Skin care

What's in a $900 Face Cream Anyway?

Ever entertained the idea of spending half your paycheck on a moisturizer? Before you hand over your plastic, find out what makes expensive creams so pricey

by Dawn Davis

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The Icon: La Mer Crème de la Mer, $275 for 2 ounces The Research: After aerospace physicist Max Huber suffered chemical burns in an accident, he spent the next 12 years and 6,000 experiments developing this famous cream. That was more than 40 years ago, and the original formula hasn't changed.

The Ingredients: The thing that makes La Mer so special is the "Miracle Broth," a combination of fermented sea kelp, vitamins, and minerals that are suspended within the moisturizer. How, exactly, the broth works to revive the skin is a mystery -- even to the scientists who created it.

The Packaging: It comes in a simple white glass jar -- but keep an eye out for limited edition jars every year for World Oceans Day on June 8th.

Our Take: "I have used La Mer for 15 years, and I can't imagine not having it. I love everything about it -- the scent, the consistency, the way it smoothes into my skin. I don't use it every night -- it's too rich for that -- but I do use it a couple of times a week. It's the best at keeping my skin moisturized." -- Audrey Fine, Special Projects Editor

SEE NEXT PAGE: Doctor-Designed: ReVive Intensité Crème Lustre, $375 for 2 ounces

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products mentioned

Lancome Absolue L'Extrait

0.0

La Mer Crème De La Mer

8.0

ReVive Intensite Creme Lustre SPF 30

10.0

La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream

8.5

Chanel Precision Sublimage Essential Regenerating Cream

5.1

3LAB Super Cream

0.0

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Older comments

Way too much.

by ccounts282 Friday, April 19, 2013 at 05:30PM Report as inappropriate

I think it's ridiculously hedonistic to spend a fortune on creams when there are equally effective ones with proven ingredients. If you have this much money, then please--help someone who doesn't!

by GigiSD Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 09:16PM Report as inappropriate

I simply cannot fathom paying these prices for facial creams. i spend less than that on a weeks worth of grocerys.

by PrincessKim81 Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 02:01PM Report as inappropriate

i have to admit i would love to sample them. for free, of course!

by AstridB Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 05:07AM Report as inappropriate

No, no, no. ALL of these expensive creams have jar packaging. Even if these including miraculous antioxidants they would be void after exposure to oxygen. Not to mention the constant dipping your fingers into the jar exposing bacteria to the solution. The only true miracle ingredient is retinol, which you need to use meticulously, along with a hefty dosage of SPF to prevent further damage. Otherwise you need to see a plastic surgeon for more dramatic results.

by hiddenexpose Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at 02:27PM Report as inappropriate

I am blown away by the cost. Wow.

by gomie1964 Monday, March 4, 2013 at 01:43PM Report as inappropriate

Okay, I admit I love my creams but there is no way I would pay anything near nine hundred. Eating healthy and applying a good lotion and lots of water will do much more for you. Plus you will have a lot more money to go out dancing with. See, cheaper and better for you.

by Alana_Danes Thursday, February 28, 2013 at 04:19AM Report as inappropriate

So extravagant! I can't imagine justifying spending that much on just one product, no matter what the companies boast.

by HeathRene Thursday, February 21, 2013 at 09:03AM Report as inappropriate

Wow, really?

by EricaC123 Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 04:29PM Report as inappropriate

Those are crazy prices

by LittleBunny Monday, January 7, 2013 at 11:54AM Report as inappropriate