The therapeutic heart of the Cicapair line — a pure repair moisturizer that calms redness, soothes inflammation, and rebuilds compromised barriers without the distraction of color correction or SPF. Multi-form centella asiatica at meaningful concentrations delivers visible results, though the essential oils remain an avoidable blemish on an otherwise clinically sound formula.
Cicapair Tiger Grass Re.Pair Cream
The therapeutic heart of the Cicapair line — a pure repair moisturizer that calms redness, soothes inflammation, and rebuilds compromised barriers without the distraction of color correction or SPF. Multi-form centella asiatica at meaningful concentrations delivers visible results, though the essential oils remain an avoidable blemish on an otherwise clinically sound formula.
Score Breakdown
Where this product gains points and where it loses them — broken down across the four scoring pillars.
A well-formulated repair cream with impressive centella asiatica content across multiple forms, supported by niacinamide, panthenol, and probiotic ferment. The rich base with shea butter and macadamia oil provides effective occlusive moisture for damaged skin. Essential oils slightly limit the irritation score.
Pros & Cons
- ✓Multi-form centella asiatica delivers the full spectrum of anti-inflammatory and repair benefits
- ✓Niacinamide at meaningful concentration provides cumulative barrier-strengthening and brightening
- ✓Rich, nourishing base with shea butter and macadamia oil supports overnight repair
- ✓Probiotic ferment supports skin microbiome health alongside structural repair
- ✓Visible redness reduction and skin calming from the first few applications
- ✓Adenosine adds anti-aging support to the repair-focused formula
- ✗Contains lavender and bergamot essential oils — unnecessary irritant risk for sensitive skin
- ✗Jar packaging is less hygienic than a tube and exposes formula to air
- ✗Can feel too rich for oily skin, particularly in warm or humid conditions
- ✗Multiple Cicapair creams in the range can make it confusing to choose the right one
- ✗No SPF — requires a separate sunscreen step in the morning
Full Review
Every skincare line has its flashy flagship and its workhorse. In the Cicapair range, the Color Correcting Treatment gets the before-and-after videos and the TikTok virality. The Re.Pair Cream gets the repeated purchases from people whose skin it actually fixed.
This is the product that the Cicapair line was built around — a treatment moisturizer focused entirely on calming, repairing, and protecting sensitive, redness-prone skin. No color correction. No SPF gimmick. Just a rich, well-formulated cream loaded with centella asiatica and designed to make your skin stop being angry at you.
The centella asiatica content here is impressive even by K-beauty standards. The individual triterpenoids — madecassoside, asiaticoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid — are each listed separately, alongside both centella asiatica leaf extract and centella asiatica extract. This multi-form approach means the formula delivers the full pharmacological profile of centella: the anti-inflammatory action of madecassoside, the collagen-stimulating properties of asiaticoside, and the wound-healing support of the asiatic and madecassic acids.
Wrapping this centella complex is a niacinamide-enriched moisturizing base. Niacinamide appears as the tenth ingredient — a position that suggests meaningful concentration rather than a token sprinkle. Over time, niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier, reduces redness, and improves overall skin tone. It's the kind of ingredient that provides slow, cumulative benefits that compound with daily use, making this cream more effective after a month than after a day.
The base itself is properly rich. Shea butter and macadamia seed oil provide fatty acids that complement the skin's own lipids. Caprylic/capric triglyceride and hydrogenated vegetable oil add additional emollient layers. The result is a cream that creates a protective, nourishing seal over the skin — particularly valuable at night when the skin's repair processes are most active and TEWL tends to peak.
A probiotic ferment (streptococcus thermophilus) adds microbiome support — the same ingredient found in the Enzyme Foam Cleanser, suggesting Dr. Jart+ is building a consistent microbiome-conscious philosophy across the Cicapair range. Adenosine provides anti-wrinkle support, adding an anti-aging dimension to the repair focus.
The texture lands in the sweet spot for repair creams — dense enough to feel protective and nourishing, but not so heavy that it suffocates the skin or takes ages to absorb. It melts into a satin finish that feels comfortable for overnight wear. For dry skin, it's rich enough to serve as a standalone PM moisturizer. For combination skin, a thinner layer works without causing oiliness.
The result on irritated, over-exfoliated, or redness-prone skin is genuinely noticeable. After one night, skin looks calmer and more comfortable. After a week, the persistent background redness that many people live with visibly diminishes. After a month, the skin feels measurably more resilient — less reactive to triggers that previously caused flushing or irritation.
