CeraVe vs La Mer: The $175 Moisturizer Showdown

The Most Famous Dupe in Skincare

La Mer Crème de la Mer is arguably the most iconic luxury moisturizer in existence. At $190 for just 30ml, it's also one of the most expensive. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, at under $17 for 539g, has become the internet's favorite alternative.

But does the science back up the comparison? We decoded both INCI lists to find out.

What the Ingredients Tell Us

La Mer's second ingredient — the one present in the highest concentration after water — is Mineral Oil. This is a perfectly effective occlusive, but it's also available in products costing a fraction of the price. The famous "Miracle Broth" (listed as Algae Extract) appears further down the list, suggesting a relatively low concentration.

CeraVe's formulation centers on three ceramides (1, 3, and 6-II) that are identical to the lipids naturally found in human skin. It also includes Hyaluronic Acid for hydration and Niacinamide for barrier support — three proven actives that La Mer lacks entirely.

The Price Reality

This is where the comparison becomes dramatic. La Mer costs $6.33 per mL. CeraVe costs $0.03 per mL. That's a 211x price difference for a product that, by INCI analysis, delivers fewer proven active ingredients.

To put it another way: you could buy 11 tubs of CeraVe (that's over 12 pounds of moisturizer) for the price of one tiny jar of La Mer.

Who Should Choose Ar?

If you value the sensorial experience — the texture, the scent, the ritual of using a luxury product — La Mer delivers that. Skincare is partly emotional, and there's nothing wrong with enjoying a premium product.

But if your goal is skin barrier repair, hydration, and ingredient efficacy per dollar spent, the data overwhelmingly favors CeraVe.