In the world of skin care, you can find a facial moisturizer to fit any budget, from drugstore creams like Eucerin and CeraVe, to luxury products like Crème de la Mer and Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream. Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream falls into the latter category as it’s priced at $170 USD for just one ounce.
Sound like an overpriced moisturizer? It might be, but then again there’s quite a few Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream reviews that swear this moisturizer is worth every penny.
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| Rank | Brand | Link | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carrot & Stick | Review | |||||
| 2 | Formulyst | Review | |||||
| 3 | Skinceuticals | Review | |||||
| - | Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream |
So is it true? Is Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream really worth the money? To answer this question, we’ll have to evaluate the product formulations, including the key ingredients and the research that supports (or doesn’t support) their use in skin care.
We’ll also share some Augustinus Bader reviews so that you can get an idea of what customers really think of this product.
Is Augustinus Skincare Worth The Money?
A common question about this brand is if the products are worth the cost. Augustinus Skincare products are expensive, for example, The Rich Cream is $280.
In our opinion, Augustinus Skincare products aren’t worth the money, simply because there are other skincare brands that offer similar products that are less expensive.
One brand is Carrot & Stick, a clean skincare brand that perfectly balances the gentle nurturing of plants with the powerful results of innovative science.
What’s Inside Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream?
In order to determine how well Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream performs, we’ll have to evaluate the key ingredients in this formula. Let’s get started.
Trigger Factor Complex (TFC8)
The star ingredient that you’ll find in Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream, and all Augustinus Bader skincare products for that matter, is the brand’s patented TFC8 (Trigger Factor Complex) technology.
The brand is vague about the ingredients that make up TFC8. They say TFC8 is “comprised of natural amino acids, high-grade vitamins and synthesized molecules naturally found in the body.”
Fortunately, Terry Chan from Dupe Talk did some digging and found the patent for TFC8, which says, “Trigger Factor Complex consists of water, ethanol, glycerol, vitamin E acetate, hydrogenated lecithin, cholesterol, L-arginine, L-phenylalanine, L-lysine, L-alanine-glutamine, L-tryptophane, L-tyrosine, L-valine, L-Prolin, L-taurine, ceramide NG, ceramide NP, oleic acid, palmitic acid, sodium ascorbate, phenoxyethanol, mustard seed oil, EDTA, oligopeptide.”
Basically, TFC8 consists of water, alcohol, glycerol (humectant), vitamins C and E, ceramides, fatty acids, and amino acids. With the exception of alcohol, these are all excellent ingredients for the skin.
Glycerol and amino acids function as humectants, drawing water into the skin while also replenishing the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF).
Vitamins C and E are antioxidants that protect the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals.
Lastly, ceramides and fatty acids help to replenish the skin’s barrier function.
Overall, TFC8 consists of a good mix of beneficial ingredients — except the alcohol — but there’s nothing particularly exciting about this patented complex.
Emollients
The rest of Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream consists of emollients, including the following (in order from highest to lowest concentration):
- Coco-caprylate/caprate
- Sunflower seed oil
- Squalane
- Argan oil
- Avocado oil
- Evening primrose oil
- Shea butter
An emollient is an oily substance that fills in the spaces between dead skin cells, thus creating a smooth skin surface. Basically, an emollient is a film forming substance that makes the skin feel and look smooth. While an emollient will provide some occlusive effects, the primary function is to help soften the skin.
Plus, the emollients listed above each have their own unique compositions and, thus, can offer additional benefits.
For example, evening primrose oil is a source of the anti-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA), while squalane replenishes squalene (note the e) that’s naturally found in your skin in order to improve hydration.
We recommend Carrot & Stick The Moisturizer because it combines squalane with sodium hyaluronate and plant-based ingredients that are gentle on skin, leaving it softer and smoother.
Sodium Hyaluronate
The final key ingredient that we’d like to highlight in Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream is sodium hyaluronate, the sodium salt form of hyaluronic acid.
Sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid are basically the same and the two names are used interchangeably in the skin care industry. The main differences are that sodium hyaluronate is more stable, easier to formulate, and cheaper. That’s why it is common to see sodium hyaluronate on an ingredient list even though the product name might say hyaluronic acid.
Once applied to the skin, sodium hyaluronate provides the same benefits of hyaluronic acid. Those benefits include improved skin hydration, as well as a more plump complexion with fewer lines and wrinkles.
We recommend this moisturizer because it combines sodium hyaluronate with plant-based ingredients that are gentler on skin, leaving it softer and smoother.
Is Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream Right For You?
Before we get into the details, here’s the TL;DR if you just want to know whether or not Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream is right for you.
