After years of yearning, it’s finally here. La Mer, the brand synonymous with luxury and transformative skincare, has arrived on Indian shores. For years, the cult following of La Mer’s Crème de la Mer and its renowned Miracle Broth™ has been reserved for international markets. Now, Indian skincare enthusiasts have a chance to indulge in this elixir of the sea, bringing their beauty rituals to an entirely new level. We sat down with Dr. Paul Tchinnis the mastermind behind La Mer’s innovation at the Max Huber Research Labs, to learn more about this iconic brand and how it’s set to revolutionise Indian skincare routines.
On the Personality of Miracle Broth™
When we asked Dr. Paul about the essence of Miracle Broth™, he equated it with the ocean itself. “The Miracle Broth™ is like the wise, old soul of the ocean—calm, nurturing, and endlessly rejuvenating,” he shared. “It’s timeless, a secret from the sea that Max Huber has perfected over 50 years. The key elements—sea kelp, precious minerals, and a meticulous fermentation process—are combined with such care that they give the broth its magical, restorative qualities. In many ways, it’s as if the sea itself whispers its ancient wisdom into every drop.”
Discovering the Ocean’s Mysteries
Dr. Paul’s work at La Mer is deeply inspired by the sea. And for him, the ocean continues to be a source of endless excitement and innovation. “The ocean is a constant source of inspiration for us at La Mer,” he explained. “Every discovery feels like unearthing a hidden treasure. A particularly exciting discovery was the use of Sea Fennel, a plant that thrives in harsh coastal environments. It has been shown to stimulate similar proteins as retinol but without the irritation. We harvest it with the same care and reverence we give to the Giant Sea Kelp, ensuring we capture its full potency. There’s a beautiful synergy between our research and the way the sea offers up its ingredients—always surprising, always potent.”
A Defining Moment in La Mer’s Journey
With over 30 years of experience in R&D, Dr. Paul has witnessed La Mer’s evolution first-hand. For him, one breakthrough that truly stands out is the creation of MRA-3. “This ingredient is inspired by the powerful energy of the sea,” he said. “MRA-3 combines three sea-borne ingredients—Sea Fennel, brown algae, and our Giant Sea Kelp. Sea Fennel, in particular, has a powerful ability to thrive in extreme conditions. We knew it had the potential to transform the way we think about skin rejuvenation. It’s the kind of discovery that feels almost serendipitous, but it’s always backed by years of research.”
The Future of Luxury Skincare
As the beauty world evolves, so too does the future of skincare. Dr. Paul sees the demand for more science-backed, effective products growing ever stronger. “Consumers today are smarter than ever,” he noted. “They want proof, they want science, and they want results. At La Mer, we’re committed to ongoing innovation—always looking for the next discovery that can take our products to the next level. We’re excited about the future, where we can further enhance the potency of our ingredients and continue delivering the skin-rejuvenating benefits that our devotees rely on.”
The ‘Life Force’ of La Mer
When asked to pinpoint the ultimate ‘life force’ behind La Mer, Dr. Paul’s answer was immediate. “There’s no question—the Miracle Broth™ is the true life force behind everything La Mer creates,” he said. “Whether in Crème de la Mer or any of our other products, it recharges the skin’s energy on a cellular level. It’s the foundation of our philosophy that skin can heal itself when given the right nourishment. When we say La Mer ‘Gives Skin Life,’ we’re speaking about that deeply restorative energy that flows through every product.”
Unexpected Consumer Feedback:
Consumer feedback is always at the forefront of La Mer’s innovations. For Dr. Paul, the company’s commitment to listening to its users has led to surprising—and rewarding—discoveries. “Our consumers are always at the heart of what we do,” he said. “One surprising piece of feedback was the desire for a retinol alternative that didn’t cause irritation. This led us to develop the new Rejuvenating Night Cream, which harnesses marine-based retinol alternatives for anti-ageing benefits without the usual side effects. It’s a perfect example of how La Mer listens, learns, and innovates.”
Advice for New La Mer Users in India
For Dr. Paul, entering the world of La Mer is about more than just products—it’s about embracing a ritual. “My advice is simple: Start with a consultation,” he said. “Whether it’s in-person or virtual, speaking to one of our experts is the best way to learn about La Mer and its products. Indian skin has unique needs—whether it’s the climate, pollution, or sun exposure—and we want to ensure every new user starts their journey with the right product for their skin. La Mer is a ritual, not just a product, and that ritual starts with understanding your skin’s needs.”