Found in Beauty is a column where experts and creative minds share insights and their genesis in the game. Ahead, we have Professor Augustinus Bader, a globally recognised biomedical scientist, physician, and Founder of the skincare brand, Augustinus Bader.
There are only a handful of skincare labels around the world that can reach the peaks which Augustinus Bader has. Spotted in the prep kits of global makeup artists for celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Margot Robbie, and Hailey Bieber, the brand has a widespread reputation that positively precedes its name. Even those who may have yet to try an item from its extensive range just know that they will be in for an incredible experience.
But even without all the glitz and the glamour of celebrity endorsements, the eponymous brand is more than capable of standing by itself. Professor Augustinus Bader, who never intended to enter the beauty industry, has dedicated over three decades of his life to understanding and unlocking the ways that the human body can heal itself. He had set his sights on medical applications for the technology he was developing, and in 2008, he created a wound gel, one that made painful skin grafting procedures unnecessary. And that discovery inspired the Augustinus Bader we all know and love today.
Since its establishment in 2017, the skincare label has gone on to create award-winning products that range from a decadent face mask and facial oil to haircare and solar defence. The brand is also active with its collaborative efforts, working with English fashion personality Victoria Beckham to create a list of products that marry the duo’s vision into one new standard of beauty. In another case, the brand has also created three curated shades of its much-loved classic, The Lip Balm, for no one other than the decorated auteur, Sofia Coppola.
But how does the professor view skin care? Well, he, for one, believes that it does not stop at the face, a standard that many of us have operated under. No, he has deep respect for the organ and its capacity to self-repair. As we implement an umpteen-step routine on the face, have we ever put the same care and attention on the rest?
“I think about it as a part of being healthy as a human being. Great skin is a reflection of health, regardless of age. Keeping it healthy will give you an abundance of protection for the rest of your life,” the professor posits during an exclusive interview with GRAZIA Malaysia. And we can’t help but second that. It is, after all, the primary function of the skin to serve as a physical protective barrier from the outside world. He counts lifestyle, emotional health, nutrition, and even the air we breathe as factors affecting our skin’s health.
With a passion for celebrating the skin and the wonders within, he has set his sights on supporting our journey with skincare—especially in the long term. So you don’t have to worry about fast beauty or fads when it comes to the Augustinus Bader. “We will only release products when we are confident that they bring something truly innovative to the market. Every product we launch is synonymous with excellence, representing a valuable investment from our customers.”
At the heart of everything at Augustinus Bader is its regenerative approach to skincare, and the star of the show is the Trigger Factor Complex, or TFC8®, a patented technology that drives cellular renewal in the skin. There’s much to say about the technicalities of the discovery, but Professor Bader has simplified it for us. “It works by guiding key nutrients and signalling molecules to the areas where they are needed most, creating the optimal environment for cellular renewal,” he explains. “This communication is essential for maintaining skin health, balance, and resilience.”
And now, there’s a new, advanced version of that much-loved technology: the Advanced TFC8®. Now made more optimised, it’s featured in The Elixir and The Skin Infusion. With it, the brand doubles down on its belief in working with the systems within the skin. “While both are grounded in supporting the skin’s natural processes, Advanced TFC8® introduces a next-generation, biomimetic delivery system. It enables faster, more precise communication with the skin-enhancing absorption, improving cellular repair, and amplifying results. This evolution allows the skin to respond more intelligently, more efficiently, and visibly healthier,” says the professor.
We also took the opportunity to discuss something that is very near and dear to us: sensitised skin. Between the ever-changing weather in the city, prolonged exposure to air-conditioning and the city’s pollution, it comes as no surprise that the skin develops some sensitivities. Professor Bader doesn’t mince his words regarding this issue. “It can also be attributed to the overuse of harsh actives and compromised skin barriers from aggressive routines,” he says, point-blank, which is totally true. Part of our job here requires trialling new launches, and it’s a constant stream of newness. That makes for a cocktail that’s bound to disrupt the skin’s barrier. “My philosophy is to support the skin’s natural function—when you strengthen the barrier and reduce inflammation, the skin can return to a state of balance and resilience.”
He departs with this message for us: “Be mindful of the products you apply. Look for formulations that respect the skin’s own processes, like those that enhance natural regeneration rather than simply masking imperfections.” And these are words we think apply to many skincare enthusiasts like ourselves.
READ MORE