What La mer does

La mer Cosmetics AG is a family-owned German skincare manufacturer founded in 1980 and headquartered in Cuxhaven, Germany, where it operates its own laboratory and production facility. The company specializes in marine-based skincare built around a proprietary sea silt extract harvested from an exclusive biotope in the Wadden Sea/North Sea and processed via a globally unique extraction method. This sea silt extract, combined with green algae extract (Enteromorpha compressa) and sea salt in the Marine Care Complex, underpins a broad portfolio organized into Beauty Lines (anti-aging, serums, masks, sun protection, men's care, cleansing), Medical Lines (Med basic care and the Med+ sub-lines for anti-age, anti-dry, anti-red, anti-spot, anti-stress targeting dermatological conditions such as couperose, rosacea, neurodermatitis, psoriasis, and acne), and seasonal Limited Editions. All products are developed and manufactured in Germany, are dermatologically tested, and are formulated free from silicones, parabens, PEGs, paraffin, fragrances, and dyes.

The company monetizes through a multi-channel go-to-market: direct-to-consumer e-commerce at la-mer.com serving Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands (with subscription service, newsletter discount, and customer-club loyalty mechanics); wholesale distribution through well-stocked pharmacies and certified cosmetic institutes across the same three countries; and a tiered pricing structure spanning €9.90 entry-level products up to €89.90 premium face creams. Marketing is driven by organic social (Instagram, Facebook), content marketing via La mer Magazine, paid digital advertising across Google, Microsoft, and Meta, and email automation via Klaviyo.

La mer is a privately held Aktiengesellschaft with 51–100 employees, no external funding rounds, no M&A activity, and no public listings. It maintains no subsidiaries and operates exclusively in the DACH/Benelux region. The company has positioned itself as a premium, Made-in-Germany, dermatologically tested marine skincare brand with a 40+ year family-ownership heritage, and its primary differentiation rests on the proprietary sea silt extraction and the Med+ dermatological product platform rather than on technology, AI, or scale advantages.

Name

La mer

Legal name

La mer Cosmetics AG

Website

https://la-mer.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1980

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

La mer Cosmetics AG is a family-owned German skincare manufacturer founded in 1980 in Cuxhaven, producing marine-based dermatological and beauty skincare from proprietary North Sea sea silt extract for consumers across Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands via DTC e-commerce and pharmacy channels.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Skincare Cosmetics

NAICS

Cosmetics, Beauty Supplies, and Perfume Retailers (456120), Soap and Cleaning Compound Manufacturing (32561), Cosmetics, Beauty Supplies, and Perfume Retailers (45612)

SIC

Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations (2844), Soap, Detergents, Cleang Preparations, Perfumes, Cosmetics (2840)

akta.pro primary industry

Dermocosmetics & Medical-Grade Skincare (CRABAAAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Natural/Organic & Clean Skincare (CRABAAAH), Dermatology & Aesthetics Pharmaceuticals (HLAIAAAK), Sunscreen (Body) (CRABAHAB)

Keywords

• Marine skincare
• Dermatological cosmetics
• Natural skincare products
• Anti-aging skincare
• Medical skincare systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Cuxhaven

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. E-commerce Direct Sales: Direct-to-consumer sales through owned online store (la-mer.com) for German, Dutch, and Belgian markets with standard one-time purchase pricing and optional subscription model.
2. B2B Pharmacy & Institute Sales: Wholesale distribution through authorized pharmacies and certified cosmetic institutes throughout Germany and neighboring countries.
3. Subscription Service: Customer subscription program (Abonnement) offering 5-10% discount with flexible delivery frequencies (monthly to every 4 months) and minimum 3 deliveries.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

La mer develops, manufactures, and sells marine-based skincare cosmetics using a proprietary sea silt extract (Meeresschlick-Extrakt) sourced from the Wadden Sea and processed at its Cuxhaven facility. The product portfolio spans Beauty Lines (anti-aging, serums, masks, sun protection, men's care, cleansing), Medical Lines (dermatologically tested systems for sensitive skin, rosacea, acne, dryness, and aging), and seasonal Limited Editions. Sales occur through the company's own e-commerce shop, authorized pharmacies, and certified cosmetic institutes in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

