La Mer vs. Augustinus Bader: Which Luxury Cream Is Worth It?
These are the two creams that come up most whenever luxury moisturizers are discussed. One is a decades-old legend; the other is the breakout cream of the last decade. Both cost a serious amount of money. Here's how they compare on story, texture, skin type and value, so you can decide which (if either) belongs on your vanity.
At a glance
| Crème de la Mer | Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream | |
|---|---|---|
| Launched | La Mer, founded 1965 | Augustinus Bader, founded 2018 |
| Signature ingredient | Miracle Broth™, a fermented sea-kelp ferment | TFC8®, the brand's proprietary complex |
| Texture | Dense, balm-like; warmed between fingertips before use | Rich but smooth-spreading |
| Lighter version | The Moisturizing Soft Cream | The Cream |
| Price checked | $200 for 1 oz | $315 for 1.7 oz |
| Price per ounce | About $200 | About $185 |
The story behind each cream
Crème de la Mer is one of beauty's great origin stories: the cream was developed by physicist Max Huber, and its sea-kelp Miracle Broth™ remains at the heart of every La Mer formula. It has been a status object on vanities for decades.
Augustinus Bader takes its name from its founder, a professor whose research background is in stem cells and skin repair. The Rich Cream launched the brand and built its reputation largely through word of mouth among editors and makeup artists, with the TFC8® complex at its core.
Texture and how they're used
Crème de la Mer is famously thick. La Mer recommends warming a small amount between the fingertips until it turns translucent, then pressing it into the skin. The ritual is part of the appeal. The Rich Cream is still a rich moisturizer, but it spreads more easily and is simply applied as the last step of a routine.
Which suits your skin?
- Dry or mature skin: both of the original rich creams are designed for you.
- Normal or combination skin: look at the lighter versions, La Mer's Moisturizing Soft Cream or Bader's The Cream.
- Oily skin: neither rich cream is the natural choice. A water-based gel cream will likely feel better.
- Sensitive skin: patch-test either. Both are fragranced to a degree, so check the ingredient list.
The contenders
The originals
Crème de la Mer
The original sea-kelp moisturizer. Dense and cushioning, best for dry or mature skin.
The Rich Cream
The cult moisturizer built around the brand's TFC8 complex. A rich texture for dry, stressed skin.
The lighter sisters
The Moisturizing Soft Cream
The legendary Crème de la Mer in a lighter, whipped texture for normal to combination skin.
The Cream
The lighter sibling of The Rich Cream, suited to normal and combination skin.
Value: what you're really paying
The sticker prices look very different ($200 against $315), but the jars aren't the same size. Per ounce, Augustinus Bader's 50 ml jar actually works out slightly cheaper than La Mer's 1 oz jar. Both brands sell several sizes, and larger jars usually bring the per-ounce price down further.
The final word
If the heritage and the ritual matter to you, Crème de la Mer is the icon for a reason. If you'd rather a modern formula with a slightly lower per-ounce price, The Rich Cream makes a strong case. And if you're undecided, either brand's smallest size is the sensible way to find out how your skin responds before committing.
Still weighing other options? See our guide to luxury moisturizers by skin type.
This comparison is based on each brand's published information, product details and current US prices, not a personal trial. Prices update with our catalog.