Cicalfate+ Absorbing Soothing Spray
Cicalfate+ Absorbing Soothing Spray
Product Description
Product overview
A 3-in-1 drying, restoring, and soothing spray formulated with postbiotic C+ Restore, copper-zinc sulfate complex, and Avène Thermal Spring Water. Designed for irritated, oozing, or maceration-prone skin areas including skin folds, diaper area, and post-procedure skin. Safe for infants, children, and adults.
3-in-1 Drying Action
Absorbent powders including zinc oxide quickly dry oozing and macerated skin areas, starting the restoration process within 48 hours.
Texture & feel
SENSORY3-in-1 Drying Action
Absorbent powders including zinc oxide quickly dry oozing and macerated skin areas, starting the restoration process within 48 hours.
Postbiotic Skin Repair
Patented C+ Restore (Aquaphilus Dolomiae Ferment Filtrate) derived from Avène Thermal Spring Water supports the skin microbiome and promotes epidermal repair up to 4x faster.
Antibacterial Protection
Copper sulfate and zinc sulfate complex limits bacterial proliferation, creating a clean environment for optimal wound recovery.
Instant Soothing
Avène Thermal Spring Water, clinically proven in over 150 studies, immediately calms irritation without stinging or discomfort from the very first application.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters. All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Listed as pregnancy-safe by dermatology resources.
Contains Aquaphilus Dolomiae Ferment Filtrate (a ferment), which is a potential malassezia trigger. However, the formula is free of oils, fatty acids, and esters. Low risk in spray format but not 100% fungal acne safe.
Clinically tested under dermatological and pediatric control on 51 subjects including infants, children, and adults. Suitable for diaper area and skin folds from birth.
Formulated to minimize risk of allergic reactions. Won't clog pores. Comedogenic rating: 1/5. Free from fragrance, parabens, alcohol, and silicones.
Suitable for superficial skin irritations, post-dermatological procedures, minor wounds, and oozing areas. Not a substitute for an antiseptic — use antiseptic first, then apply spray.
Can be used alongside most skincare products. Can be followed by Cicalfate+ Cream once skin appearance improves for continued barrier repair.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSAvène Thermal Spring Water #1 IngredientProven
The hero base of this formula — sourced from the Sainte-Odile spring in Avène, France. Rich in silicates and trace elements with a unique mineral composition that soothes and softens sensitive skin.
- Clinical: Over 150 published studies demonstrating soothing, anti-irritating, and softening properties on sensitive skin.
- Composition: Naturally low mineral content with optimal calcium/magnesium ratio for skin calming.
- Use: Clinically used at the Avène Hydrotherapy Center since 1743 for dermatological conditions.
Zinc Oxide #2 IngredientProven
A mineral powder with absorbent, protective, and mild antimicrobial properties. Forms a physical barrier on the skin surface to help dry oozing areas and protect compromised skin.
- Function: Acts as an absorbent drying agent and creates a protective barrier on damaged skin.
- Safety: Comedogenic rating of 1/5. FDA-approved skin protectant. Suitable for infants.
- Benefit: Helps control excess moisture in skin folds and macerated areas while supporting healing.
Aquaphilus Dolomiae Ferment Filtrate (C+ Restore™)Patented
Avène’s patented postbiotic ingredient derived from a unique bacterium (Aquaphilus Dolomiae) found exclusively in Avène Thermal Spring Water. Rich in proteins that support the skin microbiome and accelerate epidermal repair.
- Mechanism: Supports the skin’s natural microbiome to assist with barrier restoration and epidermal repair.
- Clinical: Demonstrated to promote skin repair up to 4x faster in brand-sponsored studies.
- Innovation: First postbiotic repair ingredient derived from thermal spring water bacteria.
Copper Sulfate + Zinc Sulfate ComplexProven
A dual mineral complex with purifying and antibacterial properties. Limits the risk of bacterial proliferation on compromised skin, creating a healthy environment for wound recovery.
- Copper Sulfate: Known antimicrobial agent; helps prevent secondary infection on damaged skin.
- Zinc Sulfate: Astringent and antiseptic properties; supports skin regeneration and healing.
- Synergy: Combined action purifies the affected area within 1 hour (in-vitro study).
Hydrogenated Starch HydrolysateSupporting
A starch-derived absorbent powder that helps the spray deliver its drying action. Works alongside zinc oxide to absorb excess moisture from oozing or macerated skin areas without over-drying.
- Function: Absorbent agent that draws moisture away from the skin surface.
- Safety: Well-tolerated, non-irritating sugar alcohol derivative. Safe for all skin types.
13 ingredients
Avene Thermal Spring Water (Avene Aqua), Zinc Oxide, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Water (Aqua), 1,2-Hexanediol, Aquaphilus Dolomiae Ferment Filtrate, Arginine, Caprylyl Glycol, Copper Sulfate, Hectorite, Sclerotium Gum, Tromethamine, Zinc Sulfate
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse this spray on oozing or wet irritations. Once the skin appearance improves and the area is dry, switch to Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream for continued repair.
How to use
HOW TO USEClean the Area
Gently cleanse the affected skin area. If needed, apply an antiseptic to the wound or irritation before using the spray.
Shake Well
Shake the can thoroughly before each use to ensure the absorbent powders and active ingredients are evenly distributed.
Spray Directly
Hold the can at a comfortable distance and spray directly onto the affected area. The fine mist ensures even coverage without touching sensitive skin.
Repeat Twice Daily
Apply twice daily until improvement of skin appearance. No need to rub in — the spray absorbs and dries on its own. Does not stain clothes.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oozing, wet, or macerated skin irritations
- You need to dry and soothe diaper rash or skin fold irritation
- You are recovering from dermatological procedures
- You suffer from heat rash, chafing, or intertrigo
- You have rosacea flare-ups with oozing or weeping skin
- You need a touch-free application for very sensitive areas
- You want a product safe for the whole family including infants
Consider alternatives if:
- Your skin is dry without moisture/oozing (use the Cicalfate+ Cream instead)
- You need deep hydration or moisturization
- You have strictly fungal acne concerns (ferment filtrate present)
- You want a multi-purpose daily moisturizer
- You have very dry, flaky skin without maceration
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESAbsorbent powder formula mattifies and dries without adding oils or heaviness. Ideal for oily, irritated areas.
Designed to dry and absorb moisture — not for dry skin conditions. Switch to Cicalfate+ Cream once oozing stops.
Works well on moist or irritated zones. Use targeted on affected areas rather than as an all-over treatment.
Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and clinically tested. Soothes without stinging from the first application. Touch-free spray format.
Non-comedogenic (1/5) and oil-free. Zinc oxide helps with healing. Ferment filtrate may concern those with fungal acne.
Results timeline
1–3 WEEKSImmediate Soothing
Avène Thermal Spring Water immediately calms irritation and discomfort without stinging. Touch-free spray provides relief to very sensitive areas.
Soothing from 1st application (clinical study)Purifying Action Begins
Copper-zinc sulfate complex begins its purifying effect, reducing bacterial proliferation on the affected skin area within the first hour.
Purifies skin in 1 hour (in-vitro study)Visible Drying & Repair
Absorbent powders show high drying effect on skin irritations. Epidermal repair begins with visible improvement in skin appearance. Oozing significantly reduced.
Dries & restores skin after 48 hours (clinical study, 51 subjects)Full Recovery
With consistent twice-daily application, compromised skin areas show significant improvement. Transition to Cicalfate+ Cream for continued barrier repair once area is dry.
Clinical study: 21-day protocol with dermatological & pediatric controlRatings by platform
240+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Immediately soothes irritation without stinging or burning
- Touch-free spray format — no painful contact with sensitive areas
- Effectively dries oozing and macerated skin within 48 hours
- Safe for infants, children, and adults (whole family product)
- Minimal, clean ingredient list (only 13 ingredients)
- Does not stain clothes — convenient for daily use
- Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic
- Great for rosacea flare-ups, heat rash, and summer chafing
Criticized
- Premium price point (~$38 for 100ml)
- Too drying if used on skin that is not oozing or macerated
- Aerosol can format — ORM-D shipping restrictions (ground only)
- Must shake well before each use or application is uneven
- Not a moisturizer — does not hydrate dry skin
- Contains a ferment filtrate (potential fungal acne concern)
- Small 100ml can may not last long with twice-daily use
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Similar soothing repair spray format with panthenol (B5) and madecassoside instead of postbiotic C+ Restore. More hydrating, less drying. Better for dry irritation; Avène is better for oozing/wet skin.
Cream format (not spray) with zinc oxide and copper-zinc complex. Contains hyaluronic acid for hydration. Good for dry wounds but lacks the drying powder action of the Avène spray for oozing areas.
