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Cicalfate+ Intensive Skin Recovery Serum

Cicalfate+ Intensive Skin Recovery Serum

Product Description

Product overview

Made in France FRENCH BEAUTY

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.

Fragrance-Free Alcohol-Free Silicone-Free Paraben-Free 96% Natural Origin Dermatologist Tested Non-Comedogenic Hypoallergenic
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
30ml / 1 fl oz
Price
$40.00
Cost/ml
$1.33
pH Level
5.5 - 6.5
Natural
96%
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Barrier Restoration in 1 Day

Clinically proven to help restore the skin barrier in just one day, reducing tightness and discomfort.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Milky Gel
Scent
Fragrance-Free
Absorption
Under 30 seconds
Finish
Comfortable, Natural

Barrier 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.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, or other ingredients to avoid during pregnancy. Confirmed safe by Avène for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Not Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

Contains Sorbitan Isostearate, Polysorbate 60, and Octyldodecanol which may feed Malassezia yeast. Avoid if prone to fungal acne.

Low Comedogenic Risk

Rated 1/5 for comedogenicity. Non-comedogenic formula unlikely to clog pores for most skin types.

Retinol Compatible

Excellent for use alongside retinol or tretinoin. Helps soothe retinoid-induced irritation and prevents flaking.

Post-Procedure Safe

Suitable for use after dermatological procedures, laser treatments, chemical peels, and cosmetic treatments.

Allergy Considerations

Hypoallergenic formula. Free from common allergens, fragrance, and harsh preservatives. Patch test recommended for extremely reactive skin.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Avène 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
Suitable for all skin types including the most sensitive and reactive skin.

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

FREE FROM: Parabens, Sulfates, Alcohol (Denat.), Silicones, Fragrance, Silica, Soy, Aluminum, Talc, Essential Oils, Retinoids, Harsh Preservatives
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleanser
2
Toner
3
This Serum
4
Treatment
5
Moisturizer
6
Sunscreen (AM)

Apply 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.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Cleanse Your Skin

Start with clean, dry skin. Use a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type and pat dry.

2

Dispense Product

Use the pipette to dispense 3-4 drops of serum. A little goes a long way with this concentrated formula.

3

Apply to Face, Neck & Eye Area

Gently spread the serum across your face, neck, and eye contour area using light pressing motions.

4

Continue Routine

Allow 30 seconds for absorption, then follow with your other serums, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM).

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect 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)
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Sensitive Skin
Excellent

Specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formula with proven soothing ingredients.

Dry Skin
Excellent

Excellent hydration with glycerin and panthenol. Restores moisture barrier and provides 24-hour hydration.

Oily Skin
Good

Lightweight milky texture absorbs quickly without adding shine. Non-comedogenic formula won't clog pores.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Balances well across different face zones. Hydrates dry areas without overwhelming oily zones.

Acne-Prone Skin
Good

Non-comedogenic and helps repair barrier damage from acne treatments. However, not suitable for fungal acne.

Mature Skin
Good

Excellent for hydration and barrier support. Pairs well with anti-aging actives to reduce irritation.

08

Results timeline

WEEK 3
Immediately

Instant Soothing & Comfort

Skin feels immediately soothed, hydrated, and comfortable. Cooling sensation calms irritation on contact.

94% felt skin was more hydrated
Day 1

Barrier Restoration Begins

Clinically proven to help restore the skin barrier in just one day. Tightness and discomfort reduced.

46% restoration of transepithelial electrical resistance
Week 1

Reduced Irritation & Redness

Visible reduction in redness and skin sensitivity. Skin feels more resilient to environmental stressors.

83% agree skin is less irritated
Week 3

Strengthened Skin Barrier

Skin's protective barrier is lastingly reinforced. Moisture retention improved, skin appears healthier and more supple.

100% agree their skin barrier is strengthened
09

Ratings by platform

375+ REVIEWS
Amazon
4.5
Rating
200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Pricey for the size, some find it not hydrating enough alone
Ulta
4.7
Rating
50+
Reviews
Main complaint: Small bottle size for the price point
Cult Beauty
4.8
Rating
100+
Reviews
Main complaint: Wish it came in a larger size
LovelySkin
5.0
Rating
25+
Reviews
Main complaint: None significant - highly praised for sensitive skin
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • 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
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
85% Match
Cicaplast Gel B5
$32.00
Similar Price

Contains 10% Vitamin B5, hyaluronic acid, and Vitreoscilla ferment. Similar barrier-repairing benefits but includes alcohol denat. which some may find drying.

70% Match
Skin Renewing Retinol Serum
$18.99
Budget Pick

Contains ceramides and niacinamide for barrier support. Different approach with retinol added. Better for anti-aging but not pregnancy safe.

75% Match
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum
$8.90
Budget Pick

Simpler formula with B5 and multiple weights of hyaluronic acid. Great for hydration but lacks the thermal water and TRP-Regulin technology.

65% Match
Omega+ Complex Moisturizer
$36.00
Similar Price

Rich in ceramides, fatty acids, and plant oils for barrier repair. Different texture (more oily) and approach. Not fungal acne safe either.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Cicaplast Gel B5
Key Actives 10% B5 + Hyaluronic Acid + HEPES
Size 30ml
Fragrance None
Alcohol Contains Alcohol Denat.
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Fungal Acne Safe No
Cicaplast Baume B5+
Key Actives 5% Panthenol + Madecassoside + Shea
Size 40ml
Fragrance None
Texture Thick Balm (Occlusive)
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Fungal Acne Safe No
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum
Key Actives Multi-weight HA + B5
Size 30ml
Fragrance None
Alcohol None
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration required.

Packaging

Glass dropper bottle with pipette for precise, hygienic dispensing

Travel Friendly

Yes, under 100ml TSA limit. However, glass bottle requires careful packing.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes, 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.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.5 / 5 ★★★★★

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

question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Citric Acid
brightening Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Citric Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Citric Acid
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
1 1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
71% 14% 14%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 14 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
1 A
Pentylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
3 B
Propylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Skin-Conditioningagent - Miscellaneous
Hydrating
0 Unknown
4-T-Butylcyclohexanol
Masking, Perfuming, Soothing
Redness
Irritation
1 A
Octyldodecanol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Perfuming, Emollient, Fragrance
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS