Why Everyone is Talking About La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast B5 Balm
TL;DR
- La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast B5 Baume is a versatile balm great for soothing dry, irritated, or post-procedure skin—but may be too rich for oily or acne-prone skin types when overused.
- Its viral status is due to its affordability, accessibility, and gentle formula with healing ingredients like panthenol and madecassoside.
- “Glass skin” needs more than just skincare—non-invasive treatments like c&B Laser, AquaGlow Skinbooster and PN Restore can address deeper issues like dullness, dehydration, and uneven texture.
Table Of Contents
Recently, La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast B5 Baume has been garnering a lot of attention, touted as a miracle cure-all for dry patches, eczema, post-procedure skin and, according to some TikTok influencers, even acne and overnight “glass skin.” But can one product really do it all?
Let’s break down the hype behind this product.
What is La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast B5 Baume?
La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast B5 Baume is marketed as a multi-purpose soothing cream, intended to help with everything from dry skin irritations to post-procedure recovery. It’s fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and formulated for sensitive skin—so naturally, it ticks all the boxes for those looking for a gentle, nourishing product.
The texture is rich and balmy, and while that makes it brilliant for sealing in hydration in dry climates or on damaged skin, it can feel too occlusive for oily or acne-prone skin when used liberally.
Why is it so popular right now?
The Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 has recently earned its cult-favourite status partly because it’s widely accessible, relatively affordable, and soothing for those experiencing skin flare-ups.
It also has an appealing versatility: Mums use it for nappy rash, frequent flyers swear by it for protecting their skin in dry cabin air, and beauty influencers use it to calm post-peel redness.
The balm also features trending, skin-friendly ingredients, such as:
- Glycerin – a humectant that draws moisture into the skin
- Panthenol (B5) – Skin-soothing and barrier-repairing
- Madecassoside – Anti-inflammatory and healing
- Zinc Gluconate – Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory
But is this balm truly universal? That depends on your skin type—and expectations.
Is La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume suitable for acne-prone skin?
Here’s where things get a bit nuanced.
While the Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 is not marketed as an acne treatment, some of its ingredients (zinc gluconate, panthenol, and glycerin) are indeed friendly to acne-prone skin in certain contexts.
For example, if you’re on a drying acne regimen (think benzoyl peroxide or retinoids), a pea-sized amount of this balm can help calm the irritation and restore moisture and comfort. However, if you’re not, and are already acne-prone, ingredients like shea butter could exacerbate breakouts and clog pores.
Can I replace moisturisers with skin balms?
Many patients conflate balms with moisturisers, but they serve different purposes—while moisturisers and skin balms share the common goal of keeping your skin hydrated and healthy, they achieve this through distinct mechanisms.
Moisturisers are formulated with humectants (which draw water into the skin) and emollients (which smooth and soften the skin). They’re lightweight, fast-absorbing, and designed to maintain the skin’s moisture balance without leaving behind a heavy residue.
This makes them ideal for daily use—especially in warmer, humid climates like Singapore.
Skin balms, on the other hand, are richer, thicker, and often feel greasy or waxy upon application. They act as a protective layer, forming a physical barrier on the skin to lock in moisture and shield it from environmental aggressors such as wind, cold air, or pollution.
Think of them as a “winter coat” for your skin—essential in dry, cold environments or during flare-ups, but not always suitable for everyday use in tropical weather.
Ultimately, choosing between the two depends on your skin’s condition, environment, and unique needs. A balm can be incredibly comforting for barrier repair or dry, irritated skin. But for everyday hydration, a well-formulated moisturiser is much more appropriate—and comfortable.
Can skincare alone give you "glass skin"?
Skincare can support good skin, but if your skin is dehydrated from within, inflamed, or compromised, no balm can magically transform it overnight.
Often, people who report miraculous results from skincare already have a healthy skin foundation. Camera-ready morning light, makeup-free skin and a well-hydrated canvas can all play tricks on the eye.
True luminosity comes from balance, consistency—and sometimes, a little professional help.
Professional Treatments to Consider
If you’ve been diligently applying your skincare and still feel like your skin is dull, dehydrated or uneven, it may be time to look deeper.
At our clinic, we often recommend the following non-invasive treatments for long-term radiance:
C&B Laser is a gentle, non-ablative fractional laser designed to address early signs of ageing and enhance skin clarity with minimal downtime.
It creates millions of micro-injuries in the upper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production, resulting in a smoother, clearer, and more even complexion.
Good for:
- Early signs of ageing
- Enlarged pores
- Uneven skin tone or texture
- Dull, tired-looking skin
Results:
- Smoother, more radiant skin within 5–7 days
- Gradual improvements after each session
- Results last for months with proper skincare
Treatment details:
- Session time: 10 minutes
- Minimal downtime (redness may last a few hours to 2-3 days)
- Some patients might experience skin dryness and sensitivity (can be alleviated by combining C+B Laser with HA Smooth, a HA injectable)
- Series of sessions recommended for best results
AquaGlow Skinbooster is an FDA-approved injectable with hyaluronic acid that improves skin hydration, smoothness and glow from within.
HA is injected in microdroplets beneath the skin’s surface, increasing hydration without altering facial volume or shape. It is not a filler but a deeply hydrating booster.
Good for:
- Dark and light skin types
- Dehydrated, lacklustre skin
- Fine lines and rough and uneven skin texture
- Those wanting radiant, glowy skin without changing their facial contour
Results:
- Smoother, glowy skin texture within 1–2 weeks
- Results can last 6-9 months
Treatment details:
- Session time: 10-15 minutes
- Minimal downtime (self-resolving mild swelling or redness can occur)
- Often, a one-time treatment with occasional top-ups
A polynucleotide (PN) skinbooster derived from salmon DNA, designed to promote skin regeneration, hydration, and youthfulness. NEWEST® also contains hyaluronic acid (HA), which hydrates skin.
PNs stimulate fibroblast activity to repair damaged skin, improve elasticity, and boost hydration. It’s ideal for skin that is ageing, dehydrated, or recovering from environmental damage.
Good for:
- Dull and dry skin
- Sensitive skin
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne scars
- Hyperpigmentation
Results:
- Noticeable glow and improved texture in 1–2 weeks
- Long-term skin health improvements with regular treatments
- Effects last several months
Treatment details:
- Session time: 15-20 minutes
- Minimal downtime (mild swelling or redness possible)
- Usually done in a series for cumulative benefits
These quick and effective treatment options can address the root of dehydration, loss of elasticity, and dullness—far beyond what any over-the-counter balm can achieve.
Final thoughts and how we can help
La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast B5 Baume is a thoughtfully formulated product—and for many, it lives up to its reputation. It’s a fantastic balm to have on hand for travel, dry spells, or sensitive skin flare-ups. But like all things in skincare, there’s no one-size-fits-all.
If your skin concerns go beyond the surface—or you’re tired of trialling product after product with minimal results—perhaps it’s time for something more tailored.
Ready to take the next step in your skin journey? Let’s explore what your skin truly needs and craft a journey that leads to lasting radiance. Book an appointment today!