Dr. Barbara Sturm Review

About Dr. Barbara Sturm

The nasty thing about stress is that it affects more than our mood and functioning – it also affects how we look. In a survey of more than 4,000 women, over half reported that they have exprienced skin problems due to stress from the pandemic. Thankfully, there are brands like Dr. Barbara Sturm that can aid with these skin-related dilemmas.

Dr. Barbara Sturm mixes the power of clean science with effective, natural ingredients in her namesake skincare line. Made in Germany, the good doctor offers products for men, women, teens, and even babies that are cruelty-free and toxic-free.

Perhaps one of the most talked-about skincare brands to ever exist, take a look at the brand’s Press section and you’ll find page after page of features in notable publications. Some examples include Women’s Health, WWD, Vogue, and Vanity Fair.

Running spas in Germany, London, LA, and Miami, Dr. Sturm is perhaps best known for her MC1 treatment. This unique process uses her patient’s own blood to trigger their skin’s healing response and reduce inflammation.

She launched her namesake skincare line in 2014. Her molecular cosmetics quickly likened to that of magic potions, producing a natural glow while addressing aging skin concerns, but in a non-invasive, natural way that doesn’t involve nips, tucks, and harsh chemicals.

Based in Düsseldorf, Germany, today, the brand offers skincare for adults, teens, and babies. The latter is a cutely packaged collection of creams, shampoo, and bath-time products.

In my Dr. Barbara Strum review, I’ll dive deep into information about the brand’s top sellers, their ingredients, their benefits, show you what customers have to say about them, give you information on promotions, and more.

Let’s begin by looking at the brand’s pros and cons.

Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Advanced Formulations: Dr. Barbara Sturm skincare products are formulated with a focus on cutting-edge science and innovative ingredients. The brand emphasizes using ingredients that promote skin health and address specific skincare concerns.
2. Potent Ingredients: The products often contain potent active ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and plant extracts, which can provide noticeable results and address various skin issues.
3. Quality Control: Dr. Barbara Sturm maintains a commitment to quality control and uses high-quality ingredients in their formulations. The brand is known for its attention to detail and rigorous testing processes.
4. Customizable Approach: The skincare line offers products suitable for different skin types and concerns, allowing individuals to customize their routines according to their specific needs.
5. Minimalistic Philosophy: Dr. Barbara Sturm promotes a minimalistic skincare approach, focusing on effective, targeted products rather than an extensive multi-step routine. This can be appealing to those who prefer simplicity in their skincare regimen.
   

Cons

1. Price: Dr. Barbara Sturm skincare products are considered luxury skincare, and the price point can be higher compared to other brands.
2. Limited Availability: Depending on your location, availability of Dr. Barbara Sturm products may be limited, and they might only be accessible through select retailers or online platforms.
3. Sensitivity: While many people have positive experiences with Dr. Barbara Sturm skincare, some individuals with sensitive skin may find certain products to be too potent or potentially irritating. It’s essential to patch test and consult with a dermatologist if you have specific skin concerns or sensitivities.

One of the things I love about this brand is that Dr. Sturm’s touch is all over it. It doesn’t feel like a line that someone else created and pasted her picture on the front, the doctor herself leaves notes and explanations on each product.

It’s these very collections that she sells in her spas and boutiques. In other words, they’re what she’s using on her high-profile patients.

What are these spa-worthy collections? Dr. Barbara Sturm focuses on skincare only, and in her lineup, you’ll discover a selection of cleansers, toners, serums, and creams for the face, along with several options for body and hand care.

Recent Studies About Skincare

Before you purchase skincare, you should know whether the ingredients are effective. To help you with that, I’ve included a few recent studies on skincare ingredients.

1. Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it an excellent ingredient for hydrating the skin. Hyaluronic acid can improve skin hydration, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin elasticity.
2. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid have been shown to help improve skin moisture levels, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin elasticity. One study found that topical application of hyaluronic acid significantly improved skin hydration and elasticity.
3. Vitamin C plays a role in skin health by accelerating the production of collagen and elastin, as well as restoring a youthful, glowy look.
4. A 2021 study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of a topical serum containing adenosine and vitamin C in reducing wrinkles and dark circles in subjects with periorbital hyperpigmentation and wrinkles. The results showed significant improvement in wrinkles and dark circles with good tolerability.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll find in the products featured in my Dr. Barbara Sturm review.

