Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of La Mer The Cleansing Gel versus La Mer The Cleansing Foam .
Last updated on October 23, 2023. Published on May 12, 2021
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 27 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain exfoliants
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens or silicones
What's Inside
They both contain common allergens, fragrances and oils
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Face Cleanser
Face cleansers are used to remove makeup, dead skin cells, pollutants, oil, dirt, and/or clean out pores on the skin. Face cleansers may specialize in having one function (exa. just removing makeup) or may have multiple functions (exa. Removing makeup and cleaning pores).
Face Cleanser
Face cleansers are used to remove makeup, dead skin cells, pollutants, oil, dirt, and/or clean out pores on the skin. Face cleansers may specialize in having one function (exa. just removing makeup) or may have multiple functions (exa. Removing makeup and cleaning pores).
Ingredient Info
La Mer The Cleansing Gel 40 ingredients
La Mer The Cleansing Foam 54 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Contains Sulfate
Ingredients in this product that are types of sulfate:
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
La Mer The Cleansing Gel 40 ingredients
La Mer The Cleansing Foam 54 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 6 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 5 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
La Mer The Cleansing Gel 40 ingredients
La Mer The Cleansing Foam 54 ingredients
Water • Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine • Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate • Coco-Betaine • Sodium Laureth Sulfate • Sodium Chloride • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract • Avena Sativa Kernel Extract • Algae Extract • Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil • Medicago Sativa Seed Powder • Helianthus Annuus Seedcake • Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Meal • Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil • Sodium Gluconate • Copper Gluconate • Calcium Gluconate • Glycine • Zinc Gluconate • Tocopheryl Succinate • Niacin • Sesamum Indicum Seed Powder • Butylene Glycol • Sucrose • Caprylyl Glycol • Sodium Bicarbonate • Tourmaline • Hexylene Glycol • Parfum • EDTA • Disodium EDTA • Methylchloroisothiazolinone • Methylisothiazolinone • Phenoxyethanol • Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone • Geraniol • Butylphenyl Methylpropional • Linalool • CI 61570 • CI 19140
Water • Myristic Acid • Glycerin • Behenic Acid • Palmitic Acid • Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate • Potassium Hydroxide • Lauric Acid • Stearic Acid • Algae Extract • Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil • Medicago Sativa Seed Powder • Helianthus Annuus Seedcake • Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Meal • Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil • Sodium Gluconate • Copper Gluconate • Calcium Gluconate • Glycine • Zinc Gluconate • Tocopheryl Succinate • Niacin • Sesamum Indicum Seed Powder • Quartz Powder • Nephrite Powder • Pearl Powder • Caffeine • Sea Salt • Humic Acids • Sodium Hyaluronate • Sucrose • Tourmaline • Macrocystis Pyrifera Protein • Polyquaternium-51 • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water • Trehalose • Cellulose • Butylene Glycol • Sodium Coco Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate • Sodium Bicarbonate • Sodium PCA • Peg-3 Distearate • Urea • Parfum • Disodium EDTA • Linalool • Limonene • Phenoxyethanol • Methylchloroisothiazolinone • Methylisothiazolinone • CI 19140 • CI 15985 • CI 42090 • CI 61570
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterLa Mer The Cleansing Gel contains this as ingredient number 1.
La Mer The Cleansing Foam contains this as ingredient number 1.
Algae Extract is derived from Algae. Algae is an informal term for a group of aquatic organisms that can photosynthesize. It is estimated there are at least 30,000 types of Algae.
Algae contains antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
Algae can also help with soothing and hydrating skin.
Many different types of algae have different benefits.
Learn more about Algae ExtractLa Mer The Cleansing Gel contains this as ingredient number 9.
La Mer The Cleansing Foam contains this as ingredient number 10.
Sesame oil comes from sesame seeds. Sesame oil is rich in fatty acids and Vitamin E.
It has antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The phenolic compounds of this ingredient (including vitamin E) give it these properties.
