What’s so special about this? It’s a 3-in-1 product: a gentle exfoliant (using PHA gluconolactone, a larger molecule that gently exfoliates the skin), toner, and essence. What makes all Augustine Bader products special is the presence of a patented complex called TFC8 (“Trigger Factor Complex”). This complex is made up of “amino acids, premium vitamins, and synthetic molecules found naturally in the body.” TFC8 not only nourishes and protects the skin, but like Wound Gel, it harnesses the skin’s own regenerative abilities, delivering results in just 27 days (surprisingly, this is due to cell turnover). ).
The essence also contains phytic acid and salicylic acid, which further support cell turnover and collagen production. It’s a great product for maintaining shine, gentle enough to use daily, but I felt like I needed to do a little extra exfoliation once a week to prevent whiteheads. This is the brand’s first product to be a straightforward, unscented, clear, water-like liquid that absorbs quickly into the skin, won’t pill on future products, and is easy to incorporate into your routine. Therefore, it is suitable for all skin care. I think The Cream is probably the more iconic product. I used a few samples, but I think I like The Essence better.
The packaging for this and all Augustine Bader products is nothing short of luxurious, as who wouldn’t want a sea of deep blue and copper on their bathroom counter? The essence is packaged in regal blue glass representing a starry sky, and the copper-colored heavy metal cap represents copper as an antibacterial and medicinal metal. The gorgeous mathematical logo at the top of the cap is a reinterpretation of the healing star.
Ingredients: Aqua (water), glycerin, gluconolactonelactic acid bacteria and wasabi root fermented extract, Phytic acidsodium hydroxide, potassium sorbate, xanthan gum, sodium benzoate, salicylic acidCaesarpinia spinosa gum, peony root extract, papain, citric acid, sodium hyaluronate, hydrolyzed rice protein, maltodextrin, 1,2-hexanediol, caprylyl glycol, carbomer, N-hydroxysuccinimide, camellia leaf extract, HYD rogens lecithin, tocopheryl acetate, arginine, alanylglutamine, arginine, oligopeptide-177, phenylalanine, cicinbrium ilio seed oil, sodium chloride
Retinol serum*
What’s so special about this? The retinol serum is packaged in a round-bottomed aluminum “Nomad” bottle. It has a copper colored base to allow this bottle to stand upright. I will update this article when I find out why the bottle is round. It contains pure retinol and patented TFC8 in a lightweight shea butter base. This serum claims to reduce deep lines and wrinkles, optimize the skin’s microbiome, reduce the appearance of age spots, and lastly lock in moisture.
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Tricaprylic/Capric Glyceride, Glycerin, Octyldodecanol, C12-16 Alcohol, Squalanepropanediol, glycine soja (soybean) oil, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, ectoine, sunflower hybrid oil, palmitic acid, myristyl alcohol, PCA, hydrogenated lecithin, xanthan gum, potassium sorbate, carbomer, sodium stearoylglutamate, Sodium benzoate, sunflower seed oil, tocopherol, citric acid, zinc PCA, maltodextrin, retinolhydrolyzed rice protein, panthenol, totalol, Leptospermum scoparium branch leaf oil, niacinamide, sodium hydroxide, calcium pantothenate, starch sodium octenylsuccinate, Magnolia officinalis bark extract, pepper seed extract, tocopherol acetate, camellia leaf. Extract, Tadecuspidatum root extract, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, alanylglutamine, arginine, oligopeptide-177, phenylalanine, cicinbrium ilio seed oil, sodium chloride, silica
The good thing about this product is that it’s a cream so it feels like a moisturizer, but you can also use a sheet mask and then use a moisturizer on top without feeling like it’s too much. I would like to add that Augustine Bader’s website has a video of how to apply this serum and perform a facial massage. You might think this is an oil, but it only uses one pump (IMO) and I can’t use it any more because it’s too expensive! ), there is no sufficient way to perform both neck and face massage.
Final verdict: The question of whether any of these products work for me is a simple one – yes! The retinol serum was especially great and felt like it really made a difference in improving the texture and brightness of my skin . However, I’m not sure how I feel about the bottle being round and requiring a separate stand. From the packaging to the experience, Augustine Bader screams “luxury science”, but will I buy a retinol serum after I finish this bottle? I’m not completely committed to using retinol products all the time, as much as I like them. It’s also very expensive and I feel like I haven’t given other retinol products a chance that are probably more affordable, but I definitely ended up spoiled by this one! I would buy Essence again because I love how versatile it is. I don’t think $125 is unreasonable considering its features, packaging, and how little you use it to see results. I would like to say that I am intrigued by Augustine Bader and not only his hair care products but also the iconic The Cream.
