Moisturizer is the oldest trick in the book for healthy skin. Cleopatra famously bathed in milk, and ancient Greeks and Romans are known to have slathered their skin with handmade complexion-clearing remedies. Over the course of the last few centuries, we’ve seen a whole host of ways to soften and replenish skin. So when Dr. Augustinus Bader quietly launched his namesake line in 2017 with two moisturizers—The Cream and The Rich Cream—it didn’t exactly feel groundbreaking. These products were, after all, joining a category replete with options. Fast forward three years, and the products have proven to be the kind of innovation that only comes along once in a generation, and the line has even garnered a reputation “the best skin-care in the world.”

Dr. Bader initially developed the technology in his hit skin-care line to be used on burn victims, because the active ingredients helped to reduce the need for skin grafts and other scar revision therapies amongst patients. It took two years of convincing before Dr. Bader agreed to reinterpret the technology into something that could be available to the masses via a skin-care product. “My partner, Charles Rosier, had the vision to apply the technology to skin-care consumer products in order to fund my research. He thought if the technology could turn burned skin into perfect skin, then the know-how could be used to develop an innovative skin care to help with wrinkles,” says Dr. Bader. “I started to prototype a skin-care product with certain patients with problematic or fragile skin, and the creams made a real difference to the people, and they kept coming back asking for more.”

What makes the products so special is the fact that Dr. Bader and his scientists use epigentic technology to deliver nutrients to specific parts of the cells to change the expression of their DNA, effectively catalyzing them to repair on their own. “Our skin-care technology works with the skin’s own intrinsic repair code by delivering various active ingredients that control and influence the skin cells in a targeted manner,” says Dr. Bader, of the proprietary Trigger Factor Complex 8 (TFC8) at the heart of all of the brand’s products. “The complex naturally supports the skin to undergo an optimal process of remodeling, and when you’re able to do that, you can influence epigenetic factors that enable the body to fix your skin according to its needs.”

What started with two moisturizers now spans eight products, including cleansers, oils, and body lotions. “We merge a deep respect for nature and biology with a knowledge-fueled targeting of skin repair needs,” says Dr. Bader. “Modern science has given us an improved understanding of cellular function when it comes to skin restoration. With this information and our internal research, we only release products that bring real solutions to our customers.” Looking ahead, the brand has plans to develop “new product variations based on our concepts of protection and care by physiologic means,” and Dr. Bader is working to adjust his formulations to suit specific skin needs, as well.

But as of this moment, there are plenty of skin-boosting products for the taking. Scroll through to shop the groundbreaking formulations for yourself—your skin, after all, deserves nothing less than the best products in the world.

Augustinus Bader The Cream — $170.00

Lauded as “the best skin-care product of all time,” this moisturizer will hydrate skin while also addressing a plethora of other issues. Thanks to its epigentic technology, it works with your cells to repair whatever specific complexion concerns you’re dealing with. It helps to reduce signs of aging, even out discoloration, smooth texture, diminish the appearance of scarring, and protect against oxidative stress. 

Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream — $265.00

The rich version of the brand’s moisturizer is slightly thicker than the original, and is great for dry or dehydrated skin. It offers all of the same benefits, and will leave skin feeling stronger and more nourished, and it’s recently been reformulated to be even more effective.

Augustinus Bader The Cleansing Balm — $70.00

Made with skin nourishing avocado and olive oils, this vitamin-E-and-squalane-packed cleansing balm whisks away dirt and makeup without stripping your skin. It’s got the same epigenetic technology as the brand’s moisturizers, and creates an optimal environment for your cells to renew and repair.

Augustinus Bader The Face Oil — $230.00

This healing oil is the perfect final step in any skin-care routine. It’s made with Argan, hazelnut, and karanja oils, which offer antioxidant protection, but won’t leave you feeling greasy. The formula helps to strengthen the skin barrier, and offers anti-aging properties that improve skin elacticity and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Augustinus Bader The Cream Cleansing Gel — $65.00

This cleanser is like three products for the price of one. It starts as a gel, then melts into a milk when it’s combined with water, and finally lathers into a foam as you massage it into your face. It works on all skin types, and after it’s washed away dirt and oil it also helps to tighten pores and improve elasticity. 

Augustinus Bader The Body Cream — $165.00

Augustinus Bader released The Body Cream in 2019 as a way to bring the brand’s technology to people’s neck-down skin. “It offers textural variety, top-of-class moisturizing capabilities, sun exposure care and, most importantly, the most effective and clinically proven restorative properties on the market,” says Dr. Bader. Our editors swear by the stuff because it’s thick and hydrating without being goopy, and feels like a luxury body treatment every time you apply.

Augustinus Bader The Body Lotion — $95.00

If you prefer a lighter lotion to a heavy cream, you can’t go wrong with this formula. It melts easily into your complexion, and helps to do away with any signs of stress you may be experiencing in your skin.

Augustinus Bader The Body Oil — $95.00

If your skin needs a little extra love, consider adding this body oil as the final step in your routine. It’s made with heavy-hitting plant extracts like argan and olive oils, and helps to reduce the appearance of cellulite, stretch marks, and hyperpigmentation for firmer, smoother skin. 

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