Cicaplast Lavant B5 Purifying Soothing Foaming Gel
Cicaplast Lavant B5 Purifying Soothing Foaming Gel
Product Description
Product overview
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Lavant B5 is an ultra-gentle foaming face and body wash from the iconic French pharmacy brand, formulated to soothe and purify irritated, fragile skin without drying. Enriched with 5% Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), a soothing trio of trace elements (Copper, Zinc, Manganese), and moisturising glycerin, this dermatologist-tested cleanser is suitable for the entire family — adults, children, and even babies.
Soothes On Contact
Brand testing reports 96% of users felt skin soothed from the very first wash, thanks to 5% Panthenol.
Texture & feel
SENSORYSoothes On Contact
Brand testing reports 96% of users felt skin soothed from the very first wash, thanks to 5% Panthenol.
Barrier-Friendly
Designed to cleanse without disrupting the skin's natural protective barrier — no tightness, no stripping.
Baby-Safe Formula
Tested under dermatological, paediatric, gynaecological, and ophthalmic supervision. Doesn't sting eyes.
Mineral Trio
Copper, Zinc, and Manganese gluconates work together to gently sanitise and support skin recovery.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Generally considered safe during pregnancy and nursing.
As a rinse-off cleanser with no fatty acids or esters that linger on skin, contact time is too short to feed Malassezia.
Fragrance-free, paraben-free, and dermatologist-tested for sensitive, eczema-prone, and post-procedure skin.
As a wash-off cleanser, it pairs well with retinol, vitamin C, AHA/BHA, and niacinamide routines.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate is much milder than SLS, but ultra-reactive skin types may prefer sulfate-free alternatives.
Contains a small amount of Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil — patch test if you have a tree-nut allergy.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSPanthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) 5%Proven
The hero ingredient. Panthenol converts to pantothenic acid in the skin, where it acts as a humectant, anti-inflammatory agent, and barrier-supporting molecule. It's one of the most well-tolerated soothing ingredients in dermatology.
- Brand-cited use test: 96% of first-time users reported skin felt soothed from the first application; 92% of parents reported the same for their child's skin.
- Mechanism: Increases skin hydration, reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and accelerates wound-healing in the proliferation phase.
- Tolerance: Comedogenicity 0, irritancy 0 — exceptionally gentle for reactive skin.
Mineral Trio: Copper + Zinc + Manganese Gluconate TraceProven
Three trace mineral salts that work synergistically. Zinc gluconate has antibacterial and sebum-regulating properties, copper gluconate supports cellular regeneration in the late healing phase, and manganese gluconate acts as a cofactor for antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase.
- Function: Limit bacterial proliferation while preserving the skin's microbiome — gentler than traditional antiseptics.
- Healing: Copper and zinc are involved in collagen synthesis and tissue repair (per dermatology literature on wound care).
- Tolerance: Considered very low irritation potential at the trace levels used in cleansers.
Glycerin Top 5Proven
One of the most studied humectants in skincare. Even in a rinse-off cleanser, glycerin helps offset the drying effect of surfactants by attracting moisture to the upper skin layers.
- Source: A 2016 review inDermato-Endocrinology highlighted glycerin as a highly effective humectant for barrier hydration.
- Skin compatibility: Non-comedogenic, non-irritating, suitable for all skin types including babies.
Surfactant System: SLES + Coco-Betaine MildProven
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) provides foam and cleansing — and contrary to common confusion, it is significantly milder than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). It's buffered with Coco-Betaine, an amphoteric surfactant that further reduces irritation potential.
- Why this combo: Pairing SLES with Coco-Betaine is a classic dermatology strategy for low-irritation foaming cleansers.
- Eye-safe: Brand confirms the formula does not sting eyes or intimate areas — a sign of careful surfactant balancing.
22 ingredients
Aqua/Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Panthenol, PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate, Glycerin, Coco-Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Polysorbate 20, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Citric Acid, Cocamide MEA, Copper Gluconate, Manganese Gluconate, PEG-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polyquaternium-11, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Propylene Glycol, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Zinc Gluconate.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as the first cleansing step morning and evening. For heavy makeup or SPF, use after an oil cleanser or micellar water as part of a double cleanse.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet skin with lukewarm water
Avoid hot water, which can compromise the skin barrier. Lukewarm helps preserve natural lipids.
Lather a small amount in your hands
Dispense a coin-sized amount and rub between palms with a little water until a soft, creamy foam forms.
Massage gently onto face, body, or scalp
Use light circular motions for 20–30 seconds. Safe for face, body, intimate areas, and scalp.
Rinse thoroughly & pat dry
Rinse with plenty of water. Gently pat — do not rub — with a soft towel. Use 1–2 times a day.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have sensitive, irritated, or eczema-prone skin
- You're recovering from retinol/tretinoin purges
- You've had a recent procedure (laser, peel, microneedling)
- You want a single cleanser for the whole family — including babies
- You prefer fragrance-free, paraben-free formulas
- You need a tear-free wash that won't sting eyes
Consider alternatives if:
- You react to all sulfates, even mild SLES
- You wear heavy makeup and want a single-step cleanser
- You want active exfoliation (AHA/BHA cleanser)
- You prefer a creamy non-foaming texture for very dry skin
- You have a confirmed tree-nut/almond allergy
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESEngineered for reactive, irritated skin. Fragrance-free with 5% Panthenol — a top dermatologist pick for sensitivity.
Won't strip, but very dry skin may prefer a creamier non-foaming option like CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser.
Cleanses the T-zone without over-drying drier areas. Balanced formula suits mixed concerns.
Zinc gluconate helps with bacterial balance, but acne-focused users may want a BHA cleanser for active breakouts.
Frequently recommended by dermatologists for eczema-prone and rosacea-prone skin. Tear-free and ultra-gentle.
Paediatrician-tested, doesn't sting eyes, safe from infants and up. A true family cleanser.
Results timeline
LONG-TERM USEImmediate Soothing
Skin feels calmer and less tight than with typical foaming cleansers. No stinging on irritated areas or in the eyes.
96% noticed (brand use-test)Reduced Reactivity
Daily use reduces post-wash redness, tightness, and the "stripped" feeling. Skin feels comfortable enough to layer actives on top.
~85% report improvementVisible Barrier Recovery
Compromised barriers (from retinoids, peels, weather) show fewer dry patches and flakes. Skin tolerates other products better.
~78% report calmer skinSteady, Gentle Maintenance
Best long-term role: a daily comfort cleanser that won't sabotage barrier-repair efforts. Many users keep it as a permanent staple.
Repurchase rate is highRatings by platform
2K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Genuinely soothing on irritated, eczema-prone skin
- 5% Panthenol concentration is therapeutic-level
- Tear-free — works on the entire face and around eyes
- Pediatrician-tested, safe from babies to seniors
- Fragrance-free, paraben-free, soap-free
- Works well after retinol or post-procedure
- Long-lasting — a small amount lathers well
Criticized
- Contains SLES (mild sulfate) — sulfate-free seekers will skip
- Won't fully remove heavy or waterproof makeup
- Foam is creamy rather than dense and bubbly
- Some bottles ship without a pump dispenser
- Not exfoliating — no AHA/BHA for breakouts
- Contains sweet almond oil — patch test if allergic
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESAnother French pharmacy classic with a minimalist formula for hyper-reactive skin. Cream texture rather than foaming gel — preferred by very dry skin types.
Closest French-pharmacy parallel: gentle foaming face & body wash for sensitive, eczema-prone skin. Lacks the 5% Panthenol but has a soothing complex of its own.
Non-foaming, ceramide-rich cream cleanser. Better for very dry skin but lacks the gentle foam and the high Panthenol concentration.
Oat-based balm for sensitive skin — much cheaper but a different format (balm vs. foaming gel). Best for makeup removal, not a like-for-like swap.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDECicaplast Lavant B5
Avène Tolerance Control Cleansing Cream
Bioderma Atoderm Gentle Foaming Gel
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening (12M symbol on packaging)
Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and extreme heat. Keep cap closed.
Plastic bottle with flip cap (some sizes feature a pump). Shower-friendly.
200ml exceeds carry-on liquid limits — decant to a 100ml travel bottle for hand luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, the formula is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens — the most common ingredients flagged during pregnancy. Its key actives (Panthenol, glycerin, mineral gluconates) are well-tolerated. As always, consult your OB/GYN if you have specific concerns.
Yes, considered fungal-acne safe for most users. While the formula contains polysorbate 20 and a small amount of sweet almond oil — ingredients sometimes flagged on FA-trigger lists — this is a wash-off cleanser. Contact time on the skin is too brief to feed Malassezia yeast. The zinc gluconate also helps maintain microbial balance.
Absolutely — and it's actually one of the most-recommended cleansers for active users. As a gentle, rinse-off product, it doesn't interfere with leave-on actives applied afterward. It's especially popular during retinoid adjustment periods, after AHA/BHA treatments, or on days when actives have left skin feeling reactive.
Best for sensitive, irritated, eczema-prone, rosacea-prone, post-procedure, and barrier-compromised skin. It also works well for combination and normal skin that prefers a gentle daily cleanser. Very dry skin types may prefer a non-foaming cream cleanser, and oily-acneic users may want a BHA cleanser instead for active breakouts.
Most users notice immediate comfort after the very first wash — La Roche-Posay's brand use-test reports 96% felt skin soothed from first application. Visible improvements in barrier health (less redness, fewer flakes, reduced tightness) typically appear after 1–2 weeks of consistent twice-daily use.
It's the very first step in your routine — your cleanser. Use morning and evening on damp skin before any toner, essence, serum, or moisturizer. If you wear heavy makeup or mineral SPF, use it as the second step of a double cleanse, after an oil cleanser or micellar water.
No — comedogenic rating is approximately 1/5 (very low). The trace amount of sweet almond oil is well-buffered within a wash-off formula and rinses cleanly. Most acne-prone users tolerate it without issues, and the zinc gluconate may even help with microbial balance.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months — look for the "12M" symbol on the bottle. Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, and keep the cap closed when not in use. With twice-daily use, a 200ml bottle typically lasts 3–4 months.
Verdict: Cicaplast Lavant B5 is a quietly excellent French-pharmacy cleanser that punches above its price point. With 5% Panthenol, a soothing copper-zinc-manganese trio, and a tear-free, fragrance-free formula tested on babies and adults alike, it's the kind of cleanser dermatologists keep recommending year after year. It won't strip waterproof makeup or replace an exfoliating wash, but as a daily comfort cleanser for sensitive, post-procedure, eczema-prone, or actives-fatigued skin — it's a near-perfect choice for the whole family.
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
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 4 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 3 |
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Surfactant, Emulsifying, Cleansing, Foaming
|
|
|
| 1 |
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 3 |
PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate
Solvent, Surfactant, Emulsifying, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|