Why This La Roche-Posay Moisturizer Is a TikTok Obsession

Who says skincare has to be expensive for it to work? There's no doubt that over the past few years, there's been a noticeable shift in our beauty routines. For many beauty enthusiasts, we've reveled in the sudden widespread appreciation for high-end, luxury makeup, skincare, and haircare. Thanks to the abundant Sephora hauls, luxury beauty has officially taken over everyone’s vanity shelves. But contrary to recent trends, the solution to all your skincare needs isn't necessarily at the bottom of a $300 jar of moisturizer.

Of course, there's no denying that these ultra-luxe products offer quality. There's a reason why they're so expensive to begin with, and more often than not, it's all the expert research and chemist-backed ingredients that went into perfecting them. But there's nothing more disappointing than investing in a high-end product from a supposedly reputable brand only to find it doesn't meet expectations. After all, if you're splurging on luxury skincare, it should deliver more than just the bare minimum, shouldn't it? Too often, even if a product "gets the job done," it can feel like you're primarily paying for the opulent packaging and brand name rather than quality ingredients and effective formulations. It's important to remember that affordability doesn't necessarily equate to inferior results. In fact, sometimes, budget-friendly options can deliver comparable, if not superior, outcomes to their pricey counterparts. 

Enter La Roche-Posay's viral Cicaplast Balm. If you've scrolled through TikTok in the past couple of months, chances are you've encountered a social media influencer or two singing praises about this moisturizer. They've likely claimed that it "changed their life." Now, if you're reading this, you're probably a tad desensitized to viral product hype. Maybe you've even been burned by those "holy grail" claims that turned out to be pretty mediocre, if not downright damaging. Or perhaps you're simply seeking validation for your curiosity in the latest craze. So, does La Roche-Posay's Cicaplast Balm stand out from the crowd? L'OFFICIEL's beauty editors break down everything you need to know about the viral moisturizer. (The short answer: yes, it's time to make a trip to your nearest drugstore). 

Suitable for both daytime and nighttime use, the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm is an ultra-rich yet lightweight moisturizer that addresses a variety of skincare concerns. Formulated to hydrate dry skin, this non-greasy formula offers protection from the drying effects of the wind and cold weather during the winter, as well as harsh sun exposure during the summer. In other words, it can be used all year long. Catering to all skin types, including sensitive skin, this therapeutic cream provides relief and protection for a multitude of skin issues, from minimizing the appearance of pores and acne scars to treating cracked, wind-burnt skin with consistent use. If you have oily skin, don’t fret. While this moisturizer is rich, its non-greasy formula ensures it won't exacerbate oiliness or clog pores.

Among its key ingredients are Vitamin B5, shea butter, and glycerin. The Panthenol (provitamin B5) ingredient is essential to moisturizing and replenishing the skin's barrier function, making it crucial for maintaining skin health. Shea butter helps with nourishing and softening the skin. Glycerin, on the other hand, helps attract and retain moisture, ensuring skin stays hydrated and supple.

For those particularly concerned about sun damage, La Roche-Posay listens to all your needs! They've also made an SPF50 version, so you can enjoy all the benefits of the original version with the added protection from the harmful effects of extended sun exposure. 

La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast Balm offers versatile usage options to cater to various skincare needs. Of course, you can incorporate it into your routine like any other regular moisturizer, either after toning and applying serums or as a one-step regimen after cleansing. While a thin layer suffices, feel free to layer on a thicker coat for enhanced hydration. 

If you’re in dire need of intense hydration from harsh weather conditions, we recommend slugging your skin with a thick layer of La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast Balm at night, similar to how you would with an overnight mask. L’OFFICIEL Senior Editor Carrie Wittmer attests to its efficacy, stating that this method was the “saving grace for my dry, cracked, peeling skin all winter. Any time my skin was acting up, I’d apply it, and it would immediately moisturize and soothe my skin. [...] My skin is combo, VERY acne-prone, so it was great to find a product like this that doesn’t break me out.” 

Don’t just take our word for it. This dermatologist and allergy-tested moisturizer has garnered recognition from experts as well. As dermatologist content creator Dr. Aamna Adel (@aamnaadel) notes in a now-viral video explaining the different ways to use the product, “the formula accelerates the skin’s natural healing process and helps reduce redness and irritation.” Dr. Adel also added that the retinol sandwich method is also one of the most effective ways to maximize the benefits of this moisturizer. Simply “apply a layer of [La Roche-Posay’s] Cicaplast before and after retinol to reduce dryness and irritation.” 

In another video, Dr. Adel suggests applying an additional layer on the nose, as it “can improve the look of sebaceous filaments,” known as stubborn blackheads.