Compare Products: Cicaplast Baume B5+ vs Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum

La Roche-Posay

Cicaplast Baume B5+

Mid-range
$16.99 / 40ml — $0.42/ml
The Ordinary

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum

Budget10%
$6 / 30ml — $0.20/ml

Who It's Designed For

La Roche-Posay
  • Those recovering from skin procedures, sunburn, or irritation
  • Users with eczema or dermatitis seeking a soothing balm
  • People using tretinoin or strong actives who need a repair product
  • Those seeking a multi-purpose balm for face, body, and lips
  • Users who want a thick occlusive layer for overnight repair
The Ordinary
  • Oily and combination skin seeking oil control
  • Those who want a no-frills, high-potency niacinamide serum
  • Budget-conscious skincare users
  • People targeting enlarged pores and textural irregularities
  • Users building ingredient-focused routines

Key Ingredients

La Roche-Posay

5% Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Madecassoside (Centella Asiatica), Shea Butter, Tribioma Prebiotic Complex

The Ordinary

Niacinamide (10%), Zinc PCA (1%)

Product Composition

11% similarity (3 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
aqua/water/eauzincci 77891/titanium dioxide
Only in La Roche-Posay (16)
hydrogenated polyisobutenedimethiconeglycerinbutyrospermum parkii butter/shea butterpanthenolzea mays starch/corn starchpropanediolbutylene glycolcetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethiconetrihydroxystearinaluminum starch octenylsuccinatemadecassosidemanganesecopperdisodium edtasodium benzoate
Only in The Ordinary (8)
pentylene glycoldimethyl isosorbidetamarindus indica seed gumxanthan gumisoceteth-20ethoxydiglycolphenoxyethanolchlorphenesin

User Feedback Patterns

La Roche-Posay
Post-procedure essential

Widely used after laser treatments, chemical peels, and microneedling. Users report faster healing and less redness when applied immediately after procedures.

Tretinoin buffer and recovery

Extremely popular in the r/tretinoin community as a final step to soothe retinoid irritation. Users apply it as a thick layer over tretinoin at night.

White cast concern

The white cast on application is the most common complaint. It fades after absorption but can look noticeable on darker skin tones immediately after application.

Multi-purpose hero

Users apply it to lips, cuticles, dry patches, tattoos, minor burns, and diaper rash in addition to facial use. The versatility is frequently praised.

The Ordinary
Holy grail for oily skin

Many users with oily skin report significant oil control and fewer breakouts. High repurchase rate in this demographic.

Pilling under other products

Commonly reported issue. Users recommend applying to damp skin or mixing with a hydrating serum to improve layering.

Tacky texture

The formula can feel sticky, especially if too much is applied. Most users adapt application technique over time.

Purging or breakouts

Some users report initial breakouts. Unclear whether this is purging, sensitivity, or coincidence. Most who push through report improvement.

Value for money

Almost universally praised for price-to-performance ratio. Common comment: 'can't believe this costs $6.'

Which Should You Buy?

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum offers great value at a lower price point. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ may be worth the premium if you want 5% Panthenol (Vitamin B5).

View Full Product Details

Related Comparisons