Compare Products: Cicaplast Baume B5+ vs Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%

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
  • Experienced vitamin C users who want maximum potency at minimum cost
  • Those who have built tolerance to lower vitamin C concentrations
  • Users willing to work with a challenging texture for strong active delivery
  • Budget-conscious shoppers seeking L-ascorbic acid at 23%
  • People who use vitamin C as a nighttime treatment

Key Ingredients

La Roche-Posay

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

The Ordinary

23% L-Ascorbic Acid, 2% Sodium Hyaluronate (HA Spheres), Squalane

Product Composition

17% similarity (5 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
butylene glycoltrihydroxystearinci 77891/titanium dioxidedisodium edtasodium benzoate
Only in La Roche-Posay (14)
aqua/water/eauhydrogenated polyisobutenedimethiconeglycerinbutyrospermum parkii butter/shea butterpanthenolzea mays starch/corn starchpropanediolcetyl peg/ppg-10/1 dimethiconealuminum starch octenylsuccinatemadecassosidezincmanganesecopper
Only in The Ordinary (11)
squalaneisodecyl neopentanoateisononyl isononanoatecoconut alkanesethylene/propylene/styrene copolymerethylhexyl palmitatesilica dimethyl silylateglucomannancoco-caprylate/caprateacrylates/ethylhexyl acrylate crosspolymerbht

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
Intense stinging on first use

Nearly all first-time users report significant stinging and tingling. This subsides for most within 1-2 weeks of regular use as skin builds tolerance.

Pilling is a universal complaint

Layering anything over this product commonly causes pilling. Users have found that applying it as the last step at night or mixing with a drop of oil reduces this issue.

Effective brightening at unbeatable price

Users who tolerate the texture report visible brightening, improved tone, and reduced dark spots. The $8 price point makes it a cult favorite despite the application challenges.

Night-only use recommended by most

Due to texture and pilling issues, most users reserve this for nighttime use. It does not layer well under sunscreen or makeup.

Which Should You Buy?

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% 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).

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