Noli Beauty

Let me take you back a few months ago: I was dealing with the most frustrating and confidence-wrecking skin issue I’ve ever experienced — a stubborn, red, flaky rash around my mouth and nose. After a visit to my dermatologist, I learned it was perioral dermatitis — a condition that sounds harmless but feels anything but. My doctor immediately suggested a three-week course of oral antibiotics, but I hesitated. I’ve always been careful with my gut health, and the thought of antibiotics wreaking havoc on my stomach had me pausing.

Instead, I decided to take matters into my own hands. Like any modern-day beauty junkie (and mom who doesn’t have time to be sidelined with stomach issues), I dove into research mode. That’s when I found a name that kept popping up in skin recovery forums, YouTube videos, and even in French pharmacy blogs: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Serum.

And let me tell you — it’s been a skin savior.

What Is La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Serum?

This lightweight, hydrating serum is designed to soothe, repair, and strengthen compromised skin. It’s part of La Roche-Posay’s famous Cicaplast line, which focuses on barrier repair and skin recovery.

Think of it as a little nurse in a bottle — calming redness, smoothing flaky patches, and giving your skin exactly what it needs to heal and bounce back. The star of the show is Vitamin B5 (Panthenol), but more on that in a moment.

The Benefits I Experienced Firsthand

After using the serum twice daily for just a few days, I started noticing real changes:

• The tight, dry patches around my mouth softened.
• Redness started fading.
• My skin felt soothed and hydrated instead of hot and itchy.

Within a week, the perioral dermatitis was almost entirely gone — no antibiotics needed.

Here’s what makes this serum so magical:

1. Deep Hydration Without Heaviness

The serum is water-light but incredibly hydrating. It sinks in instantly without leaving a greasy film, which made it ideal for my irritated, reactive skin.

2. Calms Redness & Irritation

Panthenol (Vitamin B5) is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, and it really helped reduce the stinging and burning sensation I was experiencing.

3. Repairs the Skin Barrier

It’s loaded with Madecassoside, a plant extract from Centella Asiatica, that supports the skin’s healing process. When your barrier is compromised (like mine was), this is exactly what you need.

4. Minimalist, Sensitive-Skin Friendly Formula

This serum is fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and paraben-free — a major win when you’re dealing with inflammation or sensitivity.

Who Is This Serum Good For?

Honestly? Pretty much everyone. But especially:

• Sensitive skin types
• Post-procedure skin (after peels, microneedling, or facials)
• Dry or flaky skin
• Acne-prone skin that’s over-treated or irritated
• Anyone dealing with eczema, rosacea, or dermatitis

And of course, those struggling with perioral dermatitis like I was. I of course am NOT a dermatologist, I am simply sharing my experience and how my skin reacted to this serum.

If you’re using active ingredients like retinol, AHAs, or exfoliants and need a serum to support your barrier, this is a perfect choice to keep on hand.

How to Use It in Your Routine

This serum plays well with nearly every skincare routine and is incredibly easy to use:

1. Cleanse your skin gently.
2. Apply 2–3 drops of the serum to your face — focus on dry or irritated areas.
3. Follow with a moisturizer or cream (like La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 for extra healing).
4. Finish with SPF in the morning, especially if you’re dealing with red or healing skin.

It can be used twice daily, and I still incorporate it into my routine when I feel irritation coming on — especially during seasonal changes or after using exfoliants. I use it both day and night, as I feel it truly helps clam my skin and protect it from irritations.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s a quick look at the powerful, gentle ingredients that make this serum so effective:

For me, this serum was and still remains a game-changer. It saved me from a round of antibiotics, helped me regain confidence in my skin, and introduced me to a product I now keep in my skincare arsenal 24/7.

If you’re experiencing irritated, red, or inflamed skin — especially perioral dermatitis or any kind of barrier disruption — I wholeheartedly recommend trying this before jumping to harsher treatments.

It’s affordable, effective, and backed by the trusted dermatological legacy of La Roche-Posay.

If you’ve tried the Cicaplast B5 Serum or have another skin-saving product to share, comment below or message me on Instagram @NoliBeauty — I’d love to hear what worked for you!