Item: Cicapair™ Serum
Rating: 5
Author: cm*****

I started using the Dr. Jart Cicapair Serum 1st Generation on February 9th this year, a product I'd been wanting to try for a while. I was initially worried about how well the thick, green formula would absorb, but I was pleasantly surprised. The absorption was actually quite good. There was a slight surface feeling after application, but it quickly sank in, leaving my skin feeling fresh. Not long after, the 2nd Generation was released with significantly improved, safer ingredients (they advertised an 8000-fold increase in Centella Asiatica extract). Curious about the improvements, I managed to get a sample through a Dr. Jart event after using the 1st Generation for about two months. The most striking difference between the 1st and 2nd generations is the texture and absorption. The 1st gen had a concentrated, thick consistency, while the 2nd gen feels more like a light oil. It initially creates an oily film that feels a bit heavy and made me worry about potential blemishes, but with continued patting, it absorbs well, leaving the skin feeling moisturized inside and fresh outside. The 1st gen seemed to absorb slightly better, possibly due to additional absorption-enhancing ingredients. In terms of skin improvement, both versions performed similarly. I have combination dehydrated skin - oily on the surface but dry underneath, prone to pustules and whiteheads on my cheeks, and my skin is becoming increasingly oily due to the weather. Neither version caused any milia or whiteheads. While they didn't dramatically change existing blemishes, they did help calm and prevent new ones from forming (though a recent pustule neither reduced nor came to a head). I'd recommend viewing this more as a hydrating serum for balancing combination dehydrated skin rather than a blemish treatment. Its high absorption despite the texture and deep moisturizing properties were its best features! Lastly, I want to praise Dr. Jart for the packaging. Unlike other serums or ampoules where the opening gets dirty easily or becomes hard to open, this one has a rubber seal inside the cap for a clean, double-lock closure. The dropper is also easy to control. These small, thoughtful details really enhance the user experience!

If you're expecting the advertised 8000-fold increase in Cica ingredients to dramatically calm your blemishes, you might be disappointed. In reality, looking at the ingredient list, it's not that high up, so it probably doesn't make up a large percentage (makes you wonder how little there was before...). Regarding the price, while many say it's not worth it for the effects, I plan to repurchase. I can't say I'm completely satisfied with the effects for the price, but it did help care for my skin during the challenging seasonal transition without major issues. It provided solid deep hydration, resulting in less oily skin. I'd recommend it to those looking for a hydrating serum. While the volume is small for the price, there's a larger 50ml option available. Dr. Jart's website often has sampling events for new members, and I found the 50ml of the 2nd generation on Naver price comparison with coupons for just under 30,000 won, which is the price range of the 30ml version.

The oily feel might make it seem slow to absorb. Make sure to pat it in well. Instead of applying a lot at once, use small amounts and pat them in separately. As someone with oily but dehydrated skin, I use this alone after cleansing with Make P:rem and Mamonde toner, and my skin feels fresh without any dryness. If you still feel dry inside, try using it with a low pH cleanser - it's crucial! (I recommend Acnes Derma Relief). After switching my entire routine to this for about 3 months, the oil my skin used to produce has significantly decreased. To improve deep hydration, I highly recommend pairing this with a low pH cleanser.