The Rich Cream
The Rich Cream
Product Description
Product overview
Augustinus Bader's intensely luxurious, super-hydrating daily moisturizer powered by the patented TFC8® (Trigger Factor Complex) — a proprietary blend of amino acids, high-grade vitamins, and synthesized molecules naturally found in skin. Enriched with argan, avocado, and evening primrose oils, The Rich Cream visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles, restores elasticity, soothes redness, and delivers deep, lasting hydration for a transformed complexion in just 4 weeks.
Patented TFC8® Technology
Professor Bader's proprietary Trigger Factor Complex with amino acids, vitamins and peptides supports skin's natural cellular renewal — backed by 35+ years of regenerative medicine research.
Texture & feel
SENSORYPatented TFC8® Technology
Professor Bader's proprietary Trigger Factor Complex with amino acids, vitamins and peptides supports skin's natural cellular renewal — backed by 35+ years of regenerative medicine research.
Deep, Lasting Hydration
Argan, avocado, and evening primrose oils combined with hyaluronic acid deliver intense moisture and rebuild the skin's hydrolipidic barrier against environmental aggressors.
Visible Results in 4 Weeks
In a 12-week study of 105 participants, 100% reported instantly hydrated, nourished skin and 96% felt their skin looked firmer, more lifted, and more supple.
Clean, Pregnancy-Safe Formula
Free from parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, synthetic fragrance, phthalates, and hydroquinone — safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEOfficially classified safe by Augustinus Bader. Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone.
Fragrance-free, non-irritating formula suitable for reactive or post-procedure skin.
Contains fatty acid oils (sunflower, avocado, evening primrose, argan) and esters that may feed malassezia.
The rich oil base may be too heavy for very oily or breakout-prone skin types — consider "The Cream" instead.
For optimal TFC8® results, apply as the first step or ensure prior products have fully absorbed first.
100% vegan formulation, never tested on animals. Packaging is recyclable.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSTFC8® (Trigger Factor Complex) ProprietaryProven
The patented signature of the brand — a proprietary blend of amino acids (arginine, phenylalanine, alanyl glutamine), peptides (oligopeptide-177, palmitoyl tripeptide-8), and high-grade vitamins designed to support skin cell communication and create an optimal environment for renewal.
- Source: Developed from 30+ years of stem cell and regenerative medicine research by Professor Augustinus Bader at the University of Leipzig.
- Clinical: 12-week user trial (n=105) showed 100% reported skin felt instantly hydrated and 96% felt skin looked firmer and more lifted.
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil (Argan Oil) ~5%Proven
A nutrient-dense oil cold-pressed from the argan nut, rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E. Rebuilds the skin's hydrolipidic film and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL) for visibly plumper, more resilient skin.
- Source: Clinical research shows argan oil improves skin elasticity and reduces water loss in mature skin.
- Benefit: High oleic and linoleic acid content strengthens the barrier and smooths texture.
Persea Gratissima Oil (Avocado Oil) ~3%Proven
A luxurious, deeply penetrating oil packed with vitamin E, monounsaturated fats, and phytosterols. Absorbs quickly into the skin to deliver instant nourishment, softening, and lasting suppleness.
- Source: Studies confirm avocado oil increases skin collagen content and supports wound healing.
- Benefit: Exceptional compatibility with the skin's natural lipid structure.
Oenothera Biennis Oil (Evening Primrose) ~2%Proven
A seed oil exceptionally rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and omega-6 fatty acids. Reduces moisture loss, soothes inflammation, and provides clarifying properties for redness-prone skin.
- Source: GLA content (8–10%) makes it uniquely effective for skin-barrier repair and calming redness.
Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid) ~0.5%Proven
The salt form of hyaluronic acid — a polysaccharide naturally produced by the body that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Attracts and retains moisture for visibly plump, fresh, well-hydrated skin.
- Source: Decades of dermatological research confirm HA's role in reducing fine lines and boosting dermal hydration.
Squalane ~4%Proven
A stable, plant-derived hydrogenated form of squalene — a lipid found naturally in sebum. Supports barrier function, mimics the skin's own oils, and protects against environmental aggressors without clogging pores.
- Source: Rated 0–1 on the comedogenic scale — well-tolerated by most skin types.
