Menopausal SkincareCare for the skin you have now

A clear comparison

Avène Cicalfate+ vs Cicaplast B5+: choosing a rich cream for dry skin

Compare the exact US Cicalfate+ Cream and Cicaplast Balm B5+ by ingredients, daily face use and label limits, without wound-treatment promises.

Original editorial illustration of generic moisturizer and cream texture
Original editorial illustration. This scene does not depict a named or reviewed product.

By Menopausal Skincare · Sources checked · Researched, not personally tested

At a glance

Compare Cicaplast Balm B5+ if you want a rich cream with panthenol and the US skin-protectant label. Compare Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream if you prefer its mineral-oil and zinc-oxide formula. Neither is an automatic winner for dry skin around menopause, and neither replaces medical care for an infected or worsening area.

This is a researched comparison of the exact current US creams. It does not compare Cicalfate’s spray or emulsion, Cicaplast’s serum, gel or SPF versions, or formulas sold in other countries. We have not personally tested either product or compared their healing speed.

On this page

What differs on the checked labels?

Decision point Avène Cicalfate+ Cream La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5+
Product positioning Rich restorative protective cream Skin protectant for dry, rough skin
Notable formula ingredients Mineral oil, glycerin, zinc oxide, copper and zinc sulfates Glycerin, shea butter, panthenol, madecassoside
US Drug Facts active No Drug Facts active specified on checked page Dimethicone 1%
Manufacturer permits daily moisture? Yes, described as a daily moisturizer Yes, FAQ permits all-over facial moisture
Checked application Twice daily on clean, dry skin Clean, dry skin; avoid the eye area
SPF in these exact products None None
Why reconsider it You do not want mineral oil or this rich formula You do not want shea butter or this rich formula

The ingredients worth noticing

Cicalfate+ contains mineral oil and glycerin alongside zinc oxide, copper sulfate and zinc sulfate. Its formula also contains the brand’s postbiotic extract. These ingredients describe a rich protective product; their presence does not establish that it treats an infection, heals a wound faster or is the right care for an unexplained rash.

Cicaplast B5+ contains glycerin, shea butter and panthenol. The brand specifies 5% panthenol, while its US Drug Facts section identifies dimethicone 1% as the active skin protectant. Those are different label facts. Panthenol is not the Drug Facts active ingredient in this US product.

Zinc oxide in Cicalfate and titanium dioxide in Cicaplast do not give these creams an SPF rating. Continue using suitable daytime sunscreen. Check the exact carton or tube when buying, because a similarly named SPF product is a separate formula.

Pluses and minuses

Cicalfate+ pluses

  • A rich protective formula for readers who want that texture.
  • The manufacturer permits daily moisturizing use.
  • A different ingredient base to consider if a shea-butter cream does not suit you.

Cicalfate+ minuses

  • Mineral oil and a rich protective texture may not match your preferences.
  • It adds another cream if your current daily moisturizer already keeps skin comfortable.
  • Copper and zinc ingredients do not make self-treatment of suspected infection appropriate.

Cicaplast B5+ pluses

  • Clearly identifies the US skin-protectant active ingredient and its percentage.
  • Includes panthenol in a rich glycerin and shea-butter formula.
  • Can be used as facial moisture according to the brand’s FAQ, rather than being limited to occasional patches.

Cicaplast B5+ minuses

  • Richness may feel unnecessary across less-dry areas.
  • Directions exclude the eye area, so it is not an eye-cream substitute.
  • The name B5 alone is insufficient to identify the correct cream and country formula.

Daily moisturizer or an extra purchase?

Either may serve as facial moisture if its directions and your tolerance allow. You do not need a lighter daily cream plus a protective cream just because both categories exist. If only one area feels dry, applying an appropriate product there may be simpler than covering the whole face with another layer.

Questions before buying

Can either replace treatment for a rash or wound?

No. Follow the exact package directions and professional advice for a diagnosed condition or procedure. Oozing, spreading redness, suspected infection or painful broken skin needs assessment, not a cream recommendation based on an online comparison.

Sources checked October 8, 2026

For simpler daily options, see moisturizers for menopausal dry skin.