At $380, this gel-like serum makes a strong case for being one of skincare&rsquo;s most splurge-worthy investments.

Great skin doesn&rsquo;t always have to break the bank. Take it from someone who&rsquo;s splurged on <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/most-expensive-skincare-products-dior-la-prairie-cle-de-peau">hundred-dollar moisturizers</a>, only to end up sticking with a $30 one: luxury skincare can sometimes feel like a scam. Too often, I&rsquo;ve fallen for the idea that &ldquo;more expensive means better&rdquo;&mdash;and learned the hard way that it&rsquo;s not always true. The reality? It goes both ways. Great skin is about ingredients and skin chemistry, not just price tags.&nbsp;
Still, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/sofia-copolla-debuts-augustinus-bader-collab">Augustinus Bader</a> is proving that luxury skincare can be worth your while. This year, the dermatologist-founded brand has expanded its line of essentials with a <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/augustinus-bader-elixir-shop-interview">concentrated elixir</a>, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/augustinus-bader-mineral-sunscreen-spf-50-shop">mineral sunscreen</a>, and <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/augustinus-bader-hydrogel-face-sheet-mask-shop">even sheet masks</a>. The newest addition to the line: <a href="https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/augustinus-bader-the-vitamin-c-serum-1-oz.-exclusive?ID=5609868&amp;CategoryID=2921" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Vitamin C Serum</a>, a blend of vitamin C and ergothioneine designed to brighten, smooth, and even the complexion.
So what makes this serum different from the countless others lining beauty shelves? L&rsquo;OFFICIEL reviews Augustinus Bader&rsquo;s latest launch.&nbsp;
L'OFFICIEL USA&nbsp;may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if products are purchased through our links. This item was gifted. Neither decides our editorial decisions.

<h2 style="text-align: center;">Augustinus Bader Vitamin C Serum: The Science and Ingredients</h2>

Augustinus Bader The Vitamin C Serum. Courtesy of Augustinus Bader.

Augustinus Bader The Vitamin C Serum. Photography courtesy of Augustinus Bader.

Augustinus Bader&rsquo;s Vitamin C Serum takes a scientific approach to achieving radiance. The formula leans on a dual antioxidant system&mdash;Vitamin C and ergothioneine&mdash;to brighten dull complexions, refine texture, and support the skin&rsquo;s natural barrier. It promises to illuminate and improve firmness and smoothness over time, all while helping the skin retain moisture and stay oxygenated.
As with the rest of the brand&rsquo;s lineup, the serum is powered by Advanced TFC8&reg;, Augustinus Bader&rsquo;s proprietary delivery system that guides active ingredients deeper into the skin for maximum efficacy. In this case, it helps stabilize vitamin C (notoriously finicky in most formulas) while enhancing its brightening and protective abilities. It also includes niacinamide and an Algae Evening Complex to further address uneven tone, fine lines, and redness. And, it&rsquo;s free from fragrance and other harmful chemicals like parabens, silicones, phthalates, DEA, heavy metals, talc, and petrolatum.&nbsp;

<h2 style="text-align: center;">Augustinus Bader Vitamin C Serum Review</h2>

I&rsquo;ve been testing Augustinus Bader&rsquo;s Vitamin C Serum for three weeks, and truthfully, I didn&rsquo;t have high hopes. I swore off all iterations of vitamin C in my skincare routine about three years ago when I learned that, while many of them did promote that coveted glow from within, all of them broke me out (which was odd considering that my skin is quite resilient and not at all acne-prone). It wasn&rsquo;t worth it. I could easily fake the <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/medicube-booster-review-skincare-tool-price-glass-skin">glass skin effect</a> from other products, but breakouts are a different battle entirely.&nbsp;&nbsp;
So, of course, while you&rsquo;re technically supposed to use vitamin C morning and evening, I opted to start only at night&mdash;because, in my experience, daytime use tends to make things worse. As expected, I experienced a few initial breakouts, though nothing close to what I&rsquo;ve had in the past. In the name of a fair review, I stuck with it.&nbsp;
And I&rsquo;m glad I did. While it didn&rsquo;t necessarily deliver that &ldquo;glow from within,&rdquo; my skin looked noticeably brighter and more refreshed after about a week. The biggest improvement was in texture: the uneven patches around my cheeks (which usually flare up and get itchy when the weather cools) smoothed out, and everything looked more uniform&mdash;almost airbrushed, but still natural. Elasticity improved, too; the skin around my forehead and cheekbones felt firmer, like it had a subtle lift. My stubborn acne scars and redness around the nose started to fade, and newer blemishes healed faster without leaving marks.

<h2 style="text-align: center;">Augustinus Bader Vitamin C Serum Review: The Verdict</h2>

The verdict: Is it worth $380? If you can splurge, yes. It&rsquo;s a solid product with results that justify the science behind it. I&rsquo;ve tried my fair share of vitamin C serums (Drunk Elephant&rsquo;s left me glowing but broke me out terribly, Sunday Riley&rsquo;s was gentle but underwhelming), and this one sits comfortably in the middle of both worlds: effective, balanced, and non-irritating. The initial breakout was short-lived, and what followed was genuinely impressive. It may not have turned me into a vitamin C devotee overnight, but it certainly restored my faith in it.

Augustinus Bader’s New Vitamin C Serum Is the Key to Even Skin Tone

Tags

Related Articles

Beauty

I Thought I Had Already Mastered Glass Skin, Then I Met Medicube Booster Pro

Beauty

Augustinus Bader’s New, Highly Concentrated Elixir Is 'Like GPS for Your Skin'

Beauty

A Guide to the Skincare Ingredients You Should Never Mix

Recommended posts for you

Music

Everything to Know About Olivia Dean’s 2026 Tour

Pop culture

Ali Larter Turns Heads in Mini Dress With a Sparkling Sequin Bra

Film & TV

Meet the Cast of the Newest Hunger Games Film, ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’

Fashion

Michelle Yeoh's Best Style Moments

Fashion

See Kate Middleton And Prince William's First Joint Red Carpet Appearance In Two Years

Shopping

The Ultimate Holiday Gift Edit for the Style-Obsessed

Shopping

Surprise Your Loved Ones With the Ultimate Luxury Jewelry Gift Guide

Beauty

All Of The Most Viral Medicube Products You Need To Add To Your Routine