Hydrolyzed Rice Protein & Panthenol ~1%Proven
Rice protein soothes, calms, and improves skin hydration for a radiant-looking complexion. Panthenol (provitamin B5) penetrates deeply to repair the skin barrier and reduce redness and irritation.
- Source: Panthenol is clinically proven to accelerate barrier recovery and reduce TEWL.
Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Extract & Tocopherol <1%Promising
Powerful antioxidant duo that neutralizes free radicals from UV and pollution, defending against oxidative stress and premature aging while enhancing the skin's natural glow.
- Source: Green tea polyphenols (EGCG) are well-documented for anti-inflammatory and photoprotective effects.
36 ingredients
Water, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Squalane, Glycerin, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Ethyl Oleate, Persea Gratissima Oil, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate, Magnesium Sulfate, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Panthenol, Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate, Zinc PCA, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Tocopherol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Maltodextrin, Citric Acid, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthan Gum, Alanyl Glutamine, Arginine, Oligopeptide-177, Phenylalanine, Sisymbrium Irio Seed Oil, Sodium Chloride, Dextran, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINETip: For maximum TFC8® effectiveness, Augustinus Bader recommends applying The Rich Cream as the first point of contact with clean skin — or ensure prior products have fully absorbed.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse
Start with a thoroughly cleansed, lightly damp face. The Rich Cream absorbs best on slightly moist skin.
Dispense 2–3 pumps
Warm the cream between fingertips. A small amount covers face, neck, and décolleté.
Sweep Outward
Move from nose to ears, then across the forehead. Massage cheeks toward temples using gentle upward motions.
Neck & Décolleté
Apply from the base of the neck upward to the chin. Use any excess to massage over the décolleté.
Use Twice Daily
Morning and night. Follow with SPF during the day. At night, layer The Face Oil on top for richer hydration.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have dry, dehydrated, or mature skin
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and want an anti-aging moisturizer
- You're sensitive or reactive and need fragrance-free hydration
- You want visible firming and fine-line reduction in 4 weeks
- You prefer a minimalist "all-in-one" luxury routine
- You live in a cold or dry climate
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very oily or acne-prone skin (try The Cream instead)
- You're prone to fungal acne / malassezia folliculitis
- You're shopping on a tight budget (this is a luxury investment)
- You prefer lightweight, gel-based moisturizers
- You want a product with proven high-% actives like retinol or vitamin C
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESThe hero use case. Argan, avocado, and evening primrose oils deliver intense, long-lasting hydration for parched, flaky skin.
TFC8® peptides and fatty acids target fine lines, loss of firmness, and barrier decline associated with aging skin.
Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and soothing — green tea and panthenol calm redness and reactive skin.
Works well in colder months or at night. In hot/humid weather, The Cream (lighter version) may feel better.
Rich oil base may feel heavy and could trigger breakouts. The Cream with TFC8® is a better fit for oily skin.
Contains multiple fatty-acid oils and esters that may feed malassezia. Not recommended for this concern.
Results timeline
WEEKS 8–12Immediate Hydration & Glow
Skin feels plumper and comforted within minutes of application. A soft, dewy finish settles in.
100% noticed instantly hydrated skinSmoother Texture & Calm
Redness subsides, skin texture feels softer, and makeup glides on more smoothly. Increased morning comfort.
97% noticed visibly healthier glowFirmness & Fine Line Softening
TFC8® peptides begin to show visible work — skin feels bouncier, fine lines around eyes and mouth appear softer.
96% felt firmer, more supple skinComplexion Transformation
Skin tone becomes more even, post-inflammatory pigmentation fades, and the appearance of wrinkles is dramatically improved.
95% saw improvement in wrinklesRatings by platform
5K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Instant, long-lasting hydration on dry skin
- Fragrance-free — safe for sensitive and reactive skin
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe
- Visible firming and fine-line improvement in 4 weeks
- Luxurious, buttery texture that doesn't pill under makeup
- Patented TFC8® with strong regenerative science pedigree
- Clean formula: free of parabens, sulfates, silicones, fragrance
- Vegan, cruelty-free, recyclable packaging
Criticized
- Premium price point — $175–$700 depending on size
- Not fungal-acne safe (contains fatty acid oils)
- May feel too heavy for oily or humid-climate users
- Independent peer-reviewed clinical data is limited
- Results can be subtle for younger skin with fewer concerns
- Some report occasional formula separation in the bottle
- Counterfeits common on unauthorized resellers
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESDelivers excellent barrier repair and hydration via ceramides and hyaluronic acid at a fraction of the price. Lacks the TFC8® peptide complex and luxurious sensorial feel, but matches on moisture and tolerance.
Fragrance-free, ceramide and niacinamide-based cream ideal for sensitive skin. Less rich and luxurious than The Rich Cream but offers solid barrier repair for a tiny fraction of the cost.
Peptide-rich, antioxidant-packed moisturizer with added SPF and niacinamide. Closer in philosophy to Bader's regenerative approach but in a daytime format — more proven actives, less rich feel.
Simple, well-formulated hydrator with amino acids, fatty acids, and hyaluronic acid. Lacks the peptide blend and rich oils but effective for basic hydration on a tight budget.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDELa Mer Crème de la Mer
Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening (12M symbol on packaging).
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the cap tightly closed to prevent oxidation of delicate oils.
Airless pump bottle in recyclable glass — protects active ingredients from light and air exposure.
The 15ml and 30ml sizes are both TSA-compliant (under 100ml) — perfect for carry-on travel.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes — Augustinus Bader officially classifies The Rich Cream as safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Unlike "The Cream," the Rich version contains no retinyl palmitate, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. As always, consult your physician if you have concerns about any ingredient.
No. The Rich Cream contains several ingredients that can feed malassezia yeast, including sunflower seed oil, avocado oil, evening primrose oil, ethyl oleate, shea butter, and polyglyceryl esters. If you are prone to fungal acne, consider fungal-acne-safe alternatives or opt for a ceramide-based moisturizer instead.
Yes. The Rich Cream layers well with most actives. Augustinus Bader recommends applying TFC8® as the first point of contact for best results, but if you prefer to use retinol, vitamin C, or exfoliating acids underneath, simply ensure those products have fully absorbed before applying The Rich Cream. Using it on top helps buffer irritation from strong actives.
The Rich Cream is ideal for dry, dehydrated, mature, and sensitive skin. It's also a great choice for anyone living in cold or dry climates, or for nighttime use on combination skin. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, the lighter "Augustinus Bader The Cream" is a better fit.
Results are progressive. Hydration and glow are immediate — 100% of trial participants reported instantly hydrated skin. Texture and radiance improvements typically appear within 1–2 weeks. Firming and fine-line reduction become visible around the 4-week mark, with dramatic transformation reported by the 12-week point in clinical trials.
Apply The Rich Cream after cleansing and toning, as your final moisturizer step. For the most effective use of TFC8®, Augustinus Bader recommends applying it directly after cleansing, as the first point of contact with skin. If you use serums or other treatments, make sure they've fully absorbed first. Finish with SPF in the morning or The Face Oil at night.
The Rich Cream rates approximately 3/5 on the comedogenic scale due to its rich oil content (avocado, argan, evening primrose, shea butter). It is generally well tolerated by dry and normal skin but may cause congestion or breakouts in oily or acne-prone users. If pore-clogging is a concern, try The Cream with TFC8® instead — it has a lighter, less oil-heavy base.
The Rich Cream has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months — indicated by the 12M symbol on the jar. For best results, use within one year of opening. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve the potency of the delicate plant oils and peptide complex.
Verdict: Augustinus Bader's The Rich Cream is a genuinely luxurious, deeply nourishing moisturizer backed by over 30 years of German biomedical research. Its patented TFC8® complex, combined with argan, avocado, and evening primrose oils, delivers visible results in hydration, firmness, and radiance — especially for dry, mature, or sensitive skin. It's pregnancy-safe, fragrance-free, and beloved by celebrities, editors, and dermatologists alike. The high price and limited independent clinical data are real considerations, and it's not the right pick for oily, acne-prone, or fungal-acne-prone users. But for those seeking an all-in-one, investment-grade moisturizer with an exceptional sensorial experience, The Rich Cream earns its cult status.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Squalane
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Hair Conditioning, Refatting
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|






