Augustinus Bader has always focused on restoring skin health from within, rather than just addressing surface-level concerns. The brand’s founder, Professor Bader, developed a groundbreaking wound gel during his stem cell research that promotes scar-free healing without surgery or skin grafts. This innovation led to the creation of the Trigger Factor Complex (TFC8), a proprietary technology designed to target common skincare issues like wrinkles and dryness, as he explained to Vogue. Every product from the brand—whether it’s a moisturizer that nourishes the skin barrier or a hydrogel sheet mask—reflects this philosophy.
It’s no surprise, then, that the brand’s latest launch—The Vitamin C Serum, available today exclusively for Vogue readers—continues this approach. The team recognized a growing demand for a vitamin C serum that delivers proven benefits without the irritation often linked to traditional formulas. As Bader explains, the goal wasn’t just to release another product, but to apply the brand’s expertise to a popular category by creating a formula that is both highly effective and gentle on the skin.
Augustinus Bader The Vitamin C Serum
$380 at Bloomingdale’s
Why We Love It:
“Instead of focusing on a high percentage of vitamin C, we prioritized creating a stable, effective formula that works for all skin types,” says Professor Bader. The serum uses a gentle vitamin C derivative called ascorbyl glucoside, along with an updated TFC8 complex, ergothioneine, ceramides, algae, and niacinamide. Together, these ingredients aim to improve skin brightness, firmness, tone, and hydration without causing irritation.
Key Ingredients:
Augustinus Bader’s TFC8 Complex, vitamin C (ascorbyl glucoside), ergothioneine, algae evening complex, niacinamide
Size:
30 mL / 1 fl. oz
To understand how this vitamin C serum works, it helps to know the benefits of the ingredient itself. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that brightens skin, protects against environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution, reduces dark spots, evens skin tone, and supports collagen production.
The most common form of vitamin C is L-ascorbic acid, which is highly effective but unstable and potentially irritating for sensitive skin. Augustinus Bader chose ascorbyl glucoside instead—a stable, water-soluble alternative that delivers vitamin C precisely where it’s needed while protecting the skin barrier. Dermatopathologist Dr. Gretchen Frieling notes that ascorbyl glucoside is well-tolerated, offers brightening benefits with less risk of irritation, and has a longer shelf life than L-ascorbic acid. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for daily use, even on sensitive skin or alongside other active ingredients like retinol.
Beyond vitamin C, the serum includes a range of supporting ingredients to enhance results. Most notably, it features an upgraded Advanced TFC8 complex with a biomimetic delivery system that improves absorption and effectiveness by communicating more efficiently with the skin.At the cellular level, this system delivers key nutrients exactly where the skin needs them most, helping it renew itself more effectively.
The formula also includes ergothioneine, which enhances the performance of vitamin C, an algae evening complex to reduce redness and dark spots, and niacinamide to strengthen the skin barrier. This combination makes the serum gentle, and according to Dr. Frieling, it also improves stability, tolerance, and overall results. The texture is light and milky, providing instant hydration and a healthy glow. It layers smoothly under moisturizer, sunscreen, and makeup without any stinging, tightness, or strange scent. With no downsides, it’s a product you’ll want to use every morning.
Dr. Bader recommends using it twice daily for continuous brightening, firming, and antioxidant protection, though you can alternate it with The Retinol Serum in the evening for deeper renewal.
When discussing the benefits of consistent vitamin C use, dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp noted that it can brighten skin and reduce hyperpigmentation in the short term, while long-term use supports collagen production, minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, and improves sun spots and uneven tone. Augustinus Bader’s clinical trials showed visible improvements in radiance, blemishes, and skin tone within four weeks.
After two weeks of testing, I’ve switched entirely to this serum. It feels wonderful to apply and keeps my skin glowing, plump, and balanced all day. As someone who values a daily routine rich in antioxidants, peptides, niacinamide, and hydration, I appreciate having everything I need in one step.
Dr. Bader explains, “We aimed to create a formula that effectively targets uneven tone, dark spots, and dullness—common concerns for many skin types—while ensuring it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin.” In my experience, they’ve succeeded beautifully.
Augustinus Bader The Vitamin C Serum
$380 at Bloomingdale’s
Explore more Vogue-approved Augustinus Bader products below:
– The Rich Cream – $190 at Bluemercury and Nordstrom
– The Hydrogel Face Mask – $32 at Bluemercury and Nordstrom
– The Retinol Serum – $380 at Nordstrom and Bluemercury
– x Sofia Coppola The Tinted Lip Balm – $46 at Bluemercury and Nordstrom
– The Eye Patches – $130 at Bluemercury and Nordstrom
– The Eyebrow & Lash Enhancing Serum – $155 at Nordstrom and Bluemercury
Meet the Experts
– Professor Augustinus Bader, founder of the brand, is a German biomedical scientist and physician specializing in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.
– Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist practicing in New York and Long Island.
– Dr. Gretchen Frieling, MD, is a Harvard-trained, triple board-certified dermatopathologist and founder of GFaceMD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful and naturalsounding FAQs about Augustinus Baders new vitamin C serum
General Questions
Q What is this new product
A Its a vitamin C serum specifically formulated by Augustinus Bader to brighten skin and improve its tone without the irritation that often comes with other potent vitamin C products
Q Why is this vitamin C serum different from others
A Its key difference is the use of a patented TFC8 complex This technology helps deliver the vitamin C effectively while simultaneously calming and supporting the skins barrier which prevents the redness and sensitivity common with other formulas
Q What skin types is it good for
A Its designed for all skin types but its especially beneficial for those with sensitive skin who have previously had bad reactions to vitamin C or for anyone looking for a gentle yet effective brightening treatment
Benefits Results
Q What are the main benefits of using this serum
A The main benefits are a brighter more even skin tone reduced appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation and overall improved skin radianceall without causing irritation
Q How long will it take to see results
A You may notice an immediate glow after the first use For more significant results like fading dark spots consistent use for 48 weeks is typically recommended
Q Can it help with acne scars
A Yes because it works to fade hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone it can be effective at reducing the appearance of postacne marks over time
Usage Application
Q How do I use this serum in my skincare routine
A Apply it to clean dry skin in the morning before your moisturizer and sunscreen Use a few drops and gently press it into your face and neck
Q Can I use it with other active ingredients like retinol
A Yes its gentle formula is designed to be layered with other actives However if you have very sensitive skin its always a good idea to introduce new products slowly You could use this vitamin C in the morning and your retinol at night
Q Do I still need to wear sunscreen
A Absolutely While vitamin C offers antioxidant protection it is not a substitute for sunscreen