Below is every ingredient in La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream 100 Ml 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.
Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Seed Powder is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its content of vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidant compounds, primarily serving as a skin-conditioning and soothing agent. It is most often found in masks, exfoliating, and botanical-based formulations.
Copper gluconate is a copper salt of gluconic acid used in skincare as a source of copper, supporting antioxidant defense and enzymatic processes involved in collagen and elastin synthesis. It is often included in anti-aging and wound-supportive formulations.
Zinc gluconate is a zinc salt of gluconic acid used topically and orally for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and sebum-regulating properties, often in acne and oily-skin formulations. It supplies bioavailable zinc that supports skin barrier function and wound healing.
Tocopheryl Succinate is a stable ester form of vitamin E (tocopherol) used in skincare for its antioxidant properties, helping protect skin from oxidative stress and free radical damage. It is converted to active tocopherol upon skin penetration, though its conversion efficiency in topical applications is debated.
Niacin is a form of vitamin B3 that supports cellular energy metabolism and skin barrier function; in topical skincare it is often used interchangeably with or converted to niacinamide. It may improve skin hydration and tone when formulated appropriately.
Crithmum Maritimum (sea fennel) extract is a botanical rich in polyphenols, vitamin C, and minerals used for its antioxidant, brightening, and skin-conditioning properties. It is studied for protecting skin against oxidative stress and supporting an even tone.
Aggregated from the active ingredients in this product.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild skin irritation or redness | Uncommon | Typically transient; more likely on sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization possible in predisposed individuals; patch testing advised. |
| Iodine-related concerns | Rare | Some algae contain iodine, a theoretical concern for those with thyroid sensitivity, though topical absorption is generally low. |
| Acneiform breakouts | Rare | Possible in acne-prone individuals depending on formulation and concentration. |
| Mild skin irritation | Rare | Generally considered non-irritating; occasional mild reactions reported. |
| Contact allergy/sensitization | Very rare | Silicones are low-allergenicity; documented allergic reactions are exceptional. |
| Eye irritation | Rare | Possible transient stinging if product enters the eyes. |
| Folliculitis or acneiform eruptions | Uncommon | Heavy occlusion may trap sebum and bacteria, particularly on acne-prone or oily skin. |
| Comedogenicity concerns | Rare | Highly refined, USP-grade petrolatum is generally considered non-comedogenic; issues are mostly anecdotal. |
| Greasy or occlusive feel/cosmetic intolerance | Common | Not a true adverse health effect, but the heavy texture is frequently disliked or poorly tolerated by users. |
| Comedogenicity / acne flare | Rare | Possible pore-clogging in acne-prone skin due to its emollient nature, though considered low risk. |
| Skin irritation | Rare | Generally considered low-irritant; mild irritation reported occasionally, often related to other formulation components. |
| Acneiform breakouts / pore congestion | Rare | Considered low comedogenic potential, but occlusive film may contribute in acne-prone individuals. |
| 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. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Algae Extract Emollient/conditioning agent (humectant, antioxidant) | Algae extract is a marine-derived ingredient rich in polysaccharides, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants used to hydrate, soothe, and condition the skin. It functions primarily as a moisturizing and skin-conditioning agent rather than a clinically proven therapeutic active. |
| Cyclopentasiloxane Emollient/silicone | Cyclopentasiloxane is a volatile cyclic silicone widely used in skincare and cosmetics to impart a smooth, silky feel and spreadability before evaporating, leaving no greasy residue. It also serves as a carrier and helps reduce tackiness in formulations. |
| Petrolatum Occlusive emollient/moisturizer | Petrolatum is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum, widely used as an occlusive agent that forms a protective barrier on the skin to reduce transepidermal water loss. It is considered one of the most effective and inert moisturizing ingredients in dermatology. |
| Glyceryl Distearate Emollient / emulsifier | Glyceryl distearate is a diester of glycerin and stearic acid used in cosmetic formulations as an emollient, thickener, and oil-in-water emulsifier. It helps stabilize emulsions and impart a smooth, conditioned feel to creams and lotions. |
| Phenyl Trimethicone Silicone emollient/conditioning agent | Phenyl Trimethicone is a phenyl-substituted silicone used in skincare and cosmetics to impart a smooth, silky feel, add shine, and provide water-repellent film-forming and conditioning properties. It functions as a formulation/base ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Cyclohexasiloxane Emollient / silicone solvent | Cyclohexasiloxane (D6) is a cyclic silicone used in cosmetics as a volatile carrier and emollient that imparts a smooth, silky feel and helps spread other ingredients before evaporating. It is a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic 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. |
