You’ve seen the little white tube everywhere. It’s a staple in bathroom cabinets from Paris to New York, usually sitting right next to the Retinol or a half-used bottle of Micellar water. But when La Roche-Posay added those two little letters—UV—to their cult-favorite Cicaplast, things got a bit confusing. Is it a moisturizer? Is it a sunscreen?
Honestly, it’s both and neither.
Cicaplast Balm B5 UV is a weirdly specific product that fills a gap you didn't know you had until your skin decided to freak out. Most people buy it thinking it’s just the original Baume B5 with "bonus" sun protection. That’s a mistake. If you treat this like your standard daily SPF or your go-to night cream, you're probably going to end up with a greasy face or, worse, a breakout that lasts a week.
This isn't for your average Tuesday morning. It’s for the "oops" moments. The "I just got a tattoo" moments. The "my face is peeling from a chemical peel" moments.
Why Cicaplast Balm B5 UV isn't your average sunscreen
The biggest misconception is that this replaces your Anthelios or whatever daily SPF you’re currently loyal to. It doesn't. While it packs a punch with SPF 50, the texture is thick. Really thick. We’re talking "spatula-required" levels of density.
Because it contains 5% Panthenol (Vitamin B5) and Madecassoside, it’s designed to create a literal physical bandage over compromised skin. When your skin barrier is broken, UV rays are its worst enemy. Sun exposure on a fresh scar or a healing blemish doesn't just cause a burn; it causes post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. That’s the fancy term for those red or brown marks that stick around for months after the actual wound has healed.
The Science of the "Cica"
The "Cica" in the name comes from Centella Asiatica. Specifically, this formula uses Madecassoside, which is one of the active compounds in that plant. It’s basically a cheerleader for your skin cells, telling them to hurry up and rebuild.
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Then you’ve got Procerad. This is a patented ceramide that helps prevent those dark marks we just talked about. If you’ve ever had a scratch turn into a permanent dark line because you went outside without protection, you'll understand why this matters. It’s not just about not getting a sunburn; it’s about making sure your skin doesn't "remember" the trauma.
When to reach for the UV version instead of the original
If you’re staying indoors or it’s 10:00 PM, use the regular Cicaplast Baume B5+. There is zero reason to put UV filters on your face while you’re sleeping. It’s a waste of product and can be unnecessarily heavy.
But, if you fit into these categories, the Cicaplast Balm B5 UV is your best friend:
- The Tattoo Crew: You just spent $400 on fresh ink. The last thing you want is the sun fading those crisp lines while the skin is still scabbing. It’s tested on tattooed skin to soothe the itching and keep the colors locked in.
- Post-Procedure Recovery: If you just had a chemical peel, laser treatment, or even just some intense microneedling, your skin is technically "wounded." Using a standard chemical sunscreen might sting like crazy. This balm is formulated to be used on "fragile" skin (though, pro tip: never put it on an actual open, bleeding wound).
- The Winter Hiker: Windburn is real. If you’re skiing or hiking in sub-zero temps, the combination of high-altitude UV and freezing wind will wreck your face. This balm acts as a shield against both.
The Greasy Elephant in the Room
Let's be real: this stuff is greasy.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, use it sparingly. I’ve seen countless Reddit threads where people complain about cystic acne after "slugging" with Cicaplast. Because it contains Shea Butter and Dimethicone, it’s occlusive. It traps everything in. If you have active bacteria or a lot of sebum, it’s going to trap that too.
Basically, it's a tool, not a daily moisturizer for everyone.
If you’re using it on your face, don't just smear a giant glob on and hope for the best. Warm a pea-sized amount between your fingers first. Pat it onto the irritated spots. If you try to rub it in like a lotion, you’ll be left with a white cast and a lot of frustration.
How to actually use it in a 2026 routine
In the world of skincare, more isn't always better. If you’re layering this, it goes last.
- Cleanse with something boring. Non-foaming is usually best if your skin is irritated.
- Apply your serum (if you must).
- Use a lightweight moisturizer.
- Dab Cicaplast Balm B5 UV on the specific areas that need "saving."
If you’re using it as your primary sun protection for the day because your skin is too sensitive for anything else, make sure you’re actually applying enough to get that SPF 50. That usually means a nickel-sized amount for the face, which—fair warning—will make you look very shiny. Own it. It’s for the sake of the barrier.
Real-world check: Does it leave a white cast?
On fair skin, it blends in okay after about ten minutes. On deeper skin tones, the combination of Zinc Oxide and the thick balm texture can definitely leave a bit of a ghostly purple hue. If that’s a dealbreaker for you, you might prefer the Cicaplast Gel B5 (which is clear) paired with a separate, lightweight sunscreen on top once it sets.
The Actionable Bottom Line
Don't buy this thinking it's a "better" version of the original Baume. It's a specialized version.
Keep a tube in your bag for emergencies. Use it on that dry patch on your elbow, the weird redness around your nose after a cold, or that new tattoo on your forearm. But don't make it your whole personality—or your whole skincare routine—unless your skin barrier is truly in crisis.
If you’re currently dealing with a compromised barrier, stop all actives (no Retinol, no Vitamin C, no AHAs) and stick to this balm for 48 hours. Your skin will usually stop stinging by the second day. Once the redness is gone, you can go back to your "pretty" products.
Quick Checklist for Best Results:
- Patch test first. Even "soothing" products can cause reactions in rare cases.
- Avoid the eyes. UV filters and heavy balms in the eye area are a recipe for stinging and milia.
- Cleanse thoroughly at night. You need an oil-based cleanser or a good micellar water to break down this balm at the end of the day. If you don't wash it off properly, you're asking for clogged pores.
- Reapply every 2 hours if you are actually using it for sun protection while outdoors.