What is TFC8 in Augustinus Bader creams

TFC8 in the brand's words

Augustinus Bader describes TFC8 as a proprietary blend of natural amino acids, high-grade vitamins and peptides, inspired by over 30 years of research and innovation. The brand says the technology guides key nutrients and natural ingredients to the skin. The name is often expanded as Trigger Factor Complex, and the brand is named after its co-founder, Professor Augustinus Bader.

Because TFC8 is proprietary, the brand does not publish it as a single ingredient with a fixed recipe. On the carton you will see the individual ingredients in the INCI list, not the word TFC8 as one line. Our ingredient list guide explains how to read that list.

Everything in this section is the brand's description. We do not add claims of our own about what the complex does to skin.

Which products list TFC8

TFC8 is named on the listings for most of the line. The table shows the products in our guides, with the listed size and price. Price per ml is the price divided by the ml, rounded.

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The Cream vs The Rich Cream vs The Light Cream

All three list TFC8, so the choice is mostly about texture. The brand positions The Cream and The Rich Cream for normal to dry skin, mature skin and colder, drier climates, and The Rich Cream is the heavier of the two. The Light Cream is described as lightweight and velvety with a mattifying finish, which many people prefer in humid weather or under makeup.

Our Rich Cream vs The Cream page compares the two main jars, and how to use The Rich Cream covers application. For lighter jars from other brands, see the lightweight luxury moisturizer guide.

How the brand says to apply the creams

Augustinus Bader says to apply The Cream and The Rich Cream to cleansed, dry skin, smoothing the desired amount over face, neck and decollete morning and evening, using upward sweeping motions along the jawline. It does not give an exact amount on the listing. A common face cream amount is about a pea, roughly 0.3 to 0.5 ml.

At $6.30 per ml, a 0.4 ml application costs about $2.52, or about $5.04 a day used twice. Our how long a jar of face cream lasts page works through the math, and the price per ml calculator lets you compare sizes.

Sets and the bigger jar

The 100 ml The Cream costs less per ml than the 50 ml ($5.65 vs $6.30). Augustinus Bader also sells TFC8 sets. The Rich Renewal Trio includes The Rich Cream (30 ml), The Rich Eye Cream (15 ml) and the Hydrogel Face Mask. The Illuminating Collection includes The Cream (30 ml), The Cream Cleansing Gel (100 ml) and eye patches. Sets are a way to try textures, but compare the price per ml before assuming they save money; our mini vs full size page shows how.

For a broader look at value, read is Augustinus Bader worth it and the brand comparisons Augustinus Bader vs La Mer and Augustinus Bader vs Barbara Sturm.

Reading brand claims with a clear head

Terms like TFC8 are brand names for a formula. They tell you the brand treats the formula as its own, not how your skin will respond. When comparing jars, the facts you can check are the size, the price, the texture description, the directions and the full ingredient list.

Augustinus Bader describes several products as fragrance-free and vegan on the listings. If you react to specific ingredients, read the INCI list on the carton. Patch test before using any new cream on the face, as explained in our patch test guide. If you have a skin condition or a reaction, stop and see a dermatologist.

Frequently asked questions

Is TFC8 a single ingredient? No. The brand describes it as a proprietary blend of amino acids, vitamins and peptides. The individual ingredients appear in the INCI list.

Do all Augustinus Bader products contain TFC8? Most of the listings in our guides name it, including The Cream, The Rich Cream, The Light Cream, The Serum and The Rich Eye Cream. Check each listing or carton.

Which TFC8 cream is lightest? The brand describes The Light Cream as lightweight and mattifying, compared with The Cream and The Rich Cream.

Is the 100 ml jar better value? Per ml, yes: $5.65 vs $6.30 at listed prices. It only pays off if you finish it within the period after opening on the box.