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 Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
