Have you ever been so underwhelmed by a cult favorite product that you wonder if you’re even doing skincare right? I have. From Cetaphil cleansers (do not get me started) to the iconic CE Ferulic from SkinCeuticals (I do love the Silymarin CF formula though!) I’ve tried way too often to make fetch happen.
Among my biggest disappointments? The La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Baume.
How does its relatively lightweight texture feel so heavy on my skin?
I didn’t give up on the idea of Cicaplast B5, however, and when someone mentioned that a gel formula was available in some non-US markets, I picked up a tube in Canada. And I love it.
Most recently, Cult Beauty announced an exclusive on the brand new Cicaplast B5 Serum. I’m pretty sure I clicked ‘add to cart’ with my eyes still half-shut, and well before my first sip of espresso.
What is it?
The new Cicaplast B5 Serum is a soothing treatment for all types of dehydrated skin. It may surprise you that even oily skin can become dehydrated. My combination skin certainly experiences symptoms on occasion. Not only is Cicaplast B5 great for skin that is compromised or in recovery mode, it is also ideal for anyone using retinoids or any kind of chemical exfoliants. Since serums are the most lightweight treatment formulas in your skincare routine (after liquid steps like toners and essences, of course), they’re easy to incorporate into an existing regimen.
What’s in it?
The Cicaplast B5 range stays true to its concept: it’s all about calming, hydrating, and balancing the skin. The new serum combines moisture-binding Glycerin, nourishing Vitamin B5, hydrating Sodium Hyaluronate, anti-inflammatory Vitamin E, and microbiome balancing probiotics.
Full disclosure: you will spot both dimethicone and denatured alcohol on the INCI. Unlike most La Roche-Posay serums however, you won’t detect even a faint smell of alcohol (the one with Glycolic Acid being the biggest offender). I’m typically bothered by that ‘silicone slip’ and am happy to report there’s a silky texture to the Cicaplast B5 Serum; it’s not the slightest bit slippery.
SIDE NOTE: The ingredients are listed incorrectly on the Cult Beauty product page. An INCI list for an eye treatment (including Caffeine) is listed and the directions emphasize application around the eyes. As of today, March 23 2023, the list has not been revised.
How and when?
The new Cicaplast B5 serum can be used twice a day, every single day. The UK website (we are still waiting for the US launch, crossing my fingers it will actually happen) recommends 2-3 drops after cleansing and before applying your moisturizer. La Roche-Posay emphasizes pressing the product into the skin vs. rubbing in circular motions. Another interesting instruction is to wait a full minute before continuing your next step. The serum under my SPF du jour makes for a complete AM routine on lazy mornings.
Re: application.
Since I read the instructions a couple of weeks after starting the serum, I may or may not have been using it incorrectly. Often I tend to mix treatment products, so I’ve been cocktailing the Cicaplast B5 serum with an antioxidant formula in the mornings–usually Niacinamide or Vitamin C. At night, I’ve been adding a few drops into my facial oil. Since my skin feels and looks pretty good, this rule breaking seems to be serving me well.
Final Thoughts
This is a Cicaplast B5 winner. If you share my ho-hum response to the original ‘baume,’ try this latest launch. The user-friendly application makes it a seamless addition to your routine. It calms and hydrates my parched, stressed skin on contact. One last random recommendation: the Cicaplast B5 hand cream is absolutely fantastic, as well.
