What Are the Best CO2 Laser Recovery Products?
CO2 laser recovery products make a real difference in how your skin heals — and after performing hundreds of treatments with the Deka Tetra system and guiding every client through recovery, I’ve narrowed down my recommendations to the products that consistently deliver the best results. Nothing is on this list unless I trust it on my own skin.
The best CO2 laser recovery products include a fragrance-free gentle cleanser, a clinically tested healing balm, hypochlorous acid spray for antimicrobial protection, a clean occlusive moisturizer, and key supplements like glutathione, zinc, and vitamin C to support your body’s collagen-building process from the inside out.
Whether you’re preparing for a CO2 laser treatment or already in the healing process, having these products ready at home before your appointment will set you up for the smoothest recovery possible. I walk through the full day-by-day healing timeline in my complete CO2 recovery guide, but this post focuses specifically on the products that support each phase.
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Why Do the Right Recovery Products Matter So Much?
Here’s something I wish more people understood: the laser doesn’t actually heal your skin. It creates thousands of microscopic columns of controlled injury, and then your body does all the heavy lifting — producing new collagen, rebuilding tissue, and remodeling your skin from the inside out. That process takes months, and the quality of your results depends directly on how well you support it.
The wrong products during recovery can cause irritation, allergic reactions, infection, or delayed healing. The right products keep your skin clean, hydrated, and protected while your body does its work. In Calgary’s dry climate, this is even more critical — our low humidity and forced-air heating pull moisture from healing skin faster than in humid climates.
I’ve refined my product recommendations over 10+ years of performing CO2 treatments, and every product below has earned its spot through consistent results across hundreds of clients.
A Note About Expensive Post-Procedure Products
If you’ve researched CO2 laser recovery, you’ve probably come across products like the Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar, which retails for roughly $300 for a one-ounce bottle. I want to be transparent about this because I think you deserve an honest perspective.
Alastin is a well-formulated product. It contains peptides (their patented TriHex Technology), arnica for calming inflammation, and antioxidants — all reasonable ingredients for post-procedure skin. It has a loyal following among clinics, and some clients genuinely love how it feels.
However, I want you to know what you’re actually comparing. The Cicaplast Baume B5+ on my recommended list (for a small fraction of the price) contains panthenol (vitamin B5) and madecassoside — and it has a published, peer-reviewed clinical study that tested it specifically after fractional CO2 laser, showing significantly improved healing, reduced redness, and faster recovery. It costs about $20. The Alastin Nectar does not have an equivalent independent, peer-reviewed study comparing it head-to-head against affordable alternatives for CO2 laser recovery specifically.
If you have the budget and want to try the Alastin Nectar, go for it — it’s a nice product and it won’t hurt your recovery. But I want you to know that it isn’t necessary for excellent results. My clients who use the simple, affordable protocol on this page heal beautifully. A topical product — no matter how premium — can only do so much on the surface of your skin. The real collagen and elastin production that creates your final result happens deep in the dermis, driven by your body’s own healing processes over the following months.
That’s why I put so much emphasis on supplements, nutrition, hydration, and tools like red light therapy. These support your body from the inside out, where the actual remodeling is happening. In my experience, a client who invests in a solid supplement routine, stays hydrated, sleeps well, and uses red light therapy will see better long-term results than a client who relies on an expensive topical alone. The fundamentals matter more than the price tag on the bottle.
What Products Do You Need Immediately After CO2 Laser? (Days 0–3)
The first few days after CO2 laser are when your skin is most vulnerable. Infection risk is highest in the first 24–48 hours, your skin needs constant moisture, and everything you put on your face matters. These are the CO2 laser recovery products I send my clients home with or ask them to have ready before their treatment.
Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser
This is the cleanser I recommend for the first week of CO2 recovery. It’s fragrance-free, non-irritating, and gentle enough for skin that’s been freshly lasered — which is exactly what you need when even water feels intense. It removes residue without stripping moisture, and it doesn’t contain any active ingredients that could interfere with healing. I’ve tried many cleansers over the years and keep coming back to this one for post-treatment use because it simply doesn’t cause problems.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+
This is my favourite healing balm for post-CO2 care. It contains 5% panthenol (vitamin B5) to soothe and repair, plus madecassoside from Centella Asiatica which supports skin renewal. It’s fragrance-free, lanolin-free, and paraben-free — all important when your skin barrier is completely compromised.
What really sets this product apart is that a published clinical study actually tested it specifically after fractional CO2 laser and found it significantly improved healing time and reduced redness compared to a standard repair cream. It’s not just marketing — there’s real science behind this one. I use it on myself after treatments and recommend it to every CO2 client.
e11ement Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) Spray
This is one of the smartest additions to any post-CO2 routine. Hypochlorous acid is what your own white blood cells naturally produce to fight bacteria — so it’s incredibly gentle while being powerfully antimicrobial. I recommend spraying it on healing skin before applying your balm, especially during the first 2–3 days when infection risk is highest.
It doesn’t sting, doesn’t irritate, and keeps your skin clean without harsh chemicals. Simply mist it on after cleansing and before applying your healing balm. For anyone who’s nervous about infection after CO2 laser, this product provides real peace of mind.
Pure Grass-Fed Tallow Cream
I’m a big believer in tallow as an occlusive moisturizer for post-laser recovery. It’s a single-ingredient product — just pure grass-fed tallow — which means there’s nothing in it to react with or irritate compromised skin. It creates an excellent moisture barrier to seal in your healing balm and prevent the water loss that Calgary’s dry climate loves to cause.
Grass-Fed Whipped Tallow Cream with Squalene, Hyaluronic Acid and Jojoba Oil
You might be wondering why I don’t recommend Aquaphor or Vaseline — products that many clinics still suggest for post-laser care. There are two reasons.
First, Aquaphor contains lanolin, which was named the 2023 Allergen of the Year by the American Contact Dermatitis Society. Read the study here. A large-scale study by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group tested over 43,000 patients and found that 3.3% reacted to lanolin, with the rate climbing to 4.63% in more recent years. The face was one of the most commonly affected sites at 17% of reactions. Most importantly, people with compromised or broken skin are at significantly higher risk of developing lanolin sensitivity — and after CO2 laser, your skin barrier is about as compromised as it gets. One published comparison of post-surgical wounds found that 52% of wounds treated with Aquaphor developed redness, compared to just 12% treated with plain white petrolatum. That’s a big difference, and it’s largely attributed to the lanolin in Aquaphor.
Second, even plain petroleum jelly, while safe and inert, provides zero nutritional benefit to your skin. It creates an occlusive barrier and that’s it — nothing more. Tallow, on the other hand, provides the same occlusive moisture seal while also delivering vitamins A, D, E, and K, plus fatty acids that are naturally compatible with human skin. When your skin is actively rebuilding itself after CO2 laser, I’d rather give it an occlusive that contributes something beneficial rather than one that simply sits on top doing nothing.
Unlike petroleum-based occlusive products, tallow contains nutrients that are naturally compatible with human skin, including vitamins A, D, E, and K. I apply this over top of the B5 Cicaplast as the final layer to lock everything in. If you’ve read my lifestyle guide for CO2 results, you know I prefer clean, simple products — and tallow is about as clean and simple as it gets.
Calendula Ointment
Calendula has been used for centuries for its natural anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties. I recommend this as an alternative or additional soothing layer during the first few days when skin is at its most tender. It’s particularly helpful for clients who experience more redness or sensitivity than average. It’s gentle enough for children’s skin, which tells you a lot about how mild it is — exactly what freshly lasered skin needs.
What Products Do You Need During the Peeling Phase? (Days 3–14)
Once the initial healing phase is over and your skin is past the most vulnerable stage, your routine simplifies. The goal now is gentle cleansing and consistent moisture while the sandpaper-textured dead skin sheds and fresh new skin emerges underneath. Keep it simple — your skin is doing amazing work rebuilding itself and doesn’t need anything complicated right now.
Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser
Continue using the same gentle cleanser from the first phase. Your skin is still more sensitive than normal, and this isn’t the time to introduce new products. Stick with what’s been working — gentle, fragrance-free, and non-irritating. Cleanse twice a day with cool water and clean hands, and gently pat dry.
Pure Grass-Fed Tallow Cream
The tallow cream continues to be your best friend through this phase. As your skin sheds and regenerates, keeping it consistently moisturized prevents the tight, dry feeling that can be really uncomfortable — especially in Calgary’s dry air. Apply it every few hours or whenever skin feels tight. Don’t let your skin feel dry at any point during this phase — if it’s tight, it needs more moisture.
Facial Scrubber Pad
Around days 4–5, your skin will be shedding the sandpaper-textured dead skin that the laser targeted. This soft silicone scrubber pad is perfect for very gently helping that process along — it’s much gentler than a cloth and gives you more control over the pressure. Only use this if it doesn’t cause any pain, and wipe rather than scrub. Your dead skin should come away easily when it’s ready — if it’s not lifting without effort, wait another day. Clean the pad thoroughly before each use.
What Supplements Help Your Skin Heal After CO2 Laser?
Your body does the actual healing work after CO2 laser — the laser just creates the controlled injury. Giving your body the right building blocks makes a real difference in your results. I cover the science behind this in detail in my lifestyle guide for CO2 results, but here are the specific supplements I recommend starting at least two weeks before your treatment and continuing throughout recovery.
L-Glutathione
This is the supplement I’m most excited about right now. Glutathione is your body’s most powerful antioxidant, and it plays a direct role in skin health, melanin regulation, and healing. I’ve been recommending oral glutathione to my clients before and after CO2 treatments and the results have been genuinely impressive — better healing, improved pigmentation outcomes, and longer-lasting results.
Clinical studies support oral glutathione at 250–500 mg daily for significant improvements in skin health. I talk about this in depth in my glutathione for melasma blog post, but its benefits extend well beyond melasma — anyone healing from CO2 laser can benefit from the antioxidant and collagen support it provides.
NATURELO One Daily Multivitamin for Women
A good multivitamin provides the baseline nutrients your body needs to heal properly. I like NATURELO because it’s made from whole food sources rather than synthetic ingredients, which means better absorption. It covers your vitamin C, vitamin E, B vitamins, and other essential nutrients that support collagen production and immune function — all critical during the weeks and months of remodeling after CO2 laser.
NATURELO Zinc Complex
Zinc is essential for immune function and wound healing, and research shows that nearly half of melasma patients are zinc-deficient. Even if you don’t have melasma, adequate zinc supports the collagen-building process that happens for months after your CO2 treatment. I recommend a zinc supplement alongside your multivitamin during the recovery period and as an ongoing part of your daily routine. NATURELO uses plant-based zinc which is easier on the stomach than synthetic forms.
Greens Supplement
Getting enough nutrients from food alone can be challenging, especially when you’re recovering and might not feel like preparing elaborate meals. A quality greens powder gives you a concentrated dose of phytonutrients, antioxidants, and micronutrients that support your body’s healing processes. I mix this into a morning smoothie — it’s an easy way to make sure your body has what it needs, especially during the first few weeks of recovery.
Organika Electrolytes
Hydration is critical for CO2 recovery, and water alone isn’t always enough. Electrolytes help your body actually retain the water you drink, which matters when your skin is losing moisture through a compromised barrier — especially in Calgary’s dry climate. I recommend drinking electrolytes throughout the day during the first week of recovery, aiming for at least 2 litres of total fluid daily. Organika is a clean formula without artificial colours or sweeteners.
What Tools and Accessories Help With CO2 Laser Recovery?
These aren’t skincare products, but they make a meaningful difference in your comfort and healing during CO2 recovery.
Silk Pillowcase
A silk pillowcase is gentler on healing skin than cotton, which can tug and absorb moisture from your face while you sleep. During CO2 recovery, I recommend changing your pillowcase daily for the first 2–3 days to keep things clean — having a couple of silk pillowcases on rotation makes this easy. They’re also great for your skin and hair long-term, so it’s a worthwhile investment beyond just the recovery period.
Humidifier
This is especially important for anyone recovering from CO2 laser in Calgary. Our indoor humidity drops significantly in winter with forced-air heating, and healing skin loses moisture much faster in dry air than in humid climates. Running a clean humidifier in your bedroom or recovery space during the first week helps prevent that tight, dry feeling and supports better healing. I recommend the Crane Drop because it’s quiet, easy to clean, and doesn’t take up much space. Clean it regularly with vinegar to prevent any mould or bacteria growth. Using distilled water is recommended for the first few days after a C02 treatment.
Humidifier Demineralization Tablets
If you have hard water (and most of us in the Calgary area do), these tablets prevent that white mineral dust that humidifiers can leave on surfaces — and more importantly, on your healing skin. Drop one in the tank and it neutralizes the minerals in the water before they become airborne. It’s a small detail, but when your skin barrier is wide open during CO2 recovery, you don’t want mineral deposits settling on it. A worthwhile add-on if you’re running a humidifier during recovery.
Red Light Therapy Device
Red light therapy supports cellular repair, reduces inflammation, and stimulates collagen production — all beneficial during the recovery and remodeling phase after CO2 laser. While it’s not a replacement for proper skincare and aftercare, it’s a nice complement that can support the healing process. I recommend starting red light therapy once the initial peeling phase is complete (typically after day 7) rather than during active healing. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for distance and duration.
How Should You Layer These Products During Recovery?
The order you apply CO2 laser recovery products matters. Here’s the layering protocol I recommend:
Days 0–3: Cleanse gently with Cetaphil → mist with e11ement HOCl spray → apply Cicaplast Baume B5+ → seal with tallow cream on top. Add calendula ointment to any areas that feel extra tender or inflamed. Repeat every few hours or whenever skin feels tight.
Days 3–14: Cleanse gently with Cetaphil → apply tallow cream liberally → use the silicone scrubber pad very gently on days 4–5 to help shedding (only if painless). Keep moisturizing frequently until skin feels comfortable.
Throughout recovery: Take your glutathione, multivitamin, and zinc daily. Drink electrolytes and plenty of water. Sleep with your silk pillowcase and humidifier running. No alcohol or smoking for a minimum of two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions About CO2 Laser Recovery Products
When Should I Buy My CO2 Laser Recovery Products?
Buy everything before your treatment day — ideally a week ahead so you’re not scrambling. You want every product ready and waiting at home so that when you walk in the door after your appointment, all you have to do is start your aftercare routine. The last thing you want is to be shopping online with a freshly lasered face.
Can I Use My Regular Skincare Products After CO2 Laser?
No — not for at least the first week, and ideally not until your skin has fully healed (typically 7–14 days). No retinol, no acids, no vitamin C serums, no exfoliants, and no makeup. Stick exclusively to the gentle, healing products listed above. You can gradually reintroduce your normal products after healing is complete, starting with the gentlest items first. Wait a minimum of 4 weeks before resuming retinol or active ingredients.
Why Do You Recommend Tallow Instead of Aquaphor or Vaseline?
I’ve seen contact dermatitis reactions from petroleum-based and lanolin-containing occlusives like Aquaphor on freshly lasered skin. Tallow is a single-ingredient product with no additives, fragrances, or preservatives that could trigger a reaction. It also contains naturally occurring vitamins that support skin health, unlike petroleum jelly which is purely inert. For a skin barrier that’s wide open after CO2 laser, I prefer the cleanest, simplest occlusive possible.
Do I Really Need a Humidifier for CO2 Recovery?
If you live in Calgary or anywhere with dry indoor air — yes, it makes a noticeable difference. Our indoor humidity can drop below 30% in winter with forced-air heating. Healing skin loses moisture much faster in dry air, which leads to increased tightness, discomfort, and potentially slower healing. A humidifier in your bedroom or recovery space helps maintain moisture levels in the air around your skin while you sleep and rest. It’s not strictly essential, but every client who’s used one tells me it helped.
How Long Should I Take Supplements After CO2 Laser?
I recommend starting supplements at least two weeks before your treatment so your body has a good baseline of nutrients going in. Continue throughout the active recovery period and ideally for 3–6 months after your treatment — that’s the window when your body is actively producing new collagen and remodeling your skin. Many of these supplements (glutathione, zinc, a quality multivitamin) are beneficial for long-term skin health and general wellness, so continuing them indefinitely is a reasonable choice.
Have Questions About Your Recovery?
Every client’s skin and healing process is unique. If you have questions about which CO2 laser recovery products are right for your specific situation, or if you’re experiencing anything unusual during recovery, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Contact me for a consultation, or text me directly at (368) 399-4013.
For more detailed recovery information, check out these guides: