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Crème de la Mer
Crème de la Mer

Crème de la Mer

Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients In 4 routines
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Works for

1 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Moisturizing
19 ingredients credited for this claim
Strong support
What the product description says
“Ultra-rich cream ideal for drier skin”
Source: La mer

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: algae extract, glycerin.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: algae extract, sesamum indicum seed oil.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: panthenol, paraffinum liquidum, petrolatum

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.3–0.7%
Algae extractKey active· Humectant, EmollientEffect: HighPlant 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~23–34%
Sesamum indicum seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA 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~1.1–1.7%
CyanocobalaminKey activeEffect: HighCan support skin barrier function and reduce inflammation in skin~0.35–0.75%
Zea mays oilKey activeEffect: HighA 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~0.2–0.8%
GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~3.2–4.9%
PetrolatumHero· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighOne of the most effective and the most studied occlusive ingredients that creates a protective layer on top of the skin preventing moisture loss~4.7–7%
Paraffinum liquidumHero· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighMineral oil. One of the most effective and well studied occlusive and emollient moisturizing ingredients. Helps reduce moisture loss in skin and repair skin barrier function~5.1–7.7%
Medicago sativa seed powderKey activeEffect: MediumMight help soften the upper layer of the skin and help thicken the product formulation. It might have some anti-oxidant effect~0.55–1.25%
Decyl oleateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.4–0.9%
Octyldodecanol· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that helps to soften the skin and create a pleasant product texture and stabilize the formulation~0.35–0.85%
Calcium gluconate· HumectantEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and helps to improve appearance of the product~0.45–1.05%
Magnesium gluconateEffect: LowA mineral that might be able to support skin hydration, but convincing research on its effectiveness in topical skincare is lacking~0.4–0.95%
Paraffin· OcclusiveEffect: LowPrevents water loss from the skin surface and thickens the product consistency~0.3–0.75%
Lanolin alcohol· EmollientEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating~1.5–2.3%
Isohexadecane· EmollientEffect: LowImproves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent~2.8–4.2%
Zinc gluconateUnder-dosedEffect: HighTypically 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~0.4–0.9%
Copper gluconateUnder-dosedEffect: HighTypically 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~0.45–1%
NiacinUnder-dosedEffect: HighA 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~0.35–0.75%
Anti-aging
4 ingredients credited for this claim
Limited support
What the product description says
“Fine lines and wrinkles”
Source: Sephora CA

This product does not contain ingredients that are able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles or help with skin elasticity, but it can improve the look of the skin temporarily through moisturization. Well-moisturized skin might also be able to repair the sun damage better.

Algae extractEffect: LowPlant 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~23–34%
NiacinUnder-dosedEffect: MediumA 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~0.35–0.75%
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~0.45–1%
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~0.4–0.9%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
11 strong irritants: Citrus aurantifolia peel extract, Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil + 9 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 18 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Citrus aurantifolia peel extract—High~1.2–1.8%est.
Eucalyptus globulus leaf oilAn essential oil that can be very irritating. Has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.9–1.4%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~0.35–0.75%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.2–0.75%est.
GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.7%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.65%est.
HydroxycitronellalA fragrance. A likely allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.6%est.
CitronellolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.55%est.
Benzyl salicylateA fragrance. Is a likely irritantHigh~0.1–0.5%est.
Benzyl benzoateFragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.55%est.
Alcohol denat.Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve productsHigh~0.1–0.45%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.1–0.4%est.
Lanolin alcoholHelps oil and water mix together. Can be irritatingMedium~1.5–2.3%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~0.55–1.25%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~0.45–1%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~0.4–0.9%est.
Tocopheryl succinateUsed to preserve the product formulationMedium~0.35–0.8%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.3–0.75%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 yet3/5~23–34%est.
Zea mays oilA 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 function3/5~0.2–0.8%est.
Decyl oleateHelps soften the upper layer of the skin2/5~0.4–0.9%est.
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Algae extract~23–34%
Key activeComedogenic 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
Paraffinum liquidum~5.1–7.7%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Mineral oil. One of the most effective and well studied occlusive and emollient moisturizing ingredients. Helps reduce moisture loss in skin and repair skin barrier function

More about Paraffinum liquidum
Petrolatum~4.7–7%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the most effective and the most studied occlusive ingredients that creates a protective layer on top of the skin preventing moisture loss

More about Petrolatum
Glycerin~3.2–4.9%
Key active
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
Isohexadecane~2.8–4.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Improves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent

More about Isohexadecane
Microcrystalline wax~1.9–2.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Microcrystalline wax
Lanolin alcohol~1.5–2.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating

More about Lanolin alcohol
Citrus aurantifolia peel extract~1.2–1.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Citrus aurantifolia peel extract
Sesamum indicum seed oil~1.1–1.7%
Key active
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
Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil~0.9–1.4%
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
Sesamum indicum seed powder~0.8–1.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Sesamum indicum seed powder
Medicago sativa seed powder~0.55–1.25%
Key activeIrritant · 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~0.85–1.3%
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
Sodium gluconate~0.45–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps stabilize product formulations

