La Mer Creme de la Mer Review

La Mer Creme de la Mer
10.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does La Mer Creme de la Mer Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what La Mer Creme de la Mer has to offer:
 
✅ Intense moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 10.0 out of 10.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of La Mer Creme de la Mer

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using La Mer Creme de la Mer:
 

🔵🔵🔵 Exceptionally Rich Moisturizer Perfect for Dry to Very Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, La Mer Creme de la Mer is exceptionally moisturizing, with the highest possible moisturizing rating of 10.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This is one of the most moisturizing products on the market, with a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Algae Extract (est. ≈60.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%), and a maximum occlusivity of 10 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Mineral Oil (est. ≈9.0%) and Petrolatum (est. ≈6.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with dry to very dry skin who want intense hydration. It combines a high concentration of humectants with an exceptional level of occlusive ingredients to provide effective dual-action moisturizing specifically for very dry skin.

The occlusive profile of La Mer Creme de la Mer suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for very dry skin.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

🍀 Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that La Mer Creme de la Mer is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Algae Extract (est. ≈60.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: La Mer Creme de la Mer

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding La Mer Creme de la Mer to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Best for Very Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With exceptional occlusivity, this product is optimal for moisturizing dry and very dry skin but may be too thick for other skin types, including normal, and especially combination and oily skin.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing La Mer Creme de la Mer is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Copper Gluconate, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Copper Gluconate provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Copper Gluconate may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, this ingredient does not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

📌 Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of La Mer Creme de la Mer

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of La Mer Creme de la Mer to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ Very rich moisturizer perfect for dry and very dry skin: exceptionally occlusive and humectant-rich
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May feel too rich and thick on skin types other than dry
⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: La Mer Creme de la Mer

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that La Mer Creme de la Mer
 is an ideal moisturizer for dry to very dry skin, combining a very high concentration of humectants and occlusive ingredients in a rich, thick texture.
 
With its high antioxidant content, La Mer Creme de la Mer helps protect against free radical damage and offers multiple benefits for all skin types, including preventing premature aging, defending against environmental damage, and calming inflammation.
 
That said, there are some things about La Mer Creme de la Mer worth noting.
 
With its high occlusivity, La Mer Creme de la Mer is ideal for dry skin but may feel too thick on other skin types. If you have oily, combination, or normal skin, it’s a good idea to try a sample before purchasing.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering La Mer Creme de la Mer is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
❗️ Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible.

 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
60
9
6
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.15
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Algae Extract
Function:
Origin:
Mineral Oil
Function:
Origin:
Petrolatum
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Isohexadecane
Function:
Origin:
Microcrystalline Wax
Function:
Origin:
Lanolin Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Peel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Powder
Function:
Origin:
Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Seed Powder
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake
Function:
Origin:
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed Meal
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Gluconate
Function:
Origin:
Copper Gluconate
Function:
Origin:
Calcium Gluconate
Function:
Origin:
Magnesium Gluconate
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Gluconate
Function:
Origin:
Magnesium Sulfate
Function:
Origin:
Paraffin
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Succinate
Function:
Origin:
Niacin
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)
Function:
Origin:
Decyl Oleate
Function:
Origin:
Aluminum Distearate
Function:
Origin:
Octyldodecanol
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Cyanocobalamin
Function:
Origin:
Magnesium Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Geraniol
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxycitronellal
Function:
Origin:
Citronellol
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Salicylate
Function:
Origin:
Citral
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
64.6
60
4
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
27.1
9.0
6.0 x 2
2.5
2.0
1.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
10.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 64.6 10
10.0
60
4
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 27.1 20
10.0
9.0
6.0 x 2
2.5
2.0
1.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
10.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
60
4
0.3
0.3
All humectants 64.6 10
10
All humectants
64.6
60
4
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
9
6 x 2
2.5
2
1.3
0.3
All occlusives 27.1 20
10.0
All occlusives
27.1
9.0
6.0 x 2
2.5
2.0
1.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Copper Gluconate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
60
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 62.4 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
62.4
Algae Extract
60
Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Peel Extract
1.5
Magnesium Gluconate
0.3
Tocopheryl Succinate
0.3
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 1.2 5 No
All soothing
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Algae Extract
Est. %60
Function
Origin
Algae ExtractThe name describes any extract made from any kind of algae. Algae extracts are moisturizing humectants – the gelatin-like polysaccharides bind and retain water, thereby hydrating the skin. Algae is a rich source of emollient and antioxidant compounds.
Mineral Oil
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Mineral OilAlso known as liquid paraffin, it is an amazing moisturizer (the second most occlusive one after Petrolatum). It is also an excellent emollient that fills the micro-cracks on the surface of the skin, making it appear smoother. Mineral oil is considered safe.
Petrolatum
Est. %6
Function
Origin
PetrolatumAlso known as Vaseline, this is the most powerful occlusive moisturizer and at least twice as effective as other occlusives. This is why we multiply the petrolatum score by 2 when calculating the Occlusivity of the product. Petrolatum is not comedogenic.
Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Isohexadecane
Est. %3
Function
Origin
IsohexadecaneA clear, colorless liquid that is commonly used as an emollient. It is made up of pure hydrocarbons and leaves a dry feeling on the skin upon application. It also increases the spreadability of a product.
Microcrystalline Wax
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Microcrystalline WaxA white, highly purified, solid substance consisting of petroleum hydrocarbons. It is used in skincare as a strong occlusive and emollient similar to Petrolatum, and also as a formula helper that thickens and stabilizes the product.
Lanolin Alcohol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Lanolin AlcoholAn emollient and occlusive moisturizing mixture of fatty alcohols obtained from lanolin, a substance from sheep wool. It is also used as a formula helper.
Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Peel Extract
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Peel Extract

An extract that mainly contains lime essential oil with its antioxidant terpenoids and flavonoids, as well as fragrant limonene and linalyl acetate.

Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed OilAn emollient fatty oil expressed from sesame seeds. It is made up majorly of unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid (up to 45%), and oleic acid (up to 38%). Sesame oil is an occlusive moisturizer that is rich in antioxidant compounds.
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf OilAn essential oil extracted from the leaves of the Eucalyptus globulus, a tall, evergreen, Australian tree with waxy leaves. It mostly consists of cineole – which has potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity.
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Powder
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed PowderA gentle abrasive powder obtained from milled sesame seeds with a fatty emollient oil, humectant moisturizing proteins, amino acids, and fragrant compounds.
Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Seed Powder
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Seed PowderA finely milled powder made from alfalfa seeds that contains humectant moisturizing oligosaccharides. It also acts as a gentle abrasive.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) SeedcakeThe solid remaining after the oil pressing of sunflower seeds. The seed cake is used in skincare for its grainy structure as an abrasive ingredient in peelings. It leaves the skin feeling smooth and soft due to the sunflower oil content.
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed Meal
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed MealMade by grinding sweet almonds into a relatively coarse powder, this seed meal is gently abrasive as well as occlusive moisturizing (because the particles still contain a bit of sweet almond oil).
Sodium Gluconate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium GluconateA chelating ingredient that ensures that the harmful metal ions in a formula are unreactive. It also protects other ingredients from degrading.
Copper Gluconate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Copper GluconateAn organic salt of copper that can aid in the wound healing process. The manufacturer claims it also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, although this has yet to be confirmed. Copper gluconate is also a perspective anti-wrinkle ingredient.
Calcium Gluconate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Calcium GluconateA white crystalline powder that can act as a humectant when dissolved into water. It is also a chelating agent.
Magnesium Gluconate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Magnesium GluconateMagnesium gluconate is used to supply magnesium to the skin in the form of an organic salt, which is better tolerated and slightly better absorbed than inorganic magnesium salts.
Zinc Gluconate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zinc GluconateOne of the most commonly used ingredients in anti-acne products. It is an organic salt of zinc that helps to combat microbial infections, soothes and heals inflamed pimples, and regulates hormones in the skin.
Magnesium Sulfate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Magnesium SulfateA naturally occurring mineral that is commonly used in skincare products as a bulking agent. It helps to control the viscosity of products by making them thicker.
Paraffin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ParaffinParaffin is a petroleum-based, very oily, emollient and extremely occlusive mixture of purified hydrocarbons, also known as mineral oil. Depending on the molecule's size, it can either be a liquid, a solid, or anything in between. To learn more about liquid paraffin and its effects on our skin, read here.
Tocopheryl Succinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Succinate
Niacin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
NiacinAn active form of vitamin B3 that is used to support and restore the healthy appearance of the skin, although it is less effective than Niacinamide.
Water
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)An orange-red plant pigment with powerful antioxidant activity.
Decyl Oleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Decyl OleateA vegetable-derived or synthetically produced ester that feels velvety and makes the skin feel soft. It is non-greasy and helps reduce stickiness in formulas and improve spreadability.
Aluminum Distearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aluminum Distearate
Octyldodecanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
OctyldodecanolAn emollient fatty alcohol that spreads easily without leaving a greasy residue on the skin. It is also used as a solvent and dispersing agent for other ingredients.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Cyanocobalamin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CyanocobalaminA product of bacterial fermentation that may have soothing and rejuvenating skin effects.
Magnesium Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Magnesium StearateA multifunctional ester that thickens and prevents clumping.
Panthenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Limonene

One of the most used fragrances in skincare products. It is produced from the peels of citrus fruits and has a fresh, pleasant, citrusy smell. People who are sensitive to citrus should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.

Geraniol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Geraniol

A fragrant, volatile, plant-based, liquid chemical that can be naturally found in many essential oils (specifically rose, palmarosa, citronella). It has a rose-like scent. It is a potential irritant and may cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Linalool
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LinaloolA fragrant, volatile compound naturally present in many essential oils. It has a pleasant scent and is often used in skincare products as a fragrance. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.
Hydroxycitronellal
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxycitronellal

A fragrant compound with a scent reminiscent of lilies and sweet tropical melon. It can be found in many different essential oils (such as palmarosa, ylang-ylang, and lemongrass essential oil) but is manufactured synthetically from citronellal.

Citronellol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citronellol

A fragrant compound found naturally in many essential oils (mainly lemongrass). It can have a lemon or a rose scent. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid products with citronellol, or at least do a patch test before using it.

Benzyl Salicylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl Salicylate

A fragrance ingredient with a sweet, floral, and slightly balsamic scent. It is one of the twenty-six fragrances that are considered allergens according to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), and so its use is restricted.

Citral
Est. %0.15
Function
Origin
Citral

A fragrant compound found in many essential oils (especially lemon myrtle and lemongrass essential oil). It has a sweet, lemon-like scent. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid products with citral, or at least do a patch test before using.

Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
Alcohol Denat.
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Alcohol Denat.

Denatured alcohol is ethanol that contains additives that make it unsafe to consume. It is mainly used as a solvent and an antimicrobial agent. A major drawback to alcohol denat. is that it dries out the skin.

Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.