GUERLAIN Orchide Impriale - The Light Cream
Works for
MoisturizingUrea, Glycerin + 25 moreWorks well
“The latter promotes skin’s natural self-hydration throughout the day for moisture-infused skin.”
This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.
The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from
within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job:
betaine, biosaccharide gum-1.
This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: dimethicone, squalane.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: urea
Anti-agingAdenosine, Serine + 4 moreWorks well
“What it is: A high-end beauty light cream that addresses visible signs of aging for skin that looks younger for longer.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: serine.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Alcohol, ParfumMedium risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Glycerin~4.5–5.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinSqualane~4–4.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.
More about SqualaneAlcohol~3–3.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties
More about AlcoholPropanediol~2.2–2.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolPentylene glycol~1.8–2.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolDiglycerin~1.5–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about DiglycerinLauroyl lysine~1.3–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and creates a nice product texture
More about Lauroyl lysineLimnanthes alba seed oil~1.1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
This oil's cmposition is closest to rapeseed oil. It is a very stable oil and serves as an emoillient
More about Limnanthes alba seed oilCoco-caprylate/caprate~0.7–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture
More about Coco-caprylate/caprateOrchid extract~0.5–0.75%
Dimethicone~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
More about DimethiconeC10-18 triglycerides~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the skin and attract water to its upper layer. Helps create nice product texture
More about C10-18 triglyceridesParfum~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumButylene glycol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolHydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish
More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerCaprylic/capric/succinic triglyceride~0.3–0.6%
Cellulose~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Can be used to help absorb oil as well as add volume and imporve texture of products.
More about CelluloseCetyl alcohol~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholEctoin~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Softens the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function
More about EctoinSteareth-2~0.2–0.4%
Steareth-21~0.3–0.5%
Stearyl alcohol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Stearyl alcoholMaltodextrin~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil
More about MaltodextrinAvena sativa kernel extract~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An effective moisturizing and skin barrier repair ingredient. Helps calm down inflammation and has some anti-oxidant properties
More about Avena sativa kernel extractTocopheryl acetate~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.
More about Tocopheryl acetateTrehalose~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin
More about TrehaloseUrea~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Naturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations
More about UreaChlorphenesin~0.15–0.3%
Carbomer~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerJojoba esters~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function
More about Jojoba estersAcrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together
More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerSynthetic fluorphlogopite~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A mineral that is used as an optical filter (makes the skin looks nicer through light reflection) and to improve the texture of cosmetic products
More about Synthetic fluorphlogopiteSodium hyaluronate~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateBetaine~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about BetaineInositol~0.15–0.3%
Serine~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
More about SerineTaurine~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Could be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, evening out the skin tone and neutralizing free radicals, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness
More about TaurineSodium hydroxide~0.15–0.3%
Dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is claimed to stimulate collagen and elastin production, as well as work as an anti-oxidant. There is however not enough evidence for its effectiveness
More about Dipalmitoyl hydroxyprolineCi 77891~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Hydrolyzed soy flour~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Biosaccharide gum-1~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin
More about Biosaccharide gum-1Biosaccharide gum-2~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Adenosine~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)
More about AdenosineXanthan gum~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumSodium benzoate~0.15–0.3%
Polysorbate 60~0.2–0.35%
Sorbitan isostearate~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sorbitan isostearatePalmitic acid~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it
More about Palmitic acidCaprylyl glycol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolAlgin~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Used to thicken product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about AlginSodium metabisulfite~0.1–0.2%
Glyceryl polyacrylate~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to create a nice product texture and spread the product more easily on the skin
More about Glyceryl polyacrylatePullulan~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
Creates a thin drying film on the skin resulting in a short-term tightening effect
More about PullulanTropaeolum majus flower/leaf/stem extract~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Disodium phosphate~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps adjust the product pH and stabilize the formulation
More about Disodium phosphatePotassium sorbate~0.1–0.2%
Tin oxide~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A colorant that can add a pearl-like appearance to the formulation
More about Tin oxide1,2-hexanediol~0.05%
Diamond powder~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Does not have known skin benefits. Might help create an optical illusion of smoother skin
More about Diamond powderPentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to increase stability of product formulations
More about Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamatePotassium phosphate~0.1–0.2%
Polygonum bistorta root extract~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties and is claimed by its manufacturer to be able to decrease lines and wrinkles but evidence is lacking
More about Polygonum bistorta root extractTocopherol~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
More about TocopherolIngredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Squalane, Alcohol, Propanediol, Pentylene glycol, Diglycerin, Lauroyl lysine, Limnanthes alba seed oil, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Orchid extract, Dimethicone, C10-18 triglycerides, Parfum, Butylene glycol, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Caprylic/capric/succinic triglyceride, Cellulose, Cetyl alcohol, Ectoin, Steareth-2, Steareth-21, Stearyl alcohol, Maltodextrin, Avena sativa kernel extract, Tocopheryl acetate, Trehalose, Urea, Chlorphenesin, Carbomer, Jojoba esters, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Synthetic fluorphlogopite, Sodium hyaluronate, Betaine, Inositol, Serine, Taurine, Sodium hydroxide, Dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline, Ci 77891, Hydrolyzed soy flour, Biosaccharide gum-1, Biosaccharide gum-2, Adenosine, Xanthan gum, Sodium benzoate, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan isostearate, Palmitic acid, Caprylyl glycol, Algin, Sodium metabisulfite, Glyceryl polyacrylate, Pullulan, Tropaeolum majus flower/leaf/stem extract, Disodium phosphate, Potassium sorbate, Tin oxide, 1,2-hexanediol, Diamond powder, Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Potassium phosphate, Polygonum bistorta root extract, Tocopherol
Compare prices
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| GUERLAINOrchide Impriale - The Light CreamYOUR PRODUCT | BerrisomTIMETOX Revitalizing Cream | ElishacoyHydro Save Plan Cream | Paula's choiceResist Barrier Repair Advanced Moisturizer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 54% | 52% | 52% |
| Price | — | $20.40 | $19.00 | $45.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 6 of 16 | 7 of 16 | 5 of 16 |
| Key difference | — | Phytosphingosine | Niacinamide | Ceramide Eop |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Dr.Reju-All Advanced LC-Ceramide Barrier CreamSkinCeuticals Advanced RGN-6 Regenerative Cream
Product summary
"GUERLAIN - Orchide Impriale - The Light Cream" is a well-rounded moisturizing product. To work well, any moisturizer needs to include a combination of water-binding and emollient ingredients. GUERLAIN - Orchide Impriale - The Light Cream ticks this box. Humectants in this product (urea, betaine, biosaccharide gum-1, diglycerin and glycerin) help to increase the water content in the upper layer of the skin. (These ingredients do so by "capturing" water molecules from the outside air or from within the deeper layers of the skin). Emollients in this formulation (jojoba esters, limnanthes alba seed oil, dimethicone, squalane and c10-18 triglycerides) help to reduce the moisture loss from the skin. They also soften the skin surface and relieve the feeling of dryness and tightness.
Ingredient callouts
- Adenosine 0.15% - 0.30%. It is a compound that in involved in many biological processes inside the skin cells. According one high-quality clinical trial, topical Adenosine in low concentrations can somewhat help improve "deep wrinkles" - the wrinkles that appear with age in places where our faces are most dynamic (for example, on the forehead or in the corners of the eyes).
Irritation risk
There are some common irritants in this product, including ingredients that do not have benefits for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 19 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
- 3
- 4Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 5
- 6Topical urea in skincare: A reviewpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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