Purslane

Purslane is filled with powerful antioxidants that stimulate collagen and cell repair that directly results in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and scarring. When referring to a literature review about this compound, results indicated that it inhibits tumor cell growth. They also suggest that purslane may exert its effects through anti-inflammatory properties and by balancing the adaptive and innate immune system.

Cellulose

Cellulose is an organic compound from plant cell walls. It’s also known to possess strong properties that help to increase the amount of moisture in your skin. According to this study involving hemp cellulose, it brings new benefits to users whose skin barrier is damaged and has superior concealing properties that are non-irritating in nature.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that directly affects its properties to protect skin cells from damage caused by UV exposure. This ingredient also inhibits melanin production in the skin that helps to lighten hyperpigmentation. 

This review^[6] summarizes the potential roles for vitamin C in skin health by referring to topical applications that are used to identify the areas where lack of evidence limits our understanding and suggest which skin properties are most likely to benefit from improved application.

Proteolytic enzymes

Lipase and subtilisin are enzymes commonly used in skincare known as proteolytic enzymes, and are used for exfoliating the skin’s surface through chemical means. When applied to the skin, these enzymes quickly break down the keratin protein, which is a bond that keeps dead skin cells together.

This review^[7] explains that endogenous proteases have diverse activities and play a major role in the modulation of many physiological functions in several organ systems, including your skin. Over time, advances recognizing the sources and properties of these enzymes are likely to help the development of newer products. 

Kaolin

Kaolin, also known as white clay, is a soft clay widely used in skin care products, toothpastes, and hair products. This is because kaolin is considered the most gentle clay used in skin care. This study^[8] shows the antibacterial properties that particular natural clay minerals have very specific effects on microbial populations, including enhancing microbial growth to complete growth inhibition.

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid helps reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles which leads to better retention of moisture to the skin, creating a plumping effect. This review details how hyaluronic acid has been one of the imperative components of cosmetic products for skin rejuvenation. Hyaluronic acid-based formulations show remarkable anti-wrinkle and anti-aging effects that contribute to face-rejuvenating properties. 

How to Use

While specific usage instructions may vary depending on the Dr. Barbara Sturm skincare product you have, here are some general guidelines on how to use their products effectively:

• Cleanser: Begin by wetting your face with water. Apply a small amount of cleanser to your fingertips and gently massage it onto your face in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry. Use the cleanser morning and evening as part of your skincare routine.
• Toner: After cleansing, apply a few drops of toner to a cotton pad or directly onto your palms. Gently pat the toner onto your face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Allow it to absorb into the skin before proceeding with the next steps of your routine.
• Serum: Take a small amount of the serum onto your fingertips or palm. Gently massage it onto your face, focusing on areas of concern or desired benefits. Allow the serum to fully absorb into the skin before applying subsequent products.
• Moisturizer: Apply a small amount of moisturizer to your fingertips and gently massage it onto your face and neck. Spread it evenly and allow it to absorb into the skin. Use the moisturizer in the morning and evening as the last step of your skincare routine.
• Eye Cream: Take a small amount of eye cream onto your ring finger. Gently pat the cream around the eye area, starting from the inner corners and moving outward. Be careful not to tug or pull on the delicate skin around the eyes.
• Face Mask: Follow the instructions provided with the specific face mask you are using. Generally, apply the mask to cleansed skin, leave it on for the recommended time, then remove or rinse it off as directed.

6 Best-Selling Dr. Barbara Sturm Products Review

Ahead, I’ll walk you through the brand’s best-selling skincare products. You’ll find a varied list of cleansers, masks, serums, and creams here that showcase some of Dr. Barbara Sturm’s most famous concoctions, along with details on what makes them so effective.

Dr. Barbara Sturm Cleanser Review

The first step in any functional skincare routine, cleansing helps remove dirt and grime that settles on top of your skin and makes its way into your pores.

However, not all cleansers are built the same, some over strip your skin, leaving it wanting. Dr. Barbara Sturm seems to use purslane in a lot of her products, and you’ll find it within her Cleanser.

Along with the skin-healthy omega-3 fatty acids found in purslane, this particular formula uses aloe to repair while the cleanser does what it needs to do. This helps prep your skin for your next skincare step, which is usually serum.

