SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 Versus La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Gel B5
Updated on February 16, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe facial treatments. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, brightening skin, sensitive skin and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, oils, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 22 ingredients
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Gel B5 19 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 22 ingredients
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Gel B5 19 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventDimethicone
Emollient
Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate
Emollient
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Dipropylene Glycol
MaskingAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingAllyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientIsopropyl Myristate
Emollient
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sodium Citrate
BufferingBoswellia Serrata Resin Extract
SmoothingDimethiconol
Emollient
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Bisabolol
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
BHT
Antioxidant
Propyl Gallate
Antioxidant
Water, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Alcohol Denat., Dipropylene Glycol, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Isopropyl Myristate, Retinol, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Citrate, Boswellia Serrata Resin Extract, Dimethiconol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Bisabolol, Citric Acid, BHT, Propyl Gallate
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningC30-45 Alkyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Polybutene
Sodium Citrate
BufferingPEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Zinc Gluconate
Skin Conditioning
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Dimethiconol
Emollient
Manganese Gluconate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Copper Gluconate
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCitric Acid
Buffering
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Panthenol, Pentylene Glycol, C30-45 Alkyl Dimethicone, Polybutene, Sodium Citrate, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Zinc Gluconate, Madecassoside, Dimethiconol, Manganese Gluconate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Copper Gluconate, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Polysorbate 20, Tocopherol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolPolysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Sodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateDimethiconol is a silicone that resembles the popular dimethicone. Like other silicones, it is an emollient. Emollients create a thin film on skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
This ingredient helps to create a silky texture and improve spreadability. Due to its high molecular weight and thickness, it is often combined with cyclopentasiloxane.
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 22 ingredients
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Gel B5 19 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Gel B5 19 ingredients
TL;DR: Absolute gold star holy grail! 🏆 Forget the baume, this is where it's at for sensitive, acne-prone skin.
I picked this up in desperation after trying the original baume formulation of this, which really did nothing for me and I'm quite sure was contributing to acne. But this gel is amazing! I use it morning and night over my moisturizer, and my skin always feels soothed after a couple Show more
After searching high and low for yeeeeaars to find a moisturiser that didn't break my acne-prone oily skin out, I finally found one that works for me. Not only has this helped calm my inflamed acne, it leaves my skin feeling really hydrated. I wrecked my skin barrier by overusing Differin and this was the only thing that helped repair my skin barrier and didn't break me out. I used the Cicaplast Show more
