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La Mer The Oil Absorbing Tonic
La Mer

La Mer The Oil Absorbing Tonic

Efficacy33/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Cleansing
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, Triethanolamine
Cleanses gently

This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, triethanolamine) and should be able to cleanse the skin gently. Still keep in mind that any cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, and most people do not need to cleanse their skin more than once per day.

Hydroxypropyl methylcelluloseEffect: HighUsed to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation~0.05–0.15%
TriethanolamineEffect: HighUsed to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell~0.05–0.15%
Exfoliation
Copper gluconate, Zinc gluconate
Not delivered

This product does not contain effective exfoliating ingredients. It might be able to deliver physical exfoliation, that is scrub off some of the dead cells on the surface of the skin. We do not recommend physical exfoliation, because it is not uniform (some bits of skin can get exfoliated too much while others not at all). It can also traumatize the skin and aggrevate acne and other skin conditions.

Copper gluconateEffect: Low, below effective doseTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing~0.05–0.3%
Zinc gluconateEffect: Low, below effective doseTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin~0.05–0.2%
Anti-blemish
Niacin ~0.05–0.25%, below the ~2% it needs
Under-dosed

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.

Copper gluconateEffect: Low, below effective doseTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing~0.05–0.3%
Zinc gluconateEffect: Low, below effective doseTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin~0.05–0.2%
NiacinUnder-dosedA form of vitamin B3. It is similar in action to niacinamide, but is more likely to cause red flashes in skin as the side effect~0.05–0.25%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
3 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil + 1 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 14 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Alcohol denat.Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve productsHigh~5.8–8.7%est.
Eucalyptus globulus leaf oilAn essential oil that can be very irritating. Has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.2–0.7%est.
NiacinA form of vitamin B3. It is similar in action to niacinamide, but is more likely to cause red flashes in skin as the side effectHigh~0.05–0.25%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.01–0.05%est.
Ci 19140A yellow dyeHigh~0.01–0.05%est.
Medicago sativa seed powderMight help soften the upper layer of the skin and help thicken the product formulation. It might have some anti-oxidant effectMedium~0.9–1.35%est.
Copper gluconateTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missingMedium~0.05–0.3%est.
Zinc gluconateTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skinMedium~0.05–0.2%est.
Tocopheryl succinateUsed to preserve the product formulationMedium~0.05–0.3%est.
Aluminum chlorohydrateUsed to help evenly disperse other ingredients (for example, pigment) in a formulation. Can create a temporary tightening effect on the skinMedium~0.01–0.05%est.
TriethanolamineUsed to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smellMedium~0.05–0.15%est.
Hydroxypropyl methylcelluloseUsed to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulationMedium~0.05–0.15%est.
CaffeineMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyesMedium~0.05–0.1%est.
Ci 42090A colorant (dye)Medium~0.01–0.1%est.
Comedogenic
3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
3 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Algae extractPlant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet3/5~1.5–2.3%est.
Laminaria saccharina extractA seaweed extract that contains sugars and can be helpful in attracting water to the upper layers of the skin if used in high enough concentrations3/5~1–1.5%est.
AlginUsed to thicken product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin3/5~0.05–0.1%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Alcohol denat.~5.8–8.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products

More about Alcohol denat.
Butylene glycol~2.8–4.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol
Glycerin~2–3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
Algae extract~1.5–2.3%
Comedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

Plant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet

More about Algae extract
Laminaria saccharina extract~1–1.5%
Comedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

A seaweed extract that contains sugars and can be helpful in attracting water to the upper layers of the skin if used in high enough concentrations

More about Laminaria saccharina extract
Sesamum indicum seed oil~0.8–1.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A good moisturizing plant oil. Due to the high linoleic acid content, it helps soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss and support skin barrier function

More about Sesamum indicum seed oil
Medicago sativa seed powder~0.9–1.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Might help soften the upper layer of the skin and help thicken the product formulation. It might have some anti-oxidant effect

More about Medicago sativa seed powder
Helianthus annuus seedcake~0.9–1.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to thicken the product consistency

More about Helianthus annuus seedcake
Prunus amygdalus dulcis seed meal~0.55–1.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps thicken the product texture

