The skincare industry can be a bewildering place for consumers. With a plethora of products on the market, each boasting a myriad of health claims, it can be difficult to discern fact from fiction. Manufacturers often make grandiose claims about their skincare products, promising to deliver miraculous results. However, these claims can sometimes be greatly exaggerated, leaving consumers out-of-pocket and underwhelmed.
It’s crucial to exercise due diligence when shopping for skincare products. Taking claims about products at face value without investigating the ingredients and their efficacy can lead to disappointment. That’s why it’s important to critically analyze these products and their claims.
In this article, we will be critically analyzing the Cicaplast Balm B5, a multi-purpose soothing balm from the brand La Roche-Posay. We will be dissecting the claims made about this product, comparing them to the ingredients used within the product, and performing a truth assessment to establish whether or not the product really will live up to its claims.
View all the information used for this fact check. Access a timestamped snapshot of the product's official webpage as reviewed by us, preserved for transparency and future reference. INCI list at time of reviewal: Water, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Panthenol, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Cetyl Peg/Ppg-10/1 Dimethicone, Trihydroxystearin, Zinc Gluconate, Madecassoside, Manganese Gluconate, Silica, Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Sulfate, Disodium Edta, Copper Gluconate, Citric Acid, Acetylated Glycol Stearate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Tocopherol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorhexidine Digluconate Titanium Dioxide Product formulations and manufacturer claims may evolve. For the most current information, refer directly to the product's official website. Our reviews are updated periodically to reflect new data.Resources
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So, let’s delve into the main claims being made about the Cicaplast Balm B5 and break them down:
Claim #1: The Product Helps Relieve and Protect Cracked, Chapped, Chafed Skin
La Roche-Posay’s Website States: “Helps relieve and protect cracked, chapped, chafed skin”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The ingredient Dimethicone is a type of silicone that provides a protective cover on skin, which helps to keep skin hydrated by reducing water loss. It is known for its skin-protecting properties and can help to soothe and protect cracked, chapped, and chafed skin. Additionally, Shea Butter is known for its moisturizing and skin-smoothing properties, which can help to relieve dry and chapped skin.
Claim #2: The Product Soothes Visible Signs of Dry Skin Irritations and Sensitive Skin
La Roche-Posay’s Website States: “Soothes visible signs of dry skin irritations and sensitive skin”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: Glycerin is a humectant that attracts water to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated and soothe dryness. Panthenol, also known as Pro-Vitamin B5, has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated and sensitive skin. Madecassoside, derived from the plant Centella Asiatica, is known for its soothing and repairing properties, which can help to reduce skin irritations.
Claim #3: The Product Provides Daily Relief for Dry to Very Dry Skin
La Roche-Posay’s Website States: “Provides daily relief for dry to very dry skin”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The combination of Dimethicone, Shea Butter, and Glycerin provides a powerful moisturizing effect that can help to relieve dry to very dry skin. These ingredients work together to lock in moisture, protect the skin’s barrier, and attract water to the skin, providing hydration and relief.
Claim #4: The Product Protects from the Drying Effects of Wind and Cold
La Roche-Posay’s Website States: “Protects from the drying effects of wind and cold”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: Dimethicone forms a protective barrier on the skin’s surface that helps to protect against environmental factors such as wind and cold. This barrier helps to reduce water loss from the skin, which can be increased by these environmental factors, thus helping to prevent dryness.
Claim #5: The Product Helps Treat and Prevent Diaper Rash
La Roche-Posay’s Website States: “Helps treat and prevent diaper rash”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: Zinc Gluconate has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe and treat diaper rash. Additionally, the protective barrier formed by Dimethicone can help to prevent further irritation and rash by protecting the skin from moisture and friction, common causes of diaper rash.
Claim #6: The Product Restores Skin Comfort and Hydration
La Roche-Posay’s Website States: “Skin comfort and hydration feels restored”
Truth Assessment: True
Explanation: The combination of moisturizing and skin-soothing ingredients such as Dimethicone, Shea Butter, Glycerin, and Panthenol can help to restore skin comfort and hydration. These ingredients work together to hydrate the skin, soothe irritation, and protect the skin’s barrier, helping to restore comfort and hydration.
Claim #7: The Product is Suitable for Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy and Radiation
La Roche-Posay’s Website States: “Suitable for patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation.*”
Truth Assessment: Possibly
Explanation: While the ingredients in this product are generally gentle and soothing, individual reactions can vary, especially in individuals with compromised skin due to chemotherapy or radiation. It’s always recommended for individuals undergoing these treatments to consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new skincare products.
Assessment Verdict:
Truth Rating: 9/10
Overall likelihood for product to make good on its claims: Highly Likely
The product’s claims are largely supported by the known properties of its ingredients. Dimethicone, Shea Butter, Glycerin, and Panthenol are all well-documented for their skin-soothing and moisturizing properties, which align with the product’s claims of relieving dry, chapped, and irritated skin. The claim that the product is suitable for patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation is less certain, as individual reactions can vary, especially in individuals with compromised skin due to these treatments.
However, it’s important to note that this assessment assumes all ingredients are used in effective quantities. In skincare formulas, ingredient lists are in weight order, but this doesn’t tell us everything. For example, a product might list a beneficial ingredient first, but only include a small amount. Conversely, a product might list a beneficial ingredient last, but include a large amount. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to do your own research and consult with a healthcare provider if you have specific skin concerns or conditions.
Remember, not all skincare products are created equal. Be skeptical of products that make grandiose claims without the science to back them up. Look for products that list their active ingredients and their concentrations. And always patch test a new product before applying it to your entire face or body to avoid potential allergic reactions or irritations.
This product review has been commissioned by Truth In Skincare (TiS), an independent industry regulator. The review is conducted by a TiS-appointed industry consultant, who utilizes a variety of reliable sources to ensure the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the information provided. These sources include CosIng (Cosmetic Ingredient Database – by the European Commission), the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), and The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Additionally, various publicly available sources are also consulted to provide a well-rounded perspective on the product under review.
