Nivea vs La Mer 2024 (The Definitive Guide)

An interesting rumour has been perpetuated by some fairly large media outlets over the years. Specifically, that "Nivea Creme is a dupe for Creme de la Mer". Naturally, we just had to put this claim to the test ourselves.

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

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La Mer Moisturizing Cream vs Nivea Creme

First and foremost, it's worth establishing the fact that they are both formulated for the same purpose, specifically: soothing and moisturizing particularly dry skin. It should come as no surprise then that there will be some overlap between the two formulas (since realistically there's only a finite number of effective moisturizing ingredients out there). However, you might be surprised to hear that there's not just some overlap, there is actually a *huge* overlap. In fact, of the 21 ingredients featured in Nivea's Creme, 20 are also included in the Creme de la Mer formula.

The ingredients they have in common (other than water) are: Paraffinum Liquidum (slows moisture loss), Cera Microcristallina (thickens texture), Glycerin (relieves dryness), Lanolin Alcohol (slows moisture loss), Paraffin (boosts moisture levels), Panthenol (soothes inflammation), Magnesium Sulfate (exfoliates), Decyl Oleate (softens and soothes), Octyldodecanol (moisturizes), Aluminum Stearates (anti-caking), Magnesium Stearates (improves texture), Limonene (scent), Geraniol (antibacterial), Hydroxycitronellal (scent), Linalool (scent), Citronellol (scent), Benzyl Benzoate (preservative), and Fragrance (scent).

Looking at it the other way round, though, Creme de la Mer's formula shares only ~50% of its ingredients with the Nivea Creme (since it contains an additional ~20 ingredients). That's obviously still not an insignificant percentage, but it does have slightly less shock-factor to it. It also happens to explain the monumental 100x price difference between the two, since it is the ingredients that the Creme de la Mer *doesn't* have in common with the Nivea Creme that make all the difference.

Of the ingredients they don't have in common (i.e. the additional ingredients the Creme de la Mer contains), the most notable are: kelp-infused Miracle Broth (which accelerates skin regeneration, nourishes skin, heals and soothes), Petrolatum (acts as a protective barrier), an assortment of 7 botanical extracts including Lime Peel Extract (rejuvenates skin), Vitamin E (soothes and moisturizes), Niacin (reduces inflammation) and Zea Mays Oil (keeps the epidermis hydrated).

In practice, and when we tried them for ourselves, the La Mer Moisturizing Cream definitely stood out as the richer of the two (probably in large part due to the inclusion of occlusive Petrolatum). While they are similar in the sense that they both fundamentally provide intensive care to drier skin types, they are certainly not dupes. The Miracle Broth plus antioxidant botanical extracts yields inimitable renewing benefits that become extremely apparent within a couple of weeks of use (as is corroborated by the impressive results of the clinical study carried out by La Mer). In our opinion, this really is a classic case of "you get what you pay for".

Synopsis: if you're looking to soothe dry skin on a budget, the Nivea Creme is a worthy choice. If you're looking for a moisturizer that delivers that "extra mile" (i.e. beyond just soothing dry skin) then the La Mer Moisturizing Cream is far better suited (and oh so worth the price).

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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Creme (Universal Moisturizer) by Nivea

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Our rating: ★★★★★

Price: $$$$

The original dry skin cream for hands, body, and face.

What makes it special? Ideal for daily use wherever skin needs care, Nivea's iconic moisturiser is enriched with Eucerit, a formula which provides the skin with all the protective care it needs to stay soft. This product is also skin compatibility dermatologically approved, and one to share with the whole family.

Which skin types? For all skin types.

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This article was originally published on July 11th 2022, but it has been reviewed and updated with the latest available information on February 7th 2024 by Sara Mckay, MA.