A luxurious, silicone-infused pre-serum essence powered by Caviar Water and plant extracts to hydrate, lift, and refine pore visibility.
This formula functions as a highly active essence. The base of Caviar Water combined with Caviar Extract provides a unique nutrient profile rich in amino acids and proteins. It features a potent revitalizing complex using Panax Ginseng Root Extract and Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract. The inclusion of Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Seed Extract is excellent for pore refinement and texture smoothing, while Saccharide Isomerate acts as a moisture magnet for long-lasting hydration. Ergothioneine stands out as a superior antioxidant for environmental protection.
The primary safety concern stems from the inclusion of synthetic Fragrance (Parfum) and specific fragrance allergens including Linalool, Benzyl Benzoate, and Benzyl Salicylate, which are known sensitizers for reactive skin types. Phenoxyethanol and Sodium Benzoate are used as preservatives, which are standard and safe for the majority of the population. The inclusion of Dimethicone provides a silky feel but may be slightly occlusive for those prone to congestion.
This is a luxurious, hybrid skincare step that offers significant anti-aging and hydrating benefits due to the high concentration of bio-ferments, botanicals, and Caviar derivatives. It outperforms standard toners by adding serum-level actives like Ergothioneine and Ginseng. However, the presence of distinct fragrance allergens limits its suitability for sensitive skin, pulling the overall rating down slightly despite the elite performance ingredients.
This formula acts as a luxurious hybrid between a toner and a serum, famously replacing standard water with distilled Caviar Water. This signature ingredient is touted for its ability to enhance firmness and elasticity, setting the stage for the serums and creams that follow. It is immediately clear that this is not a basic hydration step; it is a treatment designed to prepare and potentiate the skin. At the heart of the formula lies the proprietary Cellular Complex, consisting of Glycoproteins, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, and Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract. This trio works synergistically to energize skin cells, encouraging the natural renewal process that slows down with age. To address surface texture, Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Seed Extract is included. This botanical ingredient is effective at tightening the appearance of pores and refining the skin’s grain, making it an excellent choice for those noticing a loss of smoothness. Hydration is delivered through a mix of Glycerin and Saccharide Isomerate, a magnet for moisture that ensures the skin remains plump. Additionally, Yeast Extract and Oat Kernel Extract offer soothing and conditioning properties, helping to calm the complexion. However, the texture profile is distinct and polarizing. High on the ingredient list is Dimethicone, a silicone that gives the product a “slippy,” velvet-like consistency. While this ensures the product glides effortlessly and creates a protective barrier to lock in moisture, it differentiates this product from traditional, watery Asian essences. Users with oily skin might find this barrier too occlusive. Furthermore, the sensory experience is heavily driven by Fragrance. The inclusion of perfuming agents, along with sensitizing components like Linalool, Benzyl Benzoate, and Benzyl Salicylate, creates a spa-like atmosphere but poses a significant risk for reactive skin. If your skin barrier is compromised or sensitive to essential oils, this essence may trigger irritation. In summary, this is an opulent “pre-serum” best suited for mature, dry skin types that prioritize texture refinement and enjoy a highly fragranced, ritualistic skincare routine.
🧪 Caviar Water / 鱼子精华水
Purpose: Skin Conditioning, Hydration
Concerns: None
Notes: A steam distillate derived from caviar beads, typically used as the base instead of plain water in high-end formulations.
🧪 Caviar Extract / 鲟鱼子酱提取物
Purpose: Anti-aging, Antioxidant, Moisturizing
Concerns: None
Notes: Rich in amino acids, vitamins, and minerals; helps nourish the skin.
🧪 Glycoproteins / 糖蛋白
Purpose: Skin Conditioning, Cell Renewal
Concerns: None
Notes: Often part of proprietary complexes (like La Prairie’s Cellular Complex) to boost skin rejuvenation.
🧪 Panax Ginseng Root Extract / 人参根提取物
Purpose: Antioxidant, Soothing, Circulation
Concerns: None
Notes: Known for revitalizing skin and boosting circulation.
🧪 Equisetum Arvense Extract / 问荆提取物
Purpose: Soothing, Astringent
Concerns: None
Notes: Also known as Horsetail extract; promotes skin tightness and calms irritation.
🧪 Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Seed Extract / 兵豆籽提取物
Purpose: Skin Conditioning, Pore Tightening
Concerns: None
Notes: Helps refine skin texture and reduce the appearance of pores.
🧪 Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract / 燕麦仁提取物
Purpose: Soothing, Anti-inflammatory
Concerns: None
Notes: Excellent for calming sensitive or irritated skin.
🧪 Yeast Extract / 酵母提取物
Purpose: Skin Conditioning, Brightening
Concerns: Possible fungal acne trigger (rare)
Notes: Rich in beta-glucan, providing antioxidant and soothing properties.
