After sustaining burn injuries in a lab accident, aerospace scientist Dr. Max Huber decided to take control of his own fate. After 6,000 tests and 12 years of research, a fermentation process that turned sea kelp and other natural elements into the miracle that would improve the appearance of his skin provided the revelation of a lifetime. He gave it the name Crème de la Mer in tribute to his inspiration. Since 1995, when La Mer joined The Estée Lauder Companies, the company has grown to become the most sought-after skincare provider worldwide.