Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream Review

📣 Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream Review: Korean Sensitive-Skin Salvation or Overhyped Moisturizer?

By Kathijo Skincare | Updated October 2026 | 7 min read

Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream, 1.69 Fl Oz (Ver.2 - Pack of 2)

Included for 'Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream Review' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

View on Amazon →

Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream, 0.50 Fl Oz (Ver.2 - Pack of 1)

Included for 'Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream Review' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

View on Amazon →

Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream & Mist Duo, Korean Vegan Skin Care Set

Included for 'Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream Review' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

View on Amazon →

Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream Mist, Korean Vegan Skin Care, 3.38 Fl Oz

Included for 'Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream Review' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

View on Amazon →

Dr.Althea 345 Travel Kit (Set of 3), Korean Vegan Skin Care Set

Included for 'Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream Review' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

View on Amazon →

If you have sensitive skin that flares at the slightest provocation — new actives, seasonal changes, or even a change in laundry detergent — finding a moisturizer that soothes without irritating is genuinely difficult. The Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream has emerged as one of the most-recommended options in K-beauty circles for exactly this scenario.

Built around a minimalist, vegan formula aimed at sensitive skin, this cream promises to calm redness, restore the moisture barrier, and give sensitized skin room to breathe. Here is a research-based review built on the published ingredient list and maker information.

Dr.Althea 345 Relief Serum, Korean Vegan Skin Care, 1.01 Fl Oz

Included for 'Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream Review' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

View on Amazon →

Below you will find what changed in Ver.2, the ingredients decoded, answers on smell, oily skin and winter dryness, and four on-intent alternatives: Aestura Atobarrier365 Cream, Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream, COSRX Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream and Torriden Balanceful Cream.

Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream Ver.2 vs Older Formula: What Changed

The Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream has been sold in more than one version, and the pack-size and “Ver.2” wording in listings confuses a lot of shoppers. Reviewers who compared the two describe the older formula as richer and oilier, and Ver.2 as lighter and oil-free. Always check the printed ingredient list on the package you receive.

The “345” explained

The name describes the formula: 3 blemish-care ingredients, 4 nourishing ingredients and 5 soothing ingredients. It is a positioning system, not a clinical rating.

Which version am I buying?

Look at the size on the listing, read the ingredient list on the back, and remember that retailers sometimes keep old photos. If you want the oil-free version, compare the INCI against the list below.

About Dr.Althea

Dr.Althea is a South Korean dermocosmetic brand founded on the principle that skincare should be science-backed, minimalist, and accessible. The brand positions its formulas for sensitive and compromised skin, with a distinctly Korean skincare philosophy.

The 345 in the product name refers to the three core soothing complexes, four barrier-supporting ingredients, and five calming botanicals used in the formula — a structural approach to sensitive skin relief.

Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream Ingredients: The 3-4-5 System Decoded

Retailer data for the current formula lists the following groups. Percentages are not published, so these describe roles, not strength.

How strong is the niacinamide?

A pharmacist-led review describes the niacinamide level as modest, which is consistent with a gentle, daily-use cream. That is helpful for sensitive skin and also means you should not expect strong brightening from it.

What about PDRN?

PDRN-type ingredients appear on the INCI as “sodium DNA.” Brands market them as skin-conditioning, but evidence for topical use is still limited. Treat them as a nice extra, not the reason to buy.

Allergy tip

Tea tree and plant waters can cause reactions in people with plant allergies. If you have reacted to botanical products before, do a patch test and ask a dermatologist.

Key Ingredients

Centella Asiatica (CICA)

A staple of sensitive-skin Korean skincare. Centella and its derivatives (madecassoside, asiaticoside) are widely used for their soothing, skin-calming feel and to support a comfortable-looking barrier.

Beta-Glucan

A humectant derived from oat or yeast that helps skin hold moisture and feels soothing, which is why it shows up often in formulas for reactive skin.

Niacinamide

A widely used ingredient for a smoother, more even-looking complexion. It is listed among the key ingredients for the Ver.2 formula; check the label for the full list, since the formula has been updated.

Ceramides

Lipid molecules that form the mortar between skin cells. Ceramide-deficient skin is more prone to dryness, irritation, and sensitivity. Replenishing ceramides with a topical cream is foundational for barrier repair.

