Avène

Avène Cicalfate + Hydrating Skin Repairing Emulsion

Name: Avène - Cicalfate + Hydrating Skin Repairing Emulsion
Brand: Avène

Efficacy100/100IrritancyLow

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Works for

1 of 1 advertised claim delivered

Moisturizing

Niacinamide, Arginine + 11 more

Strong evidence

What the product description says

“Cicalfate + Hydrating Skin Repairing Emulsion”

From product name

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: arginine, glycerin.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: arginine, caprylic/capric triglyceride.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide

ArginineKey active· Humectant, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin~0.45–0.7%

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~1.3–1.6%

Pentaerythrityl tetracaprylate/tetracaprateKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin~3.6–4.4%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.4%

TriethylhexanoinKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~2.3–2.8%

SqualaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.~2.3–2.8%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~7.6–9.2%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~4.7–5.8%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~1.8–2.2%

GlucoseKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function~0.3–0.6%

Behenyl alcohol· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: LowNon-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient~1.7–2%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.5–0.7%

Butyrospermum parkii butterUnder-dosedEffect: HighA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~0.65–1%

Anti-blemish

Not advertised by the brand · Niacinamide

Strong evidence

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

Anti-aging

Not advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, Butyrospermum parkii butter

Strong evidence

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~1.3–1.6%

Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: Low, below effective doseA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~0.65–1%

Evens skin tone

Not advertised by the brand · Niacinamide

Strong evidence

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide

Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

5 flagged ingredients

Low risk

We flag 5 ingredients with irritancy potential; the product's overall irritancy is low. The table lists each ingredient's own rating.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Zinc sulfateA preservative. It can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.2%est.

Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~7.6–9.2%est.

TriethylhexanoinHelps soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~2.3–2.8%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.5–0.7%est.

Tocopheryl acetateA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.Medium~0.2–0.35%est.

Comedogenic

2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

2 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Butyrospermum parkii butterA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals3/5~0.65–1%est.

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~1.8–2.2%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~7.6–9.2%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride

Glycerin~4.7–5.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin

Pentaerythrityl tetracaprylate/tetracaprate~3.6–4.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Pentaerythrityl tetracaprylate/tetracaprate

Triethylhexanoin~2.3–2.8%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Triethylhexanoin

Squalane~2.3–2.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.

More about Squalane

Cetearyl alcohol~1.8–2.2%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol

Behenyl alcohol~1.7–2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient

More about Behenyl alcohol

Niacinamide~1.3–1.6%

Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-blemishReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessAntibacterial

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

More about Niacinamide

C20-22 alkyl phosphate~1–1.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about C20-22 alkyl phosphate

C20-22 alcohols~0.7–1.05%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about C20-22 alcohols

Butyrospermum parkii butter~0.65–1%

Under-dosedComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals

More about Butyrospermum parkii butter

Aquaphilus dolomiae ferment filtrate~0.5–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Aquaphilus dolomiae ferment filtrate

Arginine~0.45–0.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin

More about Arginine

Caprylyl glycol~0.5–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Glucose~0.3–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function

More about Glucose

Copper sulfate~0.3–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Copper sulfate

Sodium benzoate~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate

Sodium hyaluronate~0.2–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate

Sodium hydroxide~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Tocopheryl acetate~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.

More about Tocopheryl acetate

Tromethamine~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine

Xanthan gum~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Zinc sulfate~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A preservative. It can be irritating

More about Zinc sulfate

Ingredient list view

Water, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Glycerin, Pentaerythrityl tetracaprylate/tetracaprate, Triethylhexanoin, Squalane, Cetearyl alcohol, Behenyl alcohol, Niacinamide, C20-22 alkyl phosphate, C20-22 alcohols, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Aquaphilus dolomiae ferment filtrate, Arginine, Caprylyl glycol, Glucose, Copper sulfate, Sodium benzoate, Sodium hyaluronate, Sodium hydroxide, Tocopheryl acetate, Tromethamine, Xanthan gum, Zinc sulfate

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	AvèneCicalfate + Hydrating Skin Repairing EmulsionYOUR PRODUCT	Eau Thermale AveneCicalfate + Hydrating Emulsion	THE FACE SHOPDr.Belmeur Daily Repair Moisturizer	preangeVit B5 Emulsion
Match	—	98%	87%	85%
Price	$12.88	$24.12+$11.24	$21.70+$8.82	$21.15+$8.27
Shared key ingredients	—	9 of 9	7 of 9	6 of 9
Key difference	—	—	Ceramide As	Adenosine
Irritancy	Low	Low	Low	Low
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"Avène - Cicalfate + Hydrating Skin Repairing Emulsion" is a well-rounded moisturizing product. To work well, any moisturizer needs to include a combination of water-binding and emollient ingredients. Avène - Cicalfate + Hydrating Skin Repairing Emulsion ticks this box. Arginine, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, glucose and caprylyl glycol in this product (humectants) attract water molecules to the upper layer of the skin (the water comes from the outside air or from the deeper layers of the skin if the air is dry). Emollients in this formulation (arginine, caprylic/capric triglyceride, pentaerythrityl tetracaprylate/tetracaprate, squalane and cetearyl alcohol) help to reduce the moisture loss from the skin. They also soften the skin surface and relieve the feeling of dryness and tightness.

This product contains ingredients that could be beneficial, but their concentrations are too low in this formulation: butyrospermum parkii butter

Irritation risk

This formulation includes some common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be low. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here

You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.