Cicaplast B5 Serum For Dry Skin
Cicaplast B5 Serum For Dry Skin
Product Description
Product overview
A dermatologist-recommended ultra-hydrating serum with 10% Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) that repairs the skin barrier, provides 24-hour hydration, and protects against environmental aggressors. Clinically proven to restore the skin barrier in just 1 hour.
Barrier Repair in 1 Hour
Clinically proven to restore skin barrier function with 2x faster recovery. Forms a protective "bandage-like" film on skin.
Texture & feel
SENSORYBarrier Repair in 1 Hour
Clinically proven to restore skin barrier function with 2x faster recovery. Forms a protective "bandage-like" film on skin.
24-Hour Hydration
High concentration of Panthenol reduces trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) by 47% in just 1 hour for long-lasting moisture.
Smooths Skin Texture
HEPES exfoliating complex refines skin texture and evens skin tone. 79% reduction in visible flaking and dryness.
Post-Procedure Safe
Tested for use after superficial dermatological treatments, chemical peels, and laser procedures for enhanced recovery.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Safe to use during pregnancy and while nursing.
Contains Vitreoscilla Ferment, which is a fermented ingredient. Those with fungal acne may want to patch test first.
Non-comedogenic, oil-free formula. Rating 1/5 - unlikely to clog pores. Safe for acne-prone skin types.
Contains Alcohol Denat. as the 4th ingredient. Despite this, the formula remains hydrating due to high Panthenol concentration.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSPanthenol (Vitamin B5) 10%Proven
Pro-vitamin B5 is a powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture. It stimulates the skin's natural healing process, strengthens the skin barrier, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Mechanism: Converts to pantothenic acid in the skin, promoting cell regeneration
- Studies: Proven to increase skin hydration and reduce irritation from other ingredients
- Rating: Irritancy 0/5, Comedogenicity 0/5
Sodium HyaluronateProven
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that can hold up to 1000x its weight in water. Provides multi-level hydration to plump and smooth the skin.
- Function: Draws moisture into the skin and prevents water loss
- Benefit: Plumps skin and reduces appearance of fine lines
- Rating: Irritancy 0/5, Comedogenicity 0/5
HEPES (Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid)Promising
A gentle exfoliating agent that helps remove dead skin cells and promotes cell renewal. Also acts as a pH buffer to maintain formula stability.
- Function: Gently exfoliates to refine skin texture
- Benefit: Helps smooth rough patches and improve skin radiance
Vitreoscilla FermentPromising
A probiotic-derived ingredient that helps rebalance the skin microbiome. Supports the skin's natural defense mechanisms.
- Function: Prebiotic that supports healthy skin flora
- Benefit: May help reduce skin sensitivity and redness
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)Proven
A powerful antioxidant that protects skin from free radical damage and provides photoprotection against UVB rays.
- Function: Antioxidant protection and emollient
- Synergy: Works well with Vitamin C for enhanced photoprotection
16 ingredients
Aqua/Water, Panthenol, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Dimethicone, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid (HEPES), PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Caprylyl Glycol, Vitreoscilla Ferment, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Octyldodecanol, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply before active serums (Retinol, Vitamin C) if building tolerance. Apply after actives if your skin has tolerance. Wait 30 seconds before layering.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & Prep
Start with freshly cleansed skin. Apply toner if using. Skin should be slightly damp for best absorption.
Apply 1-2 Drops
Dispense 1-2 drops onto fingertips. The milky serum has a viscous texture that spreads easily.
Gently Press
Gently press the serum onto face and neck. Avoid rubbing in circles - pressing motions help absorption.
Wait 30 Seconds
Allow the protective film to form before applying other products. The serum creates an invisible barrier on skin.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have dry, dehydrated, or flaky skin
- Your skin barrier is compromised from over-exfoliation or actives
- You experience redness, tightness, or irritation
- You're recovering from chemical peels or laser treatments
- You use retinoids and need recovery support
- You want lightweight hydration that layers well
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding
Consider alternatives if:
- You have severe fungal acne (contains fermented ingredient)
- You're extremely sensitive to any form of alcohol
- You prefer alcohol-free formulas exclusively
- You need a heavier occlusive moisturizer
- You're looking for anti-aging actives (retinol, peptides)
- You want a scented product experience
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESSpecifically formulated for dry skin. 10% Panthenol provides intense hydration and barrier repair. Reduces flaking and tightness.
Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free formula tested on sensitive skin. Soothes irritation and reduces redness effectively.
Lightweight texture works well on combo skin. Focus application on dry areas. Won't significantly increase oiliness in T-zone.
Silicone content may feel slightly heavy. Best used at night or when skin needs extra repair. Non-comedogenic formula is safe.
Non-comedogenic, oil-free. Great for repairing barrier damage from acne treatments. Fungal acne sufferers should patch test first.
Results timeline
4+ WEEKSImmediate Barrier Recovery
Skin barrier begins to repair with 47% decrease in trans-epidermal water loss. Visible reduction in flaking and dryness. Skin feels protected and comfortable.
79% noticed reduced drynessEnhanced Hydration
Skin feels consistently hydrated throughout the day. Redness and irritation significantly reduced. Texture begins to smooth out.
87% noticed smoother textureVisible Improvement
Complexion appears more even-toned. Skin texture is refined. Barrier function restored. Skin feels stronger and more resilient.
100% agree skin feels hydratedLong-Term Benefits
Healthy, balanced complexion maintained. Better tolerance to active ingredients like retinol. Reduced sensitivity to environmental stressors.
81% noticed reduced rednessRatings by platform
750+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Exceptional barrier repair with clinical backing
- High 10% Panthenol concentration
- Lightweight, non-greasy texture
- Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic
- Layers beautifully under makeup and SPF
- Safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Post-procedure tested and approved
- Visible results within hours
Criticized
- Contains Alcohol Denat. (4th ingredient)
- Expensive compared to brand's other serums
- Small 30ml bottle size
- Glass dropper not ideal for travel
- Contains ferment (fungal acne concern)
- Limited availability in some regions
- Silicone film may not suit all preferences
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSimilar hydrating concept with Panthenol and Hyaluronic Acid. More basic formula without HEPES or fermented ingredients. Stickier texture but excellent value.
K-Beauty alternative with Panthenol + Madecassoside. Uses squalane instead of silicones. Lighter, more watery texture. Great for oily/acne-prone skin.
Centella-focused formula with different active approach. More suitable for acne-prone skin. Lighter texture, alcohol-free. Fungal acne safe option.
Another French pharmacy option with similar repair benefits. Cream texture vs serum. Contains copper and zinc for antibacterial properties.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration needed. Keep at room temperature (15-25°C / 59-77°F).
Frosted glass dropper bottle with pipette dispenser. Protects formula from light degradation.
Yes, under 100ml TSA limit. Glass bottle - handle with care during travel. Consider protective pouch.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, Cicaplast B5 Serum is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens - all ingredients typically avoided during pregnancy. The main active, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), is completely safe for expectant and nursing mothers.
Use with caution if you have fungal acne. The serum contains Vitreoscilla Ferment, which is a fermented ingredient that may potentially feed malassezia yeast. While the overall formula is non-comedogenic and oil-free, those with active fungal acne should patch test first or consider alternatives like The Ordinary HA 2% + B5 or COSRX Cica products.
Yes! The Cicaplast B5 Serum is actually ideal to use alongside potent actives. If you're building tolerance to retinol, apply Cicaplast first as a buffer. Once skin has tolerance, apply after actives to soothe and repair. It pairs exceptionally well with exfoliating acids and can help reduce irritation from Vitamin C serums.
Cicaplast B5 Serum is best for dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin types. It's specifically formulated for fragile skin prone to redness, tightness, and irritation. It also works well for all skin types when the barrier is compromised - such as after over-exfoliating, using strong actives, or post-procedure recovery.
Results are remarkably fast. Clinical tests show 47% decrease in water loss within 1 hour and 79% reduction in visible flaking. Most users notice immediate comfort and hydration. Full skin texture improvement and barrier restoration typically occurs within 2-4 weeks of consistent use.
Apply after cleansing and toning, before heavier serums and moisturizer. If using with active ingredients: apply Cicaplast first if building tolerance, or after actives if your skin is already adapted. Always wait 30 seconds for the protective film to form before layering other products. Use both morning and evening.
No, the serum is non-comedogenic with a comedogenic rating of only 1/5. The formula is oil-free and specifically designed not to clog pores. It's safe for acne-prone skin, though those with fungal acne should patch test due to the fermented ingredient.
The serum has a 12-month (12M) Period After Opening (PAO). Once opened, use within one year for optimal efficacy. Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight. With twice-daily use of 1-2 drops, the 30ml bottle typically lasts 2-3 months.
Verdict: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Serum is an exceptional barrier-repair serum backed by clinical evidence. The 10% Panthenol concentration delivers rapid hydration and visible improvement in just hours. While the inclusion of denatured alcohol and a fermented ingredient may concern some users, the overall formula is gentle, effective, and pregnancy-safe. It's particularly valuable for those with compromised skin barriers, retinol users needing recovery support, and anyone with chronically dry or sensitive skin. The higher price point is justified by the dermatologically-tested, hospital-grade formulation. A worthy investment for serious skincare enthusiasts.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Alcohol Denat.
|
|
|
| 3 |
Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Antifoaming Agent, Skin Protecting
|
|







