La Mer Crème de la Mer vs Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream: Which $300+ Cream Wins?
Updated 2026-08-24
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This comparison contains Amazon affiliate links.
Both are flagship prestige moisturizers north of $300, but they solve different problems. Crème de la Mer is a dense, petrolatum-rich occlusive built around fermented Miracle Broth — best for very dry, compromised barriers. Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream is a lighter, fast-absorbing repair cream built around TFC8, aimed at renewal and firmness. Pick La Mer for barrier and slather; pick Augustinus Bader for repair under makeup.
Specs Comparison
Size
Crème de:2.0 oz / 60 ml
The Rich:1.7 oz / 50 ml
Approx price per oz
Crème de:~$195/oz (around $390 list, 2 oz)
The Rich:~$182/oz (around $310 list, 1.7 oz)
Signature active
Crème de:Miracle Broth (fermented Giant Sea Kelp)
The Rich:TFC8 (Trigger Factor Complex, 40+ ingredients)
Mechanism
Crème de:Fermented moisturizing complex; calms, hydrates, supports repair
The Rich:Amino acids, vitamins & synthesized molecules to support skin's own renewal
Texture
Crème de:Dense, balm-like; warm between fingers before pressing in
The Rich:Rich but lightweight; fast-absorbing
Occlusivity
Crème de:High — petrolatum & mineral oil base seals moisture
The Rich:Moderate — nourishing without a heavy seal
Best for skin type
Crème de:Very dry, dehydrated, compromised barrier
The Rich:Normal-to-dry seeking repair, firmness, renewal
Fragrance
Crème de:Contains fragrance / marine scent
The Rich:Fragrance-free
Finish
Crème de:Slight sheen; slower absorption
The Rich:Soft, matte-leaning; layers well under makeup
| Spec | Crème de la Mer The Moisturizing Cream (2 oz / 60 ml) | The Rich Cream with TFC8 (1.7 oz / 50 ml) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 2.0 oz / 60 ml | 1.7 oz / 50 ml |
| Approx price per oz | ~$195/oz (around $390 list, 2 oz) | ~$182/oz (around $310 list, 1.7 oz) |
| Signature active | Miracle Broth (fermented Giant Sea Kelp) | TFC8 (Trigger Factor Complex, 40+ ingredients) |
| Mechanism | Fermented moisturizing complex; calms, hydrates, supports repair | Amino acids, vitamins & synthesized molecules to support skin's own renewal |
| Texture | Dense, balm-like; warm between fingers before pressing in | Rich but lightweight; fast-absorbing |
| Occlusivity | High — petrolatum & mineral oil base seals moisture | Moderate — nourishing without a heavy seal |
| Best for skin type | Very dry, dehydrated, compromised barrier | Normal-to-dry seeking repair, firmness, renewal |
| Fragrance | Contains fragrance / marine scent | Fragrance-free |
| Finish | Slight sheen; slower absorption | Soft, matte-leaning; layers well under makeup |
Pros & Cons
Crème de la Mer The Moisturizing Cream (2 oz / 60 ml)
Pros
- Heavy occlusive barrier that genuinely comforts very dry, flaky skin
- The larger 2 oz / 60 ml jar lasts longer between repurchases
- Cult track record for soothing wind-burn, tightness and rough patches
Cons
- Heavy, slow-absorbing feel that can sit under makeup and feel greasy on oily skin
- Fragrance and mineral-oil base may not suit sensitive or breakout-prone skin
- Miracle Broth hydrates and soothes but is not a proven cell-renewal actives system
The Rich Cream with TFC8 (1.7 oz / 50 ml)
Pros
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing rich texture that layers cleanly under makeup
- Fragrance-free — friendlier to reactive and sensitive skin
- TFC8 is positioned around repair and renewal, not just surface hydration
Cons
- A $300-plus jar for 1.7 oz is a significant commitment
- Moderate occlusivity may not be enough for severely dry or wind-chapped skin
- TFC8 is a proprietary complex; independent long-term efficacy data is limited
Our Verdict
If your primary problem is a dry, tight, compromised barrier — winter skin, flaking, wind-burn — La Mer's dense, petrolatum-based occlusive is the more comforting choice, and its larger 60 ml jar lasts longest. If your goal is repair, firmness and renewal with a lighter feel that disappears under makeup, Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream and its TFC8 complex is the better fit, and it's fragrance-free for reactive skin. Neither is objectively "better" — they occupy different jobs at a similar price.
