La Prairie is a Swiss luxury skincare house renowned for its scientifically advanced, anti-aging products that use rare and precious ingredients like caviar, gold, and platinum. The company operates as the luxury business segment of its German parent company, Beiersdorf AG, which acquired the brand in 1991.
Company Overview
Headquarters:
Zurich, Switzerland.
Ownership:
Wholly owned subsidiary of Beiersdorf AG, a global consumer goods company whose brands also include Nivea and Eucerin.
Market Position:
A leader in the global luxury cosmetic care market, known for exclusivity and high performance.
Target Audience:
Affluent, discerning, and well-traveled women aged 35 and older who seek high-end, effective anti-aging solutions.
History and Heritage
La Prairie's origins trace back to the prestigious Clinique La Prairie in Montreux, Switzerland, a pioneer in anti-aging cellular therapy founded in 1931 by Dr. Paul Niehans. The skincare brand, established as a separate entity in 1978 to bring the clinic's treatments to a wider audience, builds its identity on this rich medical heritage. In 2024, Beiersdorf acquired the real estate assets of the original clinic property, further reuniting the brand with its historic birthplace.
Core Philosophy and Products
La Prairie's philosophy is rooted in a unique blend of audacious innovation, Swiss precision, and exquisite luxury.
Science & Innovation:
The brand is centered on a closely guarded, proprietary formula called the Exclusive Cellular Complexâ„¢, which is included in most of its face and body products to protect against aging and promote cell renewal.
Key Collections:
Its product lines are famous for incorporating rare and potent ingredients:
Skin Caviar:
The iconic collection launched in 1987, utilizing various forms of caviar extract for lifting, firming, and smoothing the skin.
White Caviar:
Focuses on illumination and lifting to reduce dark spots and enhance an even skin tone.
Platinum Rare:
A line based on the "Science of Haute-Rejuvenation," utilizing platinum to smooth fine lines and restore the skin's natural balance.
Experience & Art:
La Prairie goes beyond just products, aiming to offer unique sensory experiences and often partnering with art institutions like the Fondation Beyeler to emphasize its commitment to craftsmanship and beauty.
The company sells its products through partnered high-end retailers and aims to provide outstanding scientific innovations while upholding the highest standards of luxury and sustainability.