The essential oils are the product's one frustrating concession. Lavender and bergamot oils appear near the end of the ingredient list, contributing a faint herbal scent but also introducing potential allergens. For a product so clearly designed for sensitive skin, this feels like prioritizing brand-signature scent over clinical purity. They're not present at alarming concentrations, but their complete absence would make this cream more confidently recommendable for the most reactive skin types.
At $48 for 50 mL, the Re.Pair Cream is positioned reasonably within the K-beauty mid-premium range. The jar lasts 3-4 months with twice-daily use, and the multi-form centella asiatica content represents genuine formulation investment. For anyone whose primary skin concern is redness and sensitivity rather than hydration or anti-aging, this is the Cicapair product to prioritize.
Formula
Key Ingredients
The hero actives that drive this product's performance.
| Ingredient | Function | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Centella Asiatica (Multiple Forms) | Centella appears in three forms — madecassoside, asiaticoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid (individual triterpenoids), plus centella asiatica leaf extract and centella asiatica extract. This multi-form delivery ensures the full spectrum of centella's anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and collagen-stimulating properties are delivered in this repair-focused moisturizer. | well-established |
| Niacinamide | Positioned as the tenth ingredient, niacinamide provides skin-brightening and barrier-strengthening effects that complement the centella's anti-inflammatory action. In this cream format with sustained skin contact, niacinamide helps reduce redness and improve skin tone with cumulative daily use. | well-established |
| Shea Butter | A rich emollient that provides occlusive moisture and fatty acids to support the skin barrier. In this repair cream, shea butter creates a protective seal that locks in the centella asiatica and niacinamide actives while preventing transepidermal water loss from compromised skin. | well-established |
| Panthenol | Provitamin B5 adds anti-inflammatory soothing and deep hydration, supporting the skin's own repair processes. Works alongside centella asiatica to calm irritation and promote healing in damaged or sensitized skin. | well-established |
| Streptococcus Thermophilus Ferment | A probiotic ferment that supports the skin microbiome and enhances ceramide production in the skin. In this repair cream, it addresses barrier health from a biological perspective — supporting the skin's microbial ecosystem while the other actives handle structural and inflammatory repair. | promising |
Full INCI List
Aqua, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Niacinamide, Vinyldimethicone, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Eryngium Maritimum Callus Culture Filtrate, Diisostearyl Malate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Synthetic Beeswax, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Madecassoside, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Ilex Aquifolium Leaf Extract, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Achillea Millefolium Oil, Hydroxyacetophenone, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Glycine Soja Peptide, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Streptococcus Thermophilus Ferment, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Lecithin, Adenosine, Asiaticoside, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Dextrin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Disodium EDTA, Trideceth-10, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Hedera Helix Extract, Amber Powder, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Tocopherol, Calcium Chloride, Asiatic Acid, Magnesium Sulfate, Madecassic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract
Product Flags
✗ Fragrance Free✓ Alcohol Free✗ Oil Free✗ Silicone Free✓ Paraben Free✓ Sulfate Free✗ Cruelty Free✗ Vegan✗ Fungal Acne Safe
Comedogenic Ingredients
Cetearyl AlcoholSynthetic Beeswax
Potential Irritants
Lavandula Angustifolia OilCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Common Allergens
Lavender OilBergamot Fruit Oil
Compatibility
Skin Match
Best For
Works For
Not Ideal For
Addresses These Conditions
sensitivity compromised skin barrier dryness aging
Use With Caution
Routine Step
moisturizer
Time of Day
AM & PM
Pregnancy Safe
Yes ✓
Layering Tips
Apply as the final moisturizing step after serums and treatments. Use a generous amount in the PM for overnight repair. In the AM, follow with sunscreen. The rich texture means a thin layer is usually sufficient for daytime use.
Results Timeline
Immediate soothing and comfort from the first application. Redness reduction and skin calming noticeable within 3-5 days. Barrier repair and sustained resilience develop over 3-4 weeks of consistent use.
Pairs Well With
Cicapair Tiger Grass Enzyme CleanserCeramidin Liquid or TonerRetinol (use this cream to buffer irritation)
Sample AM Routine
- Gentle cleanser
- Hydrating toner
- Niacinamide serum
- THIS PRODUCT (thin layer)
- Sunscreen SPF 50
Sample PM Routine
- Oil cleanser
- Gentle cleanser
- Hydrating toner
- Treatment serum
- THIS PRODUCT (generous layer)
Evidence
Who Should Skip
- Contains lavender and bergamot essential oils — unnecessary irritant risk for sensitive skin
- Jar packaging is less hygienic than a tube and exposes formula to air
- Can feel too rich for oily skin, particularly in warm or humid conditions
- Multiple Cicapair creams in the range can make it confusing to choose the right one
Science & Expert Perspective
The Science
The Re.Pair Cream's efficacy centers on its multi-form centella asiatica delivery. The four key triterpenoids — asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid — have been individually studied for their dermatological properties.
Madecassoside has demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the NF-kB signaling pathway and reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α). A 2007 study in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology confirmed these effects at clinically relevant concentrations. Asiaticoside stimulates type I collagen synthesis in human dermal fibroblasts — a 1999 study in the International Journal of Dermatology showed that asiaticoside increased collagen production by up to 2-3 fold in vitro.
Niacinamide's barrier-strengthening properties are well-documented. A 2005 study in the British Journal of Dermatology demonstrated that 2% niacinamide significantly reduced transepidermal water loss and improved barrier function compared to placebo. Additionally, niacinamide inhibits melanosome transfer, providing the brightening effect that helps reduce the appearance of post-inflammatory redness over time.
The streptococcus thermophilus ferment has been shown to increase ceramide production in the skin. A 2008 study in the Journal of Applied Microbiology demonstrated that S. thermophilus extracts stimulated sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase activity, leading to increased ceramide levels in the stratum corneum. This provides a biological pathway for barrier repair that complements the structural lipid support from the shea butter and fatty acid components.
Shea butter contributes to the occlusive barrier through its rich content of stearic and oleic fatty acids, which integrate into the skin's lipid matrix. Research has shown that shea butter has anti-inflammatory properties of its own, mediated by lupeol cinnamate and other triterpenes found in the unsaponifiable fraction.
References
- Anti-inflammatory effects of madecassoside — Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology (2007)
- Asiaticoside stimulates type I collagen synthesis — International Journal of Dermatology (1999)
- Streptococcus thermophilus and ceramide production — Journal of Applied Microbiology (2008)
Dermatologist Perspective
Dermatologists view centella asiatica-based moisturizers as a clinically sound approach to managing redness-prone and sensitive skin. Board-certified dermatologists note that the multi-form centella delivery in this cream — individual triterpenoids plus whole extracts — provides more comprehensive anti-inflammatory support than single-extract formulations. The niacinamide content adds a well-validated barrier-repair dimension. Dermatologists consistently recommend this type of product for patients experiencing retinoid-induced irritation, post-procedure sensitivity, and mild rosacea. The essential oils are the one element dermatologists flag as unnecessary and potentially counterproductive for the most reactive skin types.
Guidance
Usage Guide
How to Use
Apply a generous amount to clean skin as the final step of your PM routine, or use a thin layer in the AM under sunscreen. For irritated or compromised skin, apply slightly more product and focus on areas of redness. Allow 1-2 minutes for absorption. Can be layered over retinol or other treatment serums to buffer irritation. Use morning and evening for optimal repair benefits.
Value Assessment
At $48 for 50 mL, the Re.Pair Cream offers solid value in the K-beauty repair moisturizer category. The multi-form centella asiatica, niacinamide, probiotic ferment, and rich emollient base represent genuine formulation investment. The jar lasts 3-4 months with twice-daily use, bringing the per-day cost to roughly $0.40-0.55. A mini size is available for trial. Compared to Western repair creams at similar or higher price points, the ingredient density here is competitive.
Who Should Buy
Anyone with sensitive, redness-prone, or irritated skin looking for a dedicated repair moisturizer without the distraction of color correction or SPF. Ideal for retinol users who need a soothing buffer cream, post-procedure recovery, and anyone whose primary concern is calming inflammation and strengthening a compromised barrier.
Who Should Skip
Those with oily skin who find rich creams too heavy, anyone with known lavender or bergamot oil sensitivities, and those looking for a combined moisturizer-SPF product. If you want redness coverage plus SPF, choose the Color Correcting Treatment instead.
Ready to try Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Re.Pair Cream?
Details
Details
Texture
A rich, dense cream with a smooth, buttery consistency that melts into the skin upon application. The texture is more substantial than a gel-cream but lighter than a heavy ointment. It absorbs into a comfortable, non-greasy finish that feels nourishing without sitting on top of the skin.
Scent
A subtle herbal-floral scent from the lavender and bergamot essential oils. Mild and dissipates quickly.
