Augustinus Bader vs Dr. Barbara Sturm

The two brands in brief

Augustinus Bader is named after Professor Augustinus Bader, a German physician and stem cell researcher. Every cream and serum in the core range lists TFC8, which the listings describe as a blend of amino acids, vitamins and peptides. The lineup is organized by texture: The Light Cream, The Cream, The Rich Cream and The Ultimate Soothing Cream. See our Augustinus Bader guide.

Dr. Barbara Sturm is named after its founder, a German aesthetics doctor. Her listings often name purslane, and the serums lean on hyaluronic acid. The range includes Face Cream Light and Face Cream Rich, a Super Anti-Aging line, and creams for specific needs such as darker skin tones and men. See our Dr. Barbara Sturm guide.

Spec table: creams and serums

Listing prices are at the time of writing. Price per ml is price divided by ml.

Creams compared

Both brands split their creams into light and rich. Augustinus Bader charges $195 for The Light Cream and $315 for The Cream and The Rich Cream. Dr. Barbara Sturm charges $240 for both Face Cream Light and Face Cream Rich. So Sturm is cheaper per ml than The Cream and The Rich Cream ($4.80 against $6.30), while The Light Cream is the cheapest of all at $3.90 per ml.

The Sturm Face Cream Rich listing points it at mature skin or skin that needs extra moisture in winter. The Augustinus Bader Rich Cream listing names normal to dry and mature skin and colder climates. For a deeper look at the Bader textures, see The Rich Cream vs The Cream. For Sturm, see how to use Dr. Barbara Sturm face cream.

Rich creams for dry skin →

Serums compared

The flagship serums cost the same: $380 for 30 ml, or $12.67 per ml each. Augustinus Bader The Serum lists TFC8 and describes a silky, fast-absorbing texture. The Sturm Super Anti-Aging Serum lists hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and sunflower sprout extract. Sturm also sells a lower-priced Calming Serum ($260 for 30 ml) and The Good C vitamin C serum ($160 for 30 ml).

Use either serum after cleansing and essence and before moisturizer. A few drops is enough; see how much serum to use and our luxury face serum guide.

How each fits into a routine

Neither brand insists on a long ritual. Most people add one product, usually the cream, to the routine they already have. Keep the standard order: cleanse, essence or toner, serum, eye cream, cream, then sunscreen in the morning. Our routine order builder sets it out for you.

1. 1

   Cleanse and pat dry.

2. 2

   Apply serum: a few drops.

3. 3

   Apply eye cream if used.

4. 4

   Apply a pea-size amount of cream.

5. 5

   Morning: sunscreen last.

Eye creams and gift sets

Both brands also sell 15 ml eye creams. The Augustinus Bader Rich Eye Cream lists at $215, or $14.33 per ml, and is described as lightweight and fragrance-free. The Dr. Barbara Sturm Eye Cream lists at $150, or $10.00 per ml, and names purslane, macadamia nut oil, roseroot and panthenol. Our eye cream vs face cream page explains whether you need one at all.

If you want to try either brand before buying full sizes, both sell sets. Sturm's 7-piece Discovery Kit lists at $150, and Augustinus Bader sells trios that include a 30 ml cream. Compare them per ml against full sizes; our gift set guide lists the current options.

Who picks which

Pick Augustinus Bader if you want one complex across your products and a clear texture ladder, and especially The Light Cream if you want the lowest price per ml in this comparison. Pick Dr. Barbara Sturm if you prefer purslane and hyaluronic acid formulas, want a rich cream at a lower price per ml than The Rich Cream, or want a cream made for a specific need such as darker skin tones.

Still deciding on the brands themselves? Read is Augustinus Bader worth it and is Barbara Sturm worth it.

Frequently asked questions

Which brand is cheaper? It depends on the product. Sturm creams cost $4.80 per ml on these listings; Bader ranges from $3.90 (Light Cream) to $6.30 per ml. The flagship serums cost the same.

What is Barbara Sturm's main ingredient? Many Sturm listings name purslane, and the serums lean on hyaluronic acid.

What is Augustinus Bader's main ingredient? TFC8, the brand's Trigger Factor Complex. See what is TFC8.

Can I use a Bader serum with a Sturm cream? Yes. Mixing brands is common. Patch test new products first.