I’ll cut to the chase: Augustinus Bader’s The Body Cream has a cult following, with A-listers and beauty editors raving about its supposed skin-transforming powers.

But after testing it myself and sifting through reviews, I’m not convinced it’s worth the jaw-dropping price tag. The hype is real, but so are the disappointments.

In this article, I’ll share my experience, break down the pros and cons, compare it to other brands, and offer maintenance tips if you still want to give it a whirl. Spoiler: you might want to save your cash.

My Experience with Augustinus Bader The Body Cream

When I first got my hands on Augustinus Bader’s The Body Cream, I was equal parts excited and skeptical. The sleek, heavy glass jar in that iconic blue packaging screamed luxury, and at $165 for 200 ml, it better deliver.

I’d heard the buzz—celebrities like Victoria Beckham and makeup artists swore by it, and the brand’s Trigger Factor Complex (TFC8) was touted as a game-changer for skin renewal. As someone with dry, occasionally bumpy skin on my arms and legs, I was hoping for a miracle in a jar.

The texture was the first thing that struck me. It’s thick, almost buttery, with a subtle, clean scent that’s not overpowering. Applying it felt indulgent, like I was pampering myself at a high-end spa. It absorbed quickly, leaving my skin soft without that greasy residue I hate from some heavy creams.

For the first week, I was impressed—my elbows and knees felt smoother, and my skin had a slight glow. I used it twice a week as a “treat” to stretch the jar, applying it after a shower on slightly damp skin.

But then, reality set in. After about three weeks, I noticed the results plateaued. The initial hydration was nice, but I wasn’t seeing the promised reduction in stretch marks or cellulite, which the brand claims 90% and 92% of users notice after 12 weeks.

My skin didn’t feel “firmer” or “plumper” as advertised, and I started to question whether this was just an overpriced moisturizer. The jar, while gorgeous, was a pain to travel with, and I was burning through it faster than expected. By the end of my six-week test, I was underwhelmed. For the price, I expected transformative results, not just a decent moisturizer.

I also dug into online reviews to see if I was alone. On sites like Reddit and e-commerce platforms, opinions were mixed. Some users raved about the cream’s hydration and glow, while others called it a “waste of money” or complained about breakouts and lackluster results. One review stuck with me: “Very expensive and doesn’t do what it says it will do. It also doesn’t last long!” That summed up my feelings perfectly. I wanted to love it, but the cost-to-benefit ratio just didn’t add up.

Pros of Augustinus Bader The Body Cream

Let’s give credit where it’s due—Augustinus Bader’s The Body Cream has some standout qualities that make it appealing, especially if you’re into luxury skincare. Here’s what I liked about it, based on my experience and user feedback.

Luxurious Texture and Hydration: The cream’s rich, shea butter-based formula feels like a dream on the skin. It’s thick without being heavy, and it melts in effortlessly, leaving your body feeling soft and nourished. For dry skin types, this is a major win. I noticed my parched elbows and shins drank it up, and the hydration lasted through the day. Many reviewers on LovelySkin echoed this, with 98% agreeing their skin felt firmer and more plump after 12 weeks. If you’re after that instant “spa day” vibe, this delivers.

High-Quality Ingredients: The ingredient list is surprisingly short for such a premium product, which I appreciate. It’s packed with heavy-hitters like shea butter, bisabolol (to soothe irritation), and the brand’s signature TFC8, a patented blend of amino acids, vitamins, and peptides designed to mimic retinol’s cell-turnover benefits. There’s no mineral oil, parabens, or synthetic fragrance, which is a plus for sensitive skin. I didn’t experience any irritation, and users with mild rosacea on Reddit noted it didn’t flare up their condition.

Subtle, Clean Scent: Unlike some body creams that smell like a perfume counter, this one has a barely-there, natural scent. It’s refreshing and unisex, so you won’t clash with your favorite fragrance. I found this especially nice for layering with other products or using before bed without overwhelming my senses.

Prestige Factor: Let’s be real—there’s a certain thrill in owning a product endorsed by celebs and beauty insiders. The packaging is stunning, and having it on your bathroom shelf feels like a flex. If you’re someone who loves the psychological boost of using a high-end product, this cream delivers that “I’m fancy” feeling.

These pros make the cream tempting, especially if you have the budget and prioritize luxury. But as I learned, the positives don’t always outweigh the drawbacks.

Also read: My Thoughts on PINK LEMON Braiding Gel Reviews.

Cons of Augustinus Bader The Body Cream

Now, let’s talk about why I’m not jumping on the Augustinus Bader bandwagon. The cons are significant, and they’re why I can’t recommend this cream to most people.