Without an effective cleanser, serum can’t do its job, essentially just sitting on top of the dirt on your skin, never sinking in. A waste of money, time, and a good product.

Offered in a 150mL bottle, the Dr. Barbara Sturm Cleanser is $75.

Customers say: “The foam feels light as air yet leaves my skin feeling very clean without feeling dry. It doesn’t smell perfumed which for me is a must – I don’t want perfumed products on my face.“

Dr. Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser Review

Enzyme Cleanser…sounds a little intimidating. And to be honest, the formula kind of is, but it’s those big ingredients that are going to give you big results.

Using the power of cellulose-peeling particles, lipase, subtilisin, and vitamin C, this cleanser reaches deep into your pores, sloughing off dead skin, makeup, and pollution.

You may find that you have fewer blackheads when using the Enzyme Cleanser, which, in the tube, is a fine-grain powder. But, when mixed with water, it turns into a foamy consistency.

Get softer, smoother skin with a 75mL tube of the Dr. Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser for $75.

Customers say: “I really like this product, it has really helped to clear my skin on my chin. You don’t need a lot but it leaves you feeling clean and cleansed but actually is also effective on clearing up blocked pores and hormonal chin spots.“

Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Mask Review

Using the soothing, hydrating powder of essential purslane and kaolin clay, the Face Mask gives your skin a hit of hydration. It also calms the skin from irritation from environmental stressors, like sun and pollution damage.

Best used two or three times a week on freshly cleansed skin, leave this product on for up to 15 minutes before rinsing it off. The brand particularly recommends the Face Mask for those with dry skin.

Accompanied by a convenient application brush, the 50mL Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Mask leaves skin rejuvenated, smooth, and ready for the day. Get it for $125.

Customers say: “One of the best masks you can get for sensitive skin/ combination. Completely calms, and hydrates my skin. Particularly nice after sun exposure or in dry winter months.“

Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream Review

To be used at night and in the morning, the Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream rejuvenates and hydrates skin to give you a natural-looking glow.

Using a smart mixture of skullcap and purslane, this cream calms irritation and redness, while boosting hydration. The result? Plump, firm, and totally smooth skin.

One of this cream’s key ingredients is skullcap. This ingredient has been shown to have significant antioxidant effects which make it effective in treating conditions such as sores or swelling. Skullcap’s anti-allergic^[9] effects can be traced back to its use as a traditional herbal medicine. Its anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties were effective when examining results from tests run on rats.

Pick up a 50mL jar for $225.

Customers say: “This is so far my second bottle of this face cream and I am madly in love with it! I live in Taiwan with a humid weather, however this cream does not make my skin greasy nor sticky whatsoever. My skin feels extra soft and smooth after using it.“

Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum Review

Loved for the way it holds in moisture, hyaluronic acid has become one of skincare’s superstars over the last 10 years.

A go-to for anyone with dry, dull skin, Hyaluronic Serum acts like a wave of moisture. It washes over and sinks deep into your skin to pop out fine lines while providing a firmer feel and a glowy, hydrated look.

Made with low and high molecularly-weighed particles (one sinks in, the other coats), this serum also uses the calming powers of purslane to minimize redness and irritation.

A 30mL bottle of the Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum is $320.

Customers say: “This product has been amazing especially with this weather change and as we entered fall, it really helped maintain my skin hydrated.“

Dr. Barbara Sturm Eye Cream Review 

Because the skin around our eyes is thinner than the rest of our faces, wrinkles tend to gather there. On top of that, darkness, puffiness, and bags are no strangers to the eye area either, but often, the solution to making them disappear isn’t overly complicated, especially with products like the Eye Cream.

Dr. Sturm described her eye cream as “eye pudding” because of its interesting texture. Although it feels super lightweight on your skin, it’s ultra-rich in nutrients from golden root, sugar beet, and yeast, a unique combination that soothes skin, depuffs, and treats any fine lines in the area.

Revive your eyes with the Eye Cream for $145.

Customers say: “What is there to say except- i love the way the cream works,almost immediate dissapearance of the eye puffiness!“

Who Is Dr. Barbara Sturm For?

Dr. Barbara Sturm skincare is made for a spectrum of skin issues. Because the brand offers multiple, focused solutions (hyaluronic for moisture, lifting serum for aging skin, etc.) those with a number of issues can find solutions.