Resveratrol and Other Newer Additions

Retailer listings for the Ver.2 formula also name resveratrol, tannic acid and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid among the key ingredients. If you have an older jar or tube, compare its ingredient list with the current one before reordering.

Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream Smell, Fragrance and Yuka Score

Does Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream have a smell?

The brand describes it as fragrance-free, so it has no added perfume. Some people notice a faint herbal or plant-water scent from the tea tree and centella waters, and it fades within minutes. If you detect a strong scent, check that the tube is genuine and within its shelf life.

Does it score well on the Yuka app?

We cannot verify a current Yuka score for any specific version. Yuka rates cosmetic products by their ingredient list, and scores can change as the database updates. The reliable way is to scan the barcode of the exact tube you plan to buy. A Yuka score is a convenience tool, not a safety guarantee or a medical opinion.

Texture and finish

Ver.2 is a lightweight gel-cream that absorbs quickly and leaves a soft, slightly glowy finish according to reviewers. It layers under sunscreen without pilling when you wait a minute between steps.

Texture, Scent and Application

The cream has a medium-weight gel-cream consistency — richer than a gel but lighter than a traditional cream. It spreads easily, absorbs without greasy residue, and leaves skin with a soft, comfortable finish rather than a heavy occlusive coating.

Critically, it is fragrance-free and dye-free — two of the most common triggers for sensitive skin reactions. The formula is also vegan, using no animal-derived ingredients.

What to Expect From the Formula

• First use: A light gel-cream that is meant to feel comfortable right away on tight or sensitized skin.
• First few weeks: Consistent use is the idea; give any new moisturizer a few weeks before judging it, and patch test first.
• Ongoing: Moisturizers like this are generally used to keep skin feeling smoother and less tight over time.
• Long term: If your skin is irritated by actives, take a break from them and ask a dermatologist before reintroducing anything.

Pros and Cons

How to Use It in Your Routine

1. Gentle, pH-balanced cleanser
2. Hydrating or soothing toner (Pyunkang Yul or ANUA Heartleaf work well)
3. Lightweight serum or essence if needed
4. Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream — apply a pea-sized to hazelnut-sized amount, warm between fingertips first, then press into skin
5. SPF 30+ (morning)

For very dry skin, layer a facial oil after the cream for added occlusion. For oily skin, use a smaller amount and skip the oil.

Is Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream Enough in Winter?

Many readers search for whether this cream is enough when their skin gets dry in winter. The honest answer is that the light Ver.2 gel-cream is often not rich enough on its own once heating is on and humidity falls.

• Mild dryness: apply it on slightly damp skin and seal with a thin layer of a richer cream.
• Very dry or flaking skin: switch to a ceramide-rich cream, or use the 345 cream in the morning and a heavier barrier cream at night.
• Windy days outdoors: add a thin occlusive balm on cheeks and around the nose.
• Cracked, weeping or very itchy skin: see a dermatologist; a moisturizer is not a treatment.

Combining it with a gentle cleanser, lukewarm water and a humidifier often helps more than adding extra products.

Ideal Candidates

• Skin compromised by overuse of actives (retinol purging, acid peeling)
• Reactive complexions that struggle with most moisturizers (see a dermatologist for rosacea)
• Anyone pursuing a skin cycling routine who needs a dedicated recovery-night cream
• Those transitioning from a heavy cream routine who want something lighter but still restorative

Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream Alternatives: 4 Korean Barrier Creams Compared

If the 345 cream feels too light, too heavy or does not suit your skin, these are the closest on-intent alternatives. Ingredient lists change between batches and regions, so use them as a starting point and read the box.

Aestura Atobarrier365 Cream — Best for dry, barrier-stressed skin

AESTURA ATOBARRIER365 Cream with Ceramides, 80 ML

Included for 'Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream Review' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

View on Amazon →

• 80 ml
• Built around ceramide capsules with a “triple lipid” system of ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol
• Listed actives include niacinamide, vitamin E and squalane; ingredient lists differ across sellers
• Retailers describe it as fragrance-free

Pros: richer lipids for dry skin; widely loved barrier cream; good winter option. Cons: heavier feel on oily skin; ingredient lists vary between sellers. Skip it if: you want a very light gel-cream.

Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream — Best for very dry face and body

Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream | Moisturizer for Dry & Sensitive Skin, 100hr Lasting Hydration, For Face & Body, Gentle for Infants, Moisture Barrier Repair, Vegan Certified, 6.76 fl.oz.

Included for 'Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream Review' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

View on Amazon →

• Ceramide NP, phytosphingosine and cholesterol as skin-identical lipids
• Hydroxypropyl bispalmitamide MEA listed near the top
• The brand says it is free of fragrance, parabens and mineral oil
• Sold in multiple sizes, used on both face and body

Pros: affordable per ml; works as a heavy winter moisturizer. Cons: contains dimethicone and soybean oil, which not everyone likes; a newer formula adds extra ingredients. Skip it if: you prefer silicone-free or very light textures.

COSRX Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream — Best for a centella-based, mid-weight cream

COSRX Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream, Centella Asiatica Cream, 2.82 oz

Included for 'Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream Review' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

View on Amazon →

• 80 g
• Ceramide NP stated at 10,000 ppm; centella leaf water as the first ingredient
• Niacinamide appears in older versions but not in the current listing
• Sold as fragrance-free, though bergamot fruit oil appears on the INCI

Pros: centella-forward base; solid ceramide content; familiar brand. Cons: includes palm oils and bergamot oil, which some people avoid. Skip it if: you react to essential oils or want a palm-free formula.

Torriden Balanceful Cream — Best for oily and combination sensitive skin

Torriden BALANCEFUL Cream 80ml (2.70 fl.oz.) | Soothing and Nourishing Moisturizer for Oily and Sensitive SKin | 5D CICA, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol

Included for 'Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream Review' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

View on Amazon →

• 80 ml (2.70 fl oz)
• 5D Cica complex: asiatic acid, madecassoside, madecassic acid, asiaticoside and a calming complex
• Includes hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid and panthenol
• Free of artificial fragrance, colorants and mineral oil, per the brand

Pros: light gel-like texture; suits oily and combination skin; larger tube. Cons: fewer lipids than ceramide creams; not a heavy winter option. Skip it if: your skin is dry or flaky.

Best Korean Soothing Creams by Skin Type

Best for dry skin

Aestura Atobarrier365 Cream · 80 ml · ceramides + cholesterol + squalane
Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream · ceramide NP + phytosphingosine

What to expect at this tier:

• Richer lipid creams that feel cushioned
• Less frequent reapplication
• A heavier feel in warm weather

Best for oily or combination skin

Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream (Ver.2) · 50 ml · niacinamide + ceramide NP + centella
Torriden Balanceful Cream · 80 ml · 5D Cica complex

What to expect at this tier:

• Light gel-cream textures
• Faster absorption and less shine
• Possibly too light in winter

Best mid-weight all-rounder

COSRX Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream · 80 g · ceramide NP + centella

What to expect at this tier:

• Medium richness that works year round for many people
• Check the INCI for palm oils and essential oils if you are sensitive

How It Compares to Similar Korean Soothing Creams

Final Verdict

The Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream is not trying to be everything — and that restraint is exactly what makes it exceptional for its target audience. If your skin is sensitized, reactive, or in recovery mode, this cream does what it promises: calms, restores, and builds resilience without introducing new irritants.

It is a foundational piece for a sensitive-skin routine — the kind of moisturizer you build your routine around rather than fitting into one. Highly recommended for anyone dealing with barrier damage or chronic redness.

Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream, 1.69 Fl Oz (Ver.2 - Pack of 1)

Included for 'Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream Review' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

View on Amazon →

Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream for Oily Skin, Closed Comedones and Purging

These questions come up often in search. The answers stay cosmetic. For acne or skin conditions, a dermatologist is the right source of advice.

Dr.Athlea (Dr.Althea) relief cream review for oily skin

Because Ver.2 is oil-free according to reviewers, it is generally a better fit for oily and combination skin than the older, richer formula. Use a pea-sized amount, skip it on very humid days if skin feels heavy, and pair it with a light sunscreen.

Does it help with closed comedones?

