Overview
Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream and La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 are two cult-favorite skincare products often compared on Reddit for their impressive abilities to soothe and repair compromised skin. Trusted by dermatologists and beauty enthusiasts alike, both products are staples for addressing irritated, dry, or damaged skin, yet they often spark debates about which one is better suited for specific skin concerns. Their comparable reputations for being gentle yet effective, paired with their shared “cica” branding, make them go-to solutions for people searching for skin-repair superheroes.
Interestingly, both products share the “cica” in their names, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they both feature centella asiatica (commonly referred to as “cica”) as a key ingredient. Instead, “cica” here stems from the word “cicatrize,” which means to heal or promote skin recovery. That said, La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast does contain madecassoside, a potent active component of centella asiatica, known for its reparative and anti-inflammatory properties. Avène’s Cicalfate, on the other hand, does not rely on centella but still embodies the concept of skin repair through other innovative mechanisms.
While both products focus on repairing the skin barrier, they achieve this with unique ingredient profiles tailored to different skin types and needs. Cicalfate stands out with its postbiotic extract, which works to promote skin microbiome balance and healing, and a copper-zinc sulfate complex that helps to prevent infections and minimize discomfort. In contrast, Cicaplast boasts vitamin B5 (panthenol) for hydration and calming redness, along with madecassoside for its soothing and nourishing benefits.
Additionally, the textures differ due to their occlusive ingredients: Cicalfate contains mineral oil, while Cicaplast includes shea butter and 1% dimethicone to form a protective barrier over the skin. Though both brands state their products are non-comedogenic and won’t clog pores, those with oily or acne-prone skin may need to try them firsthand to detemine suitability.
Ultimately, both Cicalfate and Cicaplast are excellent for supporting a damaged skin barrier and can be used for a range of skin conditions, including post-procedure care, diaper rash, eczema, and general irritation. Their specialized ingredients and differing occlusive levels make them versatile for various skin types and needs. For a closer look at how these products compare, check out the following chart for detailed breakdowns to help you choose the best option for your skin.
Comparison
| Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream | La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 | |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Active | C+- Restore™ (Postbiotic), Copper-Zinc Sulfate Complex | Vitamin B5 (Panthenol), Shea Butter, Madecassoside |
| Booster | Glycerin, Avene Thermal Spring Water | Glycerin, La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water |
| Contains | Mineral Oil | 1% Dimethicone (Silicone) |
| Size | 40ml | 40ml |
| Price | $28 | $16.99 |
| Find Offer | Amazon | Amazon |
Ingredients
Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
Avene Thermal Spring Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Mineral Oil, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Zinc Oxide, Propylene Glycol, Polyclugeryl-2-Sesquiisosterate, PEG-22/Dodecyl Glycol Copolymer, Aluminum Stearate, Aquaphilus Dolomiae Ferment Filtrate, Arginine, Beeswax, Copper Sulfate, Magnesium Stearate, Microcrystalline Wax, Tromethamine, Zinc Sulfate
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
Water, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Panthenol, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Trihydroxystearin, Zinc Gluconate, Madecassoside, Manganese Gluconate, Silica, Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Sulfate, Disodium EDTA, Copper Gluconate, Citric Acid, Acetylated Glycol Stearate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Tocopherol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorhexidine Digluconate Titanium Dioxide
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