La Mer Moisturizing Cream vs Soft Cream

So, you've decided you want to try one of La Mer's best-selling moisturizers, but you can't quite figure out what the differences are? We've all been there, don't worry!

Come with us as we compare the La Mer Moisturizing Cream vs La Mer Moisturizing Soft Cream side-by-side to help you decide which is right for you and your skin. Enjoy!

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La Mer Moisturizing Cream vs La Mer Moisturizing Soft Cream

First and foremost, it's worth establishing what La Mer themselves have to say regarding the differences between the two. The Moisturizing Cream has a "rich crème texture" and is intended for drier skin types; it is soothing, protective, and rejuvenating, and is suitable for sensitive skin. The Moisturizing Soft Cream, on the other hand, has an "ultra soft cream texture" and is intended for combination/dry skin; it is deeply hydrating and comforting.

Sure enough, diving into their ingredients lists we find plenty of evidence to support these individual claims, but we also find that the differences between the two are even more conspicuous than they might first appear. While they both feature La Mer's famous kelp-infused Miracle Broth (which accelerates skin regeneration, nourishes skin, heals and soothes) as well as an assortment of gloriously nourishing botanical extracts, the Moisturizing Cream actually only contains 42 ingredients relative to the Moisturizing Soft Cream's 78. Further to this point, they only have 24 ingredients in common.

Of the ingredients they *don't* have in common, the most notable are: Panthenol (soothes inflammation), Lanolin Alcohol (defends against moisture loss), and Lime Extract (rejuvenates skin) in the Moisturizing Cream and Shea Butter (soothes and moisturizes), Dimethicone (minimizes water loss), Caffeine (improves circulation), Creatine (boost skin cell turnover), Vitamin E (soothes and moisturizes), Urea (smoothes skin texture), and Trehalose (intensely rehydrates) in the Moisturizing Soft Cream.

Results-wise, they are both equally impressive in their own domains. A 2-week clinical study found that of ~100 participants using the Moisturizing Cream, 93% felt their skin was calmed & soothed, 94% felt their skin was smoother, 90% felt their skin was renewed & rejuvenated, and 87% found the appearance of lines and wrinkles. There's no equivalent study for the Moisturizing Soft Cream, but of the >1000 online reviews (4.7/5 stars on average), 99% of respondents stated that they "would recommend it to a friend" with the most commonly praised qualities being: "moisturizing", "hydrating", "soothing" and "smoothing".

In practice, and when we tried them for ourselves, the Moisturizing Cream certainly stood out as being extremely rich (and consequently feels very nice on dry skin). It truly is second-to-none when it comes to providing instant relief to irritated, peeling, dry or flaky skin, and is a fantastic treat for the skin during colder seasons and in frostier climates. The Moisturizing Soft Cream is just a touch less thick and therefore makes for a better 'daily' moisturizer for those with normal-to-dry skin, we'd hesitate to recommend it to anyone with combination skin, though (if this is you, consider checking out the Moisturizing Cool Gel Cream instead).

Synopsis: if you're looking to soothe dry skin, the Moisturizing Cream is definitely the one for you. If you're looking for a daily moisturizer for normal-to-dry skin then the Moisturizing Soft Cream will be better suited.

Moisturizing Cream by La Mer

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Our rating: ★★★★★

Price: $$$$

Renewing moisture meets radiant rejuvenation.

What makes it special? The moisturiser that started it all. With a heart of renewing Miracle Broth™ and antioxidant Lime Tea, this ultra-rich cream delivers soothing moisture, daily protection, and energised natural renewal. At first touch, sensitivities look soothed and dryness seems to disappear. With daily devotion, skin feels firmer, lines and wrinkles appear diminished, and a more uplifted, rejuvenated look emerges.

Which skin types? For all skin types.

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Moisturizing Soft Cream by La Mer

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Our rating: ★★★★★

Price: $$$$

Moisturizes, comforts and helps soothe dryness.

What makes it special? With its power to renew skin’s barrier, The Moisturizing Soft Cream strengthens and protects while reducing the look of fine, dry lines. Miracle Broth™ – the legendary revitalising elixir that flows through all of La Mer – infuses skin with sea-sourced renewing energies.

Which skin types? Ideal for combination / drier skin.

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This article was originally published on July 10th 2022, but it has been reviewed and updated with the latest available information on February 7th 2024 by Sara Mckay, MA.