la-mer La Mer Hydrating Illuminator

Ingredients overview

Label order. Colour is our internal rating: green routine, yellow restricted or worth a look, red prohibited or high-risk, grey not yet decoded.

Ingredients are listed in label order; the order reflects the label only, not exact concentrations.

1. Water\Aqua\Eau
2. Dimethicone
3. Butylene Glycol
4. Cetyl Ricinoleate
5. Trisiloxane
6. Glyceryl Stearate SE
7. Glyceryl Stearate
8. PEG-100 Stearate
9. Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
10. Butyrospermum Parkii
11. Cetyl Esters
12. Algae Extract
13. Cetyl Alcohol
14. Glycerin
15. Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil
16. Medicago Sativa Seed Powder
17. Helianthus Annuus Seedcake
18. Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Meal
19. Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
20. Sodium Gluconate
21. Copper Gluconate
22. Calcium Gluconate
23. Magnesium Gluconate
24. Zinc Gluconate
25. Tocopheryl Succinate
26. Niacin
27. Sesamum Indicum Seed Powder
28. Caffeine
29. Panthenol
30. Acetyl Glucosamine
31. Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
32. Citrus Aurantifolia Peel Extract
33. Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
34. Undaria Pinnatifida Extract
35. Sorbitol
36. Sodium Hyaluronate
37. Tourmaline
38. Porphyridium Cruentum Extract
39. Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
40. Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
41. Asparagopsis Armata Extract
42. Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract
43. Ceramide NG
44. Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
45. Tocopheryl Acetate
46. Hydrolyzed Rice Extract
47. Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
48. Laminaria Digitata Extract
49. Sucrose
50. Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
51. Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
52. Caprylyl Glycol
53. Yeast Extract\Faex\Extrait De Levure
54. Isohexadecane
55. Xanthan Gum
56. Citric Acid
57. Malt Extract
58. Polysorbate 80
59. Hexylene Glycol
60. Fragrance
61. Alcohol Denat
62. Tin Oxide
63. Silica
64. Sodium Citrate
65. Disodium EDTA
66. BHT
67. Sodium Sulfite
68. Sodium Metabisulfite
69. Phenoxyethanol
70. Benzyl Benzoate
71. Coumarin
72. Linalool
73. Limonene
74. Citronellol
75. Hexyl Cinnamal
76. Amyl Cinnamal
77. Mica
78. Titanium Dioxide
79. Red 4

Highlights

Free of sulfatesFree of formaldehyde releasersContains siliconesContains PEGContains essential oilsContains fragranceContains EU-26 allergensContains animal-derivedContains mineral oilContains parabensContains alcohol

Key ingredients

溶剂

Water\Aqua\Eau

ANTIFOAMING

DimethiconeTrisiloxane

HUMECTANT

Butylene Glycol

SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT

Cetyl RicinoleateGlyceryl Stearate

SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

Glyceryl Stearate SE

SURFACTANT - CLEANSING

PEG-100 Stearate

Other ingredients

Simmondsia Chinensis Seed OilButyrospermum ParkiiCetyl EstersAlgae ExtractCetyl AlcoholGlycerinSesamum Indicum Seed OilMedicago Sativa Seed PowderHelianthus Annuus SeedcakePrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed MealEucalyptus Globulus Leaf OilSodium GluconateCopper GluconateCalcium GluconateMagnesium GluconateZinc GluconateTocopheryl SuccinateNiacinSesamum Indicum Seed PowderCaffeinePanthenolAcetyl GlucosamineSigesbeckia Orientalis ExtractCitrus Aurantifolia Peel ExtractCamellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractUndaria Pinnatifida ExtractSorbitolSodium HyaluronateTourmalinePorphyridium Cruentum ExtractPyrus Malus Fruit ExtractCucumis Sativus Fruit ExtractAsparagopsis Armata ExtractAscophyllum Nodosum ExtractCeramide NGScutellaria Baicalensis Root ExtractTocopheryl AcetateHydrolyzed Rice ExtractAcetyl Hexapeptide-8Laminaria Digitata ExtractSucroseMagnesium Ascorbyl PhosphateAcrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate CopolymerCaprylyl GlycolYeast Extract\Faex\Extrait De LevureIsohexadecaneXanthan GumCitric AcidMalt ExtractPolysorbate 80Hexylene GlycolFragranceAlcohol DenatTin OxideSilicaSodium CitrateDisodium EDTABHTSodium SulfiteSodium MetabisulfitePhenoxyethanolBenzyl BenzoateCoumarinLinaloolLimoneneCitronellolHexyl CinnamalAmyl CinnamalMicaTitanium DioxideRed 4

Skim through

Ingredients explained

Water\Aqua\Eau

Solvent and diluent; the base for most aqueous formulations.

Dimethicone

Silicone occlusive at 1–5%; provides smooth feel, non-penetrating, suitable for sensitive skin

Butylene Glycol

Polyol humectant and solvent at 1–5%; aids solubilization, light feel

Cetyl Ricinoleate

Plant-derived ester for emolliency and gloss; low irritancy and comedogenicity, suitable for dry skin.

Trisiloxane

Used as anti-foaming and lubricant; provides silkiness, used at low levels.

Glyceryl Stearate SE

Emulsifier at 1–3%; oil-phase ingredient, easy emulsification, low sensitization.

Glyceryl Stearate

Emulsifier at 1-3%; may require acid to prevent saponification

PEG-100 Stearate

Non-ionic emulsifier, requires ionics for stability; check PEG for formaldehyde.

Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil

Common in dry/damaged hair; superior penetration vs mineral oils, low comedogenic risk, poor oxidative stability.

Butyrospermum Parkii

African oil/fat/wax; clarify form (oil, butter, or powder) as function depends on it.

Cetyl Esters

Blended cetyl esters used as emollient skin conditioning agents to provide softness and occlusion.

Algae Extract

Algae extract with humectant and conditioning effects; may contain natural fragrant components.

Cetyl Alcohol

Cetyl alcohol for emulsification/thickening; high concentration >10% may irritate.

Glycerin

Workhorse humectant at 3–10%; tacky at high levels, pair with occlusives

Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil

Sesame seed oil for skin and hair conditioning, natural fragrance; prone to oxidation, keep dark

Medicago Sativa Seed Powder

Not decoded yet

Helianthus Annuus Seedcake

Sunflower seed cake; physical exfoliant and bulking agent. Coarse texture, use caution for sensitive skin, requires homogenization.

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Meal

Sweet almond seed meal for physical exfoliation; ensure moderate particle size to avoid scratching sensitive skin; may contain trace allergenic proteins.

Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil

Eucalyptus leaf oil, strong essential oil; high irritation, strictly limited usage

Sodium Gluconate

Mild chelator, aids skin conditioning; typically used at low levels as auxiliary

Copper Gluconate

Copper gluconate; trace antioxidant/repair agent. Use <0.05%; high levels cause color change/irritation.

Calcium Gluconate

Chelator and conditioner, improves stability; water-soluble calcium source

Magnesium Gluconate

Water-soluble magnesium source; balances skin pH, low irritation; use 0.5–2%

Zinc Gluconate

Chelated zinc salt with antimicrobial and deodorizing effects; used in antiperspirants and oral care; has EU concentration limit.

Tocopheryl Succinate

Water-soluble vitamin E derivative, antioxidant for formula stability; low-level use, low sensitization risk

Niacin

Niacin (B3) smoother; high topological concentrations may cause flushing, often used as co-agent or precursor.

Sesamum Indicum Seed Powder

Not decoded yet

Caffeine

Active ingredient, 0.1–2%; promotes circulation, irritation risk at high concentration.

Panthenol

Panthenol (vitamin B5) at 1–5%; moisturizing and reparative, supports barrier recovery

Acetyl Glucosamine

Glycosaminoglycan precursor supporting skin hydration and elasticity; highly biocompatible.

Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract

Botanical skin conditioning and tonic agent; often used for antioxidant and repair benefits

Citrus Aurantifolia Peel Extract

Lime peel extract for cleansing and fragrance; contains phototoxic furocoumarins, caution for daytime use.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

Green tea extract for antioxidant/astringent; contains caffeine, possible irritation in sensitive skin.

Undaria Pinnatifida Extract

Kelp extract; algal polysaccharides. Hydrating and film-forming, verify compatibility in high-salt formulas.

Sorbitol

Polyol humectant with strong hygroscopy; tacky at high levels, pair with occlusives; also a solvent or adjuster.

Sodium Hyaluronate

Potent humectant at 0.1–2%; different MW for penetration depth, high levels may draw moisture

Tourmaline

Tourmaline mineral powder for viscosity control or tactile modification. Inert and non-irritating; manage dust inhalation risks during manufacturing.

Porphyridium Cruentum Extract

Porphyridium cruentum extract, marine algae source, providing skin conditioning

Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract

Apple fruit extract, polyphenols for conditioning and antioxidant; batch variation needs standardization

Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract

Botanical extract for conditioning; note extraction impact on active retention

Asparagopsis Armata Extract

Not decoded yet

Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract

Ascophyllum nodosum extract, provides hydration and antioxidant protection; usually low concentration as natural functional additive.

Ceramide NG

Skin lipid repair ingredient to restore barrier; non-irritating, suitable for sensitive and compromised skin

Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract

Scutellaria root extract with baicalin for antioxidant and soothing effects; also provides astringent and humectant properties.

Tocopheryl Acetate

Vitamin E derivative antioxidant at 0.1–1%; more stable than tocopherol, store protected from light

Hydrolyzed Rice Extract

Hydrolyzed rice peptides for moisturizing; gentle for sensitive skin

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

Acetyl hexapeptide-8; signal peptide, low concentration, used for firming and hydration, low irritancy.

Laminaria Digitata Extract

Seaweed extract for skin protection; moderate concentration to avoid osmotic irritation.

Sucrose

Sucrose, water-soluble thickener and humectant; high levels prone to hygroscopy.

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Water-soluble Vitamin C derivative for antioxidant and brightening; more stable than ascorbic acid

Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer

Polyacrylamide-based thickener with strong emulsion stabilizing power; strict control of residual monomer levels is required.

Caprylyl Glycol

Polyol conditioner and preservative booster at 0.5–3%; emollient feel, often paired with 1,2-hexanediol

Yeast Extract\Faex\Extrait De Levure

Yeast ferment filtrate rich in amino acids and peptides; used for repair and moisture, may cause sensitivity in some.

Isohexadecane

Lightweight mineral-oil-derived emollient and solvent; low viscosity, non-comedogenic, improves texture

Xanthan Gum

Natural thickener at 0.1–1%; provides gel texture, pH-stable, requires full hydration

Citric Acid

Buffer and chelator at 0.1–2%; adjusts pH, may irritate sensitive skin at low pH

Malt Extract

Malt extract with sugars and polyphenols for skin protection; high sugar content requires preservative synergy

Polysorbate 80

Non-ionic emulsifier and solubilizer; watch for interaction with parabens

Hexylene Glycol

Polyol solvent and humectant with penetration enhancement; limit concentration to avoid irritation, no specific allergen tag

Fragrance

Fragrance; concentration must control allergen risk, label specific components

Alcohol Denat

Denatured ethanol; solvent, penetration enhancer, and quick-dry agent; high % may compromise barrier in dry skin.

Tin Oxide

Inorganic mineral pigment providing opacity and suspension; requires skin safety assessment, typically used in sunscreens or powder colorants.

Silica

Silica powder at 1–10%; absorbs oil, thickens, provides matte finish, for oil-control products

Sodium Citrate

Sodium citrate for buffering and chelating; adjust pH, careful with strong acid reactions.

Disodium EDTA

Chelating agent at 0.05–0.5%; sequesters metal ions for stability, boosts preservative efficacy

BHT

Lipophilic antioxidant at 0.01-0.05%; ineffective with acidic systems, label-sensitive, check regulatory limits as preservative alternative.

Sodium Sulfite

Sulfite antioxidant to prevent oxidation; sulfites are known allergens and must be strictly declared on labels.

Sodium Metabisulfite

Antioxidant/preservative at 0.05–0.2%; irritating for sensitive skin, avoid with oxidizers

Phenoxyethanol

Broad-spectrum preservative at ≤1%; may irritate sensitive eye areas, often paired with ethylhexylglycerin

Benzyl Benzoate

Chelating agent for stability; restricted substance, not permitted as single component or in mixtures at ≥0.1%.

Coumarin

Classic fragrance and photosensitizer, EU restriction III/77; high allergen risk, limit in facial products

Linalool

Natural fragrance component at ≤0.05%; one of EU 26 allergens, caution for sensitive skin

Limonene

Natural fragrance solvent, EU allergen; poor photostability

Citronellol

Citronellol for fragrance; EU 26 allergen, labeling required above 0.001%.

Hexyl Cinnamal

Common fragrance component (jasmine/vanilla note); listed EU allergen, requires labeling at >10ppm (leave-on).

Amyl Cinnamal

Fragrance ingredient restricted in the EU; usage limits apply to minimize allergic contact dermatitis risk.

Mica

Mineral colorant for pearlescence; heavy metal screening required

Titanium Dioxide

Physical UV filter and colorant up to 25%; nano form requires attention

Red 4

Synthetic dye for coloration; use within legal limits.

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