Lacura Face Cream Review: Is It Worth It?

If you are tired of spending a fortune on luxury moisturizers, you absolutely need to head to your local Aldi and check the middle aisle. Specifically, look for the Lacura face cream range. It is arguably the best value skincare on the market right now.

Whether you are hunting for the Caviar Illumination or the Q10 range, buying these instore during their “Specialbuys” events is the best way to secure them before they sell out. Trust me, for the price of a latte, it is worth the impulse buy.

My Experience With Lacura Face Cream

I admit that I was initially a massive snob about buying skincare where I buy my milk and eggs.

For years, I subscribed to the belief that if a face cream did not cost at least fifty dollars and come from a department store counter with a dedicated consultant, it was simply putting glorified vaseline on my face.

However, the noise surrounding the Lacura Caviar Illumination Day Cream became too loud to ignore.

Beauty editors were whispering about it being a near-identical dupe for La Prairie, a brand that costs more than my monthly car payment.¹ Curiosity eventually won, and during a random Tuesday grocery run, I spotted the silver and blue box in the “Specialbuys” aisle.

The first thing that struck me was the packaging. I expected flimsy plastic, but the jar was heavy, frosted glass with a mirrored lid. It felt substantial and looked shockingly elegant on my vanity. When I unscrewed the lid, the scent hit me first. It is definitely fragranced—a clean, slightly floral, “expensive” spa smell. If you are sensitive to fragrance, this might be a red flag, but I found it pleasant. The texture was the real test. It was thick, buttery, and rich, not watery like many budget moisturizers.

I started using it exclusively for four weeks to give it a fair shot. My skin tends to be combination-dry, especially on the cheeks, so I need something that hydrates without suffocating my pores. The cream melted into my skin surprisingly fast. There was no greasy residue, just a velvety finish that actually acted as a fantastic primer for my foundation.

By week two, I noticed my skin looked brighter. The dullness that usually plagues me by Wednesday afternoon was gone. While I cannot say my deep forehead wrinkles vanished—no cream does that—the fine dehydration lines around my eyes were visibly plumped. My skin felt bouncy and resilient. The most shocking part was that I experienced zero breakouts, which is my usual reaction to cheaper, heavy creams.

By the end of the month, I had to swallow my pride. This seven-dollar cream was outperforming the sixty-dollar jar I had finished the month prior. It kept my moisture barrier intact during a windy week, and my makeup sat better on top of it. It is not a miracle cure that will reverse aging overnight, but for the price, the hydration and luxury feel are unmatched. I went back to buy a backup, but naturally, they were sold out—a lesson I will touch on later.

Also read: My Thoughts on Air Cushion CC Cream

Pros Of Lacura Face Cream

• Unbeatable Price Point: The most obvious advantage is the cost. You are often paying less than ten dollars for a product that mimics the performance of luxury brands costing hundreds. This allows you to be generous with your application. You do not have to ration a pea-sized amount; you can apply it liberally to your face, neck, and décolletage without feeling like you are washing money down the drain. This accessibility means consistent use is easier to maintain, which is key for seeing skincare results.
• High-Quality Ingredients: Despite the low price, the ingredient lists are impressive. The Caviar Illumination line, for example, includes caviar extract and snow algae, ingredients usually reserved for high-end formulations.² The Q10 range is packed with coenzymes and peptides. They also frequently include hyaluronic acid for hydration and SPF in their day creams. You are not just paying for fillers; you are getting active ingredients that have proven efficacy in dermatology.
• Luxurious Packaging: Presentation matters, and Lacura nails it. The heavy glass jars and sleek lids make the experience feel special. It does not look out of place next to premium brands on a bathroom shelf. The weight of the jar mimics the sensory experience of luxury beauty, which adds to the placebo effect of “pampering” yourself. It feels like a treat rather than a budget compromise.
• Cruelty-Free Certification: Lacura is Leaping Bunny certified.³ This is a massive pro for ethical consumers. Many high-end legacy brands still sell in markets that require animal testing, but Aldi has maintained a strict cruelty-free stance. You can enjoy these products knowing that no animals were harmed in their development, which is often a grey area in the budget beauty world.
• Variety Of Ranges: Lacura does not just offer one generic cream. They have specific lines for different age groups and skin concerns. The “Q10” line targets early signs of aging, the “Caviar” line is for more mature skin needing intense hydration, and they often release “Specialbuys” like the Pink Clay mask (for oily skin) or Vitamin C serums (for brightening). This allows you to mix and match a routine that fits your specific skin type.

Cons Of Lacura Face Cream

• Inconsistent Availability: This is the biggest frustration with the brand. Many of their best items are “Specialbuys,” meaning they are in stock for a limited time and then disappear for months. You cannot rely on walking into the store and finding your favorite moisturizer every time. This scarcity model creates panic buying and makes it difficult to build a consistent, long-term routine if you cannot replenish your empty jars immediately.
• Heavy Fragrance: If you have sensitive skin or a nose that prefers unscented products, Lacura might be difficult for you. Most of their face creams contain Parfum, and it is not subtle. It is a very “classic cosmetic” scent. While it dissipates after a while, the initial application can be overwhelming for some, and fragrance is a known common irritant for conditions like rosacea or eczema.
• Potentially Heavy Texture: The creams, particularly the anti-aging lines, lean towards being very rich and thick. While this is heaven for dry skin, those with oily or acne-prone skin might find it too occlusive. It can feel heavy if you layer it over multiple serums. It requires a bit of time to sink in fully, which might not suit people who need a lightweight, gel-like moisturizer that vanishes instantly.
• Lack Of Specific Percentage Listings: While they highlight ingredients like Retinol or Vitamin C, they rarely disclose the exact percentage concentrations on the packaging. Unlike brands like The Ordinary or Inkey List, where you know you are getting exactly 1% Retinol, with Lacura, you are guessing the potency. This makes it hard to gauge if it will be strong enough for experienced skincare users or too strong for beginners.
• Jar Packaging Hygiene: Most of the creams come in jars rather than pump bottles.⁴ While this feels luxurious, it exposes the product to air and light every time you open it, which can degrade antioxidants over time. It also requires you to dip your fingers in, which introduces bacteria unless you are diligent about using a spatula.

