If you’re a beauty junkie you’ve probably heard of Augustinus Bader’s The Rich Cream. With endorsements from just about every A-list celebrity, it definitely has a cult following.
I’m one of those people who switches up my moisturizer often. Over the years, I haven’t really found anything that truly stuck. I’ve tried K-beauty and green beauty, and this one is probably the one I’ve gone back to the most.
But since I’ve yet to find the “holy grail” moisturizer, into my cart The Rich Cream went.
There are a few things you need to know about this moisturizer.
- Its secret ingredient is called TFC-8 (trigger-factor complex), a proprietary blend of ingredients.
- It isn’t 100% green beauty, but it’s close. Ingredients here.
- Augustinus Bader has been making skincare for over 30 years, so there is good R&D behind this product. Plus, he only makes 3 products (two moisturizers and a body cream). Talk about a laser-focused mission.
I wasn’t sure which of the two moisturizers would be best for me: The Rich Cream or The Cream. I ended up buying them both and employed this strategy:
- I started with The Rich Cream since it’s springtime (cooler/drier temps).
- I’ll switch to The Cream during summer since my skin doesn’t need as much moisture during the hotter months.
While they’re both deeply hydrating, The Rich Cream is a super hydrator and better for those with dry skin. If you have oily or combination skin, go for The Cream.
You’re instructed to use the moisturizer – and nothing else – for 28 days. No serums, no eye creams, no retinol. NOTHING.
I did obviously use face wash, make-up removing wipes and sunscreen. Otherwise, I followed directions to the letter.
The Claim
The reason this moisturizer has a cult following is because it actually regenerates your skin.
It’s like Wolverine from X-Men or Isabella Rossellini from Death Becomes Her. Think wrinkle-reduction, plumpness, brightness, elimination of environmental damage – total cellular rejuvenation thanks to stem-cell technology.
Other reviews have said it eliminated the recurrence of hormonal cystic acne (I haven’t had any cystic acne to validate this claim myself).
Pros
- Despite its thick consistency, it absorbs quickly.
- My skin feels plumper, firmer and honestly glows after I apply it.
- The scent is very subtle (almost non-existent).
- I can see more evenness of tone after 28 days.
- Zero irritations or reactions (and I have sensitive skin).
Cons
- The consistency is so thick it’s like glue. You can rub it into your skin, but I prefer to rub it in my hands first and then pat it on my face.
- It’s expensive.
The Verdict
Did The Rich Cream transform my skin to life-altering proportions? No. After decades of testing products, I’ve come to realize that shocking, visible, instantaneous results can only be achieved via cosmetic procedures. You won’t find overnight transformation in a bottle.
Did it make my skin feel amazing and give me visible results after 28 days? Yes.
Will I be buying another bottle? Absolutely.