Below is every ingredient in La Prairie White Caviar Creme Extraordinaire Illuminating Face Cream explained, its standout actives, and the side effects reported in research for those actives — analysed for Indian skin.
Flags derived from the ingredient list using dermatology reference data (fungal-acne substrate, comedogenicity, EU allergens). General guidance, not a diagnosis.
Answers are derived from the printed ingredient list and dermatology reference data — general guidance, not a diagnosis or a therapeutic claim.
Panax Ginseng Root Extract is a botanical extract rich in ginsenosides and polysaccharides used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and circulation-supporting properties. It is often included to promote a brighter, more revitalized appearance and to help defend against oxidative stress.
Equisetum Arvense (horsetail) Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in silica, flavonoids, and minerals, used in skincare for its antioxidant, astringent, and skin-conditioning properties. It is often included to support skin tone and provide a tightening or soothing effect.
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 is a palmitoylated synthetic peptide used in cosmetic formulations, primarily marketed to help reduce inflammatory signaling and support a more even, firmer skin appearance. It is commonly paired with other peptides such as Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 in anti-aging products.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is a synthetic palmitoylated peptide (sequence Gly-His-Lys) used in cosmetics to signal fibroblasts and support collagen and extracellular matrix synthesis. It is commonly combined with other peptides in anti-aging and firming formulations.
Isobutylamido Thiazolyl Resorcinol (also known as Thiamidol) is a resorcinol derivative that potently inhibits human tyrosinase to reduce melanin production. It is used to address hyperpigmentation, melasma, and uneven skin tone.
Artemisia Capillaris Flower Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties, often included to calm irritation and provide protective benefits. It contains compounds such as scoparone and chlorogenic acid that contribute to its activity.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Irritation or stinging | Very rare | Pure water is generally inert; rare reactions are typically attributed to impurities or other formula components rather than water itself. |
| Transient skin barrier disruption with frequent contact | Rare | Excessive exposure (e.g., repeated wetting) may temporarily affect the skin barrier, but this is uncommon in cosmetic use. |
| Skin irritation | Rare | Generally well tolerated; mild irritation possible in sensitive individuals. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Uncommon sensitization reactions reported, sometimes linked to benzoate component. |
| Comedogenicity / breakouts | Uncommon | Low comedogenic potential but may contribute to clogged pores in acne-prone skin. |
| Contact urticaria | Very rare | Isolated reports of hive-like reactions tied to benzoate moiety. |
| Mild transient stinging or irritation | Uncommon | More likely on broken or compromised skin or at high concentrations. |
| Redness or itching | Rare | Typically resolves after discontinuation. |
| Tacky or sticky skin feel | Common | A cosmetic sensation rather than an adverse reaction, more noticeable at higher concentrations. |
| Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction | Rare | True allergy to glycerin is uncommon; patch-test positivity is infrequent. |
| Skin dehydration in very low humidity | Rare | In very dry environments humectants may draw water from deeper skin layers if not paired with an occlusive. |
| Mild skin irritation or redness | Rare | Generally considered non-irritating; occasional mild reactions reported. |
| Clogged pores / comedogenic-related breakouts | Uncommon | Often anecdotal; dimethicone is largely regarded as non-comedogenic but may trap debris if skin is not cleansed well. |
| Eye irritation on accidental contact | Rare | Transient stinging or discomfort if product enters the eyes. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Water (Aqua) Solvent / vehicle | Water is the most common base ingredient in skincare formulations, serving as a solvent that dissolves water-soluble ingredients and forms the continuous phase of emulsions. It hydrates the skin temporarily but does not act as a treatment active. |
| C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate Emollient / texture enhancer | C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is a lightweight ester emollient widely used in skincare and cosmetics to improve spreadability, provide a smooth non-greasy skin feel, and act as a solvent and mild antimicrobial booster. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Butylene Glycol Humectant / solvent | Butylene glycol is a small diol commonly used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and viscosity-reducing agent that helps dissolve other ingredients and improve skin feel. It is widely regarded as safe and non-sensitizing for the majority of users at cosmetic concentrations. |
| Glycerin Humectant | Glycerin is a widely used humectant that attracts and retains water in the skin, helping to hydrate the stratum corneum and support barrier function. It is considered safe and well-tolerated across most skin types and concentrations. |
| Dimethicone Emollient/occlusive (silicone) | Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer used in skincare to soften skin, smooth texture, and form a breathable protective barrier that reduces transepidermal water loss. It is widely used as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Coco-Caprylate/Caprate Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is a lightweight ester emollient derived from coconut-sourced fatty alcohols and caprylic/capric acids, used to provide a smooth, dry, non-greasy skin feel and to act as a silicone alternative. It functions primarily as a spreading agent and texture enhancer in lotions, creams, and sunscreens. |
