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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of La Mer The Renewal Oil versus La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm .

Published on June 12, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 41 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin and dark spots

Free From

They both do not contain any parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils and silicones

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Oil American Brand United States
Body Oil American Brand United States

Oil

Oils are an emollient and can act as a supplement to your skincare routine.

Body Oil

Body oil help give your body extra hydration. They should be used after lotions and treatments.

Price

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.

La Mer The Renewal Oil 70 ingredients

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm 55 ingredients

alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

La Mer The Renewal Oil 70 ingredients

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm 55 ingredients

Notable Ingredients

Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Exfoliators (3)
Peptides

Benefits

Hydrating (4)
Redness Reducing
Reduces Irritation
Skin Texture
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots (2)
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying (3)
May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (3)
Rosacea (4)
Eczema (3)

Notable Ingredients

Vitamin E
Exfoliators (3)

Benefits

Hydrating (6)
Reduces Irritation
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Scar Healing (2)
Brightening (2)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (4)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (2)
Rosacea (3)
Eczema (3)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

La Mer The Renewal Oil 70 ingredients

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm 55 ingredients

Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil • Dimethicone • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Water • Trisiloxane • Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil • Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil • Polydecene • Hydrogenated Polydecene • Butylene Glycol • Propanediol • Glycerin • Algae Extract • Brassica Campestris Seed Oil • Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil • Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil • Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil • Camelina Sativa Seed Oil • Oxycoccus Palustris Seed Oil • Olea Europaea Fruit Oil • Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil • Medicago Sativa Seed Powder • Helianthus Annuus Seedcake • Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Meal • Sodium Gluconate • Copper Gluconate • Calcium Gluconate • Glycine • Zinc Gluconate • Tocopheryl Succinate • Niacin • Sesamum Indicum Seed Powder • Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract • Laminaria Saccharina Extract • Hydrolyzed Algin • Sea Salt • Chlorella Vulgaris Extract • Salicornia Herbacea Extract • Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract • Laminaria Digitata Extract • Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract • Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract • Yeast Extract • Crithmum Maritimum Extract • Commiphora Mukul Resin Extract • Citrus Aurantifolia Peel Extract • Molasses Extract • Sucrose • Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 • Acetyl Glucosamine • Caffeine • Tocopheryl Acetate • Phenyl Trimethicone • Sodium Chloride • Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate • Alcohol Denat. • Parfum • Hexyl Cinnamal • Linalool • Amyl Cinnamal • Geraniol • Limonene • Citral • Benzyl Benzoate • Coumarin • Citronellol • BHA • Phenoxyethanol • CI 19140 • CI 15985

Glycine Soja Oil • Hydrogenated Polydecene • Dimethicone • Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil • Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil • Dextrin Palmitate • Trisiloxane • Olea Europaea Fruit Oil • 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 • Water • Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil • Brassica Campestris Seed Oil • Oxycoccus Palustris Seed Oil • Persea Gratissima Oil • Citrus Aurantifolia Peel Extract • Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract • Triticum Vulgare Germ Oil • Vegetable Oil • Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil • Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil • Oenothera Biennis Oil • Rosa Canina Fruit Oil • Tocopherol • Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil • Camelina Sativa Seed Oil • Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil • Glycerin • Polysorbate 80 • Caprylyl Glycol • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Silica • Parfum • BHA • Limonene • Linalool • Benzyl Benzoate • Coumarin • Citronellol • Geraniol • Hydroxycitronellal • Citral • Alcohol Denat.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil is the oil extracted from the seeds of the meadowfoam plant. This oil is non-fragrant and is an emollient. As an emollient, meadowfoam seed oil helps soften and hydrate the skin.

Due to its structure, meadowfoam seed oil is stable and has a long shelf life. It has the highest concentration of stable fatty-acids among plant oils. This makeup helps prevent it from degrading once exposed to oxygen.

Meadowfoam, Limnanthes alba, Limnanthaceae., is native to California and Oregon.

Learn more about Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 1.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 4.

2
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 2.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 3.

3
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

Within a product, Caprylic Triglyceride can thicken the product and make spreadability easier by dissolving clumping compounds. An added benefit of Caprylic Triglyceride is its antioxidant properties.

Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Caprylic Triglyceride has not been found to be toxic for human use in concentrations under 50%.

While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.

Learn more about Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 3.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 43.

4
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Water

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 4.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 23.

5
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Trisiloxane is a type of silicone.

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 5.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 7.

6
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil comes from the sweet almond, a tree native to Iran. This oil has no fragrance and is non-volatile.

Almonds contain healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. It is a rich source of Vitamin E, a great antioxidant and skin conditioning ingredient. Sweet almond oil contains fatty acids such as linolenic acid and triglycerides.

The content of sweet almond oil makes it a great emollient; it can help soften and hydrate your skin. Emollients create a barrier over your skin to trap moisture in. Sweet almond oil has antioxidant properties. This may help with anti-aging, as antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are unstable molecules that may damage your skin's cells.

Those with an almond allergy should be careful of this ingredient and speak with a professional about using it in your skincare.

This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.

Learn more about Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 6.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 24.

7
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

This ingredient is the fixed oil extracted from seeds of the desert shrub Jojoba. It is more commonly known as jojoba oil. The seed oil is liquid wax ester from the plant. It is non-comedogenic.

Jojoba oil does not contain fragrance and has many fatty-acids, making it a great soothing ingredient. Jojoba contains Vitamin E, a great moisturizing ingredient. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant. Antioxidants help protect your skin against free-radical damage. This may help in anti-aging.

Jojoba seed oil is a humectant, meaning it helps draw moisture from the air. This helps keep your skin hydrated.

While jojoba has antibacterial properties, it is only able to kill some bacteria. It has also been shown to help in wound healing. Indigenous cultures have used jojoba as a moisturizer and to help treat burns.

It is found to be similar to natural human skin sebum, so it has a great effect on dry skin. Jojoba oil may even help with regulating sebum production.

Although jojoba oil is non-comedogenic, we recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient if you have any concerns.

Jojoba oil may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.

Jojoba is native to the southwestern US.

Learn more about Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 7.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 39.

8
What it does: Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Liked

Hydrogenated Polydecene is an emollient. It creates a non-occlusive film on the skin that offers extra protection for your skin barrier.

The texture of Hydrogenated Polydecene ranges from light and silky to rich.

Hydrogenated Polydecene is the end compound of controlled hydrogenation of Polydecene.

Learn more about Hydrogenated Polydecene

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 9.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 2.

9
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 12.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 40.

10
What it does: Emollient, Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

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 Extract

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 13.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 9.

11
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Brassica Campestris Seed Oil is from the field mustard plant. This plant is classified as a cabbage.

Like other vegetable oils, Brassica Campestris Seed Oil is an emollient. It helps sooth and soften the skin by trapping moisture in.

Brassica Campestris Seed Oil also contains antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules. These unstable molecules may damage your skin cells. By helping to stabilize them, antioxidants may help with anti-aging.

Learn more about Brassica Campestris Seed Oil

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 14.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 25.

12
What it does: Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil derived from the seeds of a Sunflower. Sunflower seed oil is non-fragrant. It is an emollient, meaning it helps to soften the skin.

Sunflower seed oil contains many fatty acids. The fatty acids found in sunflower seeds include (from highest amount to least): linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid.

These fatty acids help the skin create ceramides. Ceramides play a role in repairing the skin barrier.

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil helps moisturize the skin. This in turn helps the skin look more rejuvenated and smoother.

Sunflowers are rich in vitamin E.

Historians believe Indigenous cultures of North America domesticated sunflowers before corn. Thus they relied on sunflower oil for a variety of uses. One such use is moisturizing skin and hair.

Sunflower seed oil may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.

Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 15.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 5.

13
What it does: Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

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 Oil

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 16.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 10.

14
What it does: Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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 Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 17.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 14.

