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The Only Skincare Product I Turn To When I’ve Overdone It On Actives

It's a beauty editor and dermatologist favourite.
Angela Law
Image: Supplied by Angela Law

In a world of TikTok beauty trends, we all think of ourselves as somewhat beauty aficionados. Many of us layer serums like a pro, have iron-clad morning and evening skincare routines, and slather SPF religiously. All in the name of glowing skin. 

But there are also times when we take it a little bit too far and send our skin into a tailspin. Perhaps we saw someone on TikTok swear by using retinol and glycolic acid serum together at night (please, please do not do this), or we just got a bit over-excited by a new product and used it more liberally than recommended. Sometimes, a product simply doesn’t do the job it promises to. 

Skin freakouts are inevitable. But having an arsenal of products that can help to support your skin integrity while you get it back on track is critical.

Often, the answer is to strip your routine way back (most dermatologists will tell you that a simple routine is better anyway, for what it’s worth), and use a simple cleanser and moisturiser, and SPF during the day until your skin returns to its glowing self. 

In these moments, there’s one product I religiously turn to. The La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+, $25.99, cream. It may sound a little bit complicated by its name, but it’s actually an incredibly simple (and reliable) product to work into your skincare regimen. 

Why Is The La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ So Popular?

This product is backed by science (and dermatologists!) and is formulated to include La Roche-Posay’s patented tribioma ingredient, which claims to rebalance the skin’s microbiome. It also includes vitamin B5 to soothe the skin, and madecassoside to help speed up the healing process. (This is what makes it so effective after overdoing it on the actives.)

The balm also includes thermal spring water to help reduce oxidative stress on the skin, ultra-nourishing shea butter, plus zinc and manganese to help prevent bacteria growth. 

As for how it feels on the skin, this is definitely a thicker moisturiser with a rich texture, so it’s ideal for people with super dry skin or anyone who suffers from seasonal dryness in the cooler months. Personally, I apply it day and night in winter (it sits well underneath makeup, in my experience), and in summer, I reserve it for the evenings. 

In these instances, I apply a thick glob before bed and treat it like a hydrating sleeping mask. Rest assured, the Cicaplast Baume B5+ cream is now available in a 100ml tube, so you don’t have to employ self-control with how much you apply.

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+
Image: La Roche-Posay

In case you need more convincing, the clinicals are also very impressive. When tested on adults, 84 per cent reported immediate relief from dryness and irritation, and 82 per cent experienced feeling immediate protection. After four weeks of consistent use (the brand recommends twice daily application), 90 per cent of consumers admitted that their skin felt less damaged, with 88 per cent noting their skin felt more regenerated.

It’s hardly surprising that it’s a TikTok sensation, given its efficacy in supporting dry and sensitive skin. Specifically, it has garnered more than 110 million mentions globally on the app, with 41 per cent of those coming from Australia. Clearly, we know a good product when we see one. 

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