Is the New La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ Formula Better?

Reformulation Alert
The cult-favorite repair balme got a major update—here’s what’s really changed on your skin.
Expert Analysis · Honest Reviews · Real Results
1.🔬The Reformulation Lowdown

They changed the Cicaplast. The tube looks the same — but the formula inside is not.

The real shift? It’s now branded as a “repairing, protective, and moisturizing balm” instead of just a “soothing repairing balm.” They’re pushing protection hard.

2.⚠️What Actually Changed

The iconic 40ml tube, ~$16. La Roche-Posay says it’s more protective and moisturizing. Here’s the fine print.

1

New Barrier Complex

Adds ceramides and neurosensine to the classic panthenol & madecassoside.

2

SPF 25

Biggest surprise — it now has mineral sunscreen. Daytime use only.

3

Shea Butter Up

Increased from 4% to 10%. This is a major texture shift.

Skincare serums and leaves on a neutral background.

Photo: ibnu ihza / Unsplash

3.🤔Inside the Tube

It’s still a repair cocktail, but now with barrier support front and center. The SPF addition is purely physical — zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

  • Panthenol (B5): Calms redness fast
  • Madecassoside: Speeds up skin repair
  • Ceramide NP: Fortifies the skin barrier
  • Shea Butter: The new heavy-hitting emollient
a glass bottle with water splashing

Photo: Lora Seis / Unsplash

4.⚖️Skin Feel & Reality

Thicker. Richer. Absorbs slower — we’re talking 2-3 minutes, not 30 seconds. Leaves a definite dewy, slightly tacky film.

That film is the new barrier claim in action. My dry patches loved it, but my combo-zone forehead? Not so much. It’s a night cream now.

💡

One Thing: Warm a pea-sized amount between fingers first. Press — don’t rub — onto dry, irritated spots. Cuts the white cast.
person holding white plastic bottle pouring white liquid on white ceramic mug

Photo: Content Pixie / Unsplash

5.💡Who It’s For Now

It healed a windburned cheek overnight. But the SPF means you can’t use it as an all-over, anytime rescue balm anymore. That’s a loss.

Buy if
You have dry, compromised skin and want a protective day cream.
⏭️

Skip if
You loved the old one as a no-rules, day-or-night occlusive.
💰

Worth it?
Yes, but for a narrower use case. It’s no longer a universal SOS.
woman in white tank top

Photo: Fleur Kaan / Unsplash

6.🛒Final Call

It’s a different product. Better for daytime barrier repair, worse for simple, versatile soothing. I’ll keep it — but I’m also hunting for an old-formula dupe.

7.5/10
A solid pivot, but lost its magic.
🛍️

Where to Buy: Target or Ulta. Check the box — must say “B5+” with SPF 25. The old version is still floating around.