Crème de la Mer
Crème de la Mer has a reputation as one of the most luxurious and effective moisturizers on the market. In addition to a great (marketing) story behind the creator and production process of the product, there are a few key ingredients that make it an exceptional, high-quality face cream.
Ingredients
Miracle Broth is Crème de la Mer’s signature ingredient and hero component. It's essentially a concentrated broth made from sea kelp, seawater nutrients, and other botanical ingredients that have natural healing, soothing, and moisturizing properties. It was created by aerospace physicist Dr. Max Huber to help heal (his) severely burned skin and is designed to promote skin renewal.
Seaweed (Algae) Extract: Seaweed contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants which nourish skin. It helps improve suppleness and texture.
Lime Tea Concentrate (Citrus Aurantifolia Peel Extract): An antioxidant-rich extract known to provide nourishing hydration to skin and protect against free radical damage.
Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum): A purified mineral oil used to deeply moisturize while preventing moisture loss from the skin's surface layer. It acts as a protective barrier.
Glycerin: Draws moisture from the environment into the skin's surface while slowing water loss, helping skin stay optimally hydrated.
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil: Has purifying and stimulating benefits derived from the eucalyptus leaf. It's antiseptic and helps stimulate healthy circulation.
Crème de la Mer is paraben and phthalate free.
Ideal Customers
Crème de la Mer is an intense cream, which is different than a lotion. Creams are heavier and richer, while lotions have a higher water content and thus a lighter, more fluid texture that spreads easily.
Therefore, Crème de la Mer is best for individuals who have dry skin or mature skin. Crème de la Mer is also known to, not surprisingly, aid in the faster recovery of burns.
Where to Buy
La Mer: starts at $100 for 0.5 oz/15 mL
Sephora (4.0 / 5 stars): starts at $200 for 1 oz/30 mL
Dupes
Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream
This first ingredient listed in this product is also a seaweed component, Bladderwrack Extract, while the remainder of active ingredients differ from Crème de la Mer. Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream is also a more “fluid” cream than Crème de la Mer and may be better suited for less dry and less mature skin.
You can purchase on:
Sephora (4.0 / 5 stars): $22 for 1 oz/28 g
Amazon (4.4 / 5 stars): $16.50 for 1 oz
NIVEA Creme
Nivea Creme has 17 ingredients in common with (out of the 43 ingredients listed in) Crème de la Mer, according to SkinSort. The top common ingredients include Paraffinum Liquidum, Glycerin, and Lanolin Alcohol. However, the leading Crème de la Mer ingredient (and arguably the secret sauce), seaweed extract, is missing from the Nivea Creme.
Nivea Creme is also notably thicker to apply. It may be better absorbed when applied to body rather than face, but then is it really a Crème de la Mer dupe? Then again, for a fraction of the price, why not.
You can purchase on:
Target (4.0 / 5 stars): $13.49 for 13.5 oz or $1.79 for 1 oz
Amazon (4.7 / 5 stars): $12.24 for 13.5 oz
Best Crème de la Mer Reviews
Gabriela Garcia of Editorialist tried Creme de la Mer twice: once as a 23 year old and again in her 40s. Read Hype or Holy Grail: Does Crème de la Mer Live up to Its Legendary Status?
