Laboratoires La Prairie (Beiersdorf) has launched its most expensive cream Cellular Cream Platinum Rare  ($1000).  It claims to capture the 'power of pure platinum,' the most precious metal on earth.  While it is not the first skincare product to contain platinum, it expands on claims associated with this ingredient and presents it in super-luxe packaging. 

The nano-sized platinum particles are said to recharge the skin's electrical balance and protect the skin's DNA.  The patented formula also contains other precious minerals (malachite, hematite), the La Prairie Cellular Complex (glycoproteins, ginseng and horsetail) and anti-oxidants. 

Like other beauty products over $150, the applicator is a precious object in itself.  The design incorporates the alchemical symbol for platinum, which combines the Sun (gold) and the Moon (silver), embellished with a Swarovski crystal.

Cellular Cream Platinum Rare is available exclusively at Saks prior to international rollout in January 2009.