Avène
Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream for Very Sensitive Skin
face cream
Avène
face cream
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General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
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Take the skin testActing as a film-like layer over the skin, Avène’s Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream nourishes and soothes easily irritated skin prone to dryness, helping to protect it from external aggressors. Combining Avène’s Thermal Spring Water – for a surge of soothing moisture – with [C-Restore]™ (a post-biotic biotechnological patented active ingredient derived from Aqua Dolomiae), the barrier-replenishing cream helps to minimise feelings of discomfort and dryness for up to 48 hours. Topped with clarifying copper sulphate and zinc sulphate, the fragrance-free formula is suitable for the whole family.
Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream for Very Sensitive Skin is a cushioning cream from Avène, a brand based in France. Its job is UV protection, with the rest of the formula working on hydration. The ingredient list runs to 19 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
By its ingredient list the formula reads as moderately cushioned — emollient enough to feel like a cream, without the heaviest occlusives near the top. Hydration is handled by Glycerin, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride and Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.
It is a mineral sunscreen, filtering with Zinc Oxide. Between them those filters cover UVB, UVA II and UVA I, so the formula is broad-spectrum in the meaningful sense: it reaches past 340 nm, where the ageing wavelengths sit. Every filter in the formula is photostable, so its protection does not fall away over the first hour in the sun — reapplication is still about sweat, water and rubbing rather than degradation.
Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Glycerin, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil and Propylene Glycol.
Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Avena Sativa Seed Water and Zinc Oxide.
On richness alone it suits Balanced skin best, and is the least natural fit for Combination (oily) and Oily skin. A few ingredients carry irritation flags, so reactive skin should patch test before using it on the whole face.
The formula contributes little or nothing on barrier support, antioxidant protection, brightening and tone and cell renewal. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.
Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free and microplastic-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging.
It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes after serums. Seal in your serums with it; in the morning, sunscreen still goes on top. It carries UV filters, so it belongs in your morning routine.
This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.
Drawn purely from the ingredient list
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
A few ingredients here carry irritation flags. Reactive skin should patch test on the jawline for a few days before using it on the whole face.
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Regulates sebum production to reduce shine and greasiness
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.
Mineral filter system · broad-spectrum through UVA I
The only single filter that covers the whole UVB–UVA1 range on its own. Scatters and absorbs rather than purely absorbing, and can leave a white cast at high loads.
The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Oils, vegetable, hydrogenated
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Zinc oxide (CI 77947)
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Propane-1,2-diol
12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
L-Arginine
13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated under 1% of the formula.
Beeswax absolute (RIFM),Beeswax concrete (RIFM),Beeswax, white (Apis mellifera L.) (RIFM),Bleached Beeswax,Cera Alba (EU),White Beeswax,White Wax,Yellow Wax
Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.
Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
Every filter in this formula is photostable
"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.
Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.
Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.
Beeswax
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Nothing in this formula belongs to a group our rules can put in conflict, so it layers freely. Order still matters — thinnest texture first.
This product is the "Moisturise" step.
Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 19 ingredients on the label.
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Forms a film that slows water loss
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Dissolves and carries everything else
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Sets the acidity the formula needs to work
Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent
Absorbs or scatters ultraviolet light
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Avena Sativa Seed Water is an aqueous solution of the steam distillates obtained from the seeds of Avena sativa.
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Hydrogenated Mineral Oil is the end product of the controlled hydrogenation of Mineral Oil.
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Oils, vegetable, hydrogenated
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Zinc oxide (CI 77947)
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Propane-1,2-diol
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Isooctadecanoic acid, diester with oxydi(propanediol)
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-omega-hydroxy-, diethers with 1,2-dodecanediol homopolymer (22 mol EO, 9 mol dodecanediol average molar ratio)
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Dihydroxyaluminium stearate
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Aquaphilus Dolomiae Ferment Filtrate is a filtrate of the product obtained by the fermentation of the growth media by the microorganism, Aquaphilus dolomiae.
12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
L-Arginine
13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated under 1% of the formula.
Beeswax absolute (RIFM),Beeswax concrete (RIFM),Beeswax, white (Apis mellifera L.) (RIFM),Bleached Beeswax,Cera Alba (EU),White Beeswax,White Wax,Yellow Wax
14th on the list, which puts it at an estimated under 1% of the formula.
Copper sulphate
15th on the list, which puts it at an estimated under 1% of the formula.
Magnesium distearate
16th on the list, which puts it at an estimated under 1% of the formula.
Magnesium sulphate
17th on the list, which puts it at an estimated under 1% of the formula.
Cera Microcristallina (EU),Hydrocarbon Waxes, Microcryst,Petroleum Wax, Microcrystalline
18th on the list, which puts it at an estimated under 1% of the formula.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
19th on the list, which puts it at an estimated under 1% of the formula.
Zinc sulphate
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
BE THE SKIN
Shares 4 key ingredients with Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream for Very Sensitive Skin: Glycerin, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Propylene Glycol, Arginine
LAGOM
Shares 4 key ingredients with Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream for Very Sensitive Skin: Glycerin, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Beeswax, Zinc Oxide
Mizon
Shares 4 key ingredients with Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream for Very Sensitive Skin: Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Arginine
Missha
Shares 4 key ingredients with Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream for Very Sensitive Skin: Glycerin, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Beeswax, Arginine
ATOPALM
Shares 4 key ingredients with Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream for Very Sensitive Skin: Glycerin, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Arginine
Centellian24
Shares 4 key ingredients with Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream for Very Sensitive Skin: Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Beeswax, Arginine
AVENA SATIVA SEED WATER, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, HYDROGENATED MINERAL OIL, GLYCERIN, HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OIL, ZINC OXIDE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, POLYGLYCERYL-2 SESQUIISOSTEARATE, PEG-22/DODECYL GLYCOL COPOLYMER, ALUMINUM STEARATE, AQUAPHILUS DOLOMIAE FERMENT FILTRATE, ARGININE, BEESWAX, COPPER SULFATE, MAGNESIUM STEARATE, MAGNESIUM SULFATE, MICROCRYSTALLINE WAX, TROMETHAMINE, ZINC SULFATE.
Apply cream to the irritated area, massaging gently.
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced skin best. It is the least natural fit for Combination (oily), Oily skin.
Some ingredients here carry irritation flags, so sensitive skin should patch test on the jawline for a few days before applying it to the whole face.
2 ingredients could feed malassezia: Polyglyceryl-2 Sesquiisostearate, Aluminum Stearate. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
It layers well with Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Retinoids (retinol, retinal), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide.
Use it morning and evening, after serums.
It lists 19 ingredients, of which 1 are recorded as actives.
Avène, a brand based in France.
It filters UV with Zinc Oxide (zinc oxide).
Yes. Its filters cover UVB, UVA II and UVA I, so protection reaches past 340 nm into the deep-UVA range associated with ageing and pigmentation.
Possibly. It filters with mineral UV filters, which sit on the surface and can leave a visible cast on deeper skin tones, especially at high SPF.
It contains none of the filters named in the Hawaii and Key West reef legislation (oxybenzone and octinoxate). "Reef safe" is not a regulated term, so treat that as a fact about the filter list rather than a certification.
Yes. Let it set for a couple of minutes before foundation so it does not pill, and reapply over makeup with a stick or powder rather than rubbing more in.
Every two hours of sun exposure, and immediately after swimming, sweating heavily or towelling off.
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