Best for Budget
The Rich Cream with TFC8 (1.7 oz / 50 ml)
Best for Features
The Rich Cream with TFC8 (1.7 oz / 50 ml)
Buy Crème de la Mer The Moisturizing Cream (2 oz / 60 ml) on AmazonBuy The Rich Cream with TFC8 (1.7 oz / 50 ml) on Amazon
Buying Guide
- 1Start with your barrier, not the brand. If your skin is genuinely very dry, tight or flaking, you want occlusivity — the ability to seal water in. La Mer's mineral-oil and petrolatum base does that job aggressively, which is why it feels balm-like and leaves a sheen. Augustinus Bader is nourishing but lighter; it won't blanket a severely dehydrated barrier the same way.
- 2Match texture to your routine. If you apply moisturizer in the morning and layer sunscreen and makeup over it, La Mer's slow absorption and slight residue can pill or look greasy. The Rich Cream absorbs faster and layers cleanly, which is why makeup artists reach for it. For a night-only slather step, La Mer's heaviness is an advantage rather than a drawback.
- 3Weigh mechanism honestly. Miracle Broth is a fermented sea-kelp complex that soothes and hydrates — think comfort and glow. TFC8 is Augustinus Bader's proprietary 'trigger factor' complex of amino acids, vitamins and synthesized molecules positioned around the skin's own renewal processes. Both are proprietary and neither has extensive independent long-term data, so buy on the sensory and skin-goal fit rather than the marketing biology.
- 4Do the price-per-ounce math. La Mer's Moisturizing Cream comes in a 2 oz / 60 ml jar (around $390 list), roughly $195 per ounce. The Rich Cream is 1.7 oz / 50 ml (around $310 list), roughly $182 per ounce. They're close, but Augustinus Bader is actually the marginally cheaper cream per ounce despite the smaller jar.
- 5Consider fragrance and sensitivity. Augustinus Bader is fragrance-free, which makes it the safer pick for reactive, rosacea-prone or easily irritated skin. La Mer contains fragrance and a marine scent; some people love it, but it's a real consideration if your skin flares from added fragrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is La Mer or Augustinus Bader better for very dry skin?
La Mer Crème de la Mer is better for very dry, compromised skin. Its petrolatum and mineral-oil base makes it a heavy occlusive that seals in moisture and comforts flaking or wind-burned skin. Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream is lighter and geared more toward repair and renewal than deep occlusion.
What is the difference between Miracle Broth and TFC8?
Miracle Broth is La Mer's fermented Giant Sea Kelp complex focused on hydration, soothing and glow. TFC8 (Trigger Factor Complex) is Augustinus Bader's proprietary blend of 40+ amino acids, vitamins and synthesized molecules positioned around supporting the skin's own renewal. Both are proprietary and neither has broad independent long-term efficacy data.
Which is more expensive, La Mer or Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream?
They're close. La Mer's 2 oz / 60 ml jar is around $390 list (~$195/oz) and Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream's 1.7 oz / 50 ml jar is around $310 list (~$182/oz). Augustinus Bader actually costs slightly less per ounce, and its smaller jar also means the lower sticker price.
Can you use Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream under makeup?
Yes. The Rich Cream has a rich but fast-absorbing, fragrance-free texture that layers cleanly under makeup, which is why makeup artists favor it. La Mer's denser, slower-absorbing formula can leave a sheen and is more likely to feel greasy or pill under foundation.
Is La Mer Crème de la Mer worth the price?
It depends on your skin. If you have very dry or compromised skin and value a heavy occlusive that soothes tightness and flaking, La Mer delivers on comfort and has a long cult track record. If you want lightweight repair and firmness, or you have oily or fragrance-sensitive skin, Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream is the better use of a similar budget.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This comparison contains affiliate links. If you purchase via our links, KeenSift may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our rankings.