Based on the formulas, I’d say the brand is aimed at those over 30. The majority of Dr. Barbara Sturm products cater to men’s and women’s aging skin concerns, rather than acne. With that said, the brand also has teens and baby care lines.

Comparison: Dr. Barbara Sturm vs. Augustinus Bader

Upon landing on the Augustinus Bader website, I quickly learned that the brand uses something called TFC8® technology in all of its products. With a little digging, I found out that it means Triggered Factor Complex, a formula made up of over 40 effective ingredients that work to retain moisture, and nourish skin, protect, and repair skin.

Augustinus Bader uses sustainably sourced ingredients, offers vegan options, and is considered clean skincare that mixes science with natural compounds to bring out the best in your skin.

Like our featured brand, its competitor specializes in skincare only. But, unlike Dr. Barbara Sturm, it doesn’t offer supplements to regenerate skin from the inside out.

When comparing similar products, more specifically, Augustinus Bader The Face Oil ($85) to Dr. Barbara Sturm Glow Drops ($145), I found that the former offers hydration through a mixture of argan, babassu, and hazelnut oil, along with its TFC8 complex.

It’s packed to the brim with ingredients to bring about a whole spectrum of effects—from anti-aging to brightening to hydration.

What makes these brands so different is that Augustinus Bader offers very few products—its one face oil does it all. Our featured brand has Dr. Barbara Sturm drops and serums that are specifically tailored to one need—whether that’s moisture, glowing skin, clarifying, lifting, or brightening.

Is one method inherently better than the other? It’s about your preferences, really. You may want to powerfully focus on one aspect, like lifting. That way, you know you’re getting a concentrated effort on working on something you really need. The alternative is tackling a range of issues, perhaps in areas you don’t really need, like dark spots or redness.

Dr. Barbara Sturm Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

To find out just how effective these seemingly “miracle” products are, I turned to real Dr. Barbara Sturm reviews from customers all over the web.

Since products that use hyaluronic acid are super popular right now, I decided to see what buyers had to say about the Hyaluronic Serum on DrSturm.com as of June 2023.

Everyone who has bought the serum says it hydrates and holds in moisture extremely well. Of its effects, one Dr. Barbara Sturm reviewer wrote: “It gives instant hydration and has left me feeling comfortable in my own skin.”

Hydration really changes everything. Many people who have age-related skin issues notice a big change with proper hydration.

Next, I checked out Sephora to see what its customers had to say about the Dr. Sturm Glow Drops. As of June 2023, Over 9k shoppers say they love this product, though less than 900 have left a review, giving it an overall score of 4.1/5 stars.

Many users note how well it hydrates and doesn’t leave skin greasy, even those with oily skin. Though there are so many comments that mention its glowy effects, I came across one that said: “This is one of my go-to products for a no makeup look! I use it all year round, brightens my skin in the winter, and gives me a nice enhanced glow in the summer.”

The right product can actually enhance skin, meaning you may not feel as much of a need to cover up with makeup.

Craving a little more information on the Hyaluronic Serum, I headed to Influenster to check out user experience. Influenster is a well-known review site where those who have tried certain products come to write their honest opinions.

There are a few comments that mention how the Hyaluronic Serum is a much better consistency than those at lower price points. So right off the bat, you know this serum is going to produce greater effects.

In terms of just how fast those results are, one Dr. Barbara Sturm review read: “Whenever I consistently use this product I do notice my skin does look nicer and with a more even texture.” Others second this opinion, saying it gives them “supple” skin and they’ve seen results in just one week.

These reviews imply Dr. Barabara Sturm skincare is higher quality than your average line, that it produces fast results, and can lead to greater satisfaction with your natural appearance.

Is Dr. Barbara Sturm Worth It?

There are a few common things that come up when shoppers talk about Dr. Barabara Sturm skincare: price, quality, and effectiveness.

The first thing on that list can be what makes some shoppers shy away from buying, but I love that the brand offers a minis section that allows you to try a smaller size before committing to a larger bottle.

There’s no doubt that its skincare produces some miraculous results. Throughout this Dr. Barabara Sturm review, I came across many users raving about the effects experienced with the brand’s products.

It’s held in high regard with high-profile clients and beauty editors who swear by the stuff. Considering that the products are made from science-backed and potent natural products, are never tested on animals, and have such great results, I think they’re definitely worth the buy.

Not completely sold on the price? Pick up a trial size. With your order comes several trial sachets as well, so you’ll be able to suss out a few other products with just one small order.