More about Sodium gluconate
Copper gluconate~0.45–1%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-blemishExfoliationAnti-oxidation

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~0.45–1.05%
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~0.4–0.95%
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~0.4–0.9%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-blemishExfoliationAnti-oxidationEvens skin toneAnti-agingAnti-inflammatory

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
Magnesium sulfate~0.4–0.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Magnesium sulfate
Paraffin~0.3–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Prevents water loss from the skin surface and thickens the product consistency

More about Paraffin
Tocopheryl succinate~0.35–0.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to preserve the product formulation

More about Tocopheryl succinate
Niacin~0.35–0.75%
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
Water~0.35–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Beta-carotene~0.35–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A colorant adding orange or bright yellow color

More about Beta-carotene
Decyl oleate~0.4–0.9%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Decyl oleate
Aluminum distearate~0.35–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Aluminum distearate
Octyldodecanol~0.35–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps to soften the skin and create a pleasant product texture and stabilize the formulation

More about Octyldodecanol
Citric acid~0.3–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Cyanocobalamin~0.35–0.75%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

Can support skin barrier function and reduce inflammation in skin

More about Cyanocobalamin
Magnesium stearate~0.35–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a nice product texture

More about Magnesium stearate
Panthenol~0.3–0.7%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingReduces rednessReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol
Zea mays oil~0.2–0.8%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

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 Zea mays oil
Limonene~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene
Geraniol~0.15–0.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol
Linalool~0.15–0.65%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Hydroxycitronellal~0.15–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. A likely allergen and can be irritating

More about Hydroxycitronellal
Citronellol~0.15–0.55%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citronellol
Benzyl salicylate~0.1–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Is a likely irritant

More about Benzyl salicylate
Benzyl benzoate~0.15–0.55%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Fragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritating

More about Benzyl benzoate
Sodium benzoate~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Alcohol denat.~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

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

More about Alcohol denat.
Parfum~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Ingredient list view

Algae extract, Paraffinum liquidum, Petrolatum, Glycerin, Isohexadecane, Microcrystalline wax, Lanolin alcohol, Citrus aurantifolia peel extract, Sesamum indicum seed oil, Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, Sesamum indicum seed powder, Medicago sativa seed powder, Helianthus annuus seedcake, Prunus amygdalus dulcis seed meal, Sodium gluconate, Copper gluconate, Calcium gluconate, Magnesium gluconate, Zinc gluconate, Magnesium sulfate, Paraffin, Tocopheryl succinate, Niacin, Water, Beta-carotene, Decyl oleate, Aluminum distearate, Octyldodecanol, Citric acid, Cyanocobalamin, Magnesium stearate, Panthenol, Zea mays oil, Limonene, Geraniol, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal, Citronellol, Benzyl salicylate, Benzyl benzoate, Sodium benzoate, Alcohol denat., Parfum

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Bluemercury
$100.00
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La mer
$100.00
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Sephora
$100.00
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Beautylish
$200.00
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La mer
$200.00
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La mer
$390.00
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Sephora
$745.00
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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
Crème de la MerYOUR PRODUCTCicaBiafineAnti-Irritations Moisturising CreamEnvironFocus Care Moisture+ Vita-Complex Super MoisturiserNeosporinEczema Essentials Daily Moisturizing Cream
Match—58%56%56%
Price$23.99$17.72−$6.27$43.63+$19.64$11.59−$12.40
Shared key ingredients—4 of 114 of 114 of 11
Key difference—DimethiconeJojoba OilCeramide Np
Irritancy High Low Low Low
Drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol ———
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Product summary

Based on the ingredient list, "Crème de la Mer -" can work well for skin moisturization. This moisturizer uses a good combo of humectants and emollients. These both types of ingredients are essentials for improving the skin hydration and keeping the skin barrier healthy. Panthenol, algae extract, glycerin and calcium gluconate in this product (humectants) attract water molecules to the upper layer of the skin (the water comes from the outside air or from the deeper layers of the skin if the air is dry). Emollients in this formulation (paraffinum liquidum, petrolatum, algae extract, sesamum indicum seed oil and cera microcristallina) help to reduce the moisture loss from the skin. They also soften the skin surface and relieve the feeling of dryness and tightness.

This product contains ingredients that could be beneficial, but their concentrations are too low in this formulation: niacin, zinc gluconate and copper gluconate

Irritation risk

There are quite a few common irritants in this product, including ingredients without particular skin benefits. We would not recommend it for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here

You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.

Price

The product retails from 100.00$ up to 200.00$ in the United States, from 135.00CA$ up to 715.00CA$ in Canada and for 310.25A$ in Australia.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 22 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    A review on the extensive skin benefits of mineral oilncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Contact Sensitization to Emulsifying Agents: An Underrated Issue?journals.lww.com
  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
Crème de la Mer
Crème de la Mer
Buy at Bluemercury$100.00Amazon

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy at Bluemercury$100.00Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.