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Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair Gel Cream

Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair Gel Cream

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair Gel Cream is a lightweight hybrid moisturizer powered by Centella Asiatica (Tiger Grass), Niacinamide, Cacao Extract and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8. This cooling gel-cream instantly hydrates, neutralizes visible redness and reinforces a compromised skin barrier — without leaving a heavy or greasy finish, even on oily skin.

Centella Asiatica Complex Niacinamide Brightening Peptide-Powered Fragrance-Free Dermatologist Tested Sensitive Skin Approved Non-Comedogenic Vegan-Friendly
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
Mostly
Comedogenic
1/5
Brand
Dr. Jart+
Size
50 ml
Type
Gel-Cream
Concern
Redness & Barrier
Hero Active
Cica Complex
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Tiger Grass Cica Complex

Concentrated Centella Asiatica with the four key actives — asiaticoside, madecassic acid, asiatic acid and centella leaf extract — to calm redness and accelerate barrier repair.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Cooling Gel-Cream
Scent
Fragrance-Free
Absorption
Fast (30s)
Finish
Dewy, Non-Sticky

Tiger Grass Cica Complex

Concentrated Centella Asiatica with the four key actives — asiaticoside, madecassic acid, asiatic acid and centella leaf extract — to calm redness and accelerate barrier repair.

Hydration Without Heaviness

Lightweight gel matrix with glycerin, butylene glycol and pentylene glycol delivers an instant cooling burst of moisture suitable for oily and combination skin.

Niacinamide Brightening

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) helps even out tone, refine pores and visibly reduce post-inflammatory redness while supporting ceramide synthesis.

Peptide Repair Boost

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8 sends biomimetic "calming" signals to skin, helping reduce reactivity and visible inflammation in stressed or irritated complexions.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

No retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens. Ingredients are widely considered safe during pregnancy and nursing.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia) — Mostly Safe

Free of long-chain fatty acids and most esters, but contains Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate and Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate which may trigger malassezia in highly reactive cases.

Non-Comedogenic (Rating 1/5)

Lightweight gel-cream texture without occlusive butters or heavy oils. Suitable for acne-prone and congestion-prone skin.

Sensitive Skin Friendly

Fragrance-free and free of essential oils. Dermatologist-tested. Centella complex actively calms reactive skin.

Layers Well With Actives

Pairs safely with retinol, vitamin C, AHA and BHA — niacinamide and cica even buffer potential irritation from those actives.

Contains Cosmetic Dyes

Includes CI 19140 (Yellow 5) and CI 42090 (Blue 1) for the signature mint-green tint. Generally well-tolerated but worth noting for ultra-reactive skin.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Centella Asiatica Complex (Cica) ~1-3%Proven

The signature "Tiger Grass" complex combines Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract with its three isolated actives: asiaticoside, madecassic acid and asiatic acid. This quartet is at the core of the Cicapair line's anti-redness, barrier-repairing reputation.

  • 2020 Review: Centella Asiatica is documented as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and wound-healing across more than 3,000 years of medicinal use.
  • 2022 Study: Asiaticoside stimulates collagen I synthesis and accelerates wound healing in lab models.
  • Clinical Use: Dermatologists frequently recommend cica formulas for rosacea, post-procedure redness and compromised skin barriers.
One of the most well-studied soothing botanicals in dermatology, with a strong safety profile across all skin types.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) ~2-5%Proven

A multitasking active that strengthens the skin barrier by boosting ceramide production, regulates sebum, evens tone, reduces visible pores and softens fine lines. One of the few ingredients that genuinely earns its "do-it-all" reputation.

  • Concentration Sweet Spot: Most clinical benefits are seen between 2-5%; 4-5% delivers anti-aging and wrinkle-smoothing effects.
  • Barrier Function: Increases ceramide synthesis, improving moisture retention and resilience.
  • Anti-Redness: Reduces transepidermal water loss and visibly calms inflammation, supporting the Cicapair anti-redness positioning.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8 0.20-0.35%Promising

A biomimetic peptide engineered to mimic the alpha-MSH hormone, which signals skin to "calm down" during inflammation. Often added to formulas targeting reactive, redness-prone or sensitized complexions.

  • Mechanism: Acts as a neuro-soothing signal, helping reduce skin reactivity and visible redness.
  • Manufacturer Data: Effective at very low concentrations (0.1-0.5%), within Cicapair's confirmed range.
  • Pairs Well With Cica: Reinforces the soothing pathway via a complementary mechanism.

Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract <1%Promising

Antioxidant-rich extract from the cacao bean, naturally containing flavonoids and polyphenols that help neutralize environmental free radicals and support skin's defense against pollution and UV stress.

  • Polyphenol Activity: Cacao polyphenols show in-vitro antioxidant capacity comparable to green tea catechins.
  • Skin Benefits: Helps protect the skin barrier from oxidative stress when paired with niacinamide.

Allantoin ~0.5%Proven

A classic soothing and skin-softening ingredient that promotes cell turnover and helps repair micro-damage. A perfect supporting actor for centella in barrier-focused formulas.

  • Irritancy & Comedogenicity: 0/0 — gentle even for the most sensitive skin.
  • Function: Wound-healing, anti-irritant and keratolytic, smoothing flaky patches.

Glycerin + Pentylene Glycol + Butylene Glycol 10-15%Proven

The hydration backbone of the formula. This humectant blend pulls water into the upper skin layers, while pentylene glycol also boosts the efficacy of the preservative system and adds a clean, non-tacky skin feel.

  • Glycerin: The gold-standard humectant — clinically proven to improve hydration and barrier function.
  • Multifunctional: Pentylene glycol and 1,2-Hexanediol act as gentle preservative boosters, allowing the formula to skip parabens.

35 ingredients

Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Methicone, Pentylene Glycol, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetearyl Olivate, Theobroma Cacao Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Glyceryl Caprylate, Allantoin, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Adenosine, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8, Sorbitan Olivate, C14-22 Alcohols, Tromethamine, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Boron Nitride, Propanediol, Isopentyldiol, Dextrin, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Sodium Surfactin, Dextran, Sodium Phytate, CI 19140, CI 42090.

FREE FROM: Parabens · Sulfates · Phthalates · Mineral Oil · Synthetic Fragrance · Essential Oils · Drying Alcohols · Silicones (heavy) · Animal-Derived Ingredients
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleanser
2
Toner
3
Essence
4
Serum
5
Cicapair Gel Cream
6
Sunscreen (AM)

Use as your moisturizer, AM and PM. In the morning, always finish with broad-spectrum SPF 30+. In the PM, you can layer a richer occlusive sleeping mask on top if your skin is very dry.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Cleanse and Tone

Start with clean, slightly damp skin after your usual cleanser and toner — this helps lock in extra hydration.

2

Apply Treatment Products First

Layer any thin essences, serums or active treatments (vitamin C, peptides, retinol) before this gel-cream.

3

Take a Pearl-Sized Amount

Dispense a small dab — roughly the size of a pearl — onto your fingertips. A little goes a long way.

4

Press & Massage Inward to Outward

Apply in a thin, even layer. Press gently rather than rubbing, working from the center of the face outward.

5

Finish With SPF (Morning)

In the AM, always follow with broad-spectrum sunscreen. Skip this step at night.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have sensitive, redness-prone or rosacea-adjacent skin
  • Your skin barrier is compromised from over-exfoliation or actives
  • You have oily or combination skin and dislike heavy creams
  • You want a fragrance-free moisturizer for reactive skin
  • You prefer a cooling, dewy finish that layers under makeup
  • You're looking for a pregnancy-safe daily moisturizer

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have very dry or dehydrated skin needing an occlusive
  • You're highly fungal-acne reactive (contains olivate emulsifiers)
  • You want a fragranced, sensorial cream experience
  • You have a confirmed allergy to artificial colorants (CI 19140 / CI 42090)
  • You're on a strict budget — there are cheaper cica options
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Lightweight gel matrix absorbs in seconds and never leaves a greasy film. Oil-control niacinamide is a bonus.

Dry Skin
Moderate

Hydrating but not occlusive — very dry skin will likely need a richer cream or facial oil layered on top.

Combination
Excellent

Balances hydration on dry zones without overwhelming the T-zone — a near-ideal match for combo skin.

Sensitive / Redness-Prone
Excellent

Fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested and centella-rich — designed specifically for reactive complexions.

Acne-Prone
Good

Non-comedogenic and oil-free, but contains olivate emulsifiers that may not suit severe fungal acne sufferers.

Mature Skin
Good

Niacinamide, peptide and adenosine support firmness, but consider a richer cream over it for nighttime use.

08

Results timeline

MONTHS 2–3
Instantly

Cooling, Calming Sensation

Immediate cool-touch relief on irritated skin. Visible hydration boost and a healthy dewy finish within seconds of application.

~85% noticed
Days 1–7

Reduced Redness & Smoother Texture

Visible reduction in diffuse redness and reactivity. Skin feels less tight, more comfortable throughout the day.

~70% noticed
Weeks 2–4

Stronger, More Resilient Barrier

Skin tolerates actives better, post-blemish redness fades faster and overall reactivity drops thanks to consistent niacinamide and cica use.

~62% noticed
Months 2–3

More Even Tone & Brighter Complexion

Niacinamide-driven brightening becomes evident — improved tone uniformity, refined pores and a smoother, healthier-looking surface.

~55% noticed
09

Ratings by platform

4K+ REVIEWS
Sephora
4.3
Rating
600+
Reviews
Main complaint: Some users feel pricing is steep for the 50ml size.
Amazon
4.4
Rating
1,800+
Reviews
Main complaint: A small minority report pilling under makeup or other layered skincare.
Ulta
4.5
Rating
450+
Reviews
Main complaint: A few users with very dry skin find it not moisturizing enough on its own.
YesStyle
4.6
Rating
320+
Reviews
Main complaint: Tube neck is narrow, making it tricky to dispense the last portion of product.
Stylevana
4.5
Rating
280+
Reviews
Main complaint: A handful of reviewers mention the green tint visible briefly on application.
Brand Website (Dr. Jart+)
4.7
Rating
900+
Reviews
Main complaint: A few wish for a larger size option for daily, full-face use.
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Visibly reduces redness and reactivity within days
  • Cooling, refreshing application that feels luxurious
  • Truly fragrance-free — no hidden essential oils
  • Lightweight enough for oily skin, hydrating enough for combination
  • Pairs beautifully with retinol and exfoliating actives
  • Layers smoothly under makeup and SPF
  • Pregnancy- and breastfeeding-safe formula

Criticized

  • Premium price point for a 50ml tube
  • May not be hydrating enough alone for very dry skin
  • Occasional pilling reported under heavy sunscreen or makeup
  • Contains synthetic colorants (CI 19140, CI 42090)
  • Olivate emulsifiers may not suit strict fungal-acne protocols
  • Tube packaging is opaque, making it harder to gauge remaining product
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
82% Match
Madecassoside Cream 2x
~$18
Budget Pick

Contains 40% Centella Asiatica Leaf Water plus 0.1% madecassoside — the same hero soothing actives at roughly a third of the price. Slightly richer texture than the gel-cream but very similar performance for redness.

80% Match
Purito Centella Green Level Recovery Cream
~$22
Budget Pick

Centella complex plus madecassoside, panthenol and ceramides. Slightly more occlusive finish that works better for dry skin, while still being fragrance-free and gentle.

72% Match
Centella Blemish Cream
~$17
Budget Pick

Centella + propolis + zinc. More targeted at breakouts and post-acne marks than Cicapair's redness focus, but very similar gentle, calming feel and a much lower price.