Product overview

La mer is a German marine cosmetics company offering a comprehensive skincare portfolio organized into three main categories: the Beauty Lines (consumer skincare including Supreme Lift, Platinum Recovery, Ultra Booster, Origin Of, Seacrets Beauty Elixir, Seren, Ampullen, Masken, Sun Protection, Men Marine Care, Reinigung, and Vital Skin), the Medical Lines (dermatologically tested therapeutic skincare including Med basic care, Med+ Anti-Stress, Med+ Anti-Red, Med+ Anti-Spot, Med+ Anti-Dry, and Med+ Anti-Age), and Limited Editions (seasonal fragrances including Summer at Sea, Winter at Sea, Pearl of Sea, Marine Breeze, Mandarine Breeze, Berry Breeze, and Power at Sea). The product portfolio centers on the proprietary Marine Care Complex (Meeresschlick-Extrakt/sea silt extract, green algae extract, and sea salt) harvested from the Wadden Sea near Cuxhaven. Products range from anti-aging treatments (Supreme Lift, Platinum Recovery) to targeted solutions for sensitive skin conditions (Med+ medical lines for stress, redness, acne, dryness), basic cleansing, and seasonal limited editions. All products are developed, researched, and manufactured at the company's facility in Cuxhaven, Germany, with natural ingredients and marine-based active compounds.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Med: Basic care skincare line for sensitive and dry skin with Marine Care Complex. Dermatologically tested. Free from silicones, parabens, PEGs, paraffin, and perfume.
• Med+ Anti-Age
• Med+ Anti-Dry
• Med+ Anti-Red
• Med+ Anti-Spot
• Med+ Anti-Stress
• Supreme Lift
• Platinum Recovery
• Ultra Booster
• Origin Of
• Seacrets Beauty Elixir
• Seren
• Ampullen
• Masken
• Men Marine Care
• Sun Protection
• Reinigung
• Vital Skin
• Summer at Sea
• Winter at Sea
• Marine Breeze
• Berry Breeze
• Mandarine Breeze
• Pearl of Sea
• Power at Sea

Products and services

• Med (Basic Care Line) Dermatologically tested basic medical skincare line for sensitive and dry skin with Marine Care Complex. Includes Day Cream, Night Cream, Eye Cream, Cleansing Gel, Reinigungsmilch, Gesichtswasser, Duschcreme, Hand Cream, and Shampoo. Free from silicones, parabens, PEGs, paraffin, and perfume.
• Med+ Anti-Age Anti-aging system care for sensitive, mature skin. Combats signs of skin aging with marine ingredients while providing intensive moisture. System includes daily care products with Marine Care Complex.
• Med+ Anti-Dry Specialized care for very dry skin supporting therapy for psoriasis and neurodermatitis. Relieves itching and scaling. Products include Lipid Cream, Sea Salt Cream (10% sea salt), Salt Lotion, and Duschcreme.
• Med+ Anti-Red Medical skincare line for couperose and rosacea-prone skin. Reduces redness and irritation with Marine Care Complex and green pigments that visually camouflage redness. Products include Couperose Cream and Redness Reduction Cream (RR Cream) with SPF 30.
• Med+ Anti-Spot Medical skincare system for impure skin, acne, and blemishes. Regulates sebum production and soothes skin. Products include Foaming Cleanser, Clarifying Toner, Regulating Fluid, and Peel-off Spot Gel.
• Med+ Anti-Stress Medical-grade skincare for stressed and irritated skin caused by external factors. Contains Marine Care Complex. Products include serum, day cream, night cream, and S.O.S. cream. Dermatologically tested.
• Supreme Lift Anti-wrinkle care line for firmer, more elastic skin. Features Trimarine Lift complex with Shea Butter and Squalane for building and intensive regeneration. Products include Day Cream, Night Cream, Neck & Décolleté Cream, 2-Phase Face Oil, and Body Butter.
• Platinum Recovery High-performance anti-aging care with triple action: regeneration, radiance, and rejuvenation. Features marine stem cells from sea fennel, peptides, and brown algae extract. Pro Cell Day Cream is the flagship product.
• Ultra Booster Maximum moisture booster with immediate effect for ultimate nourishment and firm skin. Premium products featuring Osmofill+ complex, Panthenol, and Shea Butter. Includes Premium Effect Body Cream.
• Origin Of Moisturizing cream with particularly high concentration of sea silt extract. Ideal as basic care for day and night or as wind and weather protection. Free from preservatives and PEG.
• Seacrets Beauty Elixir Deep-acting serum with maximum concentration of sea silt extract and molecular oxygen for silky-soft skin.
• Seren (Serums) Highly concentrated intensive care in liquid form that absorbs quickly and deeply into skin. Includes Hyaluron Serum with five types of hyaluronic acid. Designed to integrate into any existing skincare routine.
• Ampullen (Ampoules) Small vials with concentrated effects. Active ingredient boosters when skin needs extra care quickly. Includes 14-Day Age Defence Ampoule Course with ARGIRELINE and 7-Day Skin Booster Ampoule Kur.
• Masken (Masks) Intensive facial masks — moisturizing, cleansing, or soothing varieties for extra care moments.
• Sun Protection Sun protection for every skin type combining UV protection with highly tolerable care and marine-friendly ingredients. Includes Sun Cream SPF 50+ for face.
• Men Marine Care Skincare tailored to the special needs of men's skin. Products provide long-lasting moisture to sensitive skin with masculine marine scent.
• Reinigung (Cleansing) Gentle cleansing products suitable for every skin condition. Optimal preparation for subsequent care. Includes Cleansing Gel, Reinigungsmilch, Mizellar-Reinigungswasser, Enzym-Peeling, Augen Make-up Entferner, and the new Meerespeeling with jojoba beads.
• Vital Skin Innovative combination of Q10 and Vitamin C protects against oxidative stress, reduces pigment changes, and provides a radiant, even complexion.
• Limited Edition Seasonal Lines Seasonal and themed beauty lines including Summer at Sea (fragrance of summer, sun, and sea), Winter at Sea (orange and vanilla), Marine Breeze (maritime scent), Pearl of Sea (aquatic/floral), Mandarine Breeze, Berry Breeze, and Power at Sea (sea buckthorn + marine extracts). Limited Edition collection with Anti-Age Hand Cream, body lotions, and shower gels.
• Summer at Sea 2026 Limited Edition Re-release of the Summer at Sea Limited Edition line with a new Anti-Age Hand Cream, featuring the signature Summer at Sea fragrance of summer, sun, and sea. Includes Q10 Body Lotion, Shower Gel, and Feuchtigkeits-Sorbet.
• Augenpads (Eye Pads) Smoothing eye pads with Hyaluronic Acid. Cooling, decongestant, and refreshing. Reduces dark circles and fine lines for a radiant, awake look.
• Q10 Körperlotion Body lotion with sea silt extract, avocado oil, and Vitamin E that moisturizes and helps skin cells protect and remain elastic.

