegan.

4. The Starter Kit

If you’d like to save a little money and try all the products at once, there’s a Starter Kit. Not only does it have The Rich Cream, The Essence, and The Face Oil, but it also includes The Cream Cleansing Gel, a gentle daily cleanser. If you’d prefer a kit with a more lightweight cream, with all the other same products, for the same price, there’s The Starter Kit With The Cream. Both kits feature travel sizes in a mesh bag.

How Do I Save On Augustinus Bader Products?

If you’d like to save up to 20% on the products, you can sign up for Bader’s auto-replenish program, which will keep you stocked. There’s also a loyalty points program that can help you save money on your purchases, provide early access to new product launches, and get you a free birthday gift (win). Plus, it’s free to sign up, and you can also gain points by referring a friend.

Shop The Full Augustinus Bader Collection

Augustinus Bader also offers skin care, hair care, and supplement products. And while the brand may be a splurge, it might be worth the investment if you’re looking for science-backed skin-care that’s made with clean ingredients.