Exorbitant Price Tag: At $165 for 200 ml, this cream is a budget-buster. For context, you could buy a pint of CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for $18 and get similar hydration. I felt the sting every time I scooped out a dollop, knowing I was burning through dollars with no groundbreaking results. Reviews on Reddit and e-commerce sites frequently called it “vary expensive” and a “waste of money,” and I have to agree. Unless you’re swimming in cash, it’s hard to justify.

Underwhelming Long-Term Results: The brand promises big—reduced cellulite, stretch marks, and discoloration after 12 weeks. But after six weeks, I saw no change in my stretch marks or skin texture beyond basic hydration. Many users echoed this frustration, with one Reddit commenter saying, “I used it for three months and thought it was meh.” The 12-week consumer results (98% firmer skin, 92% less cellulite) sound impressive, but without a double-blind study, I’m skeptical. For this price, I expected visible transformation, not just a moisturizer.

Bulky Packaging: The heavy glass jar looks chic but is impractical. It’s not travel-friendly, and I worried about it shattering in my gym bag. Plus, you need to scoop it out with your fingers, which isn’t hygienic unless you use a spatula. Some users complained about the jar running out faster than expected, and I noticed I was using more product than necessary because of the loose texture.

Mixed Reviews and Potential for Breakouts: While some love it, others hate it. On Reddit, users reported breakouts, bumpy rashes, and closed comedones (small clogged pores) after using Bader products. One reviewer said, “I basically just set $100 on fire.” I didn’t break out, but my skin didn’t feel dramatically better than when I used drugstore alternatives. The inconsistency in results makes it a risky investment.

Not a One-Size-Fits-All Solution: The brand markets this as a do-it-all treatment, but it’s not. If you have oily skin or live in a humid climate, the rich texture might feel too heavy. And if you’re using prescription treatments like retinol, you’ll need to consult a dermatologist, as Bader recommends applying it on bare skin for best results. For the price, I wanted a product that seamlessly fits any routine, but this one demands commitment.

These cons left me questioning the hype. The cream isn’t bad—it’s just not exceptional enough to justify the cost or the effort.

Comparison with Other Brands

To see how Augustinus Bader stacks up, I compared it to three other body creams across different price points: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream ($18 for 16 oz), Nécessaire The Body Cream ($45 for 6.8 oz), and La Mer The Body Cream ($295 for 10 oz). Here’s the breakdown.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream: CeraVe is the budget-friendly hero you’ll find in every dermatologist’s office. Packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, it’s a no-frills hydrator that works for dry, sensitive skin. I’ve used it for years, and it keeps my skin soft without breaking the bank. Unlike Bader, it doesn’t promise anti-aging benefits, but it delivers consistent moisture. A Wirecutter review noted that CeraVe’s texture is lighter, like mayonnaise, compared to Bader’s buttery feel. For everyday use, CeraVe is hard to beat, especially at a fraction of the price.

Nécessaire The Body Cream: Nécessaire is the cool, minimalist brand that’s taken over Instagram. At $45, it’s pricier than CeraVe but way more affordable than Bader. It’s loaded with peptides, niacinamide, and marula oil, offering hydration and some anti-aging perks. I tried it last year and loved its whipped texture and subtle scent. It absorbed faster than Bader and left my skin feeling just as soft. While it doesn’t have Bader’s TFC8, it’s a solid middle ground for those who want luxury without the sticker shock.

La Mer The Body Cream: La Mer is Bader’s closest competitor in the luxury space, with a $295 price tag for 10 oz. Its “Miracle Broth” formula is legendary, promising intense hydration and skin renewal. I sampled it at a department store, and the texture was divine—silky and rich, with a spa-like scent. But like Bader, it’s overhyped for the price. Some users report irritation from La Mer’s mineral oil, which Bader avoids. If I had to splurge, I’d lean toward La Mer for the larger jar, but neither feels worth it compared to more affordable options.

In the end, CeraVe and Nécessaire outperformed Bader for value and consistency. If you’re set on luxury, La Mer might edge out slightly, but none of these creams are life-changing enough to warrant their cost over drugstore staples.

Tips for Using Augustinus Bader The Body Cream

If you’ve already splurged on this cream or are determined to try it, here’s how to get the most out of it. These tips are based on my experience, brand recommendations, and user feedback to maximize results and stretch your investment.