🧪 Ergothioneine / 麦角硫因
Purpose: Antioxidant
Concerns: None
Notes: A very potent amino acid antioxidant that protects skin from oxidative damage.
🧪 Saccharide Isomerate / 糖类同分异构体
Purpose: Moisturizer, Humectant
Concerns: None
Notes: Binds to skin stronger than many other humectants, providing long-lasting hydration.
🧪 Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract / 啤酒酵母菌提取物
Purpose: Skin Conditioning, Hydration
Concerns: None
Notes: A specific type of yeast extract used to improve skin micro-relief.
🧪 Lactobacillus Ferment / 乳酸杆菌发酵产物
Purpose: Probiotic, Skin Conditioning, Preservative Booster
Concerns: None
Notes: Helps maintain the skin microbiome and stabilize the formula.
🧪 Water (Aqua) / 水
Purpose: Solvent
Concerns: None
Notes: The base carrier for the formula.
🧪 Propanediol / 1,3-丙二醇
Purpose: Solvent, Humectant
Concerns: None
Notes: A corn-derived alternative to propylene glycol; improves absorption and hydrates.
🧪 Glycerin / 甘油
Purpose: Humectant
Concerns: None
Notes: The gold standard for drawing moisture into the skin.
🧪 Propylene Glycol / 丙二醇
Purpose: Humectant, Solvent, Penetration Enhancer
Concerns: Potential Irritant
Notes: Can be irritating to very sensitive skin in high concentrations.
🧪 Pentylene Glycol / 1,2-戊二醇
Purpose: Solvent, Humectant
Concerns: None
Notes: Also has antimicrobial properties, helping to reduce the need for heavy preservatives.
🧪 Dimethicone / 聚二甲基硅氧烷
Purpose: Emollient, Occlusive
Concerns: None
Notes: Provides a silky feel and forms a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss.
🧪 Amodimethicone / 氨端聚二甲基硅氧烷
Purpose: Skin Conditioning
Concerns: None
Notes: A modified silicone usually found in hair care, but used here for skin conditioning and feel.
🧪 Dimethicone / Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer / 聚二甲基硅氧烷/乙烯基聚二甲基硅氧烷交联聚合物
Purpose: Texture Enhancer, Mattifier
Concerns: None
Notes: Adds a powdery, silky feel to the product.
🧪 Acrylates / C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer / 丙烯酸(酯)类/C10-30 烷醇丙烯酸酯交联聚合物
Purpose: Thickener, Emulsifier
Concerns: None
Notes: Creates a gel-like texture.
🧪 Xanthan Gum / 黄原胶
Purpose: Thickener
Concerns: None
Notes: Natural thickener.
🧪 Carbomer / 卡波姆
Purpose: Thickener
Concerns: None
Notes: Controls the viscosity of the formula.
🧪 Polysorbate 80 / 聚山梨醇酯-80
Purpose: Emulsifier, Solubilizer
Concerns: None
Notes: Helps mix oil and water components.
🧪 Sodium Citrate / 柠檬酸钠
Purpose: pH Buffer, Chelator
Concerns: None
Notes: Maintains the pH level of the product.
🧪 Disodium EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸二钠
Purpose: Chelating Agent
Concerns: None
Notes: Binds to metal ions to prevent spoilage and maintain clarity.
🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠
Purpose: pH Adjuster
Concerns: Irritant (only at high concentrations)
Notes: Used in tiny amounts to raise the pH (neutralize acids).
🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸
Purpose: pH Adjuster, Exfoliant
Concerns: Irritant (if pH is too low)
Notes: Used here primarily to adjust pH balance.
🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: Potential Irritant
Notes: Common safe alternative to parabens.
🧪 Ethylhexylglycerin / 乙基己基甘油
Purpose: Preservative Booster, Skin Conditioning
Concerns: None
Notes: Works synergistically with Phenoxyethanol.
🧪 Sodium Benzoate / 苯甲酸钠
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: None
Notes: Effective against fungi and bacteria.
🧪 Sodium Salicylate / 水杨酸钠
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: None
Notes: Salt form of salicylic acid, used mainly for preservation here.
🧪 Fragrance (Parfum) / 香精
Purpose: Scent
Concerns: Sensitizer
Notes: Can cause irritation in sensitive skin.
🧪 Linalool / 芳樟醇
Purpose: Fragrance Ingredient
Concerns: Allergen
Notes: Naturally occurring in essential oils.
🧪 Benzyl Benzoate / 苯甲酸苄酯
Purpose: Fragrance Ingredient, Solvent
Concerns: Allergen
Notes: Fragrance component.
🧪 Benzyl Salicylate / 水杨酸苄酯
Purpose: Fragrance Ingredient
Concerns: Allergen
Notes: Fragrance component.