The New C

Professor Dr. Augustinus Bader is considered a visionary when it comes to skincare. With his new vitamin C serum, he brings an iconic active ingredient into a form that is effective, gentle and modern. In this interview, he reveals why high doses do not always mean high quality, what makes the product so special - and how he himself cares for his skin.

The key lies in a constant, gentle routine - preferably daily and always in combination with sun protection.

 

1 Professor Bader, your name is synonymous with iconic, science-based skincare. What inspired you to develop a vitamin C serum?
Vitamin C is one of the most sought-after active ingredients - but many serums cause irritation or quickly lose their effect. We wanted to show that there is another way: highly effective, stable and gentle at the same time. With Advanced TFC8®, we are taking vitamin C to a new level and making it accessible to all skin types.

2. many brands rely on high vitamin C percentages. Why did you deliberately opt for a stable 5% formula?
High percentages sound impressive at first, but they are not automatically better - often quite the opposite. Our aim was to choose a stable concentration that unfolds its full effect without overburdening the skin. This makes the serum effective and tolerable, even for sensitive skin.

3. your new serum combines vitamin C with ergothioneine and TFC8®. Can you explain in simple terms how this synergy works?
We use a particularly stable form of vitamin C, which is targeted to where it is needed by TFC8®. Supplemented by ergothioneine, which neutralizes oxidative stress, and ceramides, which helps strengthen the skin barrier, the result is a powerful trio of active ingredients. The formula contributes to brighten, protects and at the same time ensures an even complexion.

4 And who is the formula particularly suitable for?
The serum is ideal for anyone who suffers from pigmentation spots, dull skin or an uneven complexion. However, it was particularly important to us that sensitive skin types can also benefit from the advantages - without any irritation.

5. are there any ingredients that should never be combined with vitamin C?
Vitamin C is versatile, but in combination with strong acids or high doses of retinoids it can irritate the skin. Our serum has therefore been deliberately formulated so that it can be easily integrated into any routine. It delivers the benefits of vitamin C without compromising skin health.

6. how should the serum ideally be integrated into an existing skincare routine?
The serum is designed for daily use in the morning and evening. However, if you use several serums from Augustinus Bader, you can also vary according to your skin's needs: the Vitamin C Serum in the morning to protect against environmental stress, The Elixir in the evening or the Retinol Serum for deeper regeneration.

7. we are curious: can you tell us something about your personal skincare routine?
Sure, I use The Cream in the morning and The Rich Cream in the evening - sometimes I mix the two. This keeps my skin supple and prevents dryness. When traveling, The Lip Balm, The Eye Cream and The Ultimate Soothing Cream are indispensable essentials, as airplane air puts a lot of stress on the skin.

8 Speaking of airplanes and travel... Why is the combination of vitamin C with SPF 50 so crucial - especially for brightening and pigment control?
Vitamin C protects the skin from free radicals and provides radiance, while sunscreen prevents new damage. Together they are unbeatable when it comes to pigment control and anti-ageing. Only the combination effectively prevents new spots and ensures permanently even skin.

9. what is the most common mistake you see consumers make with vitamin C?
Many are irregular in their application or combine vitamin C with products that are too aggressive. This can irritate the skin and reduce the effect. The key is to have a consistent, gentle routine - preferably daily and always in combination with sun protection.

10. is there a skincare principle that guides all your developments - regardless of trends?
For me, the focus is on the intelligence of the skin - it knows how to renew itself. Our job is to support these processes and not to disrupt them. For me, innovation means developing skincare that strengthens long-term health and resilience.

11. is there a skincare myth that you have always wanted to debunk?
A big mistake is to reduce skincare to the face. The condition of our skin reflects our entire life - from nutrition to stress. Glowing skin is therefore not just cosmetic, but always an expression of health.

12. if you had to describe your serum in one sentence to someone who knows nothing about skincare - how would you explain it?
It's a next-generation vitamin C serum that not only brightens and protects, but also actively supports skin renewal with our Advanced TFC8® technology - for visibly better results than conventional formulas.