Also read: My Thoughts on Super Nature Shampoo

Maintenance Tips For Lacura Face Cream

• Proper Storage Techniques: To get the most longevity out of these creams, you must store them correctly. Because many Lacura products come in clear or frosted glass jars, light exposure can degrade active ingredients like antioxidants and retinoids. Keep the jars inside a cabinet or a drawer away from direct sunlight. For the gel-based products or eye creams, consider storing them in the refrigerator. The cooling effect will help de-puff your skin in the morning and can make the heavy texture feel more refreshing and lighter on application.
• Hygienic Application: Since these creams are packaged in open jars, you risk contaminating the product with bacteria from your hands. This can lead to breakouts or the product spoiling faster than its expiration date. Invest in a small cosmetic spatula or spoon to scoop the product out. If you must use your fingers, ensure you wash your hands thoroughly with soap immediately before dipping into the jar. Never double-dip after touching your face if you can avoid it.
• Layering Correctly: Lacura face creams are generally rich, so they should be the final step in your skincare routine (before sunscreen in the morning). Cleanse your face, apply your toner, and then any lightweight water-based serums. Let those absorb for sixty seconds before sealing everything in with the Lacura cream. If you use facial oils, apply the oil after the cream or mix a drop of oil into the cream in your palm before applying. Applying the heavy cream before lighter serums will block the serums from penetrating your skin.
• Patch Testing Is Mandatory: Because Lacura uses strong fragrances and a variety of botanical extracts, the risk of contact dermatitis exists. Before slathering it all over your face, apply a small amount behind your ear or on the inside of your wrist. Wait twenty-four hours to see if any redness, itching, or burning occurs. This is especially important if you are using their “Rejuvelate” or “Caviar” lines, which have more active ingredients than a standard moisturizer.
• Managing The Expiration Date: Look for the “PAO” (Period After Opening) symbol on the back of the jar, which usually looks like a little open tub with a number like “12M” inside. This means the product is good for twelve months after you break the seal. Because people often stock up on these during sales, you might have jars sitting for a while. Do not open a backup jar until you are ready to use it. Once opened, write the date on the bottom of the jar with a permanent marker so you know exactly when it is time to toss it.
• Enhancing Absorption With Massage: To combat the thick texture, do not just smear it on. Warm the cream between your fingertips for a few seconds to melt the waxes. Then, press it into your skin using an upward motion. This technique helps the product absorb better and prevents it from sitting on top of the skin and pilling. You can also use a jade roller or gua sha tool over the cream to help push the hydration deeper into the epidermis while stimulating blood flow.

Comparison with Other Brands

• Comparison With La Prairie: This is the most famous comparison. La Prairie’s Skin Caviar Luxe Cream costs hundreds of dollars, while Lacura’s Caviar Illumination is often under ten dollars. Both feature caviar extract and aim to firm and lift the skin.⁵ In terms of texture, La Prairie is undeniably more refined and silky, with a more complex scent profile. However, regarding basic hydration and the visual “plumping” effect, Lacura performs shockingly close to the original. If you are looking for the experience of luxury, La Prairie wins. If you want the results of a rich anti-aging moisturizer without the financial guilt, Lacura is the clear winner. You could buy a lifetime supply of Lacura for the price of one jar of La Prairie.
• Comparison With Nivea: Nivea is the classic drugstore competitor. Nivea Crème (the blue tin) is thicker, greasier, and much simpler in terms of ingredients—mostly mineral oil and glycerin. Lacura feels more sophisticated than Nivea. It sinks in faster and contains more “active” anti-aging ingredients like peptides and vitamins. Nivea is better for raw, cracked skin or use on the body, but for the face, Lacura feels more like a cosmetic treatment and less like an occlusive barrier. Lacura sits better under makeup, whereas Nivea can cause foundation to slide around.
• Comparison With The Ordinary: The Ordinary focuses on single-ingredient clinical formulations (e.g., just Hyaluronic Acid or just Retinol) with very clinical, stripped-back packaging and no fragrance. Lacura is the opposite; it is a “cocktail” product that mixes everything into one cream with a focus on sensory experience and luxury feel. The Ordinary is better if you want to control every single ingredient you put on your face and avoid fragrance. Lacura is better if you want a “one and done” jar that moisturizes, treats, and feels pampering without requiring a chemistry degree to understand the routine.
• Comparison With Elemis: The Lacura Pro-Collagen range is often compared to Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream. Elemis is famous for its gel-cream texture and very specific herbal scent. Lacura tries to mimic this but usually lands on a slightly heavier, creamier texture. Elemis feels more breathable and lightweight, making it superior for very oily skin. However, the price difference is massive. Lacura provides about 80% of the hydration and firming feel of Elemis. While the Elemis scent is iconic and hard to replicate, Lacura offers a very decent alternative for those who love the marine-based anti-aging concept but cannot justify the high price tag.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

Ultimately, Lacura face cream is a total steal. If you see it on the shelf, grab it immediately because the hype is justified. It offers luxury feels on a shoestring budget. While it might not replace medical-grade dermatology products for severe acne, it is perfect for daily maintenance and hydration. Go to Aldi, stock up, and thank me later when your skin glows without bankrupting you.