Unrefined sesame oil has a comedogenic rating of 3, while refined sesame oil has a rating of 1. This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
The fatty acids in sesame oil include linoleic acid (41%), oleic acid (39%), palmitic acid (8%), stearic acid (5%), and some small traces of others.
Learn more about Sesamum Indicum Seed OilLa Mer The Cleansing Gel contains this as ingredient number 10.
La Mer The Cleansing Foam contains this as ingredient number 11.
We don't have a description for Medicago Sativa Seed Powder.
La Mer The Cleansing Gel contains this as ingredient number 11.
La Mer The Cleansing Foam contains this as ingredient number 12.
Helianthus Annuus Seedcake is an exfoliant and isn't fungal acne safe.
La Mer The Cleansing Gel contains this as ingredient number 12.
La Mer The Cleansing Foam contains this as ingredient number 13.
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Meal comes from the Sweet Almond tree. This sweet almond seed meal is the residue from expressing almond oil.
As an abrasive, it can help exfoliate the top layer of skin.
La Mer The Cleansing Gel contains this as ingredient number 13.
La Mer The Cleansing Foam contains this as ingredient number 14.
This oil is derived from the leaves of Eucalyptus Globulus, a type of Eucalyptus tree native to Australia.
Though this oil shows antibacterial and antioxidant activity, it is also a known skin-irritant due to its fragrance components.
La Mer The Cleansing Gel contains this as ingredient number 14.
La Mer The Cleansing Foam contains this as ingredient number 15.
This is the synthetic salt of gluconic acid, a form of PHA and mild exfoliant.
It is mainly used to stabilize oil and butter formulations from going bad. Sodium gluconate is a humectant, pH regulator, and chelating agent.
Chelating agents help neutralize unwanted metals from affecting the formulation.
Sodium gluconate is water-soluble.
Learn more about Sodium GluconateLa Mer The Cleansing Gel contains this as ingredient number 15.
La Mer The Cleansing Foam contains this as ingredient number 16.
We don't have a description for Copper Gluconate.
La Mer The Cleansing Gel contains this as ingredient number 16.
La Mer The Cleansing Foam contains this as ingredient number 17.
We don't have a description for Calcium Gluconate.
La Mer The Cleansing Gel contains this as ingredient number 17.
La Mer The Cleansing Foam contains this as ingredient number 18.
Glycine is an amino acid that helps build proteins. It is already present in our skin as our bodies produce them naturally.
Glycine helps keep skin hydrated and reduce signs of aging. Amino acids help transport moisture throughout our skin; glycine already plays a role in helping keep our skin moisturized.
As collagen is made up of glycine and other amino acids, it is believed Glycine may help our skin produce more collagen. Collagen helps keep skin plump and firm.
Learn more about GlycineLa Mer The Cleansing Gel contains this as ingredient number 18.
La Mer The Cleansing Foam contains this as ingredient number 19.
We don't have a description for Zinc Gluconate.
La Mer The Cleansing Gel contains this as ingredient number 19.
La Mer The Cleansing Foam contains this as ingredient number 20.
Tocopheryl Succinate is an antioxidant.
La Mer The Cleansing Gel contains this as ingredient number 20.
La Mer The Cleansing Foam contains this as ingredient number 21.
Niacin is the other form of B3, with the other being niacinamide. The two have similar skin benefits: reducing inflammation, strengthening the skin barrier, and fading dark spots.
La Mer The Cleansing Gel contains this as ingredient number 21.
La Mer The Cleansing Foam contains this as ingredient number 22.
We don't have a description for Sesamum Indicum Seed Powder.
La Mer The Cleansing Gel contains this as ingredient number 22.
La Mer The Cleansing Foam contains this as ingredient number 23.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.
La Mer The Cleansing Gel contains this as ingredient number 23.
La Mer The Cleansing Foam contains this as ingredient number 38.
Sucrose is a natural sugar found in fruits, vegetables, and nuts. It is the main constituent of white sugar.
In skincare, sucrose is a humectant and can be a mild exfoliant.
