Augustinus Bader’s The Retinol Serum

The quintessential love/hate relationship, in the world of beauty, anyway, has got to be the one between those with even a hint of sensitivity and the ultimate anti-aging ingredient—retinol. We love that it smooths, firms, brightens, evens tone, and reduces breakouts. We hate the redness, peeling, and photo-sensitivity that can often accompany these results. If there was one person, however, who could reconcile this conflict for the ages, it was Dr. Augustinus Bader.

The brand’s secret sauce is their proprietary Trigger Factor Complex (or TFC8, for short), a blend of natural amino acids, high-grade vitamins, and synthesized molecules naturally found in skin, which guides key nutrients and ingredients to the cells, creating an optimal environment for the body’s innate processes of repair and renewal. When combined with pure retinol—one that requires fewer conversions so a higher level of retinol can be retained when absorbed by the skin—the TFC8 supports the powerful ingredient, allowing it to perform to its fullest potential while maintaining skin that is balanced, healthy, and properly functioning.

The result? All of what we adore about retinol without any side effects. Seriously, we used it every night without irritation, and without having to worry about sun exposure. All we had to think about was our glowing, lifted, (surprisingly hydrated) flawless skin.

“This combination of Bader's proprietary, ‘what-makes-Bader-Bader’ TFC8 and one of the most studied, proven anti-aging ingredients—retinol— is the closest thing we have to the fountain of youth.”
—ELIZABETH GRACE HAND, Aesthetician 

“I really liked this product! My skin is very sensitive to vitamin A and this one felt very gentle and almost soothing. It also has non pore-clogging hydrators that are great to buffer the actives. Love it!”
—MADALAINA CONTI, Aesthetician 

“A retinol you really want to use on the daily--gentle, quickly absorbs, and I love how it fits right into my layering regimen. Bader brings us the best of all worlds in the ingredients: retinol plus their signature TFC8.”
—SARAH BROWN, Executive Director, VIOLET LAB 

Here are the facts. In a 12 week clinical trial: skin tone looked 69% more even, the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles reduced by 56%, post-acne marks were reduced by 90%, and skin texture improved by 68%. These mind-blowing statistics coupled with the 100% (!!!) of testers who gave this gentle-yet-effective serum a big thumbs up, means Augustinus Bader’s The Retinol Serum is unanimously VIOLET CODE APPROVED and has earned a spot front and center on THE SHELVES.