Banner Image: French cica barrier creams available at French Beauty Co
This article is in partnership with French Beauty Co.
French cica creams have gone viral on repeat across socials, and they’re absolutely worth the hype.
Once staples in French first-aid kits, these barrier-loving balms are now cult favourites in Australia thanks to their restorative formulas that help sensitive skin bounce back.
But when you search for the “best cica creams in Australia” or scroll through cica cream reviews, things can get confusing quickly. That’s because “cica” doesn’t always mean the same thing, and depends on what part of the world the skincare is from.
In Asian skincare (like in K Beauty and J Beauty), cica usually refers to centella asiatica, a calming plant extract.
In French pharmacy skincare, cica comes from “cicatrisation,” the French word for wound healing.
French icons like La Roche-Posay Cicaplast, Avène Cicalfate (famously used by Hailey Bieber), and SVR Cicavit+ (also available at Priceline) are examples of true French cica creams, specifically formulated for repair and intense skin recovery.
So, What Are French Beauty Cica Creams?
French pharmacy cica creams were originally developed to treat cuts, burns, and post-procedure skin.
As their popularity grew beyond French medicine cabinets and nurseries, they began to be used more broadly for soothing everyday redness, flare-ups, and daily sensitivity.
Most French cica creams are zinc oxide based balms designed to calm irritation, restore the skin barrier, and protect compromised skin.
Thanks to their rich, balm-like texture, you might also hear them called “barrier balms” or “cica balms”, just to add to the cica-confusion.
How Are They Different: French Cica Creams vs. Centella Cica Creams
Image: French vs Korean cica.
Although we’re fans of both, and there’s no issue using them together in your skincare routine, it’s important to understand the difference.
French cica creams are their own skincare category, referring to a rich, plush healing creams usually formulated with zinc, copper, and panthenol (vitamin B5).
They are designed to heal, repair, and protect compromised skin, making them staples for post-procedure care or times when the barrier is damaged.
Asian Centella cica creams, on the other hand, centre around the plant extract centella asiatica (also known as gotu kola).
These formulas are loved for their calming qualities. The ingredient doesn’t just feature in rich balms, but also in lighter textures or as part of serums, essences, and moisturisers.
Why Zinc Matters in French Cica Creams
Zinc is one of the key ingredients in many French cica healing creams (but not all!), as both zinc oxide and zinc sulfate play an important role in repairing skin and forming a physical barrier.
Not only are they antibacterial, but they also promote wound healing, support regeneration, and reduce inflammation.
This is why dermatologists and skin specialists often recommend zinc-based cica creams after procedures like peels and laser treatments, or during times when the skin barrier is compromised.
The physical barrier also makes French cica creams ideal for stopping friction based irritation, and body flare ups.
How to Use Cica Creams
Image: How to use French cica creams for all skin types.
Your skin type will influence how you use a French cica cream or barrier balm, but the golden rule is: think of it as an extra step, not a moisturiser replacement.
Cica creams are best for locking in hydration or soothing compromised skin.
How to apply daily:
- Use a pea-sized amount.
- Warm the formula between your hands.
- Press gently onto your skin, rather than rubbing.
Where they fit in your routine:
In your AM / Morning skincare routine, a cica cream is your last step before sunscreen.
An example AM routine: Cleanser > Toner > Serum > Moisturiser > Cica Cream > Sunscreen
In your PM / Night skincare routine a cica cream is your very last skincare step.
An example PM routine: Oil cleanser > Foaming cleanser > Toner > Serum > Moisturiser > Face oil > Cica Cream
Cica Cream Benefits And Uses
In French pharmacy skincare, cica creams are true multi-taskers. Some of the most popular ways to use them include:
- For daily barrier support, you can apply a barrier balm as the final step at night to seal moisture in.
- For minor cuts and burns, cica creams calm and protect small scrapes, working to repair scuffs quickly.
- If you’ve overdone your actives, you can repair the barrier after overusing retinoids or acids.
- With vitamin A or strong actives, apply over sensitive areas to buffer irritation (like around your eyes and mouth).
- Post-procedure, use French cica creams to reduce discomfort and speed healing after peels, lasers, or microneedling.
- A true barrier cream, you can protect against windburn or harsh weather while outdoors, just wear sunscreen in the AM.
- For dry, flaky skin, you can apply as needed to lock in hydration and restore skin comfort.
As shown above, cica creams are loved for their versatility. Designed to repair the skin barrier and help it recover from damage caused by irritation, this is how they work to change your skin.
Soothe Irritation And Redness
Zinc oxide rich barrier balms soothe irritation and reduce redness, making them perfect for sensitive, inflamed, or reactive skin. Relieve discomfort quickly, they’re a reliable choice for people with conditions like acne, rosacea, or eczema.
