My own experience with the brand began when I picked up a jar of their Soft Cream about 6 years ago. Since then, many formulations and new technology has been introduced within the moisturisers category, and i’ve finally managed to test them ALL!
Currently there’re three favourites I keep in rotation. These are my go-to’s which I constantly turn to when my skin needs extra TLC and moisture.
If you’ve been eyeing the moisturisers and unable to make up your mind on which formula to invest in, I hope my review would be of use to you. The options can be overwhelming if you are new to the brand. I know.
The current portfolio of La Mer Moisturisers contain the original Crème de la Mer, Soft Cream, Soft Lotion, Moisturizing Cool Gel Cream and the Moisturizing Matte Lotion.
The latest release (just last month) was the Cool Gel Cream that replaced the Gel Cream. Perfect for summer months and anyone with combination skin.
All formulations of the La Mer moisturisers contain the nutrient rich ‘Miracle Broth
’. An ingredient derived from Sea Kelp which was discovered by Dr. Huber (the founder).
This Miracle Broth boasts an array of benefits. Accelerates skin regeneration, nourishes skin, heals and soothes. Over time skin looks radiant, with less visible lines and supple. Overall, younger looking.
Here’s a quick look at some swatches I took, so you get an feel of the texture.
The creams are lined up from the lightest to the richest formula.
• Moisturizing Cool Gel Cream – A translucent gel that’s cooling up on application. The formula delivers a burst of hydration leaving the skin supple to the touch. Skin immediately looks refreshed and healthy with a light radiant slow.
This formula is ideal for warmer months, humid conditions and anyone with combination skin. I use this as a morning moisturizer. Perfect to be worn under makeup as it hydrates well but doesn’t create an additional oily layer on the skin which could cause makeup to slide off. Suitable for normal, combination and oily skin types.
• Moisturizing Matte Lotion – The lightest cream formula of the 5 moisturizers. I find the hydration capabilities similar to the Cool Gel Cream. However in my personal opinion, I would pick a gel moisturiser over matte. I prefer my skin to feel really well hydrated throughout the day. This particular formulation, balances shine and softens the look of pores as it doesn’t create an overly radiant look. Ideal for oily skin types or combination skin.
• Moisturizing Soft Lotion – Provides intense hydration without the heaviness of a thick moisturiser. I would recommend this for day and night for normal or combo skin types. Personally this is my go-to for a night time skincare routine and the convenient pump bottle makes for easy use. The bottle although heavy, I find to be travel friendly as I don’t have to pack a additional spatula! Perfect for normal skin and combination skin.
• Moisturizing Soft Cream – Very similar in terms of texture although less runny in comparison to the Soft Lotion. It’s my old favourite.
With prolonged use, skin feels supple and healthy. The overall texture of the skin is improved and noticeably firmer.
This formula is perfect for night time routines if you have normal to dry skin. For the day time I would advice using lesser quantity and making it work. With my combination skin, the Soft Cream wasn’t a suitable option for the day time. Although personally I do enjoy some extra hydration at night, I suspect the rich texture caused a few whiteheads. Therefore hesitate recommending this to anyone with combination skin or tends to have pores that clog easily.
• Crème de la Mer – The richest formulation of the 5. More suitable for mature, dry skin as the texture is in fact very rich. I use this mostly in colder climates when my skin gets dry and starts to peel. I ALWAYS pack my mini when I travel, ‘just in case’. It’s great for instant relief for irritated peeling skin and winter weather; also good for hands and elbows or whenever you need some extra moisture. Suitable for dry or mature skin types.
The Cool Gel Cream, Moisturizing Soft Lotion and Soft Cream. The three I rotate in my routine.
Personally the new Cool Gel Cream is my favourite as it’s ideal for combination skin for day time. The hydration level is just right for me and doesn’t feel oily on the skin.
For the nights it’s usually the Soft Lotion or the Soft Cream. These days it’s mostly the Soft Lotion though as my Soft Cream takes a back seat.
Bottom Line
Apart from the positives, I do notice whenever I use the thicker formulations of La Mer, my t-zone starts to clog easily, which brings me to address a question that keeps popping up time and again. Mineral oils???!
The second or third ingredient in every La Mer moisturizer ingredient list i’ve checked contains Petrolatum. Mineral oil. It’s a known ingredient that can cause clogged pores. In an age where skincare is starting to get ‘cleaner’ it’s harder to understand the use of such a filler. My advice is, if you have generally congested skin or skin prone to white heads, possibly pick one of the lighter formulas or look elsewhere. In my experience I do think some of the creams can cause white heads.
The reason I continue to use La Mer even with the mineral oil debate, is because I do notice my skin in better condition while on it. It’s healing and soothing properties make it perfect for sensitive skin like mine, that’s constantly battling redness and irritation.
Have you tried La Mer moisturisers before? I’m very keen on hearing your thoughts on this. Please do leave a comment with your experience and which formulation you use, so that it’d be helpful to others too 