Augustinus Bader · Moisturizer
AUGUSTINUS BADER The Cream + Free Deluxe Samples PPC Cellular Renewal Face Cream With TFC8 For Normal to Dry Skin
Lower concern, no PFAS-prone ingredients identified, but brand makes no transparency claim.
Augustinus Bader's face cream is a water-based cosmetic with no apparent Teflon-type coating, Teflon-family coating, or intentional water/stain-repellent coating typical of PFAS use. The brand does not market PFAS-free status and offers no third-party verification.
Shop Augustinus Bader on Amazon →Material
Water-based cream with emollients, botanical extracts, proprietary TFC8 complex (likely amino acids, hyaluronic acid, pe
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
This is a water-based emulsion combining humectants (likely hyaluronic acid), botanical extracts, and a proprietary amino acid complex (TFC8) designed to support skin barrier function. The formulation contains no known irritants at typical use levels, and the absence of common chemical preservative complaints suggests either gentle preservatives or natural antimicrobial botanical ingredients. Water-based creams have lower risk of leaching or volatilizing hazards compared to oil-based or solvent-heavy alternatives.
The brand's record and disclosure
Augustinus Bader is a luxury skincare brand owned by Estee Lauder Companies and does not publish detailed ingredient sourcing, heavy-metal testing, or manufacturing transparency reports. The brand makes no public PFAS or formaldehyde-releaser claims. No product recalls, ingredient safety controversies, or third-party safety violations are on record for this line. The brand's price point and positioning suggest higher formulation standards, but this is not audited by public certification.
How it compares in its category
Augustinus Bader occupies the premium prestige segment alongside brands like La Mer and SK-II. Like most high-end moisturizers, it relies on proprietary complexes rather than single actives, making independent verification harder. It avoids heavy fragrance loads and synthetic dyes typical of mass-market creams, reducing allergen burden. Direct ingredient-level comparisons are limited because TFC8 is not fully disclosed, so equivalence claims to other brands are difficult to substantiate.
If you buy it
Use as directed for normal to dry skin; no heat exposure or storage stressors apply to creams stored at room temperature. Discontinue if redness, itching, or swelling develops within 48 hours of use, as individual sensitivities to botanical extracts are possible. The deluxe samples are single-use; primary container should be sealed between applications to prevent microbial contamination. No special disposal needed; empty containers are standard cosmetic waste.
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.”
Fragrance allergen (undisclosed component)
The product listing does not detail fragrance sourcing or presence. High-end creams often contain fragrant botanicals or essential oils that can trigger contact sensitization in susceptible individuals, particularly those with eczema or rosacea.
Heavy metals in botanical pigments or iron oxides
No published testing or recalls indicate heavy-metal contamination in Augustinus Bader products. Water-based creams without pigments or colorants (typical of this product) carry minimal lead or cadmium risk, but brand does not disclose metal-limit testing.
Formaldehyde releaser preservatives
This product shows no evidence of using DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, or other formaldehyde-releaser preservatives. Prestige brands typically avoid these in favor of gentler systems, though full preservative identity is proprietary.
Microbial contamination if container breached
Water-based emulsions without broad-spectrum antimicrobial claims are susceptible to bacterial or fungal growth if the seal is compromised or fingers contaminate the jar. Standard precaution is to use clean applicators or pump dispensers, not direct fingers.
Sensitization to proprietary TFC8 complex (amino acids, hyaluronic acid, peptides)
Because TFC8 is not fully disclosed, its exact peptide sources and purity cannot be independently verified. Amino acid-derived ingredients rarely cause issues at cosmetic concentrations, but individuals with known peptide or specific amino acid sensitivities should patch-test first.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% 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.