| C12-13 Alkyl Lactate Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | C12-13 Alkyl Lactate is an ester of lactic acid and C12-13 fatty alcohols used as an emollient and texture enhancer in skincare formulations. It imparts a smooth, non-greasy feel and helps condition the skin surface without functioning as an exfoliating acid. |
| Polysorbate 60 Emulsifier / surfactant | Polysorbate 60 is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from sorbitol and stearic acid, used to blend oil and water phases and stabilize emulsions in creams and lotions. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Sd Alcohol 40-B (Alcohol Denat.) Solvent / penetration enhancer / astringent | SD Alcohol 40-B (denatured ethanol) is a volatile alcohol used in skincare as a solvent, quick-drying agent, and to give a light, non-greasy feel while aiding the delivery of other ingredients. It also acts as an antimicrobial and viscosity reducer in formulations such as toners, gels, and sprays. |
| Glyceryl Stearate Emulsifier/emollient | Glyceryl Stearate is a glycerol ester of stearic acid widely used as a non-ionic emulsifier and emollient to stabilize oil-in-water formulations and improve skin feel. It functions as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Cetyl Alcohol Emollient / emulsifier | Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol used in skincare and cosmetics as an emollient, thickener, and emulsion stabilizer. It softens skin and helps maintain the consistency and texture of creams and lotions. |
| Squalane Emollient / occlusive moisturizer | Squalane is a saturated, stable hydrocarbon derived from squalene (sourced from plants like olives or sugarcane, or shark liver) used as a lightweight emollient that softens skin and reinforces the skin barrier by reducing transepidermal water loss. It is well tolerated, non-comedogenic for most users, and serves as a base or carrier ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Emollient/Moisturizer | Shea butter is a fat extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree, used in skincare as an occlusive emollient that softens skin and reinforces the skin barrier. It is rich in triglycerides and unsaponifiables such as triterpenes and tocopherols. |
| Glycoproteins Skin-conditioning / humectant | Glycoproteins are protein-carbohydrate complexes used in skincare for their moisturizing, film-forming, and skin-conditioning properties, often derived from plant, microbial, or marine sources. They help retain hydration and support the skin barrier rather than acting as a strong therapeutic active. |
| Panax Ginseng Root Extract Key active Antioxidant / skin-conditioning | Panax Ginseng Root Extract is a botanical extract rich in ginsenosides and polysaccharides used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and circulation-supporting properties. It is often included to promote a brighter, more revitalized appearance and to help defend against oxidative stress. |
| Equisetum Arvense Extract Key active Antioxidant / astringent / conditioning agent | Equisetum Arvense (horsetail) Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in silica, flavonoids, and minerals, used in skincare for its antioxidant, astringent, and skin-conditioning properties. It is often included to support skin tone and provide a tightening or soothing effect. |
| Caviar Extract Conditioning/antioxidant agent | Caviar extract, derived from fish roe, is used in skincare for its content of proteins, amino acids, lipids, vitamins, and trace minerals, marketed primarily for moisturizing and antioxidant conditioning effects. Robust clinical evidence supporting significant anti-aging claims is limited. |
| Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 Key active Anti-aging signal peptide | Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 is a palmitoylated synthetic peptide used in cosmetic formulations, primarily marketed to help reduce inflammatory signaling and support a more even, firmer skin appearance. It is commonly paired with other peptides such as Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 in anti-aging products. |
| Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 Key active Signal peptide / anti-aging active | Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is a synthetic palmitoylated peptide (sequence Gly-His-Lys) used in cosmetics to signal fibroblasts and support collagen and extracellular matrix synthesis. It is commonly combined with other peptides in anti-aging and firming formulations. |
| Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant / hydrator | Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, a glycosaminoglycan that attracts and binds water to the skin to improve hydration and surface plumpness. Its lower molecular weight allows better penetration than native hyaluronic acid. |
| Isobutylamido Thiazolyl Resorcinol Key active Skin-brightening / tyrosinase inhibitor | Isobutylamido Thiazolyl Resorcinol (also known as Thiamidol) is a resorcinol derivative that potently inhibits human tyrosinase to reduce melanin production. It is used to address hyperpigmentation, melasma, and uneven skin tone. |
| Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Extract Humectant/film-former | Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Extract is a red seaweed (Irish moss) derivative used in skincare as a thickener, gelling agent, and hydrating film-former that helps bind water and improve texture. It contributes a smooth feel and conditioning to formulations rather than acting as a corrective active. |
| Artemisia Capillaris Flower Extract Key active Soothing/antioxidant botanical extract | Artemisia Capillaris Flower Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties, often included to calm irritation and provide protective benefits. It contains compounds such as scoparone and chlorogenic acid that contribute to its activity. |
