
The Essence
- Purifies, tones and exfoliates to reveal smoother, softer, more vibrant skin.
- Gently dissolves and removes impurities while enhancing the skin's ability to attract and retain moisture.
- Reduces the appearance of pores and regulates sebum secretion for a balanced, glowing complexion.
- Reduces discoloration, soothes redness, and visibly improves skin’s overall tone and texture.
- Natural actives nourish, hydrate, and protect the skin against environmental aggressors.
- TFC8® supports cellular renewal and guides key ingredients to the cells.
- 100% agree skin feels soft, smooth and hydrated.
- 98% agree skin feels purified and refreshed.
- 98% agree The Essence is gentle enough to use every day.
- See user trials.
- Refreshing, lightweight texture. Fast-absorbing for instant benefits.
- Fragrance-free. Free From List.
- See ingredients.
How To Apply
May be used daily, or as desired after cleansing.
With Hands
- Using your fingers, pat The Essence into cleansed, dry skin on the face, neck and décolleté.
With Cotton Pad
- Alternatively, dispense The Essence onto a cotton pad, and sweep over clean, dry skin.
- Allow The Essence to penetrate the skin for a few moments before applying your Augustinus Bader moisturizer or oil.
User Trials
100% agree skin feels soft, smooth and hydrated.
95% agree skin looks dewy, radiant, and luminous.
96% agree skin’s texture looks and feels more even.
92% agree pore size is minimized and pores look more refined.
92% agree clogged and congested pores feel clarified.
90% agree skin looks clear and free from blemishes.
89% agree discoloration and pigmentation are visibly reduced.
98% agree The Essence feels gentle and calming on skin.
84% agree skin feels balanced and soothed.
80% agree fine lines and wrinkles are visibly diminished.
98% agree skin feels purified and refreshed.
94% agree dull skin is left glowing with health.
94% agree skin feels deeply clean and rejuvenated.
96% agree skin feels stronger and more resilient.
Ease of Use98% agree The Essence is gentle enough to use every day.
94% agree The Essence provides a perfect canvas for the other products in my skincare and makeup routine.
*Based on a 12-week Consumer Perception Study of 55 participants.
Key Ingredients
Augustinus Bader skincare is formulated with sustainably-sourced, high potency botanicals and bio-engineered clean actives, where possible, to reduce environmental impact.
The EssencePowered by our patented TFC8® technology and formulated with gently exfoliating hydroxy acids and renewing, protective high-potency botanicals. Swipe to see key ingredients.
See all ingredients | Free From List100% vegan. Formulated without irritants, gluten, GMOs, parabens, synthetic fragrance, sulfates (SLS & SLES), silicones, DEA, heavy metals, talc, and petrolatum/paraffin/mineral oil.
AQUA (WATER), GLYCERIN, GLUCONOLACTONE, LACTOBACILLUS/ WASABIA JAPONICA ROOT FERMENT EXTRACT, PHYTIC ACID, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, POTASSIUM SORBATE, XANTHAN GUM, SODIUM BENZOATE, SALICYLIC ACID, CAESALPINIA SPINOSA GUM, PAEONIA LACTIFLORA ROOT EXTRACT, PAPAIN, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM HYALURONATE, HYDROLYZED RICE PROTEIN, MALTODEXTRIN, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, CARBOMER, N-HYDROXYSUCCINIMIDE, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, HYDROGENATED LECITHIN, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, ALGIN, ALANYL GLUTAMINE, ARGININE, OLIGOPEPTIDE-177, PHENYLALANINE, SISYMBRIUM IRIO SEED OIL, SODIUM CHLORIDE.
The combination of exfoliating salicylic acid and poly-hydroxy acid speedily does away with dulling dead skin cells caused by seasonal changes. Glow guaranteed.

Bader’s proprietary repair complex has been blended into a silky new essence with an extra exfoliating kick to start your routine right after you cleanse.It’s packed with potent actives like AHAs and salicylic acid to help promote cell turnover, even tone, and reduce dark spots for a smooth canvas.

When it comes to new releases, Augustinus Bader is treating the beauty world to winner after winner—and this gently exfoliating toner is no exception. A great choice for skin that manages to be an infuriating combination of dehydrated and breakout-prone.


The Essence is an essential preparation step that supports cell renewal and the turn over of corneocytes - the cells that build the upper layer of the skin and show the signs of aging. Boosting this process delivers; clear, radiant, plump, and youthful-looking skin.
Professor Augustinus Bader Read About Professor BaderThe Exfoliating Toner is amazing. I have a newborn and since using it everyone has complimented on how fresh I look!
Discover The Face Collection
Hydrate, nourish, and renew your complexion with cleanly crafted, high performance face care. Shop Facecare
Frequently Asked Questions
The Essence is a streamlined second step designed for use after your cleanser of choice, and may be used daily, or as desired. Allow to fully absorb before applying your Augustinus Bader moisturizer or oil.
Due to the inclusion of Salicylic acid in the formula, we do not recommend applying The Essence too close to the eye. Instead, simply sweep or press into the skin, avoiding the delicate eye area.
This multitasking 3-in-1 formula replaces the need for other exfoliators and acids in your routine. We would not recommend using The Essence in conjunction with other acids or exfoliators.
Yes, The Essence is formulated for all skin types, including sensitive, and both men and women can use it in their routines. If you have any particular sensitivities, we recommend checking the ingredients carefully and consulting your doctor if you have any further concerns.
If pregnant or breastfeeding, we recommend consulting a qualified healthcare professional before using The Essence.
Yes, The Essence is free from gluten, parabens, mineral oils, sulfates (SLS, SLES) and DEA, and fragrance. The Essence is vegan.