Dr. Barbara Sturm Promotions & Discounts

If you want high-quality skincare that’s used and loved by the world’s elite, you’re probably going to pay a higher price for it. That’s a plain and simple fact.

With this in mind, during this Dr. Barbara Sturm review, I was doubly as diligent in tracking down promotions and discounts offered by the brand and were truly pleased with what I found:

• Sign up to the mailing list to get 10% off your first order
• With every order, the company includes complimentary skincare sachets
• Orders over $400 receive a free travel-size product (with effective potions like these, that total isn’t hard to reach)
• Candy Shop: mini sizes of your favorites to try before you splurge on the larger size

Alternatives

Before you click off this Dr. Barbara Sturm review and go shopping, consider what else the market has to offer. Here are three alternatives brands worth checking out:

Farmacy Beauty

Farmacy Beauty is a skincare brand that focuses on creating clean, natural, and sustainable products inspired by farm-grown ingredients.

Their “farm-to-face” approach involves cultivating their own proprietary plant extracts, known as the patented Echinacea GreenEnvy™, which is grown on their organic farm in upstate New York. This ingredient is known for its antioxidant properties and is featured in many of their products.

Follain Skincare

Follain carefully selects ingredients for their skincare products, prioritizing non-toxic, natural, and organic options. They have a “Follain Approved” list that outlines over 30 harmful ingredients they avoid, including parabens, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and more.

Timeless Skincare

Timeless Skin Care focuses on using key ingredients known for their skincare benefits. They prioritize effective actives such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, retinol, matrixyl, and more, ensuring that their products target specific skin concerns.

They strive to offer affordable skincare options without compromising on quality. They believe that everyone deserves access to effective skincare solutions without the need for expensive price tags.

Where to Buy Dr. Barbara Sturm

To access the brand’s entire inventory, shopping at DrSturm.com is the way to go. If you’d rather head to an in-store location, check out the website’s Store Locator to find one near you.

Want a treatment and some products to take home with you? Dr. Barbara Sturm has boutiques and spas located in Dusseldorf, Germany and London, UK, as well as Miami and LA in the USA.

FAQ

Where is Dr. Barbara Sturm Made?

Dr. Barbara Sturm skincare and supplements are made in Germany. 

Is Dr. Barbara Sturm Vegan and Cruelty-Free?

The brand doesn’t label its products as vegan, but most of them are. The only animal-derived ingredients it uses are cruelty-free beeswax and animal-derived xanthan gum (apparently sometimes, it’s made from whey, but not always).

Dr. Barbara Sturm never has and never will test its products on animals. In fact, the company won’t sell its products in China due to the country’s requirements for animal testing.

What is Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Shipping Policy?

Dr. Barbara Sturm ships to quite a few locations around the world, most with similar ship times. I’ll outline them all for you below for you to see if they deliver to your location and how approximately long it will take.

1. Germany: Standard 3-5 business days, Express 2-3 business days
2. UK/Europe: Standard 3-5 business days, Express 2-3 business days
3. Europe (non-EU): Standard 3-5 business days, Express 2-3 business days
4. USA & Canada: Standard 3-5 business days, Express 1-2 business days
5. Mexico: Standard 5 business days
6. Middle East: Standard 3-4 business days
7. Asia: Standard 4-5 business days

This Dr. Barbara Sturm review must note here that all orders sent to locations outside of the EU will have duty fees. You can prepay them when checking out or when the package arrives but just be prepared since the brand is located in Germany.

What is Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Return Policy?

If for any reason once you receive your Dr. Barbara Sturm products and need to return them, you certainly can as long as it’s been under 30 days of delivery. Any items you send back must be in saleable condition in their original packaging.

The company has a pretty strict policy on what’s considered saleable and will not accept returns on items that:

• Are unsealed
• Have been used
• Relabelled
• Have been refilled
• Were pierced
• Are missing some pieces

To make a return, use the email noted in the last section of this Dr. Barbara Sturm review. From there, the brand’s customer service team will let you know what to do next.

How to Contact Dr. Barbara Sturm

I hope you found the information that you needed in this Dr. Barbara Sturm review, but if you still have questions, feel free to email [email protected].

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Explore your skincare options with these popular beauty brands:

Timeless

Farmacy Beauty

Facetheory

Follain