Cicalfate+ Intensive Skin Recovery Serum
Cicalfate+ Intensive Skin Recovery Serum
Product Description
Product overview
An innovative, lightweight barrier-restoring serum powered by Pro-Vitamin B5 and TRP-Regulin™ that clinically repairs and strengthens the skin barrier in just 1 day. Formulated with 96% natural ingredients including Avène Thermal Spring Water to immediately soothe, hydrate, and protect sensitive skin from daily aggressors.
Barrier Restoration in 1 Day
Clinically proven to help restore the skin barrier in just one day, reducing tightness and discomfort.
Texture & feel
SENSORYBarrier Restoration in 1 Day
Clinically proven to help restore the skin barrier in just one day, reducing tightness and discomfort.
24-Hour Hydration
Provides long-lasting hydration while strengthening the skin's moisture barrier over time.
Avène Thermal Spring Water
Iconic ingredient that takes 40 years to collect essential minerals and nutrients to soothe and calm skin.
TRP-Regulin™ Technology
Patented active ingredient that reduces skin sensitivity and reactivity while maintaining microbiome balance.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, or other ingredients to avoid during pregnancy. Confirmed safe by Avène for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Contains Sorbitan Isostearate, Polysorbate 60, and Octyldodecanol which may feed Malassezia yeast. Avoid if prone to fungal acne.
Rated 1/5 for comedogenicity. Non-comedogenic formula unlikely to clog pores for most skin types.
Excellent for use alongside retinol or tretinoin. Helps soothe retinoid-induced irritation and prevents flaking.
Suitable for use after dermatological procedures, laser treatments, chemical peels, and cosmetic treatments.
Hypoallergenic formula. Free from common allergens, fragrance, and harsh preservatives. Patch test recommended for extremely reactive skin.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSAvène Thermal Spring WaterProven
The star ingredient of all Avène products. This unique spring water takes over 40 years to filter through the Cévennes Mountains, collecting essential minerals and trace elements that soothe, soften, and calm sensitive skin.
- Clinical Studies: Over 150 clinical studies demonstrating soothing and anti-irritating properties
- Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, reduces redness, calms irritation
- Unique Profile: Low mineral content, neutral pH, rich in silicates
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)Proven
A powerful humectant and skin-identical ingredient that attracts moisture to the skin, improves barrier function, and promotes wound healing. Converts to Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) when absorbed.
- Mechanism: Enhances skin hydration by attracting and holding water molecules
- Barrier Support: Stimulates lipid synthesis to strengthen the skin barrier
- Healing: Promotes fibroblast proliferation and accelerates wound healing
TRP-Regulin™ (4-T-Butylcyclohexanol)Patented
Avène's patented active ingredient that targets the TRPV1 receptors in the skin to reduce sensitivity and reactivity. This innovative technology helps calm overactive skin responses to environmental triggers.
- Action: Modulates TRPV1 receptors to reduce skin sensitivity
- Clinical Results: Reduces skin reactivity while maintaining healthy microbiome balance
- Protection: Shields skin from daily aggressors like pollution, wind, and temperature changes
Glycerin High ConcentrationProven
One of the most effective humectants available. Naturally present in skin, glycerin attracts water to the upper layers of the skin and helps maintain the lipid barrier in a healthy state.
- Efficacy: Studies show glycerin is more effective than hyaluronic acid for hydration
- Concentration: Effective from 3%, with optimal benefits at higher concentrations
- Safety: Comedogenic rating of 0, irritancy rating of 0
17 ingredients
Avène Thermal Spring Water (Avene Aqua), Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol, Octyldodecanol, Pantolactone, Betaine, Citric Acid, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polysorbate 60, Sodium Citrate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Water (Aqua), Xanthan Gum
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply morning and evening before your usual skincare routine. Can be used as the first serum step or as a barrier-protecting layer before actives like retinol.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse Your Skin
Start with clean, dry skin. Use a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type and pat dry.
Dispense Product
Use the pipette to dispense 3-4 drops of serum. A little goes a long way with this concentrated formula.
Apply to Face, Neck & Eye Area
Gently spread the serum across your face, neck, and eye contour area using light pressing motions.
Continue Routine
Allow 30 seconds for absorption, then follow with your other serums, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM).
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have sensitive, reactive, or easily irritated skin
- Your skin barrier is compromised or damaged
- You experience redness, tightness, or discomfort
- You're using retinol and need to prevent irritation
- You've had a cosmetic procedure or treatment
- You want a pregnancy-safe soothing serum
- You prefer fragrance-free, minimal formulas
- You need hydration without heaviness
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You're looking for anti-aging actives like retinol
- You want brightening ingredients like Vitamin C
- You prefer a thicker, more occlusive texture
- You're on a very tight budget
- You need exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESSpecifically formulated for sensitive skin. Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formula with proven soothing ingredients.
Excellent hydration with glycerin and panthenol. Restores moisture barrier and provides 24-hour hydration.
Lightweight milky texture absorbs quickly without adding shine. Non-comedogenic formula won't clog pores.
Balances well across different face zones. Hydrates dry areas without overwhelming oily zones.
Non-comedogenic and helps repair barrier damage from acne treatments. However, not suitable for fungal acne.
Excellent for hydration and barrier support. Pairs well with anti-aging actives to reduce irritation.
Results timeline
WEEK 3Instant Soothing & Comfort
Skin feels immediately soothed, hydrated, and comfortable. Cooling sensation calms irritation on contact.
94% felt skin was more hydratedBarrier Restoration Begins
Clinically proven to help restore the skin barrier in just one day. Tightness and discomfort reduced.
46% restoration of transepithelial electrical resistanceReduced Irritation & Redness
Visible reduction in redness and skin sensitivity. Skin feels more resilient to environmental stressors.
83% agree skin is less irritatedStrengthened Skin Barrier
Skin's protective barrier is lastingly reinforced. Moisture retention improved, skin appears healthier and more supple.
100% agree their skin barrier is strengthenedRatings by platform
375+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Immediately soothes and calms irritated skin
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture
- Clinically proven barrier restoration in 1 day
- Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic
- Excellent for retinol users to prevent irritation
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe
- Non-sticky, layers well under other products
- Suitable for eye area
Criticized
- Not fungal acne safe
- Small bottle (30ml) for the price
- May not be hydrating enough for very dry skin alone
- No active anti-aging ingredients
- Glass bottle not travel-friendly
- Some find the dropper dispenses too much product
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESContains 10% Vitamin B5, hyaluronic acid, and Vitreoscilla ferment. Similar barrier-repairing benefits but includes alcohol denat. which some may find drying.
Contains ceramides and niacinamide for barrier support. Different approach with retinol added. Better for anti-aging but not pregnancy safe.
Simpler formula with B5 and multiple weights of hyaluronic acid. Great for hydration but lacks the thermal water and TRP-Regulin technology.
Rich in ceramides, fatty acids, and plant oils for barrier repair. Different texture (more oily) and approach. Not fungal acne safe either.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEAvène Cicalfate+ Serum
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration required.
Glass dropper bottle with pipette for precise, hygienic dispensing
Yes, under 100ml TSA limit. However, glass bottle requires careful packing.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, the Avène Cicalfate+ Intensive Skin Recovery Serum is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. According to Avène's official guidelines, the Cicalfate range can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens that are typically avoided during pregnancy. However, as with any skincare product, consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
No, this serum is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains Sorbitan Isostearate (derived from isostearic acid), Polysorbate 60, and Octyldodecanol, which can feed Malassezia yeast. If you're prone to fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis), consider alternatives like The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 or the Avène Tolerance Extreme Emulsion which have cleaner ingredient profiles for malassezia-prone skin.
Yes! This serum is an excellent companion for active ingredients. For retinol/tretinoin: Apply the Cicalfate+ Serum first as a protective barrier, wait a few minutes, then apply retinol. This helps prevent retinoid irritation and flaking. For Vitamin C: Use Vitamin C in the morning and the Cicalfate+ Serum both AM and PM. For AHA/BHA: Apply acids first on dry skin, wait 15-20 minutes, then apply the serum to soothe and hydrate. The serum helps buffer irritation from all these actives.
This serum is best suited for sensitive, reactive, dry, and compromised skin types. It's particularly excellent for those with a damaged skin barrier, those experiencing redness, tightness, or irritation, and those using potentially irritating actives like retinol. It also works well for combination and oily skin types due to its lightweight, fast-absorbing texture. However, if you have fungal acne, this product is not suitable for you.
Results begin immediately with instant soothing and comfort. Clinical studies show that the skin barrier begins to restore within 1 day (46% improvement in transepithelial electrical resistance). By week 1, 83% of users report less irritated skin. After 3 weeks of consistent use, the skin barrier is lastingly reinforced, with 100% of clinical study participants agreeing their skin is repaired and the barrier strengthened.
Apply the serum after cleansing and toning, as the first treatment step in your routine. Use the pipette to apply a few drops to your face, neck, and eye area morning and evening. Wait about 30 seconds for absorption, then follow with your other serums, treatments, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM). It can also be used strategically before retinol to create a protective buffer.
No, this serum has a low comedogenic rating of 1/5 and is officially labeled as non-comedogenic by Avène. The lightweight, milky gel formula absorbs quickly without leaving residue that could clog pores. It's suitable for acne-prone skin (though not for fungal acne specifically). The formula is free from heavy oils and comedogenic ingredients that typically cause breakouts.
The serum has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. This means you should use it within 12 months of first opening the bottle. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain efficacy. The glass dropper bottle with pipette helps maintain hygiene by preventing contamination. With the 30ml size and recommended usage of 3-4 drops twice daily, most users will finish the bottle well within this timeframe.
Verdict: The Avène Cicalfate+ Intensive Skin Recovery Serum is an exceptional choice for anyone with sensitive, reactive, or compromised skin seeking a gentle yet effective barrier-repairing serum. Its clinically proven formula delivers on its promises of rapid soothing and barrier restoration, making it particularly valuable for retinol users and those recovering from procedures. The lightweight, fragrance-free formula absorbs beautifully and plays well with other products. While the price per ml is on the higher side and it's not suitable for fungal acne, the quality of ingredients (especially the iconic Avène Thermal Spring Water and patented TRP-Regulin) and proven clinical results justify the investment for sensitive skin sufferers. A French pharmacy staple that lives up to its reputation.
Product Overview
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Pentylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 3 |
Propylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Skin-Conditioningagent - Miscellaneous
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
4-T-Butylcyclohexanol
Masking, Perfuming, Soothing
|
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 1 |
Octyldodecanol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Perfuming, Emollient, Fragrance
|
|






