Last updated: September 24, 2026
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 and CeraVe Healing Ointment both live in the “rescue” drawer: the products people reach for when skin is chapped, flaky, stung by retinoids or wind-burned. They are often treated as interchangeable, but they work differently. Cicaplast is a creamy balm built around panthenol and soothing actives; CeraVe Healing Ointment is a petrolatum-based occlusive with ceramides. Picking the right one depends on where you use it and what your skin needs.
Quick comparison
| Feature | La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 | CeraVe Healing Ointment |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Rich cream-balm | Petrolatum-based ointment |
| Key ingredients | Panthenol 5%, madecassoside, shea butter, glycerin, zinc/copper/manganese (check label) | Petrolatum (skin protectant), ceramides, hyaluronic acid |
| Texture | Thick, white, absorbs partially, can leave a slight white film | Greasy, clear, stays on the surface |
| Occlusion | Moderate | High |
| Typical price | ~$15–20 for 40 ml; larger sizes available | ~$10–15 for 3 oz; tubs ~$18–22 |
| Fragrance | Fragrance-free | Fragrance-free |
How each one works
Cicaplast: soothing and repairing ingredients in a balm
Panthenol (provitamin B5) is a humectant that supports hydration and barrier comfort. Madecassoside, derived from centella, is associated with soothing. Shea butter and other emollients soften skin, while the balm texture provides moderate occlusion. It feels like a very rich cream more than an ointment.
CeraVe: occlusion first
Petrolatum is one of the most effective occlusives available, dramatically reducing water loss from the skin. CeraVe adds ceramides and hyaluronic acid, but the ointment’s main job is sealing. It is the stronger barrier against wind, cold and friction.
Which to use where
| Situation | Better pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Retinoid irritation on the face | Cicaplast | Soothing, less greasy |
| Cracked hands, heels, elbows | CeraVe | Strong occlusion |
| Chapped lips | CeraVe | Seals and protects |
| Around the nose during a cold | Either; CeraVe for raw skin | Friction protection |
| Slugging overnight | CeraVe | Classic petrolatum seal |
| Dry patches under makeup | Cicaplast (thin layer) | Less slippery |
| Acne-prone face | Cicaplast, spot use | Less occlusive overall |
How to apply for the best result
Cicaplast Balm B5
Apply a thin layer to clean, slightly damp skin as the last step of your routine, or only on irritated patches. A little goes a long way; too much leaves a white film. It can be used morning and night; in the morning, let it settle before sunscreen.
CeraVe Healing Ointment
Apply a thin layer over moisturizer at night to seal in hydration, or directly onto very dry areas. For hands, apply before bed and wear cotton gloves. For lips, use as often as needed. It is too greasy for most people as a daytime face layer.
Using them together
For severe dryness, apply Cicaplast first, then a thin layer of CeraVe on top at night. This combines the soothing actives with maximum occlusion.
Skin type guide
Dry and mature skin tends to love both. Oily and acne-prone skin should use either only on specific dry areas; full-face occlusion can trap oil and sweat and may lead to clogged pores in some people. Sensitive skin often tolerates both well, as they are fragrance-free.
How long a tube lasts
Because both are used in thin layers and often only on patches, a 40 ml Cicaplast tube commonly lasts one to three months, while a 3 oz CeraVe tube used on lips, hands and patches can last a whole winter. If you slug your whole face nightly, expect to go through either much faster.
Who should avoid each
Avoid heavy occlusives like CeraVe Healing Ointment on active acne, infected skin or oozing wounds, and never use them to trap heat on burns. People with lanolin or specific ingredient allergies should check both labels. Cicaplast contains metal salts such as copper and zinc, which rarely cause reactions but should be checked if you have known sensitivities. Any wound that is deep, infected or not healing should be seen by a medical professional; neither product is a treatment for skin infections or serious wounds.
FAQ
Is Cicaplast Balm good for slugging?
It can be used as a rich overnight layer, but it is not as occlusive as petrolatum. For classic slugging, CeraVe Healing Ointment is the stronger choice.
Can I use CeraVe Healing Ointment on my face every day?
Many dry-skinned people use it at night. During the day it may feel greasy and can interfere with makeup; oily skin may experience congestion.
Bottom line
Choose La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 for soothing, facial-friendly barrier support, especially for retinoid or post-exfoliation irritation. Choose CeraVe Healing Ointment for maximum occlusion on lips, hands, heels and overnight slugging. Many people keep both: Cicaplast for the face, CeraVe for everything else.
