Augustinus Bader

The brand grew out of Professor Augustinus Bader's academic work in stem cell biology and tissue repair, and it entered the market with two moisturisers — The Cream for normal to oily skin and The Rich Cream for drier skin — before expanding into serums, cleansers, body and hair products.

Everything centres on TFC8, described by the company as a proprietary complex of amino acids, vitamins and synthesised molecules. Because the exact composition is not fully disclosed, the blend cannot be independently evaluated the way a named ingredient can, and much of the supporting testing is brand-commissioned. Reviews of the products themselves tend to focus on the elegant textures and the premium price.

A trademarked complex is a marketing asset as much as a formulation one. Judge any product on its full INCI list, its texture and how your skin responds over weeks, patch test before committing, and remember that no cosmetic — at any price — is a treatment for a medical skin condition. For that, see a dermatologist.