Consumer tests evaluate facial creams for quality and safety

Recent consumer testing in Germany has evaluated various facial creams, ranging from budget drugstore options to luxury brands, focusing on skin feel, moisturizing performance, and the presence of harmful substances.

In an Öko-Test evaluation of 32 products, several affordable options received the highest rating of ‘very good’. These included Cien Tagespflege Reichhaltig from Lidl and Lacura Skin Reichhaltige Tagescreme from Aldi, both priced at 1.65 euros per 50 milliliters, as well as Balea’s rich day cream from dm.

In contrast, some well-known brands faced criticism. L'Oréal Age Perfect was noted for containing PEG/PEG derivatives, which can increase skin permeability to foreign substances.

Separately, an IMTEST evaluation of moisturizing day creams identified La Roche-Posay Hydraphase HA Leicht as the overall winner due to its pleasant skin feel and lack of detectable allergens, formaldehyde, phthalates, or benzene. While highly rated for performance, it was noted for its high price point and less sustainable plastic packaging. Balea Feuchtigkeitscreme from dm was recognized as the best value for money in that specific test.