15
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Camelina Sativa Seed Oil is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe.

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 18.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 38.

16
What it does: Antioxidant, Emollient, Skin Protecting

Oxycoccus Palustris Seed Oil is an antioxidant and is an oil.

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 19.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 26.

17
What it does: Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Olea Europaea Fruit Oil is the fixed oil obtained from the ripe fruit of the Olive. In other words - olive oil.

The primary contents of olive oil are glycerides of the fatty acids linoleic, oleic and palmitic.

Olive oil also contains antioxidants such as Vitamin E. Antioxidants may help reduce signs of aging by fighting unstable free-radical molecules. It also contains Vitamins A (retinol), D, and K.

The squalene in olive oil makes it a great emollient. Emollients help soothe and soften your skin by trapping moisture in. This makes olive oil a great skin moisturizer.

Studies show olive oil to have antibacterial and antifungal properties in low concentrations. Another study found olive oil irritated sensitive oily skin. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.

Learn more about Olea Europaea Fruit Oil

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 20.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 8.

18
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil also known as seabuckthorn oil. This oil is usually extracted from the fruit pulp or seeds.

Seabuckthorn is rich in phytosterols, carotenoids, Vitamins A, C, and E. This gives it strong antioxidant properties that can help soothe and protect your skin from oxidative damage.

This oil is rich in fatty acids, including: two types of linoleic acid (~30-34%), oleic acid (17%), and palmiteic acid (35%). Note these numbers are averages, and different parts of the plant will vary.

Palmitoleic acid has been shown to help soothe inflammation and promote wound healing. It is also naturally found in the fat of our skin.

Overall, seabuckthorn oil is great for nourishing, hydrating, and soothing skin. While it shows UV protecting properties, it should not replace sunscreen.

Due to the rich fatty acid content, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal acne, safe.

Seabuckthorn berries are little orange fruits. This plant is native to Asia.

Learn more about Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 21.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 33.

19
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Medicago Sativa Seed Powder.

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 22.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 11.

20
What it does: Abrasive
Community Rating: Disliked

Helianthus Annuus Seedcake is an exfoliant and isn't fungal acne safe.

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 23.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 12.

21

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 Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 24.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 13.

22
What it does: Skin Conditioning

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 Gluconate

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 25.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 15.

23
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Loved

We don't have a description for Copper Gluconate.

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 26.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 16.

24
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Calcium Gluconate.

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 27.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 17.

25
What it does: Buffering, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

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 Glycine

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 28.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 18.

26
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

We don't have a description for Zinc Gluconate.

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 29.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 19.

27
What it does: Antioxidant

Tocopheryl Succinate is an antioxidant.

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 30.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 20.

28
What it does: Smoothing
Community Rating: Liked

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 Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 31.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 21.

29
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Sesamum Indicum Seed Powder.

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 32.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 22.

30
What it does: Antimicrobial, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract comes from rosemary. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean.

While Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil can be volatile due to its fragrant properties, this component is usually removed in the leaf extract.

Rosemary Leaf Extract can help protect your skin against damage from free-radical molecules. It contains many antioxidants such as rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid. Rosemarinic acid has been found to help soothe skin conditions such as eczema and acne.

Learn more about Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 41.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 29.

31
What it does: Cleansing, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning, Tonic

Citrus Aurantifolia Peel Extract is a fragrance.

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 46.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 28.

32
What it does: Antimicrobial, Astringent, Masking, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Alcohol Denat. is an alcohol with a denaturant property. It is created by mixing ethanol and other additives. It has a low molecular weight and will evaporate quickly. This helps other ingredients become better absorbed and dry once applied.

Alcohol Denat. is volatile and may cause irritation. It helps draw out natural oils in skin and dry out your skin.

One study from 2005 found adding emollients to propanol-based sanitizer decreased irritation.

Alcohol is antibacterial by nature. This can help preserve products and increase their shelf life.

Other types of astringent alcohols include:

Learn more about Alcohol Denat.

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 56.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 55.

33
What it does: Masking, Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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 Parfum

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 57.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 45.

34
What it does: Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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 Linalool

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 59.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 48.

35
What it does: Perfuming, Tonic
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Geraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.

Monoterpenes are naturally found in many parts of different plants.

Geraniol can be found in many essential oils including Rose Oil and Citronella Oil. The scent of Geraniol is often described as "rose-like". Many foods also contain Geraniol for fruit flavoring.

Geraniol can irritate the skin when exposed to air. However, irritation depends on the ability of geraniol to penetrate into the skin. In general, geraniol is not able to penetrate skin easily.

Geraniol is colorless and has low water-solubility. However, it is soluble in common organic solvents.

Like citronellol, it is a natural insect repellent.

2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-

Learn more about Geraniol

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 61.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 52.

36
What it does: Perfuming, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Limonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.

It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".

Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.

When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.

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.

Learn more about Limonene

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 62.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 47.

37
What it does: Perfuming

Citral is a fragrance and used to add a lemon-like scent to products. It is both naturally found in plants and created synthetically. In plants, it is commonly occurring in lemon myrtle, lemongrass, lemon tea-tree, lemon verbena, and other citruses.

The EU mandates Citral be listed separately as a fragrance. It is a known allergen and may cause contact dermatitis. Citral can also used as a masking ingredient.

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.

The term 'citral' is a collective term for two geometric isomers: geranial/Citral A and neral/Citral B.

Learn more about Citral

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 63.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 54.

38
What it does: Antimicrobial, Perfuming, Solvent
Community Rating: Disliked

Benzyl Benzoate is usually created from the condensation of benzoic acid and benzyl alcohol. It is used as a preservative, solvent, and has a floral/balsamic scent in large amounts.

As a preservative, Benzyl Benzoate works against bacteria and fungus. It is often used to treat scabies and lice in medicine.

Solvents are used to keep ingredients together in a product. They can help dissolve ingredients to stable bases or help evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product.

Due to its fragrance, Benzyl Benzoate can be sensitizing and may cause contact dermatitis. It is a known EU allergen. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.

Benzyl Benzoate can be naturally found in cranberries and peaches.

Learn more about Benzyl Benzoate

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 64.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 49.

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What it does: Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Coumarins are a group of substances found naturally in plants. There are over 1300 types of coumarins identified. It has a natural vanilla scent.

Coumarin is an identified EU known allergy, meaning it may cause an allergic reaction when applied to the skin.

In many countries, coumarin is banned as a food additive. However, it can be found in soaps, tobacco products, and some alcohol drinks.

Plants use coumarins as a chemical defense. Some plants that have coumarins include lavender, tonka beans, and yellow clovers.

Learn more about Coumarin

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 65.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 50.

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What it does: Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Citronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".

Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.

Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.

Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,

Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.

Learn more about Citronellol

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 66.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 51.

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What it does: Antioxidant, Masking
Community Rating: Liked

This BHA stands for butylated hydroxyanisole. If you are looking for the beta-hydroxy acid, aka as Salicylic Acid, click here.

In cosmetics, butylated hydroxyanisole is used as a perservative. It also has antioxidant properties. The concentrations usually used in skincare are low and do not penetrate through skin.

However, it is considered a carcinogen when ingested.

Butylated Hydroxyanisole is a synthetic and waxy petrochemical. It is used as a preservative in foods and cosmetics.

Learn more about BHA

La Mer The Renewal Oil contains this as ingredient number 67.

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm contains this as ingredient number 46.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

La Mer The Renewal Oil 70 ingredients

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm 55 ingredients

23% are loved or liked
16% have mixed ratings
34% are disliked or very disliked
27% have no rating yet
20% are loved or liked
16% have mixed ratings
47% are disliked or very disliked
16% have no rating yet

Usage

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When to use

La Mer The Renewal Oil 70 ingredients

La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm 55 ingredients

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Our Dupe Finder has found 3 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to La Mer The Renewal Body Oil Balm.

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