Is Dr. Barbara Sturm skincare worth it

The line at a glance

The brand calls itself Dr. Barbara Sturm Molecular Cosmetics and describes an anti-inflammatory skincare philosophy. Several listings name purslane, and the Face Cream Light listing says the products are made in Germany without animal testing. The line is built around face creams in different textures, a set of 30 ml serums and a 15 ml eye cream.

See the Sturm lineup →

Ingredients the brand lists

The brand names a few ingredients on its listings. Face Cream Rich lists purslane and is described as suited to more mature skin or complexions that need extra hydration in winter, and as usable as a day or night cream. Face Cream Light lists bisabolol, ginger, panthenol, sodium hyaluronate and pantolactone, and is described as a non-greasy, unisex cream for normal skin. Calming Serum lists cardiospermum, echium, sunflower extract and purslane. The Eye Cream lists purslane extract, macadamia nut oil, roseroot, sugar beet, yeast, vitamin E, panthenol and glycerin, and is described as fragrance free.

The Super Anti Aging Serum listing names hyaluronic acid and sunflower sprout extract. These are the brand's descriptions; read the full INCI list on the carton. Our ingredient list guide explains how.

Textures: Light, Rich and the rest

The two core creams share a price and size, so the choice is texture. Face Cream Light is the non-greasy option. Face Cream Rich is the heavier one. The Super Anti Aging Face Cream is the premium jar; the brand says it is suited to mature skin and that younger skin can use it several times a week, and that it can be alternated with other Sturm moisturizers. Our cream textures explained page describes what light and rich mean in practice, and how to use Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream covers application.

How Sturm compares on price per ml

Price per ml is the fairest way to compare jars of different sizes. At $4.80 per ml for the core creams, Sturm sits below Augustinus Bader The Cream ($315.00 for 50 ml, $6.30 per ml) and Shiseido Future Solution LX Total Regenerating Cream ($305.00 for 50 ml, $6.10 per ml), and well below La Prairie's top jars. Lancome Absolue The Rich Cream is about $4.73 per ml at $280.00 for 2.0 oz (about 59 ml).

The Super Anti Aging line is pricier: $7.20 per ml for the cream and $12.67 per ml for the serum, the same per ml as Augustinus Bader The Serum ($380.00 for 30 ml). Use the price per ml calculator to check current prices, and see Augustinus Bader vs Barbara Sturm for a closer comparison.

Monthly cost at typical use

A 50 ml cream used at about 0.4 ml twice a day lasts about two months. At $240.00, that is roughly $115 a month. A 30 ml serum at 0.3 ml twice a day lasts about 50 days; at $260.00 for Calming Serum, that is roughly $156 a month. Your own amount may be smaller or larger. Our how long a jar lasts page explains the math.

If the monthly cost of several steps adds up, consider which steps matter most to you and where a lower price per ml makes sense. Sets, like the Sturm Men's Kit at $230.00 or the Discovery Kit at $150.00, can be a way to sample textures; compare their contents first using our mini vs full size guide.

How to decide

Worth it is a personal call: it depends on budget, texture preference and how much you like using the product. Patch test any new cream or serum on a small area for a few days first, as explained in our patch test guide. If you have a skin condition, the brand's description is not a substitute for a dermatologist's advice.

• Pick the texture you want first: light, rich or the premium Super Anti Aging jar.
• Compare its price per ml with the jars you already use.
• Work out the monthly cost at your own amount.
• Read the full ingredient list if you avoid specific ingredients.
• Patch test before using it on your face.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Sturm so expensive? It is priced as a luxury line. The brand points to its ingredients and philosophy; the facts you can compare are size, price per ml and the ingredient list.

Light or Rich: which costs less? They cost the same: $240.00 for 50 ml, $4.80 per ml.

Is the Super Anti Aging Face Cream better value? It costs $7.20 per ml, more than the core creams. Value depends on whether you prefer its texture and listed ingredients.

Is there a cheaper way to try it? Sets like the Discovery Kit let you try several products, but check the sizes inside so you know the price per ml.