As its name suggests, Avène Cicalfate Hands Barrier Effect Repair Cream helps to repair and protect very dry, cracked and irritated hands from external aggressions.
To do this, it uses sucralfate, an ingredient that forms a protective layer on damaged skin, allowing new skin to grow behind a soothing protective barrier.
The combination of copper sulfate and zinc sulfate minimizes the risk of bacterial growth. And thanks to the thermal spring water, the hand cream soothes fragile and delicate skin.
It is clinically proven to provide a 91% reduction in tension, tingling, hot sensation, burning and itching.
The formula is free of parabens and fragrances, as well as hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. Its rich and creamy texture quickly penetrates the skin without leaving a sticky or greasy residue. And it lasts up to five hand washes.
In the INCI we will discover in what proportion these assets are, and if it is worth buying and testing it.
And after this article, I recommend that you read this one with an Analysis of the Best Hand Creams , so that you always give your skin the best.
Index
Cicalfate Barrier Effect Repair Cream Analysis Avène Hands
- Avene Thermal Spring Water (Avene Aqua) : Tested in De Avene Hydrance Optimale UV-light cream .
- Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum) : Tested in Clinique For Men Anti-Wrinkle Cream for Men as Petrolatum.
- Myreth-3 Myristate : Little information is available on Myreth-3 Myristate, especially regarding its use in the cosmetic industry. However, it is known to be a lubricating ingredient and is found in petroleum jelly products. It is also used as an ingredient in tampon lubricants. It is an animal by-product, and it is also known to be comedogenic. No specific studies have been found linking Myreth-3 Myristate to any dangerous side effects.
- Peg-45 / Dodecyl Glycol Copolymer : It is a non-ionic copolymer that has excellent stabilizing effects on emulsions. Due to its high water and oil absorption capacity, a relatively low percentage is needed in personal care formulations. The stabilizing effect is not attributed to an increase in viscosity; on the contrary, it reduces the viscosity of the formulations.
- Dimethicone : Tested in Shiseido Men’s Anti-Wrinkle Cream for Men .
- Aluminum Sucrose Octasulfate : It is a skin conditioning agent, with concerns regarding aluminum.
- Octyldodecanol : Tested in LiftActiv Anti-Wrinkle Moisturizing Care from Vichy anti-wrinkle cream .
- Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate : This synthetic polymer is based on PEG (polyethylene glycol) and fatty acids derived from coconut oil. It acts as a lubricant on the surface of the skin, giving the skin a smooth and soft appearance. It also helps to form emulsions by reducing the surface tension of the substances to be emulsified. Due to the presence of PEG, this ingredient may contain potentially toxic manufacturing impurities such as 1,4-dioxane.
- Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate : Tested in L’Oreal Men Expert’s Vita Lift 5 anti-wrinkle cream .
- Glycerin : Tested in Clarins Men’s Anti-Wrinkle Cream for Men .
- Beeswax (Cera Alba) : Analyzed in the Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 eye contour .
- Cetyl Alcohol : Analyzed in the anti-wrinkle cream Vita Lift 5 from L’Oreal Men Expert .
- Copper Sulfate : Analyzed in Vichy Pureté Thermale Perfecting Tonic .
- Dimethiconol : Tested in L’Oreal Men Expert’s Vita Lift 5 anti-wrinkle cream .
- Disteardimonium Hectorite : An organically modified magnesium silicate and natural mineral, which acts as a plant-derived suspending agent used to thicken oil-based products and serves as a stabilizer for emulsions.
- Glyceryl Stearate : Tested in Fiori di Cipria’s anti-wrinkle cream for men .
- Magnesium Sulfate : Analyzed in the Vichy Homme Hydra Mag C + eye contour .
- Phenoxyethanol : Tested in Clarins Men’s Anti-Wrinkle Cream for Men .
- Sodium Benzoate : Analyzed in the Nuxellence de Nuxe eye contour .
- Xanthan Gum : Analyzed in L’Oreal Men Expert’s Vita Lift 5 anti-wrinkle cream .
- Zinc Sulfate : Analyzed in Biotherm Homme T-Pur cream .
Summary of Avène Hands Barrier Effect Repair Cream Cicalfate Analysis Summary
The formula begins with petroleum jelly, along with other lubricants, emollients, and conditioners. These moisturizing benefits add to the protective action of beeswax, making it clear that the cream can replenish moisture and protect skin.
The different sulfates are responsible for reducing bacteria, absorbing toxins, and working as an astringent. And Avene Thermal Spring Water soothes irritated skin.
However, in the composition I miss another class of active ingredients, such as sunscreen to protect the skin from the sun, or antioxidants to deal with free radicals. Moisturize hydrates, but it will bring us little more benefits.
I cannot fail to mention the presence of a silicone (occlusive), mineral oil (there are people who do not like this ingredient) and Phenoxyethanol, a toxic and irritating preservative.
Alternative
We have chosen Caudalíe hand cream as the best, precisely because of its variety of active ingredients. Not only does it have moisturizing agents, it also has AHAs (exfoliants), nourishing agents, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories. It just lacks protection from the sun.
On the other hand, it does not have toxic ingredients, neither silicones, nor mineral oil. So I consider it to be a better option than Avene’s.