Repair spray from another Pierre Fabre brand (same parent company as Avène). Uses Rhealba oat extract instead of thermal water. Slightly different mechanism but similar soothing-repair spray concept.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEAvène Cicalfate+ Spray
Storage & shelf life
6 MONTHS6 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place below 50°C/122°F. Keep away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Do not puncture or incinerate the pressurized container.
Pressurized aerosol spray can with fine mist nozzle. No-touch application — hygienic and easy to use on sensitive areas.
100ml size fits carry-on liquid limits but is classified ORM-D (aerosol). Ground shipping only in the US. Check airline policies for aerosol restrictions.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. This spray contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, or any other ingredients flagged as unsafe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The formula is composed of Avène Thermal Spring Water, mineral powders (zinc oxide), a postbiotic ferment filtrate, amino acids, and mineral salts — all considered safe for use during pregnancy and nursing. It is listed as pregnancy-safe by multiple dermatology resources and is gentle enough for use on infants from birth.
Use with caution. The formula contains Aquaphilus Dolomiae Ferment Filtrate, which is a ferment-derived ingredient flagged as a potential malassezia trigger. However, the spray is free from oils, fatty acids, esters, and polysorbates — the primary food sources for malassezia yeast. The risk is lower than typical creams with ferments because the spray format lacks lipid carriers. If you are highly sensitive to fungal acne, patch test first or consult your dermatologist.
This spray is primarily designed for acute skin irritations, oozing wounds, and macerated areas — not as part of a daily active-ingredient routine. If your skin is irritated from overuse of retinol, acids, or vitamin C, you should pause those actives and use the spray on the affected area. Once the skin has healed, you can resume your actives. Do not layer this spray with strong actives on the same area simultaneously.
This spray is best for any skin type experiencing oozing, wet, or macerated skin irritations. It is excellent for sensitive and oily skin thanks to its fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, powder-based formula. It is especially suited for skin folds, diaper areas, under-breast areas, between toes, heat rash, and rosacea flare-ups with weeping skin. It is less ideal for dry skin without moisture, as its primary function is drying and absorbing excess wetness.
You can expect immediate soothing relief from the first application. Clinical studies show the spray purifies the skin within 1 hour, and begins visibly drying and restoring skin after 48 hours of use (twice daily). The full clinical study protocol ran for 21 days with consistent twice-daily application. Most users report noticeable improvement within 2–3 days.
This is not a traditional skincare-routine product. It is a targeted treatment spray for specific irritated areas. Apply it after cleansing (and after antiseptic if needed) directly on the affected area. Do not layer other products on top immediately — let the spray dry and absorb. Once the skin appearance improves and the area is no longer oozing, transition to Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream for continued barrier repair.
No. This spray has a comedogenic rating of 1/5, meaning it has a very low risk of clogging pores. It is labeled non-comedogenic by Avène. The formula is oil-free, silicone-free, and uses mineral-based absorbent powders (zinc oxide, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate) that sit on the skin surface rather than penetrating pores. Avène conducts non-comedogenicity tests during product development.
The Period After Opening (PAO) for this product is 6 months. Check the open-jar icon on the packaging for the exact PAO. Being a pressurized aerosol spray, the formula is well-protected from air and contamination, but you should still use it within the recommended timeframe for best efficacy. Store in a cool, dry place and keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Verdict: Avène Cicalfate+ Absorbing Soothing Spray is a highly specialized French pharmacy product that excels at its specific purpose: drying, soothing, and repairing oozing or macerated skin irritations. The minimal 13-ingredient formula with patented postbiotic C+ Restore, copper-zinc purifying complex, and Avène Thermal Spring Water delivers clinically proven results within 48 hours. The touch-free spray format is ideal for hard-to-reach or painful areas, and the whole-family safety profile (including infants) is a major advantage. It loses points for its premium price, niche use case (not for dry irritations), and the presence of a ferment filtrate that may concern fungal acne sufferers. If you have weeping, oozing, or moisture-prone skin irritations, this is one of the best targeted treatments available.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |
Zinc Oxide
Skin Protecting, Sunscreen Agent, Cosmetic Colorant
|
UV Protection
|
|
| 0 |
Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
Humectant
|
|
|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
1,2-Hexanediol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Aquaphilus Dolomiae Ferment Filtrate
Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
|
|