Augustinus Bader vs La Mer: The Rich Cream against Creme de la Mer

Side by side

The table mixes listing facts for Augustinus Bader with brand-published facts for La Mer. Check La Mer's site for current sizes and prices.

Signature ingredients as each brand lists them

Augustinus Bader builds every cream around TFC8, the Trigger Factor Complex. The listings describe it as a blend of amino acids, vitamins and peptides. The brand was founded around the work of Professor Augustinus Bader, and our TFC8 explainer covers how the brand describes it.

La Mer builds its range around Miracle Broth. La Mer says it is made by fermenting sea kelp with other nutrients, and it has been at the center of Crème de la Mer since the cream was created by physicist Max Huber. Both brands keep their complexes proprietary, so you cannot compare exact amounts. Compare the full ingredient lists on each brand's site if a specific ingredient matters to you.

Texture and how to apply

Crème de la Mer is dense. La Mer's own method is to warm a small amount between the fingertips until it turns translucent, then press it into the skin rather than rubbing. The brand also sells lighter textures, such as The Moisturizing Soft Cream and a gel cream, if the original is too heavy.

The Rich Cream is Augustinus Bader's richest everyday cream, and the listing points it at normal to dry and mature skin and colder, drier climates. The brand lists it for morning and evening use. If it feels too rich, The Cream and The Light Cream use the same complex in lighter bases; see The Rich Cream vs The Cream and how to use The Rich Cream.

1. 1

   Apply serum first, if you use one.

2. 2

   Take a pea-size amount: dispense from the pack, or scoop with a spatula from a jar.

3. 3

   Warm it between fingertips.

4. 4

   Press onto the face, then smooth outward.

5. 5

   Finish with sunscreen in the morning.

Closed pack vs open jar

This is the angle many buyers care about. A closed pack means you never dip fingers into the product, and less of the cream is exposed to air between uses. An open jar lets you see and scoop every last bit, and it feels more like a ritual, but it is good practice to use a clean spatula each time. La Mer jars come with a spatula. Our page on how to use a cream jar spatula explains the habit.

Either way, close the lid tightly and store the cream away from heat and direct sun. See how to store luxury skincare and does skincare expire.

Sizes and price per ml

Augustinus Bader is simple: The Rich Cream and The Cream each list at $315 for 50 ml, which is $6.30 per ml, and The Cream 100 ml lists at $565, which is $5.65 per ml.

La Mer sells Crème de la Mer in a ladder of jar sizes, from small jars up to large ones, and larger jars generally cost less per ml. Take the price and size for the jar you would buy from La Mer's site, divide, and compare with $6.30. Our price per ml calculator handles ounces too, and the luxury face cream price per ml chart gives wider context.

Note.Prices change often. Recalculate on the day you buy.

Who picks which

Pick Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream if you want a rich cream in a closed pack with a clear price per ml, and the option to step down to The Cream or The Light Cream in the same line. It is a strong match for dry skin per the listing; see our luxury face cream for dry skin guide.

Pick Crème de la Mer if you like the jar ritual, want the Miracle Broth story, and want to choose from many jar sizes. For more brand comparisons, see La Prairie vs La Mer and La Prairie vs Augustinus Bader.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference between Augustinus Bader and La Mer? The signature ingredient (TFC8 vs Miracle Broth) and packaging (closed pack vs open jar). Both sell several textures.

Is The Rich Cream cheaper than Crème de la Mer? Compare price per ml for the size you want. The Rich Cream lists at $6.30 per ml for 50 ml; check La Mer's current price for its jars.

Which is better for dry skin? The Rich Cream listing names normal to dry and mature skin. La Mer's original cream is also rich. Texture preference decides.

Do I need to warm these creams? La Mer recommends warming its cream between the fingertips. Warming any rich cream can help it spread.