More about Prunus amygdalus dulcis seed meal
Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil~0.2–0.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Antibacterial

An essential oil that can be very irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties

More about Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil
Sodium gluconate~0.15–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps stabilize product formulations

More about Sodium gluconate
Copper gluconate~0.05–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-blemishExfoliation

Typically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing

More about Copper gluconate
Calcium gluconate~0.05–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and helps to improve appearance of the product

More about Calcium gluconate
Magnesium gluconate~0.05–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A mineral that might be able to support skin hydration, but convincing research on its effectiveness in topical skincare is lacking

More about Magnesium gluconate
Zinc gluconate~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-blemishAnti-oxidationEvens skin toneAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryExfoliation

Typically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin

More about Zinc gluconate
Tocopheryl succinate~0.05–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to preserve the product formulation

More about Tocopheryl succinate
Niacin~0.05–0.25%
Under-dosedIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin tone

A form of vitamin B3. It is similar in action to niacinamide, but is more likely to cause red flashes in skin as the side effect

More about Niacin
Sucrose~0.05–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In crystal form, it can work as a gentle exfoliant, gentler than the salt scrub. Helps stabilize the emulsion

More about Sucrose
Sesamum indicum seed powder~0.05–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Sesamum indicum seed powder
Algin~0.05–0.1%
Comedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to thicken product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Algin
Sodium chloride~0.05–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures

More about Sodium chloride
Aluminum chlorohydrate~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to help evenly disperse other ingredients (for example, pigment) in a formulation. Can create a temporary tightening effect on the skin

More about Aluminum chlorohydrate
Copper sulfate~0.01–0.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Copper sulfate
Sodium magnesium silicate~0.05–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Sodium magnesium silicate
Triethanolamine~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell

More about Triethanolamine
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation

More about Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
Caffeine~0.05–0.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
De-puffingAnti-oxidation

Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes

More about Caffeine
Parfum~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Disodium edta-copper~0.01–0.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Disodium edta-copper
Ci 61570~0.01–0.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Ci 61570
Ci 19140~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A yellow dye

More about Ci 19140
Mica~0.01–0.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light

More about Mica
Ci 42090~0.01–0.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A colorant (dye)

More about Ci 42090
Titanium dioxide~0.01–0.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin

More about Titanium dioxide
Ingredient list view

Water, Alcohol denat., Butylene glycol, Glycerin, Algae extract, Laminaria saccharina extract, Sesamum indicum seed oil, Medicago sativa seed powder, Helianthus annuus seedcake, Prunus amygdalus dulcis seed meal, Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, Sodium gluconate, Copper gluconate, Calcium gluconate, Magnesium gluconate, Zinc gluconate, Tocopheryl succinate, Niacin, Sucrose, Sesamum indicum seed powder, Algin, Sodium chloride, Aluminum chlorohydrate, Copper sulfate, Sodium magnesium silicate, Triethanolamine, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, Caffeine, Parfum, Disodium edta-copper, Ci 61570, Ci 19140, Mica, Ci 42090, Titanium dioxide

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
La MerThe Oil Absorbing TonicYOUR PRODUCTVichyNormaderm Anti-Blemish Pore LotionNo7Radiant Results Revitalising Toning WaterInstitut EsthedermHydra Replenishing Fresh Lotion
Match—36%36%34%
Price—$17.05$7.95$23.86
Shared key ingredients—2 of 81 of 82 of 8
Key difference—Salicylic AcidPanthenolCarnosine
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol —
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 17 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Safety Assessment of Brown Algae-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
  3. 3
    The effect of laminaria saccharina extract on suppressing pigmentation in in-vitro systemjaad.org
  4. 4
    Protein and oil composition of sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum, L.) grown in the Gizan area of Saudi Arabiatandfonline.com
  5. 5
    Triglyceride composition of Sesamum indicum seed oilonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  6. 6
    Seed oil content and fatty acid composition in East African sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) accessions evaluated over 3 yearssciencedirect.com
La Mer The Oil Absorbing Tonic
La MerThe Oil Absorbing Tonic
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