| Zizyphus Jujuba Fruit Extract Antioxidant/skin-conditioning extract | Zizyphus Jujuba Fruit Extract is a botanical derived from jujube fruit, valued in skincare for its antioxidant polyphenols, polysaccharides, and vitamin C content that help support hydration and protect against oxidative stress. It is commonly used as a soothing and conditioning agent in moisturizers and serums. |
| Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract Key active Antioxidant / soothing botanical | Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in flavonoids such as baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin, valued in skincare for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing properties. It is commonly used to help calm irritation and protect skin against environmental oxidative stress. |
| Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract Key active Brightening / anti-inflammatory antioxidant | Licorice root extract is a botanical ingredient valued in skincare for its skin-brightening and soothing properties, primarily attributed to compounds such as glabridin and liquiritin. It is used to help reduce hyperpigmentation, calm inflammation, and provide antioxidant protection. |
| Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract Key active Skin-conditioning / antioxidant | Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract is derived from baker's yeast and is used in skincare as a humectant, antioxidant, and skin-conditioning agent thought to support hydration, barrier function, and skin oxygenation. It contains amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and beta-glucans that may help soothe and revitalize the skin. |
| Lactobacillus Ferment Key active Probiotic-derived skin conditioning/soothing agent | Lactobacillus Ferment is a postbiotic ingredient produced by the fermentation of Lactobacillus bacteria, used in skincare for its soothing, barrier-supporting, and antioxidant properties. It may help balance the skin microbiome and reduce visible signs of irritation. |
| Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate Antioxidant/stabilizer | Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate is a hindered-phenol antioxidant (also known as the industrial stabilizer Irganox 1010) used in cosmetic formulations to prevent oxidation and rancidity of oils, fats, and other ingredients. It functions primarily as a formulation stabilizer rather than a skin-active treatment. |
| PEG-75 Stearate Emulsifier/surfactant | PEG-75 Stearate is a polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid used as a nonionic emulsifier, surfactant, and emollient in skincare and cosmetic formulations. It helps blend oil and water phases and improves product texture. |
| C12-16 Alcohols Emollient/emulsifier | C12-16 Alcohols is a blend of fatty alcohols (lauryl through cetyl) used in skincare as an emollient, emulsion stabilizer, and thickening/opacifying agent. It softens skin and helps maintain product texture and stability. |
| Dimethicone Crosspolymer Silicone-based texture enhancer/film former | Dimethicone Crosspolymer is a crosslinked silicone polymer used in skincare and cosmetics to provide a smooth, silky feel, absorb excess oil, blur the appearance of pores and fine lines, and improve product spreadability. It functions as a formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Ceteth-20 Surfactant/emulsifier | Ceteth-20 is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) ether of cetyl alcohol used as a nonionic surfactant, emulsifier, and solubilizer to stabilize oil-in-water formulations. It helps blend water and oil phases and improve product texture rather than providing a therapeutic skin benefit. |
| Steareth-20 Emulsifier / surfactant | Steareth-20 is a polyethylene glycol ether of stearyl alcohol used as a nonionic emulsifier and surfactant to blend oil and water phases and stabilize creams and lotions. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a treatment active. |
| Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer Rheology modifier / emulsion stabilizer | Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic crosslinked acrylic polymer used to thicken, gel, and stabilize emulsions in skincare and cosmetic formulations. It helps suspend ingredients and provides a smooth, consistent texture without acting as a treatment active. |
| Tocopherol Key active Antioxidant | Tocopherol (vitamin E) is a lipid-soluble antioxidant used in skincare to protect skin and formulations from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and UV exposure. It also functions as a skin-conditioning and emollient agent and can stabilize oils against rancidity. |
| Xanthan Gum Thickener/stabilizer | Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation, used in skincare as a thickening, gelling, and emulsion-stabilizing agent. It improves product texture and suspension of ingredients without contributing active treatment effects. |
| Palmitic Acid Emollient / surfactant | Palmitic acid is a saturated fatty acid commonly used in skincare as an emollient, emulsifier, and cleansing agent that helps soften skin and stabilize formulations. It is also a natural component of the skin's lipid barrier. |
| Hydrogenated Lecithin Emollient / Emulsifier | Hydrogenated lecithin is a phospholipid derived from lecithin through hydrogenation, used in skincare as an emulsifier, emollient, and skin-conditioning agent. It also helps stabilize formulations and form liposomes that can aid delivery of other ingredients. |
| Sodium Hydroxide pH adjuster | Sodium hydroxide (lye) is a strong alkaline compound used in small amounts to adjust and stabilize the pH of cosmetic formulations. At regulated low concentrations in finished products it is considered safe, though it is corrosive in concentrated form. |
