Avène’s Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream has been lining shelves for decades now, but it’s only recently that it has officially crossed over from a quiet, dermatologist-recommended French pharmacy staple to a full-blown internet obsession.
The rich, occlusive, fragrance-free barrier cream combines a patented postbiotic ingredient derived from Avène’s famous Thermal Spring Water that actively accelerates skin healing. The C+-Restore ingredient is the entire reason the cream got a plus sign added to its name in 2019 and shifted the product from a basic moisturiser to a cult-favourite.
The spring water itself also calms redness and can help reduce the stinging sensation that happens when your skin barrier is completely shot.
It’s also loaded with the clearing combo of copper sulphate and zinc sulphate. Together, they help to minimise the risk of raw skin and the bacterial spreading that’s known to cause acne.
@harmonybutcher Replying to @grayce ⭐️ this product is insane. NOT sponsored. I can’t believe how much my skin has changed in just a few days 🤯 more hydrated, less irritated, visibly reduced redness, skin barrier feels so much better. WOW. @Eau Thermale Avène Cicalfate is amazing.
♬ original sound – harmonybutcher
As far as texture goes, it’s thicccc (with four c’s). People sometimes liken it to toothpaste, which is wild but true. Because it also contains zinc, it doesn’t just sink into the skin like a standard moisturiser. It sits on top to lock in moisture and block out environmental irritants. This can sometimes result in a bit of a white cast, so be sure to start with a pea-sized amount and work it into your skin instead of lathering it on thick.
If you’re on the side of TikTok that’s obsessed with slugging or slathering, this product should already be in your cart. TikTokers swear you wake up the next morning with glass skin and zero redness. Dermatologists have actually vetted this trend, confirming that it’s highly effective for an overnight reset.
@livvvmarkley Yall know I don’t playyy about my barrier repair nights!! Product: Avene cicalfate! #skincare #avene #avenecicalfate #barrierrepair #slugging
♬ fame is a gun trap mix – hiltonaudios
While TikTok is obsessed with the Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream, communities like r/SkincareAddiction and r/SkinbarrierLovers on Reddit have also pointed out a few things worth noting before adding it to your routine.
Because of the way it’s formulated, the thermal water can sometimes separate from the heavy emollient base. Users often open a new tube only for clear water to spray out everywhere. But don’t worry, Redditers have naturally found the fix. If yours separates, drop the tightly closed tube into a tumbler of warm water for 10 minutes, then shake it vigorously to emulsify the ingredients back together.
@ayeyiathome Always reaching for @AveneUSA Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream to keep my skincare simple and my skin barrier supported. Celebrate National Skin Barrier with me this March 12th and share how you CicalfateIt! #avenepartner #sensitiveskin #aveneusa
♬ original sound – Ayeyi
Another thing users pointed out was that while the formula is non-comedogenic, it is incredibly heavy. Those with oily or highly acne-prone skin report that using it daily can cause closed comedones (tiny skin-coloured bumps) or milia if used too close to the eyes.
The last thing Reddit pointed out is that it has a six-month period-after-opening (PAO) expiration because of its minimalist formulation. If you buy the massive 100ml tube and only use it sparingly, you likely won’t finish it before it expires.
The final verdict: If you use strong actives (like Tretinoin, Retinol, or AHAs), live in a harsh winter climate, or have rosacea/eczema, it is absolutely worth adding to your winter skincare routine.
You can pick up the Avène Cicalfate+ for $25 here.
Lead Image: ayeyiathome / livvvmarkley / harmonybutcher / TikTok
The post Everyone’s Talking About How This $25 Moisturiser Gives You Glass Skin Overnight appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
