27 Jan Review: Augustinus Bader The Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C is one of the most talked-about skincare ingredients and it is also one of the most misunderstood due to the complexities in formulating vitamin C skincare. And one of most exciting vitamin C releases in 2026 has to be Augustinus Bader’s The Vitamin C Serum. I had a chance to preview this Vitamin C serum at its launch- and here’s my review of Augustinus Bader The Vitamin C Serum- is it truly worth its $560 price tag?
About Augustinus Bader Skincare: The Science Behind the Brand
The Augustinus Bader skincare range was founded in 2018 by German biomedical scientist, Professor Augustinus Bader. The core ingredient of the Augustinus Bader skincare is the brand’s proprietary TFC8® (Trigger Factor Complex 8) technology, and more recently, Advanced TFC8®, a mix of amino acids, vitamins, and molecules designed for skin renewal and repair. Since its launch, Augustinus Bader skincare range has won over celebrity fans and collaborations, including Victoria Beckham’s TFC8® infused makeup and Dua Lipa’s TFC 5 skincare.
Augustinus Bader skincare launched in Singapore in late 2022, and since then I’ve had the honour of meeting Professor Augustinus Bader himself to understand his insights and vision with his brand. In January 2026, The Vitamin C Serum was launched in Singapore; and I was grateful to join the media preview of this serum.
At the launch of Augustinus Bader The Vitamin C Serum in Singapore, January 2026.
About Augustinus Bader The Vitamin C Serum
Augustinus Bader The Vitamin C Serum contains Ascorbyl Glucoside, a stabilised form of vitamin C. As I’ve shared before in my vitamin C skincare explainer, vitamin C is a well researched ingredient with the following benefits in skincare:
• Antioxidant that protects the skin against free radical damage that cause dullness and premature signs of ageing
• Reduces UV induced damage to DNA
• Is an essential cofactor for collagen synthesis, acting as a catalyst for enzymes (prolyl and lysyl hydroxylase) that cross-link collagen fibers
• Lightens hyperpigmentation
• Replenishes vitamin E in the skin
Ascorbyl Glucoside, as a derivative of active vitamin C (i.e. L-ascorbic acid) is more stable and easier to formulate into elegant, hydrating textures. Ascorbyl Glucoside is converted to L-ascorbic acid via enzymatic hydrolysis in the skin.
With its stability, Ascorbyl Glucoside is less likely to irritate the skin and has more consistent shelf stability. However, as compared to L-ascorbic acid serums, Ascorbyl Glucoside is less potent.
Other notable ingredients in Augustinus Bader The Vitamin C Serum
• Antioxidants: Niacinamide, Xanthophylls, Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside (from green tea), Tocopheryl Acetate and Tocopherol
• Ergothioneine, a sulfur-containing amino acid derivative, typically acquired from mushrooms and certain bacteria. In dermatology, ergothioneine has demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-photoaging, and skin-protective effects1-4. Clinical data show that topical application of ergothioneine at 0.1% concentration can suppress melanin production and improve skin tone over several weeks5.
• Barrier and moisture support: Ceramide NP, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Trehalose, Arginine
• Advanced TFC8®: stated as “a complex of high-grade vitamins, lipids, and high-performing, proprietary peptides that features a proprietary biomimetic delivery system developed by Professor Bader”
Related blogposts:
Niacinamide: A Versatile Antioxidant
Benefits of Topical Green Tea
Ceramides: Protect Against Sensitive & Dry Skin
How to Repair Your Skin Barrier
Beta Glucan Skincare: New Hero for the Skin Barrier?
A couple of notable ingredients in Augustinus Bader The Vitamin C Serum
Where to buy The Augustinus Bader The Vitamin C Serum
Augustinus Bader The Vitamin C Serum can be purchased from the brand’s counter in Takashimaya’s cosmetics department and online.
Price of Augustinus Bader The Vitamin C Serum
Augustinus Bader The Vitamin C Serum retails for SGD$560 for 30mls (~$18.67)
My Review of Augustinus Bader The Vitamin C Serum
Disclosure: This serum was gifted to me by the brand with no obligations to blog about. All opinions of Augustinus Bader The Vitamin C Serum are solely mine. This is not a paid post or endorsement.
The good about Augustinus Bader The Vitamin C Serum
• This is a vitamin C serum that can be used by those with sensitive skin- the formula contains stabilised vitamin C (Ascorbyl Glucoside) and active ingredients that sooth and support the skin barrier
• From the perspective of skin longevity, ergothioneine as a skincare ingredient is promising for its multi-modal effects on skin health.
• Fans of the brand’s proprietary TFC8® will also appreciate that this formula contains its Advanced TFC8®
• Texture is a thick serum that spreads and dries quickly to leave a lightweight feel
• Finish was velvet smooth
• This serum is moisturising without causing clogged pores for my skin
• No irritation
• Layers well with sunscreen and makeup without piling.
• I like the brightening effect it has on my skin; although I’m still waiting for some dark spots to fade.
The bad about Augustinus Bader The Vitamin C Serum
• Some of my dark spots are not visibly lighter yet. It’s only been a week that I’ve started using this serum and Ascorbyl Glucoside does take longer to lighten dark spots
• The composition or percentage of the active ingredients are not disclosed. A formula’s efficacy and performance are dependent factors beyond the percentage of the active ingredients; but this information is useful for consumers to make comparisons.
• Information about brand’s proprietary Advanced TFC8® in peer reviewed journals is lacking; so it is hard to compare this prized ingredient against other established active ingredients
• The relatively high price point of Augustinus Bader The Vitamin C Serum is a deterrent
Verdict on Augustinus Bader The Vitamin C Serum
If you’re looking for a non-irritating, gentle vitamin C serum to brighten your skin and prioritise your skin barrier, the Augustinus Bader The Vitamin C Serum is a good option. The finish is elegant, lightweight- and holds up well in Singapore’s weather without oxidising for my skin. It is an expensive vitamin C serum though. I do wish that the brand could shed more light on its exclusive Advanced TFC8® and TFC8® innovation for us to better understand premium positioning.
References
1. Dermato-protective properties of ergothioneine through induction of Nrf2/ARE-mediated antioxidant genes in UVA-irradiated Human keratinocytes. Hseu et al. Free Radic Biol Med. 2015 Sep:86:102-17.
2. The Antiaging Activity of Ergothioneine in UVA-Irradiated Human Dermal Fibroblasts via the Inhibition of the AP-1 Pathway and the Activation of Nrf2-Mediated Antioxidant Genes. Hseu et al. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2020 Feb 12:2020:2576823.
3. Skin cells and tissue are capable of using L-ergothioneine as an integral component of their antioxidant defense system. Markova et al. Free Radic Biol Med. 2009 Apr 15;46(8):1168-76.
4. Ergothioneine alleviates senescence of fibroblasts induced by UVB damage of keratinocytes via activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and HSP70 in keratinocytes. Ko et al. Exp Cell Res. 2021 Mar 1;400(1):112516.
5. Experimental and theoretical studies on inhibition against tyrosinase activity and melanin biosynthesis by antioxidant ergothioneine. Liu et al. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2023 Nov 19:682:163-173.
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