Cutting-edge skincare isn’t achieved overnight. It takes a village of dedicated scientists, years of research and the innate desire to innovate that leads skincare labels like Augustinus Bader to change the game. The German beauty house, for one, has been at the forefront of high-performance skincare since its very inception, thanks to its founder Dr. Augustinus Bader himself. In 2008, the scientist found a groundbreaking way to treat and heal wounds with a revolutionary wound gel, which eliminated the need for surgery or skin grafts. It was this discovery that prompted Dr Bader to establish his eponymous beauty brand.
And now in 2025, the technology-backed skincare label boasts a range of science-backed beauty products. From face oils, eye creams and sunscreen to even shampoos and conditioners, the brand’s expertise shines through with each product—and their new The Elixir is no different.
Unveiled globally in June (and available in Singapore starting 15 July), The Elixir is a high-performance serum that supports the skin’s natural regenerative processes, thanks to the addition of Advanced TFC8®. For those unacquainted, TFC8® is the German brand’s proprietary concoction of amino acids, vitamins and synthesised molecules which help to promote active skin recovery. True to its name, the upgraded version of TFC8® accomplishes the same level of skin rejuvenation at a more optimised pace.
Ahead, GRAZIA Singapore speaks to Christiane Werron, the brand’s global executive director for education & spa, about what makes The Elixir so special—and why she believes this concentrated formula could be just the rebirth your skin has been looking for.
GRAZIA Singapore (GS): When it comes to serums and elixirs, what is a common misconception that people have?
Christiane Werron (CW): Serums and elixirs are much more concentrated as compared to moisturisers. From my point of view, serums and elixirs work from the inside out, whereas moisturisers work from the outside in. In my opinion, most people do way too much in their daily regimen. Skincare is messaging to the skin that needs to be translated. If too many signals are sent to the cells, there’s a lot of confusion, which leads to lower efficacy from each product.
GS: What sets The Elixir apart from Augustinus Bader’s The Serum? Are the two products suitable for different groups of people, or should they be incorporated in tandem?
CW: The Elixir is really the next chapter in the Augustinus Bader lineup. To minimise overloading the skin with various products, I would recommend using The Serum in the morning. The Elixir, then, is something special that can be used during your nighttime routine. The Elixir focuses very much on regenerative processes, so it brings in that aspect of longevity to the skin.
GS: Would you recommend The Elixir just for mature skin?
CW: Of course, I do not want to prevent a younger audience from buying something that’s extremely exclusive, and well made. But at Augustinus Bader, we are all about mindful beauty. That means that everything we do makes sense and supports the biological wisdom of the largest organ in our bodies: the skin. So while everyone can use it, we want to make sure that the products we put out serve a clear purpose. With The Elixir, people with mature skin will benefit the most from it, given its high-impact formulation.
GS: For The Elixir, how does Advanced TFC8® work with the Exclusive Phyto-Peptidic Concentrate for greater efficacy?
CW: Our brand’s TFC8® technology works like the engine of a train. This “engine” takes all these wonderfully selected ingredients and transports them into the skin, but the Advanced TFC8® allows us to do that at a quicker rate. The Exclusive Phyto-Peptidic Concentrate helps to reduce the water in the formula. That’s why we can truly call this an elixir—it’s concentrated in highly empowering active ingredients that are boosted by the Advanced TFC8®’s plant-based exosomes.
GS: How does the product work in Singapore’s urban and humid climate?
CW: The Elixir is an extremely velvety formula that you can apply on your skin any time of day. To avoid layering too many products on the skin, if I’m choosing to prioritise longevity, I can use the product both day and night. There won’t be any negative impacts even with the climate here in Singapore. Building up the resilience and supporting the facility of the skin is the most important, and The Elixir does just that.
GS: How has the product been specifically formulated to work well on both women’s and men’s skin, given the differences in biological makeup and structure? Does the product’s efficacy vary between genders?
CW: Well, it affects the male skin in the same way as female skin. The only difference is that a male skin has more oil glands—which means they produce more sebum—and the skin is slightly thicker, but the ageing process is pretty similar. In the modern world, and even more so in Asia, women are doing a lot, sometimes way too much. That may be irritating the skin, or at least, lead to extremely sensitive skin. Again, less is more. For both genders, if you support your skin with the right tools, you can get the best version of your skin, so your personal beauty naturally shines through.
GS: You developed The Method Augustinus Bader, the massage and facial protocols the brand uses in its spas worldwide. Are there any specific application techniques that would enhance the product’s absorption and efficacy on the skin?
CW: With skincare regimens, I always encourage people to be patient. After each step, wait and apply the next product only once the skin is dry to the touch. A light guasha massage before you apply serums will stimulate cellular communication and circulation inside the tissue. After guasha, use The Elixir in upwards swiping motions to further stimulate the skin and maximise absorption.
GS: The Elixir boasts a 100% vegan formulation and is made with sustainably-sourced ingredients—why is this important to the brand?
CW: If professor Bader was here, he would say, “Where’s the sense in having the most beautiful skin if we don’t take good care of the environment?”
With Augustinus Bader, the idea is to keep the planet as beautiful as it is. This planet deserves so much, and it doesn’t take much for us to be a little bit more mindful—whether it’s through the ingredients we source or the final products we put out.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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