La Mer The Eye Balm Intense

La Mer The Eye Balm Intense
7.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
5.1 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
$$$$

Review

Results you may expect from using La Mer The Eye Balm Intense:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using La Mer The Eye Balm Intense:

  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 7.6 out of 10.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Highly moisturizing: La Mer The Eye Balm Intense has a moisturizing rating of 7.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Algae Extract (est. ≈9.0%) and Butylene Glycol (est. ≈4.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 5.1 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter (est. ≈6.0%) and Dimethicone (est. ≈2.0%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, La Mer The Eye Balm Intense has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains some ingredients marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Caffeine, Asparagopsis Armata Extract, Copper Gluconate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, and Acetyl Hexapeptide-8. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

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

Antioxidant benefits

We estimate that La Mer The Eye Balm Intense is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Algae Extract (est. ≈9.0%).

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.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
50
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
0.3
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
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Ratings

All humectants
15.7
9
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
10.1
6.0
2.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
7.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 15.7 10
10.0
9
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 10.1 20
5.1
6.0
2.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
7.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
9
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 15.7 10
10
All humectants
15.7
9
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 10.1 20
5.1
All occlusives
10.1
6.0
2.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Caffeine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Asparagopsis Armata Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Copper Gluconate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
-
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
9
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 12.7 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
12.7
Algae Extract
9
Malachite
1
Caffeine
0.3
Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract
0.3
Magnesium Gluconate
0.3
Tocopheryl Succinate
0.3
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Squalene
0.3
Phytosterols
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 1.5 5 No
All soothing
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %50
Function
Origin
The 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.
Algae Extract
Est. %9
Function
Origin
The 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.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %6
Function
Origin
A semi-solid, buttery fat extracted from the seeds of the Shea tree that is a wonderful occlusive and emollient ingredient mainly comprised of fatty acids. Shea butter contains a large amount of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
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.
Polyethylene
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Commonly used in dense plastic packaging, its primary function in skincare is as a film-forming agent, which protects the product from being easily rinsed away by water or sweat. It also controls viscosity by increasing the thickness of oily products.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
A viscous liquid that makes a great oil base due to its smooth sensorial profile. It has emollient features, including good spreadability and little tack upon application. It also has the added benefit of being able to thicken products.
Dimethicone
Est. %2
Function
Origin
The most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Cetyl Esters
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
A naturally-derived (coconut-based) or synthetically produced wax that provides body and soft smooth feel in a product.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
A blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
Malachite
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Polybutene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A petro-based ingredient that thickens and hold products together.
Isostearyl Neopentanoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
Trisiloxane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Yeast Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Also labeled as faex extract, this is a natural ingredient derived from fresh yeast. It is used in skincare as a humectant. Yeast extract also helps to shield injured or exposed skin and can aid in the skin’s wound healing process.
Caffeine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An antioxidant compound that is obtained from coffee and tea leaves. It increases the microcirculation of blood in the skin and is claimed to be able to reduce the appearance of orange peel skin (although the research is lacking).
Cholesterol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An emollient and important barrier repairing lipid, effective when combined with fatty acids and ceramides. Around 25% of the skin’s lipid layer is made up of cholesterol and it is found in the membrane of every single cell in our body.
Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An extract from brown sea algae, a rich source of gel-forming algae polysaccharides such as fucoids, alginate, and ascophyllan, as well as some antioxidant phenolic compounds and minerals.
Asparagopsis Armata Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Asparagopsis armata is a species of red algae that grows in the sea. Similarly to other algae used in skincare, Asparagopsis armata extract has film-forming properties which are due to the presence of special polysaccharides (present in most algae). The extract is also rich in proteins and minerals.
Gelidium Cartilagineum Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Saccharomyces Lysate Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A mixture of yeast cell fragments with humectant moisturizing properties. It contains many beneficial compounds, including a wound healing polysaccharide called beta-glucan, peptides, and various minerals and vitamins.
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An 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. %0.3
Function
Origin
An 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
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Seed Powder
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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
The 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
Made 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
A chelating ingredient that ensures that the harmful metal ions in a formula are unreactive. It also protects other ingredients from degrading.
Potassium Gluconate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Copper Gluconate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An 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
A 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 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
One 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
Description is coming soon
Niacin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An 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.
Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A soothing extract obtained from St Paul's wort that is rich in anti-inflammatory phenolic compounds. The extract is widely used in Asian countries as a traditional remedy for inflammatory skin issues and skin-related diseases.
Whey Protein
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An emollient mixture of various proteins obtained from whey - cheese or cow milk production liquid leftovers.
Sucrose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
This 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.
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A fatty oil expressed from the pulp of the oil palm fruits. It is mostly composed of occlusive and emollient saturated fatty acids. The unrefined oil has a large amount of antioxidant carotenoids.
Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An ultra gentle emulsifier that can be used in many products to blend oils and water together while providing a light film on the skin.
Cetearyl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An emulsifier that creates stable mixtures of oil in water that feel soft and spread easily. Cetearyl glucoside is sold with cetearyl alcohol as an emulsifier blend and also provides some body to the formula.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin

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

Aminomethyl Propanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A synthetic ingredient that helps to adjust the pH of a product to make it less acidic.
Glyceryl Distearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl distearate is an ester of glycerol and two molecules of stearic acid. This ingredient is used in skincare formulations as an emollient and thickener.
Tetraacetylphytosphingosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Linoleic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A fatty acid isolated from various plant oils (notably evening primrose, safflower, grape seed, and sunflower oil). It is an occlusive moisturizer and emollient that doesn't leave an oily, sticky residue and is especially suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.
Sorbitol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A sweet-tasting alcohol derived from glucose. Aside from its sweet taste (for which it is used as a very common sweetener), Sorbitol is also very good at retaining water and is used in skincare as a humectant.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A synthetic ingredient that is used to thicken water and alcohol. It results in a more lightweight formula and is commonly found in gel products.
Steareth-10
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
One of the best-researched derivatives of vitamin C. It is more resistant to light and air and retains all the properties of ascorbic acid – antioxidant, collagen-boosting, and anti-pigmentation, but with less irritation.
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.
Tocotrienols
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Hexylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Phytosphingosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A key component of ceramides NP, AP, and EOP. It has barrier repair properties and stimulates the production of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor. Phytosphingosine has strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, which can be used to treat acne.
Isododecane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An emollient derived from petroleum with high spreadability. It is often used as a replacement for oils and silicones because it leaves no residue behind on the skin. When a product is labeled as “oil-free” it may contain isododecane instead of heavier oils.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.
Squalene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
One of the main ingredients in the skin’s sebum. It helps to rebuild the natural oily film on the skin’s surface and to prevent transdermal water loss. Squalene is listed among common comedogenic ingredients by acne.org.
Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Phytosterols
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A plant-based version of cholesterol that is used for its emollient properties in skincare. The richest sources of phytosterols are corn, rapeseed, and wheat germ oil.
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An occlusive moisturizing and emollient silicone resin that smoothes and softens the appearance of the skin. It also protects a product from rinsing away too easily with water, sweat, or friction.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An 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.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A small synthetic peptide that is thought to act similarly to Botox by calming contractions of the facial muscles and reducing expression wrinkles. The effect is only temporary and it does not improve the skin structure in any way.
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Under 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.
Tourmaline
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Sodium Dehydroacetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A sodium salt of dehydroacetic acid that is most commonly used as a preservative. It is a strong fungicide and a moderate bactericide, which makes it an effective broad-spectrum preservative.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
The 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.
Linalool
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
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.
Benzyl Salicylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
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.
Blue 1 (CI 42090)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A synthetic dye commonly known as Brilliant Blue FCF that produces rich blue colors for various cosmetic uses. FD&C Blue #1 can also be found in foods, medications, and dietary supplements, as it is considered non-toxic and safe for use.
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A bright yellow colorant that is often also listed as FD&C Yellow 5.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
One of two the most commonly used mineral sunscreens. It can absorb UV light, including UVB – which causes burning, tanning, and even skin cancer. Also used as a colorant, titanium dioxide gives a product a bright white color.
Green 5 (CI 61570)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon