'I finally got my hands on that new La Roche-Posay serum. Here are my honest thoughts.'

Mamamia’s Tried and Tested series is your review of the latest to hit our desks in beauty, health and wellness. You won’t find any #sponsored content here, just honest, relatable and independent advice. This week, Mamamia's Senior Health and Beauty Writer reviews La Roche-Posay's Cicaplast B5.

If you've been reading my beauty articles over the past few years (hey, mum), you'll know I'm one BIG, STINKIN' FAN of the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume. I write about it at least once a week. Bring it up for discussion over the dinner table. Slather it on my toast in the morning.

It's my absolute staple and I'm never without a tube. When my skin is dry and uncomfy (omg – here she goes again!) I pile it on at night in a thick layer and wake up with happier, smoother and softer skin.

Watch: You know what else I've slathered on my face before? Lube. On my face. Really. Apparently, it's supposed to be the ultimate hack for seamless makeup... Here's what happened, anyway! Post continues below.

Anyway, it's the absolute cat's knuckle and I've been using it for years – ever since a dermatologist recommended it to me after I butchered my skin barrier with too many acids.

Since then, I've come to enjoy another member of the cute (albeit tight) Cicaplast family: the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Mask. Have you tried it? Course you have.

It's a flaky-faced gal's dream. Great for hydrating your skin pre-event. Extremely soothing. Loves a shrimp cocktail.

The gang's all here.

And okay, but here's the thing. It recently came to my attention that La Roche-Posay was adding another member to the Cicaplast range – in the form of a serum.

And sweet mercy, GET IN MY HANDS AND ON MY FACE IMMEDIATELY.

It's called La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Serum, and it's $65.95. 

It's not cheap – but it's French and judging by the rest of the range, surely it'll live up to the hype? Right??

Well, I put it to the test, so you don't have to.

Here are my honest thoughts on La Roche-Posay's new Cicaplast B5 Serum.

What is La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 serum?

Alrighty. Let's start with the getting-to-know-you part.

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Serum is hydrating repair serum featuring 10 per cent vitamin B5. In case you jigged skin class, vitamin B5 is known as panthenol, which is very nice for thirsty skin.

With that in mind, the formula is specifically developed for dry skin that's prone to sensitivity and signs of dryness, redness, and skin tightness or discomfort.  

This is me, you guys.

In saying that, it's suitable for anyone who has skin on their face. Because all skin types need hydration.

When used daily, it's meant to help protect and maintain the strength of your skin's moisture barrier (a very important thing that acts like a security guard to protect your skin) and keep your skin hydrated and happy for a whopping 24 hours.

Along with its impressive hydrating benefits, it also contains an ingredient called HEPES, which gently exfoliates dead skin cells to stimulate skin renewal.

As for the packaging, it keeps with the rest of the Cicplast range and looks pretty dingin' boring. But like something your dermatologist would recommend. 

Here's what it looks like:

Hello new friend!

Well, how did you go with it?

Oh, so glad you asked. It feels lovely and lightweight on the skin, and it sinks in really fast, without leaving that sticky residue you get with a lot of other serums.

It's fragrance-free, non-comedogenic (meaning it won't clog your pores) and has a delicious goopy, thicker-than-you'd-expect, texture.

ACTION SHOT.

I also found that a little goes a really long way with this formula – so don't get too excited.

When it comes to hydration, the results are pretty instant. Your skin feels noticeably calmer, more comfortable and plumper.  

The final verdict.

Okay, the verdict! The all-important verdict. 

I was nervous this wouldn't live up to my expectations, because I really love the other products in the range, and it would just be a big disappointment if this one flopped.

But I've been using it morning and night for the past week, and honestly – I think LRP nailed it (again). While I rarely meet a hydrating serum I don't love, this is just a really nice time for my skin. 

Recently I've been experiencing breakouts around my chin and cheek (hormonal, I reckon. Or maybe stress. Or trying too many products. HARD TO SAY), but once I started trialling this, everything just seems to look... better?

The redness around my chin and nose has gone down. The flaky patches of torn skin around my pimples (cause squeezing) and around my nose (cause perpetually dry) is smooth and hydrated. And I'm not saying it cured my breakouts, but they've stopped being really angry (for now).

Here's what my skin looked like after about one week:

Before and after using La Roche Posay Cicaplst serum

I love how it makes my skin feels (comfy, hydrated and plump) and I feel I can comfortably sandwich on things like vitamin C and retinol without risking irritation and further dryness.

While it's not the cheapest hydrating serum on the market, for the quality and science-backed formula – I reckon it's worth all the hype.

In a snail shell, I'm honestly really impressed with this formula. And I really don't think you'd be disappointed if you purchased it. If you're someone with dry or sensitive skin, I'd give it a go.

Wanna hear more from Erin Docherty? Follow her on Instagram.

Feature image: Supplied.