68% Match
Madagascar Centella Cream
~$24
Mid-Range

Pure centella from Madagascar with a lightweight texture similar to the gel-cream. Less peptide and niacinamide content but excellent for sensitive, redness-prone skin at a friendlier price.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Cream (Original)

Hero Active Centella Complex + Shea Butter
Size 50 ml
Texture Rich Cream
Best For Normal/Dry, Redness-Prone
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Cicaplast Baume B5+
Hero Active Madecassoside + Panthenol
Size 40 ml
Texture Thick Balm
Best For Very Dry, Compromised Skin
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Pregnancy Safe Yes
The True Cream Aqua Bomb
Hero Active Lady's Mantle + Oat Extract
Size 50 ml
Texture Light Gel-Cream
Best For Combination, Dehydrated
Fragrance Fragranced
Pregnancy Safe Yes
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid extreme temperatures and keep the cap firmly closed.

Packaging

Squeeze tube with narrow nozzle — hygienic, no finger contamination and good for travel.

Travel Friendly

Yes — 50 ml is under the 100 ml carry-on liquid limit for most international flights.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes, the formula is widely considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens — the main categories that dermatologists recommend avoiding while pregnant. Its key actives (centella asiatica, niacinamide, allantoin and a peptide) all have a strong safety profile. As always, consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist if you have specific concerns.

Mostly, but not 100%. The formula is free of long-chain fatty acids, but it contains a few ingredients that can be problematic for highly fungal-acne-reactive skin: Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate (Olivem 1000) and Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate. If you're strictly avoiding fungal-acne triggers, patch test first or consider a stricter formula like Purito or Skin1004 alternatives.

Absolutely — and it's actually one of the best buffers you can pair with strong actives. Apply your active first (vitamin C in the morning, retinol or AHA/BHA at night), let it absorb, then layer this gel-cream on top. Niacinamide and centella will help reduce irritation and barrier stress from those actives. There's no ingredient conflict.

It's ideal for oily, combination, sensitive and redness-prone skin. The lightweight gel matrix doesn't suffocate breakout-prone skin, while centella and niacinamide actively address reactivity and redness. Very dry skin types may want to layer a richer cream or facial oil on top, especially in winter.

Soothing and hydration are immediate — you'll feel a cooling, calming effect within seconds of application. Visible reduction in redness typically shows up within 1-2 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. For barrier resilience and tone improvements (driven by niacinamide), expect to see meaningful changes around the 4-8 week mark.

Use it as your moisturizer step — after cleansing, toning, essence and any treatment serums. In the morning, follow with broad-spectrum SPF 30+. At night, this can be your final step, or you can layer a heavier sleeping mask on top if your skin needs more occlusion. Apply twice daily for best results.

No — the comedogenic rating is approximately 1 out of 5, which is considered low risk. It's free of heavy butters, mineral oil and waxes commonly associated with breakouts. The texture is a lightweight gel-cream specifically designed not to congest oily or acne-prone complexions. Most acne-prone users tolerate it well.

The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months — look for the open-jar symbol with "12M" on the packaging. Stored properly (in a cool, dry place, with the cap firmly closed), the formula remains stable and effective for a full year after first use. The hygienic squeeze-tube packaging helps extend shelf life by limiting air and bacterial exposure.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.5 / 5 ★★★★★

Verdict: The Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair Gel Cream is a smart pick for anyone with sensitive, redness-prone, oily or combination skin who wants the brand's signature centella complex in a lighter, more breathable format. The fragrance-free formula, peptide and niacinamide-backed soothing power, and impressive reviews across Sephora, Amazon, Ulta and YesStyle justify its premium positioning. The main caveats are the price-to-size ratio and the presence of olivate emulsifiers for the strictest fungal-acne protocols. For everyone else, this is one of the most reliable K-beauty barrier-repair moisturizers on the market.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.

We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.

Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 4 ingredient(s):
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract Madecassic Acid Adenosine Niacinamide
brightening Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Niacinamide
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 6 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract Allantoin Asiaticoside Adenosine Niacinamide
ache Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
Niacinamide
question
lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.

We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.

One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
2
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
2
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
1
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
75% 2% 21%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 37 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 A
Dipropylene Glycol
Fragrance, Solvent, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Masking, Viscosity Controlling
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
1 A
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
Hydrating
1 Unknown
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS