Augustinus Bader · Moisturizer
Augustinus Bader The Cream
Lower concern: cosmetic moisturizer with no flagged PFAS vectors, but no transparency claim either.
Augustinus Bader The Cream is a traditional water-based moisturizer with no known PFAS-risk formulation triggers (no water-repellent or stain-resistant claims, no nonstick coatings). The brand does not publicly disclose PFAS absence or third-party verification, so confidence is moderate rather than high.
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Water-based moisturizer cream with plant extracts and emollients
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Augustinus Bader The Cream is a water-based emulsion combining plant extracts, glycerin, and occlusive emollients typical of premium moisturizers. The formulation avoids common irritants like fragrance alcohols and relies on botanical ingredients (reportedly including edelweiss and nettle extracts) for skin conditioning. Water-based systems are inherently lower-risk for volatile off-gassing and microplastic shedding compared to silicone-heavy or oil-based alternatives.
The brand's record and disclosure
Augustinus Bader publishes ingredient lists transparently on product packaging and websites, standard practice for prestige skincare. No recalls, safety alerts, or substantiated controversies appear in public records for this product line. The brand maintains silence on PFAS sourcing and certification status, which is typical for cosmetic companies but reflects lack of proactive transparency rather than evidence of contamination.
How it compares in its category
This cream sits in the premium moisturizer segment alongside brands like La Mer and Augustinus Bader's competitors. Water-based formulations in this category are generally safer than heavy occlusives or paraffin-dependent alternatives. Prestige skincare products typically undergo third-party stability and microbiological testing before launch, reducing microbial contamination risk versus budget formulations with less stringent quality control.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent emulsion breakdown and preserve preservative efficacy. Use within 12 months of opening; water-based creams can support bacterial or mold growth if left unsealed or contaminated with wet fingers. Apply to damp skin to lock in hydration; no heat restrictions apply to this cream during normal use or storage. Discontinue if redness, itching, or unusual texture changes occur, which may signal preservative depletion or microbial growth.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
No formaldehyde donors (DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea) are listed in available ingredient disclosures for this product. Augustius Bader typically uses gentle preservative systems compatible with sensitive skin positioning.
Heavy metal contamination in pigments
This is a cream moisturizer without color cosmetics or iron oxide pigments, so lead, cadmium, or antimony in pigment sources are not applicable. Plant extracts used are not known vectors for heavy metal bioaccumulation at typical usage levels.
Fragrance allergens or undisclosed fragrance chemicals
Product does not list 'fragrance' or 'parfum' in standard ingredient declarations, suggesting minimal added fragrance. However, botanical extracts (edelweiss, nettle) may contain naturally occurring volatile compounds; risk to fragrance-sensitive individuals is lower than synthetic fragrance formulations but not zero.
Microbial contamination and preservative failure
Water-based creams require effective preservative systems to prevent bacterial and fungal growth once opened. If preservatives degrade due to heat exposure or contamination from non-sterile application (wet fingers), microbial overgrowth can occur; this is a use-dependent risk, not a product defect.
Emulsion instability and phase separation
Prestige skincare products undergo stability testing; no public reports of phase separation or texture degradation in this cream exist. Water-based formulations are inherently stable across typical storage temperatures (15-25°C) if preservatives remain active.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Moisturizer
Tatcha
Starter The Ritual Set Ultra Hydrating For Dry Skin
Water-based cosmetic creams and serums; glass/plastic packaging
Lower PFAS concern for a cosmetic moisturizer set, but Tatcha makes no public PFAS commitment.
⚠Risky category by default
Herbivore Botanicals
Orchid Facial Oil
plant oils, botanical extracts, glass bottle
Lower concern; facial oil with no known PFAS triggers, but brand offers no transparency.
⚠Risky category by default
Herbivore Botanicals
Herbivore Lapis Balancing Facial Oil
plant oils, mineral pigments, glass bottle
Lower concern for PFAS; facial oil in glass, typical formulation poses minimal risk.
⚠Risky category by default
More moisturizer grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.