It's True: This French Pharmacy Skincare Icon Is the Closest Thing to a Miracle Product That Exists
The La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 has become a modern skincare icon. Here's why it deserves a spot on your shelf.
As a beauty editor, it's part of my job to test new beauty products and have multiple skincare launches in my rotation. However, I have a core set of skincare products that I always come back to, no matter what shiny new products pass through our beauty desk.
My skin is fickle, and having experienced hormonal acne and eczema flares throughout the years, I've learned the hard way that my sensitive skin much prefers a simple skincare routine. Which is why, alongside my go-to cleansers, serums and moisturisers, I'll never be without a tube of La Roche-Posay's Cicaplast Balm B5 (£11) in my bathroom (plus my bedside table and my handbag).
If you're yet to try it but have stumbled here after seeing the hype on TikTok, allow me to explain why this dermatologist-approved balm is worth trying out for yourself.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ Review
Key ingredients: Panthenol, madecassocide, tribioma (a prebiotic complex), vitamin B5, zinc and manganese
Best for: All skin types, irritated skin, sensitive complexions
Pros
- Soothes sensitive and irritated skin
- Can be used on face and body
- Multi-purpose healing balm
- Acts as a healing shield for a whole range of skin concerns
Cons
- May be too rich underneath makeup for for oily skin types
What Is Cicaplast Baume B5+?
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ is one of those multi-purpose products that basically does everything. It was originally designed to soothe and repair damaged, irritated or uncomfortable skin. You'll often find that dermatologists recommend it for a number of skin ailments.
The formula contains prebiotics, alongside zinc and manganese (both of which are anti-bacterial), which help to speed up skin recovery, while the rich, creamy texture creates a shield-like barrier on the skin for optimum healing. It's also fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, so it's great for very sensitive skin too.
How To Use Cicaplast Baume B5+
The uses for the Cicaplast Baume B5+ are endless. It can be used on the face and the body to soothe inflamed or sensitised skin. Whether you've overdone it on retinol or exfoliating acids and need a soothing antidote, or are experiencing an eczema flare-up, this will offer immediate relief. If you have flaky skin, it's the perfect moisturiser for dry skin (or as an intensive healing night cream) and it's like a magic plaster for cracked skin and chapped lips, too.
It's also been designed to be used post-laser or chemical peels and is gentle enough to be used by those undergoing cancer treatment. It's even used for nappy rash on babies—it's that gentle.
Creators and skincare experts have also taken to TikTok to share some of its alternative uses, too. You can apply it as a thick face mask overnight and come morning, you'll wake up with soothed, plumped and glowing skin. Some have even found that massaging a tiny amount of the balm onto your nose can help reduce the appearance of sebaceous filaments on the nose (these are very normal, tiny hairs on our nose that can look like blackheads).
The Verdict
As someone with somewhat unpredictable and sensitive skin that is prone to irritation and eczema flare ups, I can safely say that the Cicaplast Baume B5+ has come to the rescue many a time—I've gone through several tubes of the stuff.
If my skin becomes sensitised from too many skincare actives, such as tretinoin, vitamin C or exfoliating acids, I strip everything back and only apply this. It miraculously soothes and repairs. Years ago, I had a severe eczema flare on my face, neck and chest and it was one of the few products that gave me relief.
Now, when my hands become dry or cracked, I use it as a healing hand cream. Shaving rash? Cicaplast. Sunburn? Cicaplast. Random skin rash? Cicaplast. You get my point, you can really use this anywhere as a first aid plaster for any skincare concern.
After seeing TikTok videos of creators using it as an overnight mask, I can confirm that it really does give you an amazing, skin-soothing glow come morning. As for using it on sebaceous filaments, I'm not convinced that this works for me personally. If you have oily skin, you may find the formula too rich as an everyday moisturiser for underneath makeup, but it's great to have on standby to help heal up blemishes (it's anti-bacterial, after all) or inflamed, red skin. I really do think this is a must-have for any skin type to have as a healing balm. I have oily skin myself, and it doesn't exacerbate my breakouts.
It's safe to say that the Cicaplast Baume B5+ has become a ride-or-die staple in my skincare routine. But since discovering the original, I've become obsessed with the whole Cicaplast range—scroll below for my favourites in the line.
Shop Cicaplast Baume B5
Shop More La Roche-Posay Cicaplast
Want the addition of SPF 50 with Cicaplast's skin-soothing properties? La Roche-Posay has it covered.
I get through a lot of Cicaplast Baume B5+, so I regularly buy the larger 100ml size, which is ideal if you're regularly using it on your body.
If you want an extra layer of skin-soothing hydration, then the Cicaplast B5 face serum is a great option for all skin types, even oily skin. It soothes, provides relief and sinks in immediately.
Next to the OG, this is my favourite from the range. It contains all the goodness from the Cicaplast formula in a milky spray, which is not only great for misting over irritated skin, but also means for those with skin conditions such as eczema, it offers relief without irritating skin that is painful to the touch.
This cleanser can be used on the face, body and scalp to gently cleanse without stripping the skin. It leaves skin feeling soothed and refreshed with its anti-bacterial formula.
Prone to chapped, cracked or dry lips? This cocooning lip balm repairs and offers long-lasting relief.
If you have dry or chapped hands, this is a great hand cream to keep in your bag.