- Key ingredients? TFC8 and emollients
- Skin type? Suitable for all skin types, but ideal for normal to dry skin, more mature skin types, and colder, drier climates
- Texture? Thick, rich cream
- Fragrance? No
- Cruelty free? Yes
- Cost? $85 USD for 15 mL, $170 for 30 mL, and $265 for 50 mL
What is Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream?
The Rich Cream is said to be an upgrade from the brand’s OG moisturizer: Augustinus Bader The Cream.
The Rich Cream has a thick, luxurious texture that melts into skin and absorbs quickly without feeling greasy or heavy.
As for the benefits, The Rich Cream is said to reduce signs of aging including the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. It’s also said to protect against environmental stressors, promote elasticity, support skin barrier function, and prevent transepidermal water loss — for skin that’s supple, plump, and smooth.
So can Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream really provide all of these benefits? We’ll have to take a closer look at the formula to find out.
How to Use Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream?
On cleansed, dry skin, smooth the desired amount over the face, neck, and décolleté, morning and evening.
Where to Buy Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream?
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream and other Augustinus Bader skin care products are sold on the brand’s website, and also at luxury retailers in the United States, UK, and Europe. You can head to the store locator on the brand’s website to find a location near you that sells Augustinus Bader skincare products.
How Much is Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream?
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream costs $85 USD for 15 mL, $170 for 30 mL, and $265 for 50 mL.
What is The Augustinus Bader Return Policy?
The Augustinus Bader return policy states, “Should you need to return your purchase, you have 28 days from receiving your order to arrange your exchange or return. Please note that all items must be returned new, unused, unopened and with all security seals still attached. Returns that do not meet our policy will not be accepted and not refunded.”
Is Augustinus Bader Cruelty Free?
Yes, Augustinus Bader is cruelty free. The brand guarantees that neither the products nor the ingredients have been tested on animals, by the company or its suppliers.
Is Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream Vegan?
Yes, Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream is vegan.
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream Reviews
Unfortunately, there aren’t many Augustinus Bader reviews on the brand’s website. The brand only displays their clinical trial results and excerpts from select reviews. There isn’t anywhere on the brand’s website for a customer to rate the products or leave their comments.
Therefore, we turned to Google to find Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream reviews. At the time of writing this review, The Rich Cream has earned an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars after more than 1,000 customer reviews.
There are many 5-star reviews for Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream from customers who love the texture of this cream and how well it moisturizes, leaving the skin looking smooth and glowing.
For example, one review says, “I really liked this moisturizer. The cream left my thirsty skin looking plump, glowy and hydrated. I cannot say for sure if wrinkles, pigmentation and pore size improved in any meaningful way, but one month is short. I did look youthful and lovely for at least a couple of hours after using and felt confident with bare skin.”
And another 5-star review says, “I am absolutely obsessed with my rich Cream. This product is a true game changer in my skin looks the best it ever has. The TFC8 technology helps with cell turnover, and in my experience has diminished the appearance of fine lines and enlarged pores in my t some area. I have broken out due to hormones while using this cream and have noticed that my blemishes have been healing at an accelerated rate and my skin has been looking bright and plump.”
However, there are a handful of negative Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream reviews, mostly from costumers who think the product is overpriced and not worth the money.
For example, one review says, “Tried a deluxe sample of the Rich Cream from Sephora. I heard soooo many good things about this moisturizer I was prepared to love, even for the high priced tag. Well luckily for my wallet, the Rich Cream turned out to be a total dud. I’m a huge advocate of serums, since serums are where the most concentrated and percentage of actives are found. So for my moisturizer, I want something very occlusive to lock in my retinol or other actives contained in my serums. The Rich Cream was not rich… it was even more so on the watery side.”
Another 1-star review says, “It wasn’t moisturizing enough for my skin even though it’s called a rich cream. It did nothing for my sin at all. The price is crazy and it’s not worth it. I’m surprised by all the good comments but I noticed that a lot of those people got the cream for free..so I don’t know.”
Our Verdict
Overall, we think that Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream is formulated well, however, there are similar moisturizers on the market that will perform just as well (or even better) for a fraction of the cost.
Pros
- Formula contains beneficial key ingredients (TFC8 and emollients)
- Fragrance free
- Many positive Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream reviews
- Augustinus Bader is cruelty free
Cons
- High cost
- Some reviews for The Rich Cream mention that it doesn’t moisturizer well
What Are Some Alternatives to Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream?
If you’re looking for skincare products to address the signs of aging, we recommend Carrot & Stick. Carrot & Stick maximizes the use of powerful ingredients and minimizes the use of superficial ones, resulting in advanced skincare solutions that help promote healthy, more youthful-looking skin. We recommend this cream.
