Augustinus Bader The Serum for combination skin
Tfc8 Trigger Factor Complex 8
Resveratrol
Squalane
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate Vitamin C Derivative
Hydrolyzed Rice Protein
Superior
- SuperiorCombination Skin Fit
- SuperiorEffectiveness
- ExcellentSafety
One of the best serums for combination skin.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.
Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works
Lovi Assistant explains
- Excellent suitability for your combination skin and oily shine is provided by Resveratrol and Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, which offer potent antioxidant and brightening effects to combat dullness and excess oil. Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate further enhance hydration without greasiness, while Squalane and Rice Bran Oil provide optimal emollient action. Oligopeptide-177 and Resveratrol are present in high concentrations, delivering visible anti-aging benefits and promoting skin rejuvenation. The formula is safe for your skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the inclusion of soothing components like Resveratrol and Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate.
How to apply
- Use your serum as part of your PM routine. Start using it 3 times a week and move to daily use if your skin likes it.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toner, and right before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and wait a minute ⏳for it to soak in.
- Apply the serum on clean and dry skin since your skin is not sensitive.
- Always do a patch test before using the serum for the first time, and avoid the eye area .
People Say
★3.9Overall rating based on 300+ reviewsUsers frequently praise the serum for its lightweight, milky texture that provides immediate hydration and a radiant glow, leading to smoother and plumper skin. However, a notable number of reviewers feel the long-term anti-aging benefits do not justify the very high price point.
Highlights
Lightweight & fast Mostly Mentioned
- “sinks in instantly”
- “feather-like consistency”
- “absorbs quickly”
- “no sticky residue”
Extremely high price Mostly Mentioned
- “steep price tag”
- “insanely expensive”
- “not worth the money”
- “cost a fortune”
Instant hydration & glow Often Mentioned
- “healthy glow”
- “skin feels plump”
- “instant boost of hydration”
- “glass-skin look”
Improved skin texture Sometimes Noted
- “skin felt noticeably firmer”
- “reduced redness”
- “extremely soft and supple”
- “texture improved”
Luxurious packaging Sometimes Noted
- “epitome of luxury”
- “display piece”
- “packaging is so luxe”
- “beautiful bottle”
Bulky packaging Sometimes Noted
- “excessive packaging”
- “big and bulky”
- “useless outer shell”
- “takes up space”
Lack of results Sometimes Noted
- “minimal results for me”
- “nothing groundbreaking”
- “didn't notice any difference”
- “just okay”
Dispensing issues Rarely Noted
- “hard to figure out”
- “fragile glass”
- “pump issues”
Sources: lovi.care, sephora.co.uk, spacenk.com, cultbeauty.co.uk, bluemercury.com, lovelyskin.com, and more
Questions and answers
What makes Augustinus Bader The Serum one of the best fits for combination skin?
Augustinus Bader The Serum is one of the best fits for combination skin because it pairs brightening antioxidants with light hydrators that balance oily shine without feeling heavy. Ingredients like squalane and rice bran oil smooth dry areas while keeping the skin soft and comfortable.
Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for combination skin?
This serum is a great fit for your combination skin because resveratrol and vitamin C brighten dull areas and help control oily shine. Glycerin and sodium hyaluronate add lightweight moisture, while squalane and rice bran oil make your skin soft and smooth.
What does Tfc8 do for combination skin?
Tfc8 is unlikely to address the specific balancing needs of combination skin, as this skin type requires lightweight hydration and gentle oil control rather than deep repair mechanisms.
What does Resveratrol do for combination skin?
Resveratrol helps balance combination skin by fighting daily environmental stress and keeping your skin looking bright and smooth. It may also help calm areas prone to redness and support a healthy, even texture without feeling heavy.
Molecules, 2023Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020
Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for combination skin?
This serum goes in the evening routine after your cleansing toner and before your moisturizer. Putting it in the evening keeps things simple and provides extra safety around sun exposure.