| Cholesterol Skin barrier lipid / emollient | Cholesterol is a naturally occurring lipid found in the skin's stratum corneum that, alongside ceramides and fatty acids, helps maintain the skin barrier and prevent transepidermal water loss. In skincare formulations it functions as an emollient and barrier-repair agent that improves hydration and skin resilience. |
| Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Emollient / occlusive moisturizer | Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter is a plant-derived fat extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree, rich in triglycerides and unsaponifiables. It is widely used in skincare to soften, smooth, and condition the skin while forming an occlusive barrier that reduces water loss. |
| Steareth-10 Emulsifier / surfactant | Steareth-10 is a polyethylene glycol ether of stearyl alcohol used as a nonionic emulsifier and surfactant to blend oil and water phases in creams, lotions, and cleansers. It is a formulation/base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| 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. |
| Glyceryl Stearate Se Emulsifier / emollient | Glyceryl Stearate SE is a self-emulsifying form of glyceryl stearate used to blend oil and water phases in creams and lotions, also providing a softening, conditioning effect on skin. It functions as a formulation base ingredient rather than a therapeutic active. |
| Polysilicone-11 Film-former / texturizer | Polysilicone-11 is a silicone-based crosslinked polymer used in cosmetics to form a smooth, flexible film on the skin, providing mattifying, blurring, and texture-improving effects. It is commonly found in primers, foundations, and sunscreens as a formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Glyceryl Triacetyl Ricinoleate Emollient/plasticizer | Glyceryl Triacetyl Ricinoleate (acetylated castor oil derivative) is a film-forming emollient and plasticizer used in cosmetics, particularly nail and color products, to impart flexibility, gloss, and conditioning. It functions as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active. |
| Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil is a plant-derived emollient rich in oleic and palmitoleic fatty acids, used to soften, condition, and provide occlusive moisturization to the skin. It functions as a base/carrier ingredient rather than a targeted treatment active. |
| Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil Emollient / skin-conditioning oil | Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil is a plant-derived emollient rich in fatty acids (oleic and linoleic acid) and antioxidants like sesamol and sesamin, used to soften skin and reinforce the skin barrier. It is commonly employed as an occlusive and carrier oil in moisturizers, massage oils, and emulsions. |
| Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Seed Powder Key active Skin conditioning / antioxidant | Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Seed Powder is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its content of vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidant compounds, primarily serving as a skin-conditioning and soothing agent. It is most often found in masks, exfoliating, and botanical-based formulations. |
| Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Cake Exfoliant/absorbent | Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Cake is the powdered residue remaining after oil is expressed from sunflower seeds. It is used in skincare primarily as a natural abrasive in scrubs and as a bulking or absorbent agent. |
| Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Oil Fragrance/essential oil | Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil is a volatile plant-derived essential oil rich in 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), used in skincare as a fragrance, masking agent, and for its purported antimicrobial and refreshing properties. It is a known source of fragrance allergens and can be irritating, particularly on sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Sodium Gluconate Chelating agent / skin-conditioning | Sodium gluconate is the sodium salt of gluconic acid used in skincare primarily as a chelating agent to bind metal ions and stabilize formulations, with secondary humectant and skin-conditioning properties. It is generally considered a base/formulation ingredient rather than an active treatment. |
| Copper Gluconate Key active Skin-conditioning / antioxidant trace mineral | Copper gluconate is a copper salt of gluconic acid used in skincare as a source of copper, supporting antioxidant defense and enzymatic processes involved in collagen and elastin synthesis. It is often included in anti-aging and wound-supportive formulations. |
| Calcium Gluconate Buffering/skin-conditioning agent | Calcium gluconate is a calcium salt of gluconic acid used in topical formulations as a source of calcium, a buffering agent, and a skin-conditioning ingredient. It is also notably used medically as an antidote gel for hydrofluoric acid burns. |
| Magnesium Gluconate Mineral salt / skin-conditioning agent | Magnesium gluconate is the magnesium salt of gluconic acid used in skincare as a source of magnesium and as a skin-conditioning and humectant-supporting agent. It can help support skin barrier function and is sometimes included for its mild soothing properties. |
| Zinc Gluconate Key active Sebum regulator / anti-inflammatory | Zinc gluconate is a zinc salt of gluconic acid used topically and orally for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and sebum-regulating properties, often in acne and oily-skin formulations. It supplies bioavailable zinc that supports skin barrier function and wound healing. |
