Why Augustinus Bader's The Cream Is Worth It
My honest take on why you should spend your money on this more-than-moisturizer.
![Augustinus Bader The Cream](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ov2Q9XPdkgN993Sk3LD8GV-415-80.png)
Welcome back to Worth It, a bi-weekly breakdown of the new beauty products I’ve tested and adored: I’m talking that drain-it-to-the-bottom-and-tell-my-friends-I’ve-found-The-One kind of love. If it's featured here, consider this my permission to splurge on it. Read on for the product you don’t want to live without, and catch up on the latest Worth It breakdown here.
Augustinus Bader's The Cream
THE PROMISE:
When you try The Cream, it comes at a price. You know, not your soul or an Infinity Gauntlet situation, but it's hefty nonetheless: $265 for a 50 ml bottle of the world-famous lotion. That said, it’s a skincare nerd’s dream. Bader, a professor and director of Applied Stem Cell Biology and Cell Technology at the University of Leipzig in Germany, is considered the top scientist in the world on the subject of regenerative tissue. His work, particularly his extensive studies on disfiguring burns and wound healing, led him to create the illustrious cream. The formula’s secret is its TFC8 (Trigger Factor Complex 8), a proprietary blend that the brand says will activate the body’s own stem cells to promote major anti-aging benefits like minimized lines, even tone, and reduced redness.
Bader also keeps on innovating, and if you've got supremely dry skin, we have good news. The brand has upped the ante and upgraded the formula for The Rich Cream (the denser, more hydrating version of the cult original) for 2021. It's still got that healing kick from the TFC8 complex, but they've nixed the lanolin to make it 100-percent vegan, and added hyaluronic acid and rice protein to hydrate and strengthen skin. I tried it, and luckily, it avoids that trope of falling short of the original: it's as creamy and nurturing as ever. But we're here to talk about The Cream, the formula that truly shocked me.
WHY I'M OBSESSED:
I’ve been aware of the product's cult-status for years, but I honestly just tried it because it came through the Marie Claire beauty closet. Typically, my skin is easily managed: I get ruddy and dry, and I tend to develop tiny, under-the-skin bumps on my cheeks after I sleep on hotel sheets (should I forget my Slip pillowcase). On rare occasions, I’ll wake up with a pimple that’s so mountainous and painful that I wonder if I contracted staph on the F train. But for the most part, I have good skin, and I’m grateful for it. That’s why I usually seek out products that impart glowiness and hydration rather than something that totally overhauls my face—but that's exactly what The Cream claims to do.
Despite my dry skin, I chose the original formula over The Rich Cream (I prefer lighter textures when it comes to moisture). I also didn’t adhere to the proper instructions: Bader recommends using it for 27 days, minimum, with no additional skincare products except for cleanser, but I couldn’t bring myself to abandon the rest of my arsenal. Instead, I used this as my last step in both my morning and evening routines.
My makeup went on smoothly in the mornings for the first week, but my oft-dry skin never felt truly quenched before bed unless I applied a hydrating serum underneath. Meh. Yet, after about three weeks, I started to receive an onslaught of complexion compliments. I guess I haven’t looked as red recently, I thought. And I didn’t have any active pimples, so I didn’t think much of it. I’ll take a good skin week anytime.
But one morning around the one month mark, mid-glam, I realized I’d forgotten to apply both foundation and concealer and had gone straight for my Nudestix blush stick. I genuinely couldn’t tell if I’d put my complexion makeup on. Peter Parker getting stuck to the ceiling on his first morning as Spiderman? Same level of confusion. I took a closer look, skeptical. Do I look… amazing?
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Rather than that translucent, un-plump look my skin usually has in the morning, it appeared stronger, almost thicker. My fair tone was even and clear, and my typical little dark circles were nowhere to be found, seemingly buried underneath my reinforced complexion.
I do. I look fucking amazing.
I suddenly felt invincible—like my own more stunning evil twin, or a supervillain who’d traded their lover’s heart for immense power and was rewarded with that golden, CGI glow-from-within. I was transformed, and the expensive blue bottle on my dresser was the precious source of my new supremacy.
I’ve been using The Cream ever since (about three months now) and my complexion has a whole new baseline. When people ask if it's really worth it, rather than offer a cheaper alternative like I typically do with products this expensive, I answer: This shit is wild.
RELATED STORIES
Taylore Glynn is a former beauty and wellness editor for Allure. Previously, she served as beauty and health editor at Marie Claire and Harper’s Bazaar, and her work has appeared in Refinery29, Town & Country, Compound Butter, and RealSelf. She holds a master's degree in English and Creative Writing from Monmouth University. If you need her, she’s probably at the movies, braising a chicken, or evening out her cat eyeliner.
-
Most Republicans Aren't Talking About Gender and Race. Here's Why Kamala Harris Should
The GOP knows that if this becomes a campaign about identity, they’re going to lose.
By Reshma Saujani Published
-
'Too Hot to Handle' Rule Breakers Katherine LaPrell and Charlie Jeer Are Sexy Pair to Watch This Season
The two models have had a rocky road toward coupling up, but could they be in it to win it?
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Ice Spice Hits Back at Claims Taylor Swift Became Friends With Her for "Clout"
She's insulted by people's assumptions.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Is Makeup With SPF a Real Substitute for Sunscreen?
A shortcut to sun protection might be costing you.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
This Valentino Perfume Is the Best Fragrance of 2024, According to Beauty Experts
It's a layerable, floral fragrance.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
Bag Balm Started as a Farm Remedy. It's Now a Viral Solution for Glowing Skin
Is Bag Balm's viral resurgence worth the hype?
By Samantha Holender Published
-
Is Colostrum the New Collagen?
Doctors and wellness professionals have a lot to say about TikTok's supplement of the moment.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
TikTok Is Making "Unsexy" Beauty Products Seem Very Appealing
There's more to worthwhile products than pretty packaging.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Fendi's First Fragrances Are Designed for Fashion Obsessives
It's finally available to shop.
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
Tata Harper’s New Calming Créme Makes My Redness Disappear
I tried it before anyone else—and I'll never get over the results.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
Why Beauty Experts Are Calling Out Youthforia's New Foundation
This isn't the way to do inclusive shades.
By Halie LeSavage Published