It is a moisturizer, not a treatment for clogged pores. Brands call it non-comedogenic, which means it is formulated to avoid clogging pores, but no cream removes closed comedones. If they bother you, ask a dermatologist or pharmacist about proven options.

Can the 345 cream cause purging at first?

Purging is typically linked to ingredients that speed cell turnover, such as retinoids and acids. The 345 cream does not contain those, so new breakouts are more likely to be a reaction to the cream or to something else in your routine. Stop using it if you notice itching, stinging or a rash. Add one product at a time and ask a dermatologist if breakouts continue.

Can you use it with little or no acne?

Yes. It is described as a general barrier-support moisturizer and does not need a skin concern to be useful. If your skin is stable, you may find it light.

Is it good for dry, irritated skin?

It can feel comforting, but the gel-cream texture is light. For very dry or flaking skin, use a richer cream or add a thin occlusive layer, and see a dermatologist if irritation does not settle in a few days.

How We Chose These Alternatives

This comparison is research-based, not a use trial. We matched each cream against maker pages, retailer listings and public ingredient databases, and kept an alternative only when its size and key ingredients matched across sources. Where sources disagreed (for example, ingredient lists for Aestura and COSRX), we flagged it. Nothing here is medical advice: moisturizers support the skin barrier and comfort, and they do not treat skin conditions.

Patch Test and When to See a Dermatologist

1. Apply a small amount to the inner forearm or behind the ear for two to three days.
2. If you see redness, itching or swelling, wash it off and do not use the product on your face.
3. Introduce one new product at a time and wait at least two weeks before judging results.

See a dermatologist if redness, burning, flaking or rash lasts more than a week, if you have rosacea, eczema or perioral dermatitis, or if you are considering any product after a procedure. A cosmetic cream is not a substitute for prescribed treatment.

Which Soothing Cream Should You Buy?

• Normal, oily or combination skin that wants a light base: Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream (Ver.2) or Torriden Balanceful Cream.
• Dry or winter-stressed skin: Aestura Atobarrier365 Cream or Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream.
• Centella fans who want a mid-weight cream: COSRX Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream.
• Fragrance-sensitive: pick fragrance-free creams, read the INCI for essential oils and patch test first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream truly vegan?

Yes — the formula uses no animal-derived ingredients. Always check the current ingredient list, as formulations can change.

Can I use this with retinol?

This cream is an excellent companion to retinol. Apply it as your moisturizer after retinol to buffer dryness and reduce irritation, or use it on your recovery nights during a skin-cycling routine.

Is it suitable for oily skin?

Often yes, but use a smaller amount. The gel-cream texture absorbs cleanly. If you are prone to breakouts, patch test first and check the label.

Does it help with perioral dermatitis or seborrheic dermatitis?

These conditions often require prescription treatment, so consult a dermatologist rather than relying on a moisturizer.

Can children use it?

The formula is marketed as fragrance-free, but consult a pediatric dermatologist before introducing any skincare product to young skin.

How long does a tube last?

Using a hazelnut-sized amount twice daily, a 50 ml tube typically lasts several weeks for one person; the 0.5 fl oz travel size goes much faster.

Is Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream good for oily skin?

Often yes, especially the oil-free Ver.2. Use a pea-sized amount and a light sunscreen. If it feels heavy in humid weather, try a lighter gel such as Torriden Balanceful Cream.

Is Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream a jar or a tube?

The current 50 ml size is a tube, and a 15 ml travel size is also sold. Check the listing photo and the size before you order.

Does Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream contain fragrance?

No, the brand sells it as fragrance-free. A faint herbal smell from plant waters is possible, but no perfume is added.

Can Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream cause breakouts?

Any cream can break out some people. The brand markets Ver.2 as non-comedogenic, but individual reactions vary. Stop using it if you see new breakouts, itching or a rash, and ask a dermatologist.

Can I use Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream every day?

Yes, it is designed for daily use as a morning or night moisturizer. Always follow with sunscreen in the morning.

Is Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream the same as the 147 Barrier Cream?

No. The 147 Barrier Cream is a separate Dr.Althea product, so the two should not be treated as interchangeable. Compare the ingredient lists and the texture before you choose.

Where does the 345 cream fit in a routine?

Use it after toner or serum and before sunscreen in the morning. At night, use it as the last step or under a heavier cream.