So Dr. Barbara Sturm tweaked the Face Cream. Not a full relaunch — just a quiet swap to a “richer” formula. My tube arrived last week, and I texted my esthetician immediately. The old version was a light, barely-there veil. This one? It sits. Sits on my T-zone like it’s waiting for an invite.
The real shift: She replaced the old lightweight esters with shea butter and squalane. Sounds innocent. But for anyone who breaks out from heavy creams — that’s a flag.
**📋 The New Math**
€190 for 50ml. Same price. Same minimalist white tube. The claim: “Intensive moisture with a silky finish.” I bought it because I loved the original and wanted to see if “richer” meant “better.”
1. **Buttery texture** — Thicker. Spreads slower. You need less.
2. **Faster sink-in** — Absorbs in about 15 seconds. No greasy film.
3. **Scent change** — Now smells faintly like a high-end spa. Old version was nearly odorless.
**💧 Ingredients That Matter**
Shea butter is the star. It’s occlusive — locks everything in. Squalane mimics your skin’s own oil. But together? They can clog if you’re prone to congestion. The new formula also added bisabolol (chamomile-derived) to calm redness.
– **Shea Butter**: Thick barrier. Great for dry skin. Risky for oily.
– **Squalane**: Lightweight hydration. Actually good for most.
– **Bisabolol**: Anti-inflammatory. Helps with redness.
– **Glycerin**: Classic humectant. Still here, still working.
**🧴 Texture & Real Talk**
First pump: Thick. Like cold butter on a knife. I warmed it between my fingers before patting — that helped. On my cheeks? Dreamy. Plump. Dewy. On my nose and chin? Shiny by hour two.
Week two: I woke up with a small whitehead on my jawline. That hasn’t happened in months. My dry zones loved it. My oily zones did not.
💡 **One Thing** — Warm it between your palms for 10 seconds before pressing into skin. Direct application is too heavy.
**⚠️ Verdict: Mixed Bag**
My dry patches disappeared in three days. My fine lines looked softer. But my pores? More visible. More… full. If you’re normal-to-dry, this is a win. Combo/oily? Proceed with caution.
✅ **Buy if** — You’re dry, dehydrated, or live in a cold climate. Your skin will drink this.
⏭️ **Skip if** — You’re oily, breakout-prone, or in humid weather. Too rich.
💰 **Worth it?** — For dry skin, yes. For combo skin, try the travel size first. €190 is a lot for a cream that might clog you.
**💬 Final Word**
The reformulation made it more effective for dry skin — but less versatile. The original was a safe bet for almost everyone. This one picks a side.
**7.2/10** — Richer but riskier for breakout-prone skin
🛍️ **Where to Buy** — Direct from the brand’s site or Net-a-Porter. Get the 15ml travel size before committing to the full jar.