| Tocopheryl Succinate Key active Antioxidant | Tocopheryl Succinate is a stable ester form of vitamin E (tocopherol) used in skincare for its antioxidant properties, helping protect skin from oxidative stress and free radical damage. It is converted to active tocopherol upon skin penetration, though its conversion efficiency in topical applications is debated. |
| Niacin Key active Vitamin B3 (cell-energy/barrier support) | Niacin is a form of vitamin B3 that supports cellular energy metabolism and skin barrier function; in topical skincare it is often used interchangeably with or converted to niacinamide. It may improve skin hydration and tone when formulated appropriately. |
| Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Powder Exfoliant / absorbent | Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Powder is a finely ground botanical material derived from sesame seeds, used in skincare primarily as a physical exfoliant and texturizing agent in scrubs and cleansing formulations. It can also contribute mild oil-absorbing and bulking properties. |
| Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Peel Extract Astringent / fragrance / antioxidant | Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Peel Extract is derived from lime peel and is used in skincare for its astringent, antioxidant, and aromatic properties, often contributing fragrance and skin-conditioning effects. It contains natural compounds such as flavonoids, limonene, and furanocoumarins. |
| Laminaria Digitata Extract Conditioning/antioxidant | Laminaria Digitata Extract is derived from brown seaweed and is used in skincare for its mineral, polysaccharide, and antioxidant content, providing skin-conditioning, hydrating, and soothing benefits. It is commonly included for its purported moisturizing and protective properties. |
| Crithmum Maritimum Extract Key active Antioxidant / skin-conditioning | Crithmum Maritimum (sea fennel) extract is a botanical rich in polyphenols, vitamin C, and minerals used for its antioxidant, brightening, and skin-conditioning properties. It is studied for protecting skin against oxidative stress and supporting an even tone. |
| Salicornia Herbacea Extract Key active Hydrating/antioxidant botanical extract | Salicornia Herbacea Extract is derived from a salt-tolerant halophyte plant and is used in skincare for its humectant, antioxidant, and skin-conditioning properties, owing to its content of minerals, amino acids, and polysaccharides. It is often included to support hydration and improve skin barrier function. |
| Plankton Extract Conditioning/soothing extract | Plankton Extract is a marine-derived ingredient used in skincare for its purported antioxidant, hydrating, and skin-conditioning properties. It is often included for soothing and protective effects against environmental stressors. |
| Chlorella Vulgaris Extract Key active Antioxidant / skin-conditioning | Chlorella Vulgaris Extract is a green microalgae-derived ingredient rich in chlorophyll, amino acids, vitamins, and peptides. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, moisturizing, and skin-conditioning properties, with some claims of supporting collagen synthesis and skin barrier function. |
| Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract Key active Antioxidant / skin-conditioning | Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract is a plant-derived extract rich in isoflavones, proteins, and fatty acids used in skincare for antioxidant, moisturizing, and skin-tone-evening effects. It is also studied for inhibiting protease activity, which may help reduce hair regrowth and improve skin texture. |
| 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. |
| Caffeine Key active Antioxidant / vasoconstrictor | Caffeine is a topical active used in skincare for its antioxidant properties and ability to constrict blood vessels, which may temporarily reduce puffiness and the appearance of under-eye darkness. It is also studied for reducing localized fluid retention and protecting against UV-induced oxidative stress. |
| Sea Salt\Maris Sal\Sel Marin Exfoliant / mineral additive | Sea salt (Maris Sal) is a naturally evaporated seawater mineral mixture used in skincare as a physical exfoliant, texturizer, and bulking agent, and is valued for trace minerals such as magnesium and calcium. It is commonly found in scrubs, bath products, and balneotherapy formulations. |
| Micrococcus Lysate Key active DNA repair / antioxidant | Micrococcus Lysate is an extract derived from the bacterium Micrococcus luteus, containing enzymes (such as DNA photolyase and endonucleases) used in topical formulations to support cellular DNA repair following UV exposure and to provide antioxidant protection. It is typically incorporated into liposomal delivery systems in anti-aging and after-sun products. |
| Diethylhexyl Succinate Emollient / skin-conditioning agent | Diethylhexyl Succinate is a lightweight ester used in cosmetic formulations as an emollient and texture enhancer, providing a smooth, non-greasy skin feel and aiding spreadability. It also functions as a solvent for other ingredients such as sunscreen filters. |
| Adenosine Phosphate Key active Skin-conditioning / anti-aging signaling agent | Adenosine phosphate is a nucleotide derivative that acts as a cellular energy and signaling molecule, used in skincare to support skin conditioning and to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is generally considered well tolerated at cosmetic concentrations. |
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.