La Mer The Cleansing Gel Review

La Mer The Cleansing Gel
Ingredients

La Mer The Cleansing Gel Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate, Coco-Betaine, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Algae Extract, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Seed Powder, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed Meal, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Sodium Gluconate, Copper Gluconate, Calcium Gluconate, Glycine, Zinc Gluconate, Tocopheryl Succinate, Niacin, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Powder, Butylene Glycol, Sucrose, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Bicarbonate, Tourmaline, Hexylene Glycol, Fragrance, EDTA, Disodium EDTA, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Phenoxyethanol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Geraniol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Linalool, Green 5 (CI 61570), Yellow 5 (CI 19140)
Review

Does La Mer The Cleansing Gel Work?

 
La Mer The Cleansing Gel is a type of skincare product designed to be rinsed off, peeled off, or otherwise removed from the skin. Research confirming the moisturizing, anti-wrinkle, and soothing effects of such products is very limited. Therefore, we do not provide efficacy ratings for these types of skincare products.
 
However, you can explore the roles of specific ingredients in the Ingredient Breakdown section below.
 
📌 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. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
6
4
3
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
0.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
Function:
Origin:
Coco-Betaine
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Chloride
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Algae Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Seed Powder
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake
Function:
Origin:
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed Meal
Function:
Origin:
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Gluconate
Function:
Origin:
Copper Gluconate
Function:
Origin:
Calcium Gluconate
Function:
Origin:
Glycine
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Gluconate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Succinate
Function:
Origin:
Niacin
Function:
Origin:
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Powder
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sucrose
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Bicarbonate
Function:
Origin:
Tourmaline
Function:
Origin:
Hexylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Methylchloroisothiazolinone
Function:
Origin:
Methylisothiazolinone
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Function:
Origin:
Geraniol
Function:
Origin:
Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Green 5 (CI 61570)
Function:
Origin:
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)
Function:
Origin:

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
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.
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Cocamidopropyl HydroxysultaineA mild surfactant with excellent foaming properties and thickening capabilities.
Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
Coco-Betaine
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Coco-BetaineA naturally-derived cleansing agent often paired with other surfactants. It can help make other cleansing agents less harsh on the skin, and it also provides high amounts of fine foam.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Sodium Laureth SulfateSLES, not to be confused with SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), is a synthetic soap-like ingredient used in cleansing products. It foams well and removes oil and dirt. SLES may cause skin dryness and irritation, although it is considered less irritating than SLS.
Sodium Chloride
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Sodium Chloride

You’re definitely familiar with sodium chloride, even if you don’t think you are. It’s table salt! Salt works well with some cleansing ingredients (surfactants) to thicken them into gels. It also acts as a stabilizer for water-in-oil emulsions.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf ExtractDerived from Aloe vera leaves, this moisturizing humectant, soothing, and antioxidant extract is commonly used in products targeting eczema, sunburn, or dermatitis. It soothes the skin and reduces the signs of inflammation and sensitivity.
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel ExtractA beneficial extract obtained from Oat groats popular in products aimed at eczema-prone skin. It contains skin healing beta-glucan, anti-inflammatory phenolic compounds, antioxidant flavonoids, various lipids, proteins, and moisturizing amino acids.
Algae Extract
Est. %0.3
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.
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
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.
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).
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Est. %0.3
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.
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.
Glycine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlycineA humectant moisturizing amino acid that is a part of skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor. Some recent studies suggest that it may have barrier repair properties.
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.
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.
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.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Sucrose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SucroseThis ingredient is more commonly known as table sugar or saccharose and is derived from sugar beets or sugar cane. It is used as a humectant moisturizing ingredient in skincare products, as well as a sweetener.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Sodium Bicarbonate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BicarbonateA sodium salt that increases pH and removes dead skin cells.
Tourmaline
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tourmaline
Hexylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexylene GlycolA multifunctional ingredient that is best known for its use as a solvent. It can dissolve both water-based ingredients and oils. For this reason, it can also function as an emulsifier, allowing oil and water ingredients to mix and remain stable.
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.
EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EDTAA synthetically produced ingredient that binds certain metal ions. It can help prevent product discoloration or poor performance in rinse-off products used in 'hard' water.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Methylchloroisothiazolinone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MethylchloroisothiazolinonePartners in crime, methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone are preservatives that usually come as a package deal. These preservatives are effective but have reports of irritation and are now used mostly in wash-off products where the contact time is lower.
Methylisothiazolinone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MethylisothiazolinoneA synthetic preservative often paired with methylchloroisothiazolinone. It has been reported to cause some irritation, which is why it is mostly used in wash-off products.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Alpha-Isomethyl IononeA fragrance ingredient that is supplied as a pale, yellow liquid. The scent it emits is very clean and features notes of violet and orris. Alpha-isomethyl is also used as a flavoring agent in lip care products and even in some foods and drinks.
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.

Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Est. %0.1
Function
Origin
Butylphenyl Methylpropional

A synthetic fragrance ingredient used to recreate the scent of lilies, this ingredient also features fresh, green, and powdery notes. Butylphenyl Methylpropional was recently labeled as Toxic to Reproduction in the EU and will be banned in 2022.

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.
Green 5 (CI 61570)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Green 5 (CI 61570)
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)A bright yellow colorant that is often also listed as FD&C Yellow 5.