Quantifiable outcome

• Dermatologically tested formulations free from common irritants (silicones, parabens, PEGs, paraffin, fragrance)

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration17 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered minor.

• DHL GOGREENminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerClimate-neutral shipping partnership. La mer uses DHL GOGREEN for package delivery, offsetting transport-related CO2 emissions for sustainable delivery.
• Creditreform Boniversum GmbHminorOthersCredit and identity check service used when customers choose invoice payment method to assess creditworthiness.
• Creditreform BremerhavenminorOthersDebt collection partner engaged when payment obligations remain outstanding despite prior reminders.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Caudalie: French natural skincare brand built around a single hero ingredient (grape polyphenols) with pharmacy and DTC distribution. Comparable on natural-ingredient-led brand storytelling and European pharmacy presence.
• Eucerin: Beiersdorf-owned dermatological skincare brand sold primarily through pharmacies with extensive Med/sensitive-skin and anti-aging ranges. Closest large-scale comp to La mer's Med+ lines in the German pharmacy channel.
• Elemis: British marine-and botanical-based skincare brand with premium positioning and global DTC + spa/institute distribution. Closest comp to La mer on the marine-provenance narrative combined with spa/institute channel sales.
• Vichy: L'Oréal-owned French dermocosmetic brand with thermal-water heritage, large Minéral 89 and Liftactiv ranges, and strong pharmacy presence. Comparable broad dermocosmetic portfolio sold via European pharmacies.
• Weleda: German/Swiss natural cosmetics brand distributed in pharmacies, drugstores, and own channels globally. Comparable on natural-ingredient, Made-in-Europe, pharmacy-channel positioning to La mer.
• Sebamed: German pH-balanced, dermatologically tested skincare brand sold through pharmacies and drugstores. Comparable German dermocosmetic heritage and medical-grade positioning to La mer Med+.
• La Roche-Posay: L'Oréal-owned dermocosmetic brand with strong thermal-spring-water heritage and sensitive/medical-grade product lines (Anthelios, Toleriane, Cicaplast). Direct competitor in pharmacy-channel medical skincare.
• Avène: Pierre Fabre brand built around thermal spring water from the Cévennes. Sells sensitive-skin and dermatological skincare through pharmacies across Europe, comparable to La mer's mineral/marine heritage and Med+ positioning.
• Bioderma: NAOS-owned French dermo-cosmetic brand with strong Sensibio/Atoderm pharmacy presence across Europe. Comparable category and distribution overlap with La mer's Med and Med+ ranges.
• Dr. Hauschka: WALA-owned German natural/holistic skincare brand, also family/values-driven and Made in Germany, sold in pharmacies and own stores. Direct comp on 'natural + pharmacy' positioning vs. La mer's marine-provenance clean formulation.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/lamercosmetics
• Instagraminstagram.com/lamercosmetics
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/la-mer-cosmetics-ag

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about La mer