Cicaplast Baume B5+
The #1 dermatologist-recommended repair balm worldwide. 5% panthenol + 5% shea butter + madecassoside (centella derivative) form a triple-action repair formula. Soothes, protects, and repairs damaged skin barrier. A staple in every dermatologist's toolkit.
Score breakdown
Efficacy
Safety
Comedogenicity
Transparency
Skin-type fit
Strengths
- 5% panthenol + madecassoside (clinically proven repair)
- 5% shea butter for deep nourishment
- Zinc + copper + manganese minerals
- Fragrance-free, suitable for damaged skin
Weaknesses
- Thick texture may feel heavy on oily skin
- Dimethicone is second ingredient (occlusive)
- Small tube for the price
Full ingredient list
Best for
Our full review
If CeraVe is the daily driver, Cicaplast is the emergency room. This repair balm is what dermatologists reach for after laser treatments, chemical peels, and skin emergencies. The formula is deceptively simple but incredibly effective: 5% panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) for wound healing, 5% shea butter for deep nourishment, madecassoside (the most active compound from centella asiatica) for anti-inflammatory power, plus zinc, copper, and manganese minerals. It's not glamorous. The texture is thick, almost paste-like. It leaves a white cast. But when your skin barrier is destroyed - from retinol overuse, a bad reaction, a sunburn, or a cosmetic procedure - nothing else comes close. Every French pharmacist keeps this behind the counter. Every dermatologist has a tube in their desk drawer. At 14 EUR for 40ml, it's one of the best investments in skincare.
How to use
Apply a thin layer to damaged or irritated skin as the last step of your routine. Not for everyday full-face use (too occlusive for oily skin). Best uses: 1) Over retinol the first weeks (buffer irritation), 2) After chemical peels, 3) On dry patches in winter, 4) On chapped lips, 5) On minor cuts and burns, 6) Post-laser or post-procedure. A pea-sized amount covers the entire face. Can be mixed with moisturiser to thin the texture.
Who is it for?
Best for: damaged skin barriers, post-procedure recovery, eczema flares, winter dryness, retinol users. Great as a spot treatment for anyone. Less ideal for: daily full-face use on oily/acne-prone skin (too occlusive).
What to expect
Immediate: calming, protective film on irritated skin. 24-48h: visible reduction in redness and irritation. 3-7 days: damaged skin barrier starts recovering. This is a repair product, not a prevention product. Use it when things go wrong, not as your daily moisturiser.
Common mistakes
1. Using as daily moisturiser on oily skin - too thick, too occlusive. 2. Expecting it to treat acne - it repairs, it doesn't treat. 3. Applying too much - a thin layer is enough, more just sits on top. 4. Rubbing it in aggressively - pat gently on damaged skin. 5. Throwing it away because of the white cast - that's normal, it fades.
FAQ
Can I use Cicaplast every day?
Cicaplast B5 vs B5+, what's the difference?
How it compares
Both are French pharmacy repair balms. Cicaplast uses panthenol + madecassoside. Cicalfate uses sucralfate (stomach ulcer medication repurposed for skin). Cicaplast is slightly better for barrier repair (ceramide-free but madecassoside is more studied). Cicalfate is slightly better for open wounds (sucralfate creates a stronger protective film). In practice: either one works, pick based on texture preference.