| Salicylic Acid Key active Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) exfoliant / keratolytic | Salicylic acid is a lipid-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin surface and penetrates sebaceous pores to loosen and dissolve keratin and debris. It is widely used to treat acne, blackheads, and conditions involving thickened or scaly skin. |
| Propylene Glycol Humectant / solvent | Propylene glycol is a small glycol molecule widely used in skincare as a humectant, solvent, and penetration enhancer that helps attract water and dissolve other ingredients. It is considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Disodium EDTA Chelating agent | Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent used in cosmetics to bind metal ions, improving product stability, preventing rancidity, and enhancing the efficacy of preservatives. It is a formulation/base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Sodium Lactate Humectant / NMF component | Sodium lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid and a key component of skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), used to hydrate the skin and buffer formulation pH. It also has mild exfoliating and humectant properties that help maintain skin moisture and barrier function. |
| Carbomer Thickener / gelling agent | Carbomer is a synthetic high-molecular-weight polymer of acrylic acid used to thicken, stabilize, and control the viscosity of gels, creams, and lotions. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Coco-Glucoside Mild surfactant/cleanser | Coco Glucoside is a gentle, plant-derived nonionic surfactant (an alkyl polyglucoside made from coconut fatty alcohols and glucose) used as a cleansing and foaming agent in face washes, shampoos, and body cleansers. It is valued for its mildness, biodegradability, and good skin and eye tolerance compared with harsher surfactants. |
| Morus Alba Root Extract Key active Skin-brightening / antioxidant | Morus Alba (white mulberry) Root Extract is a botanical ingredient valued for its arbutin and flavonoid content, which inhibit tyrosinase activity to reduce melanin production. It is commonly used in formulations targeting hyperpigmentation, uneven tone, and dark spots, and also offers antioxidant benefits. |
| Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside Surfactant/cleanser | Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside is a mild, biodegradable nonionic surfactant derived from coconut/palm-based fatty alcohols and glucose, used as a gentle cleansing and foaming agent. It is valued for its low irritation potential and suitability for sensitive-skin and baby cleansing formulations. |
| Ethylhexylglycerin Preservative booster / skin-conditioning agent | Ethylhexylglycerin is a multifunctional glyceryl ether used in cosmetics primarily as a preservative-enhancing agent and emollient, often paired with phenoxyethanol to broaden antimicrobial efficacy. It also acts as a deodorizing agent and humectant in skincare formulations. |
| Fragrance (Parfum) Sensory/masking agent | Fragrance (Parfum) is a blend of aromatic compounds added to skincare products to impart a pleasant scent or mask the base odor of raw materials. It provides no skin-treatment benefit and is one of the most common causes of cosmetic-related skin reactions. |
| Linalool Fragrance/masking agent | Linalool is a naturally occurring terpene alcohol found in lavender, coriander, and many other plants, used in skincare primarily as a fragrance component. It readily oxidizes upon exposure to air, forming sensitizing hydroperoxides. |
| Citronellol Fragrance ingredient | Citronellol is a naturally occurring monoterpene alcohol used as a fragrance and flavoring agent, providing a rose-like, citrusy scent in cosmetics and personal care products. It is found in essential oils such as rose, geranium, and citronella. |
| Geraniol Fragrance/aroma compound | Geraniol is a naturally occurring terpene alcohol used in cosmetics primarily as a fragrance ingredient and for its pleasant rose-like scent. It also has mild antioxidant and antimicrobial properties but is included mainly for olfactory rather than therapeutic purposes. |
| Limonene Fragrance/solvent | Limonene is a naturally occurring monoterpene derived from citrus peel oils, commonly used as a fragrance component and solvent in cosmetic formulations. On exposure to air it oxidizes, forming compounds with greater sensitizing potential. |
| Benzyl Salicylate Fragrance/UV-absorber | Benzyl salicylate is an aromatic ester used primarily as a fragrance ingredient and, to a lesser extent, as a UV-light absorber in cosmetic formulations. It imparts a faint floral, balsamic scent and helps stabilize fragrance compositions. |
| Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone Fragrance ingredient | Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone is a synthetic fragrance compound with a sweet, violet-like floral scent used to impart or enhance aroma in cosmetic and skincare formulations. It has no therapeutic skin benefit and serves purely an olfactory/sensory role. |
| Sodium Dehydroacetate Preservative | Sodium dehydroacetate is the sodium salt of dehydroacetic acid, used as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative to inhibit growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold in cosmetic and skincare formulations. It is most effective in slightly acidic to neutral pH ranges. |
| Phenoxyethanol Preservative | Phenoxyethanol is a widely used broad-spectrum preservative that protects cosmetic and skincare formulations from bacterial and fungal contamination. It is typically used at concentrations up to 1% and serves as a formulation/base ingredient rather than an active treatment. |
Key active = does the main work. Ingredient explanations are drawn from public databases & literature.
Peer-reviewed papers on the active ingredients in this product, via PubMed.