Acne Review: La Mer The Moisturising Gel Cream

I don't generally trust brands that use words like 'miracle' to describe their products. The active ingredient in most La Mer products is the 'miracle broth,' a bio-fermented kelp extract formulated by NASA scientist Max Huber. It is believed that he formulated the broth to treat the severe chemical burns he sustained in an explosion during a scientific experiment. The brand gained a cult following when it was mass-produced, and it is one of the most expensive skincare lines in the market. There is an interesting article about La Mer here.

The Product: The Gel Cream is an ultra-light cream with high water content. It feels cool to the touch and absorbs into the skin almost instantly. The smell is pleasant and feminine and smells a bit like Nivea cream. 

Application: La Mer claims that patting the cream between fingertips and pressing it into the skin activates the 'miracle broth.' I'm not sure whether or not that's true, but it wastes a lot of the product because most of it gets absorbed into your fingertips. 


Pros: It's an amazing moisturizer, probably the best moisturizer for oily skin I've tried so far. It hydrates the skin without overloading it and sinks in without residue. While it doesn't treat acne, it could help prevent breakouts (if you are only mildly acne-prone), I guess. It's great under makeup and doesn't ball up like some gel-cream moisturizers. The gel cream is very soothing, and I even use it on mild burns and rashes. 


Cons: The price. The 30ml jar retails here in Australia for $250, and that's just insanely expensive for a moisturizer. Also, it may not be moisturizing enough if you are planning to use it on top of your regular acne treatment. 


Verdict: Great moisturizer. I am not sure it is a 'miracle cream' as Estee Lauder (the company that owns La Mer) advertises it, but it is one of the best moisturizers in the market at any price point. It's very expensive, so make sure you sample it before you buy it. La Mer sales assistants can be a bit snobbish, and if they don't seem too enthusiastic about making you a sample, try buying a sample from eBay (and pray you don't end up getting Nivea cream in La Mer jar before you place that bid).