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Skincare
Barrier, Repaired
5 min read
Five creams for when your skin needs a little less and a lot more moisture.
Sometimes the best thing you can do for stressed skin is simply do less. Step away from the acids, take a night off from retinol and give your skin something comforting instead.
From a French pharmacy classic to a cult Korean moisturizer, these are five barrier-supporting creams worth knowing, including one serious splurge.
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01 — LA ROCHE-POSAY CICAPLAST BALM B5+
THE CULT CLASSIC
A rich, multipurpose balm made with panthenol, shea butter and glycerin to comfort dry, irritated skin. The balm-like texture makes it especially good for flaky patches or nights when your skin feels overworked.
WHY WE LIKE IT: Effective, accessible and surprisingly affordable.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
02 — AESTURA Atobarrier 365 Cream
THE K-BEAUTY FAVORITE
A Korean favorite formulated with ceramides and lipids to support dry, sensitive skin. It's rich and comforting without feeling quite as heavy as a traditional recovery balm.
WHY WE LIKE IT: Serious barrier care in an elegant everyday moisturizer.
AESTURA - Atobarrier 365 Cream
03 — Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
THE SKIN SOS
The one to reach for when your regular moisturizer doesn't feel like enough. Rich and protective, Cicalfate+ is made for dry, sensitive and compromised skin that needs extra comfort.
WHY WE LIKE IT: No-nonsense, soothing and deeply comforting.
Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
04 — Skinfix Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream
THE EVERYDAY UPGRADE
A richer daily moisturizer that combines ceramides and other lipids with peptides. It feels more like an elevated face cream than an emergency balm, making it easy to work into an everyday routine.
WHY WE LIKE IT: Barrier support with the feel of a more luxurious moisturizer.
Skinfix Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream
05 — Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
THE SPLURGE
At around $315 for 50 mL, this is firmly in splurge territory. The intensely hydrating formula pairs rich moisture with the brand's TFC8 complex and a broader focus on fine lines, tone and overall skin appearance.
You don't need to spend this much to support your skin barrier, but if you want one luxurious cream to do more than moisturize, this is the indulgence.
WHY WE LIKE IT: Rich hydration with the added appeal of a luxury anti-aging treatment.
Augustinus Bader the Rich Cream
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