Packaging
A jar with a screw-top lid in the Cicapair green color scheme. The 50 mL size is standard. A spatula is recommended for hygienic dispensing.
Finish
satinvelvetynon-greasy
What to Expect on First Use
On first application, the cream feels immediately calming on irritated or sensitized skin. The texture is rich but not heavy, and the skin feels comforted and protected within minutes. No tingling or stinging — just a deep sense of moisture and relief. By morning, redness is visibly reduced and skin looks healthier.
How Long It Lasts
3-4 months with twice-daily face application
Period After Opening
12 months
Best Season
All Year
Background
The Why
The Re.Pair Cream occupies the treatment moisturizer position in the Cicapair lineup — while the Color Correcting Treatment and Camo Drops handle appearance and SPF, this cream focuses purely on calming and repairing compromised, redness-prone skin. It was designed as the PM counterpart to the AM-focused color-correcting products, providing overnight repair to skin that needs therapeutic attention rather than cosmetic concealment.
About Dr. Jart+ Established Brand (5–20 years)
Dr. Jart+ was founded in 2004 by dermatologist Jung Sung-jae in South Korea and is now owned by Estée Lauder Companies. The Cicapair line centers on centella asiatica and is one of K-beauty's most recognized ranges for sensitive, redness-prone skin.
Brand founded: 2004 · Product launched: 2017
Myth vs. Reality
Myths & Misconceptions
Myth
Centella asiatica creams work the same regardless of how the centella is processed or concentrated.
Reality
Not all centella products are equal. This cream includes centella in multiple forms — individual triterpenoids (madecassoside, asiaticoside, asiatic acid, madecassic acid), leaf extract, and whole plant extract. Each form delivers different aspects of centella's benefits, and the multi-form approach provides more comprehensive anti-inflammatory and repair activity than a single-extract formulation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Re.Pair Cream and the Color Correcting Treatment?
The Re.Pair Cream is a pure treatment moisturizer focused on calming and repairing skin — it has no color correction or SPF. The Color Correcting Treatment provides green-to-beige coverage with mineral SPF 30. The Re.Pair Cream is better for PM use and pure skin repair, while the Treatment is an AM product combining coverage and protection.
Is Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Re.Pair Cream good for rosacea?
The multi-form centella asiatica content provides clinically relevant anti-inflammatory benefits for redness management. Many users with rosacea-adjacent sensitivity report visible improvement with consistent use. However, the formula contains lavender and bergamot essential oils, which can trigger flares in some rosacea subtypes. Patch test if you have diagnosed rosacea.
Can I use Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Re.Pair Cream with retinol?
Yes — the centella asiatica, niacinamide, panthenol, and shea butter in this cream make it an excellent buffer for retinol irritation. Apply your retinol first, wait a few minutes, then layer this cream on top to calm and protect the skin during the retinoid adjustment period.
Is Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Cream fragrance-free?
No — the Re.Pair Cream contains lavender oil and bergamot fruit oil. While the scent is subtle and dissipates quickly, these essential oils are potential allergens. If you need a completely fragrance-free option from the Cicapair line, the Enzyme Foam Cleanser is fragrance-free.
How does Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Re.Pair Cream compare to the Ceramidin Cream?
The Ceramidin Cream focuses on lipid barrier repair through a five-ceramide complex — it's designed for skin that's dry, compromised, or over-exfoliated. The Cicapair Re.Pair Cream focuses on calming redness and inflammation through centella asiatica — it's designed for sensitive, redness-prone skin. Both repair the barrier, but through different mechanisms. If your primary concern is dryness, choose Ceramidin. If it's redness, choose Cicapair.
Community
Community Voices
Common Praise
"Soothes redness and irritation almost overnight — visible calming effect"
"Rich but not greasy texture that absorbs well into the skin"
"Effective rescue product for over-exfoliated or retinol-irritated skin"
"Strengthens skin barrier noticeably with consistent use"
Common Complaints
"Contains essential oils that may irritate very reactive skin"
"Can feel too rich for oily skin, especially in warm weather"
"Price is moderate for the K-beauty moisturizer category"
"Similar to other Cicapair creams — can be confusing which one to choose"
Notable Endorsements
Widely recommended by K-beauty communities for redness management
Appears In
best moisturizer for sensitivity best moisturizer for compromised skin barrier best cica cream best k beauty moisturizer
Related Conditions
sensitivity compromised skin barrier dryness aging
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