La Crème

A gold-standard humectant that draws water into the skin.

A sugar-based humectant that holds water and helps skin resist dehydration stress.

A sugar alcohol derived from maltose that functions as a humectant to draw water into the skin and improve texture.

A potassium salt of 4-methoxysalicylic acid used as a regulated skin-whitening active in Japanese cosmetics (quasi-drug status). Inhibits melanogenesis and has mild exfoliating properties. Requires daily sun protection.

An amino acid found naturally in green tea leaves that calms skin sensitivity and reduces inflammatory responses. Used in d program and other Japanese formulations targeting reactive or allergy-prone skin.

The stable ester form of vitamin E that converts to active tocopherol in skin; a common, shelf-stable antioxidant.

An ester of retinol (vitamin A) and acetic acid — the mildest retinoid ester, requiring two enzymatic conversion steps to reach retinoic acid, giving it a gentler profile than retinol.

A synthetic phenolic antioxidant that prevents oxidation of oils and fats in cosmetic formulas, used at very low concentrations.

An AHA most often used in small amounts to adjust pH.

An extremolyte that helps protect skin against environmental stress and supports the barrier.

A licorice-root-derived salt that calms inflammation and soothes irritated, reactive skin.

A botanical that soothes and gently brightens.

An extract from the bulb of Lilium candidum (Madonna lily) containing polysaccharides and flavonoids, used to soothe and condition skin.

A Japanese angelica root extract that soothes skin and offers antioxidant support.

A silk-derived protein extract that hydrates and imparts a smooth, conditioned feel.

An extract from olive (Olea europaea) leaves, rich in oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, and flavonoids. Provides potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mild antimicrobial benefits in skincare.

An extract from the rhizome (root) of Iris florentina (white iris/orris). Contains iridoids (irisin), isoflavones, and flavonoids that provide soothing, antioxidant, and conditioning properties.

An extract from the root of Paeonia albiflora (white peony / Bai Shao), a traditional East Asian botanical distinct from tree peony, used for its soothing, brightening, and antioxidant effects.

An extract from the root of Sanguisorba officinalis (great burnet), rich in ellagitannins, gallic acid, and flavonoids. Provides antioxidant, soothing, and astringent benefits in luxury creams.

An extract from hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) flowers rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, used in cosmetics for antioxidant and soothing properties.

An extract from the buds of Fagus sylvatica (European beech tree). Rich in polyphenols and tannins; marketed for activating skin stem cells and providing antioxidant, skin-conditioning benefits in prestige skincare.

A revered K-beauty botanical used for antioxidant, brightening and revitalizing effects.

The simplest amino acid, used as a humectant that supports the skin's natural moisturizing factor.

Leaf extract of Rubus suavissimus (sweet tea or Chinese sweet tea), used in cosmetics for its soothing and antioxidant polyphenol content.

A naturally occurring cyclohexane polyol (commonly myo-inositol) found in cell membranes, used in cosmetics as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent.

Vitamin E; a lipid-soluble antioxidant that also conditions skin.

An extract from the cones (strobili) of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris). Rich in proanthocyanidins, gallic acid, and flavonoids; provides antioxidant and mild conditioning benefits. Distinct from pine needle or bark extract.

A polyphenol-rich antioxidant that also calms skin.

An aqueous or hydroalcoholic extract of rosemary leaves rich in rosmarinic acid and diterpene antioxidants, distinct from the essential oil form.

An extract from the fruit (hips) of the dog rose rich in vitamin C, carotenoids and polyphenols, used for antioxidant and brightening benefits.

An extract from perilla (shiso) leaves in the mint family, rich in rosmarinic acid and flavonoids, used in K-beauty for antioxidant and soothing benefits.

A naturally occurring amino acid that functions as a humectant and is a component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor.

An extract from Zingiber aromaticus (cassumunar ginger / plai), a ginger relative used in Thai and East Asian traditional medicine. Provides anti-inflammatory, soothing, and antioxidant benefits in luxury skincare.

An acetylated form of sodium hyaluronate with enhanced surface-binding properties that provides long-lasting, film-forming hydration.

A hydrolysate of conchiolin, the structural protein from pearl/nacre (Pinctada spp.). Used in luxury Japanese skincare for its moisturising, conditioning, and film-forming properties.

An extract from the root of Potentilla erecta (tormentil), rich in ellagitannins, catechins, and flavonoids. Provides antioxidant, soothing, and astringent benefits for sensitive skin care.

An extract from Uncaria gambir (gambir plant) prepared by boiling the leaves and twigs. Rich in catechins and tannins; used in cosmetics for antioxidant, soothing, and astringent properties in prestige skincare.

The sodium salt of a carboxymethyl ether of yeast-derived beta-1,3-glucan, used as a water-soluble humectant and film-forming agent with soothing and antioxidant properties.

An extract from cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) blooms, rich in anthocyanins, apigenin, and quercetin. Used in cosmetics for gentle soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Common in eye-area and sensitive skin products.

An extract from the root of Bupleurum falcatum (Chinese thoroughwax, saiko in Japanese), a herb used extensively in East Asian traditional medicine. Contains saikosaponins with anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic properties.