I Love Augustinus Bader’s New Retinol Serum Like My Prescription Serum
Augustinus Bader is practically a status symbol for people who value luxury skincare, and the brand’s The Rich Cream continues to earn a spot on the shelves of the beauty industry’s elite. Aside from its chic blue and bronze packaging and a loyal following, Augustinus Bader makes some of the best, most effective skincare products on the market. Today, April 4, Augustinus Bader releases its first-ever retinol serum, simply called Retinol Serum, which is designed to refresh skin without redness or irritation.
Below, find out everything you need to know about the formula, plus our honest review.
The Inspiration
While retinol can boost collagen and elastin production, blur fine lines and wrinkles, and reduce breakouts, the ingredient is notorious for causing redness and flaking in sensitive and dry skin. Augustinus Bader’s first-ever retinol serum was inspired by a gap in the market for a retinol that actually nourishes the skin instead of irritating it. “Like all Augustinus Bader product launches, this launch was made possible because our customers asked for it,” the Byrdie brand said.
With this demand in mind, the brand continued, “we looked to the ‘gold standard’ of retinol to see if our technology could improve upon this. For the Retinol Serum, we wanted to create a formula that delivered the benefits of traditional retinol while being accessible to a wider consumer base, such as those with more sensitive skin or those who are nervous about trying retinol due to concerns about irritation, redness, and discomfort.”
Formula
The brand wanted to create a serum that delivers all the benefits of retinol while also soothing, hydrating, and regenerating the skin. In this formula, you’ll find pure retinol that minimizes the look of fine lines and deep wrinkles, reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation, minimizes breakouts, and even creates a radiant effect with long-term use. The Retinol Serum also contains Augustinus Bader’s proprietary TFC8 technology, which, according to the brand, “creates an optimal environment for skin cell renewal.”
In case you’re wondering what exactly TCF8 is: “TFC8 (Trigger Factor Complex TFC) is a proprietary technology made up of many different ingredients – including natural amino acids, premium vitamins and synthetic molecules – that represent the essential building blocks of healthy skin,” Professor Augustin Bader told Birdy. “This technology is based on my understanding of the body’s repair code, which came from my medical research. It’s essentially a toolbox that gives the skin everything it needs.”
Professor Bader further explains that TFC8 directs nutrients to cells to boost the efficacy of any formula (the complex is also found in the brand’s beloved The Rich Cream). “[TFC8] transforms formulas with active ingredients into smart skincare that adapts to individual concerns – from fine lines and wrinkles to hyperpigmentation and damage from external stressors.”
In addition to TFC8, the formula also contains a microbial blend to support the skin’s outermost bacterial barrier and minimize blemishes; a zinc complex to regulate sebum production (also helps eliminate breakouts); marine tetrahydrocannabinol to hydrate the skin; and Japanese knotweed extract to regulate sebum secretion. skin’s enzyme activity to reduce dulling, dead skin cells on the surface.
Knowing what’s in a formula is important, but knowing what’s omitted is just as important when choosing a new product for your nighttime routine. Retinol Serum is vegan, gluten-free, GMO-free, paraben-free, synthetic fragrance-free, sulfate-free, silicone-free, phthalate-free, DEA-free, heavy metal-free, talc-free, petrolatum-free, paraffin-free, and mineral oil-free. For the eco-friendly among us: Retinol Serum comes packaged in a 100% recyclable aluminum box and comes with a recyclable cardboard box, insert, and flyer.
Review
Let’s be honest: I’ve been on a tight relationship with my prescription Retinoic Acid since stopping Spironolactone earlier this year to keep my adult acne at bay. While Retinoic Acid did everything I needed to reduce breakouts and fine lines (my peak was cell turnover overdrive!), it also wreaked havoc on my dry, sensitive skin.
If I don’t use retinoids for a few days, I’ll notice my acne and small wrinkles coming back: so I stopped using retinoids for about a week as a test before trying a retinol serum.
When I started using retinoids, my skin initially became dry and red, and sometimes painful for the first few days. I always thought it was the burden of retinoids – but after incorporating a retinol serum into my nightly skincare routine, I noticed my skin calmed down. I barely felt any irritation from this product, and woke up to clearer, smoother skin every day. I’m also a big fan of anything that moisturizes my skin without feeling like gunk – and to my delight, the lightweight texture of this formula absorbed into the skin and applied smoothly like butter.
Most retinoids take a full eight weeks to fully work, so I can’t speak to the long-term benefits of this serum just yet. But if what’s happening now is any indication of what’s to come, I can seriously see Augustinus Bader’s retinol serum replacing my prescription retinoids.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