Sucrose is hydrophilic, meaning it attracts water. This makes it an effective humectant and helps hydrate the skin.
Studies show sugars may worsen acne-prone skin due to it disrupting the skin's natural biome. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
In some products such as body scrubs, sucrose is used as an gentle exfoliant.
The term 'sucrose' comes from the french word for sugar, 'sucre'.
Learn more about SucroseLa Mer The Cleansing Gel contains this as ingredient number 24.
La Mer The Cleansing Foam contains this as ingredient number 31.
Sodium Bicarbonate has a more famous name: Baking soda.
In cosmetics, it is used to adjust the acidity. Due to its white crystalline solid form, it can also be an abrasive (exfoliator).
This ingredient is water-soluble.
Learn more about Sodium BicarbonateLa Mer The Cleansing Gel contains this as ingredient number 26.
La Mer The Cleansing Foam contains this as ingredient number 40.
We don't have a description for Tourmaline.
La Mer The Cleansing Gel contains this as ingredient number 27.
La Mer The Cleansing Foam contains this as ingredient number 32.
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give aroma to products. Parfum, or fragrance, can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "Parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
In the US, the alternative name for parfum is 'fragrance'. The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance. One example is Calendula flower extract. Essential oil ingredients still impart a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, it can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Products use parfum often to give products a scent or cover up smells of different ingredients.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumLa Mer The Cleansing Gel contains this as ingredient number 29.
La Mer The Cleansing Foam contains this as ingredient number 44.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTALa Mer The Cleansing Gel contains this as ingredient number 31.
La Mer The Cleansing Foam contains this as ingredient number 45.
MCI is a preservative and known skin-irritant. It has anti-bacteria anti-fungal properties.
Studies spanning several decades have shown this ingredient to cause skin irritation and allergies.
MCI is commonly combined with methylisothiazolinone (MI). Other names for this mixture include Kathon CG and Euxyl K 100.
The use of this ingredient varies around the world:
Learn more about MethylchloroisothiazolinoneLa Mer The Cleansing Gel contains this as ingredient number 32.
La Mer The Cleansing Foam contains this as ingredient number 49.
MI is a preservative and known skin irritant. In the past, MI was used for its ability to prevent bacteria, yeast, and fungi growth in low doses.
Nowadays, you'll most likely see MI combined with Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI). Trade names for this combination include Kathon CG or Euxyl K 100.
Since then, numerous studies have shown this ingredient to cause contact dermatitis, or skin irritation.
The use of this ingredient varies around the world:
Learn more about MethylisothiazolinoneLa Mer The Cleansing Gel contains this as ingredient number 33.
La Mer The Cleansing Foam contains this as ingredient number 50.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
La Mer The Cleansing Gel contains this as ingredient number 34.
La Mer The Cleansing Foam contains this as ingredient number 48.
Linalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Linalool has the same effect as Limonene when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
Linalool has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolLa Mer The Cleansing Gel contains this as ingredient number 38.
La Mer The Cleansing Foam contains this as ingredient number 46.
We don't have a description for Ci 61570.
La Mer The Cleansing Gel contains this as ingredient number 39.
La Mer The Cleansing Foam contains this as ingredient number 54.
Ci 19140 is also known as Tartrazine. Tartrazine is a synthetic dye used in cosmetics, foods, and medicine to add a yellow color.
Tartrazine is created from petroleum and is water-soluble.
Some people may experience allergies from this dye, especially asthmatics and those with an aspirin intolerance.
Learn more about CI 19140La Mer The Cleansing Gel contains this as ingredient number 40.
La Mer The Cleansing Foam contains this as ingredient number 51.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
La Mer The Cleansing Gel 40 ingredients
La Mer The Cleansing Foam 54 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
La Mer The Cleansing Gel 40 ingredients
La Mer The Cleansing Foam 54 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
La Mer The Cleansing Foam 54 ingredients
TaylorForman_1
Best Cleanser I have ever come accross
I have gone through many cleansers. This is by far the best I have come accross.
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