Minimising The Appearance of Scars And Fast Repair
Cica creams are also known for their role in scar care and tissue repair.
By stimulating collagen production and supporting regeneration, they can assist in fading superficial scars and post-acne marks over time. Their ability minimise irritation also assists in reducing scarring during the skin healing process.
Creating a Physical Barrier on The Skin
One of the defining features of French cica creams is their ability to create a protective film over the skin.
This barrier shields compromised or irritated areas from external aggressors such as pollution, friction, and bacteria, while also locking in moisture to support the skin’s natural healing process.
Zinc sits on the skin’s surface, forming a light but effective layer that prevents further irritation without clogging pores.
Popular French Cica Creams in Australia For All Skin Types And Skin Concerns
Image: Popular French cica cream options available at French Beauty Co
Here are some of the most popular French pharmacy cica creams available in Australia, and what makes each formula stand out:
SVR Cicavit+ Skin Fast Repair Cream, $29.00
SVR Cicavit+ is widely used during flare-ups and barrier recovery.
The formula contains an impressive 43% anti-marks complex and antioxidants, which work together to reduce inflammation, minimise scarring, and prevent the post-acne hyperpigmentation that often follows breakouts.
The unique formula is the only French Pharmacy Cica cream in the Australian market that does not contain antiseptic agents (like copper or zinc). Instead, the formula uses Polysaccharides to restore skin beneficial bacteria, and to inhibit the growth and adherence of harmful bacteria to the skin, known as pathogens.
Its lightweight, melt in texture makes it particularly appealing for acne-prone or reactive skin.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+, $49.95
La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast Baume B5+ is one of the most iconic French cica creams worldwide. It blends 5% panthenol (vitamin B5), zinc, and madecassoside (a centella asiatica extract), with a rich dose of shea butter.
This combination makes it both a healing balm and a calming treatment, bringing together the French and Korean approaches to cica in one plush, restorative formula.
Loved for dry or compromised skin, the Cicaplast range also includes a moisturising lip balm and a highly rated hand cream.
Biafine Cicabiafine Nourishing Body Balm, $46.95
Biafine’s Cicabiafine Nourishing Body Balm is designed for very dry or cracked skin.
Packed with glycerin, fatty acids, and emollient-rich butters, it provides deep hydration and comfort, helping to restore softness even to rough, eczema-prone patches.
This makes it a go-to French pharmacy staple for families dealing with stubborn dryness.
Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream, $23.99
Avène’s Cicalfate+ is renowned for its high zinc content, which pairs with copper sulfate and the brand’s postbiotic complex, C+ Restore™, to calm irritation and support barrier repair.
The lightweight, melt-into-skin texture makes it especially suitable for oily or breakout-prone skin, and it is often recommended by dermatologists after treatments like peels or lasers.
It has also gained cult status thanks to Hailey Bieber, who famously relies on it post-procedure.
Embryolisse Cicalisse Restorative Skin Cream, $20.00
Embryolisse Cicalisse takes a restorative approach with acexamic acid to accelerate repair and hyaluronic acid to deliver hydration.
These actives are supported by vitamin E, aloe vera, and a blend of nourishing butters, creating a cream that restores vitality, comfort, and suppleness to tired or stressed skin.
Mustela Cicastela Moisture Recovery Cream, $23.95
Mustela’s Cicastela Moisture Recovery Cream is a family-friendly option that is gentle enough for children and babies. It combines panthenol, hyaluronic acid, and a copper-zinc complex to calm and protect compromised skin.
It is frequently used for small dry patches, drool rash, insect bites, or even the marks left behind by chicken pox, making it one of the most versatile multi-purpose cica creams.
Bioderma Cicabio Crème+ Ultra-Repairing Soothing Cream, $23.99
Bioderma’s Cicabio Crème+ goes a step further than basic barrier repair. It contains zinc and copper alongside resveratrol and the brand’s patented Antalgicine™ complex, which helps reduce redness, itchiness, and inflammation while supporting regeneration.
This makes it an excellent choice for more complex repair needs where the skin is not only damaged but also inflamed or reactive.
Final Thoughts
Both French and Korean cica creams have their place in a skincare routine, but it’s important to know the difference.
French cica creams are ideal as barrier repair creams for the face when skin is compromised, and they’re gaining popularity quickly in Australia.
Have you tried a French cica cream? We’d love to hear your thoughts.
If you’re ready to try one yourself, you can find the full range of French pharmacy barrier creams at French Beauty Co.
WRS Team x
This article is in partnership with French Beauty Co.
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