Can I use this serum with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this serum with retinol by applying the serum first to keep your skin hydrated and calm, followed by your retinol. This formula is safe for your combination skin, with no risks of irritation.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024Journal of Nanobiotechnology, 2011
How often should I use this serum?
This treatment is best applied in the evening for simplicity and extra safety around sun exposure, though some serums can also be used in the morning or twice a day. It is a very good fit for your combination skin because ingredients like resveratrol and vitamin C combat dullness and excess oil while glycerin and sodium hyaluronate boost hydration without feeling greasy.
Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?
Augustinus Bader The Serum is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on combination skin because it uses lightweight hydrating and softening ingredients that balance moisture without feeling heavy or greasy. Its formulation is generally safe and well-tolerated, avoiding harsh components that typically trigger irritation or congestion.
Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
What the research says
A rice bran oil nanoemulsion formulated using low energy methods showed low irritation potential in vitro and improved skin moisture while maintaining normal skin pH in human volunteers during in vivo assessments.
Journal of Nanobiotechnology, 2011Resveratrol nanoliposomes improved transdermal penetration and enhanced anti-aging and skin-brightening effects by promoting antioxidant capacity and collagen synthesis while inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases, tyrosinase activity, and melanin synthesis compared to free resveratrol.
Molecules, 2023Topical CE Ferulic plus resveratrol BE serum following ablative fractional CO2 laser treatment reduced erythema index (308.9 vs. 325.3), shortened complete scabbing detachment time (6.0 vs. 6.5 days), decreased melanin index (-7.4% vs. +0.2%), and improved skin hydration compared to normal saline in 51 Chinese patients.
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2024Topical treatment with a combination of pyridine-2, 4-dicarboxylic acid diethyl ester and resveratrol significantly increased hair density in 79 Caucasian female subjects starting from 1.5 months compared to baseline.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020A nighttime topical antioxidant containing resveratrol, baicalin, and vitamin E significantly improved fine lines, wrinkles, firmness, elasticity, laxity, hyperpigmentation, radiance, roughness, and dermal thickness in subjects with mild to moderately photodamaged skin over 12 weeks.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2014Squalane at 0.005-0.015% counteracts UVA-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen metabolism inhibition while stimulating fibroblast migration in human dermal fibroblasts.
Molecules, 2025Plant-derived squalane protected human dermal fibroblasts against UVA-induced damage by counteracting ROS formation, suppressing apoptosis-related proteins p53, caspase-3, caspase-9, and PARP, and restoring the pro-survival p-Akt/mTOR pathway.
Antioxidants, 2025Topical application of 5% vitamin C cream significantly improved global clinical scores, increased skin microrelief density, and induced elastic tissue repair in photoaged skin compared to excipient control in healthy female volunteers.
Experimental Dermatology, 2003Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation.
Journal of Periodontology, 2009Topical application of VC-IP cream twice daily for 8 weeks reduces periorbital wrinkles in female subjects compared to a placebo cream.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022Rice protein hydrolysate and its characteristic peptides Leu-Leu-Lys, Leu-Pro-Lys, and pyroGlu-Lys reduced melanin content, tyrosinase activity, and ROS production in UVB-induced human epidermal melanocyte PIG1 cells by regulating the JNK/Β-Trcp/NFΗB-p65/MITF signaling pathway and lowering TRP-1 and TRP-2 expression.
Food & Function, 2020
Ingredients
Water, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cellulose, Ethylhexyl Polyhydroxystearate, Resveratrol, Squalane, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Rice Bran Oil, Maltitol, Leontopodium Alpinum Callus Culture Extract, Xylitylglucoside, Lecithin, Anhydroxylitol, Citric Acid, Xylitol, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Maltodextrin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hydroxide, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Punica Granatum Extract, Sodium Phytate, Glucose, Xanthan Gum, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Alanyl Glutamine, Arginine, Oligopeptide-177, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Chloride, Phenylalanine, Sisymbrium Irio Seed Oil
Behind this fit score
Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
How does it fit your skin?
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