Apply on Damp Skin: The brand suggests applying the cream to clean, slightly damp skin after a shower or bath. I found this locks in moisture better than applying it to dry skin. Pat yourself down with a towel, leaving your skin just a tad dewy, then massage in a small amount. This helps the cream spread evenly and absorb faster, so you use less product.

Use Sparingly: A little goes a long way. I made the mistake of slathering it on like a drugstore lotion, which burned through the jar quickly. Start with a dime-sized amount per area (like arms or legs) and add more only if needed. Using it two to three times a week as a “treatment” rather than daily can extend the jar’s life and still deliver hydration.

Store Properly to Avoid Separation: Some users reported the cream separating, especially if stored improperly. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The brand advises shaking or flipping the jar occasionally to maintain consistency. I kept mine in a bathroom cabinet, and it stayed intact, but I’d avoid leaving it on a sunny windowsill.

Pair with a Simple Routine: Bader recommends using the cream on bare skin to let TFC8 work its magic. Skip heavy serums or oils beforehand, as they might block absorption. I paired it with a gentle body wash (like Dove) and noticed better results than when I layered it over other products. If you use retinol or prescription treatments, check with your dermatologist to avoid irritation.

Exfoliate Weekly: To boost the cream’s effectiveness, exfoliate your body once a week with a gentle scrub or chemical exfoliant (like Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Body Smoother). This removes dead skin, helping the cream penetrate better. I noticed my skin felt smoother when I exfoliated before applying, though it didn’t amplify the anti-aging claims.

These tips can help you stretch the jar and enhance hydration, but they won’t fix the cream’s core issues. You’ll still need realistic expectations about what it can do.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do dermatologists recommend Augustinus Bader?

Some dermatologists praise Augustinus Bader for its high-quality ingredients, like TFC8 and evening primrose oil, which can hydrate and support skin barrier function. Dr. Omer Ibrahim, quoted in Wirecutter, noted that its botanicals and bio-engineered actives are harder to source, justifying the cost for some. However, others, like Dr. Ranella Hirsch in Allure, are skeptical of its “stem cell” claims, as stem cells can’t penetrate the skin topically. Many derms suggest simpler routines with drugstore products like CeraVe for most people, especially those in their 20s or 30s. Always consult your dermatologist before splurging.

Does Jennifer Aniston use Augustinus Bader?

There’s no confirmed evidence that Jennifer Aniston uses Augustinus Bader’s The Body Cream. The brand’s face creams, like The Rich Cream, are famously loved by celebrities like Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss, and Hailey Bieber, but Aniston’s name hasn’t been directly linked. Her skincare routine, as shared in interviews, focuses on clean, science-backed products, so it’s possible she’s triedquartetsized.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Jennifer-Aniston-Skin-Care-Routine.pdf), but without explicit confirmation, it’s speculative. If you’re curious about her routine, you’d need to dig into recent interviews or credible beauty publications.

Is Augustinus Bader good for mature skin?

Augustinus Bader’s The Body Cream is marketed as suitable for all skin types, including mature skin, thanks to its TFC8 technology, which claims to promote cell turnover and reduce signs of aging like fine lines and loss of elasticity. Some users with mature skin report smoother, more hydrated skin, with one Cult Beauty reviewer calling it “great for mature skin.” However, results vary, and I didn’t see significant anti-aging benefits after six weeks. Dermatologist Dr. Omer Ibrahim suggests it’s better for mature skin needing repair rather than younger skin, but simpler products might suffice for basic hydration.

How long does it take to see results from Augustinus Bader?

The brand recommends using The Body Cream for at least 27 days, aligning with the skin’s natural cell turnover cycle, to see optimal results. Some users notice immediate hydration and softness (I did within days), but long-term benefits like reduced cellulite or stretch marks are claimed after 12 weeks, with 90-98% of users reporting improvements in consumer studies. However, my experience and many reviews suggest results may plateau after a few weeks, and not everyone sees dramatic changes. Consistent use and a simplified routine might help, but don’t expect miracles.

Final Thoughts

After putting Augustinus Bader’s The Body Cream through its paces, I’m left with mixed feelings. The luxurious texture, high-quality ingredients, and subtle scent make it feel like a treat, but the sky-high price, underwhelming results, and mixed reviews are hard to ignore. Compared to budget-friendly options like CeraVe or mid-range gems like Nécessaire, it doesn’t deliver enough bang for your buck. If you’re tempted by the hype, use it sparingly and follow my maintenance tips, but don’t expect it to transform your skin. Save your money for products that truly deliver—or a nice spa day instead.

Augustinus Bader The Body Cream Reviews: Is it worth it?