Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream Reviews: Is It Worth It?

If you have spent any time scrolling through Korean skincare trends lately, you know that the quest for the perfect soothing moisturizer is endless. We are all chasing that “glass skin” glow while desperately trying to calm down the redness, breakouts, and irritation that real life throws at us. You have likely come across the Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream, a product that promises to be the ultimate post-acne rescuer. With its clinical-looking packaging and bold claims of soothing inflammation instantly, it is easy to see why it has caught the internet’s attention. But does it actually deliver on those promises, or is it just another aesthetically pleasing tube with mediocre results?

In this comprehensive review, I am going to walk you through every aspect of the Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream. I will break down exactly how it feels on the skin, whether it actually helps with acne marks, and if the ingredient list justifies the hype. We will look past the viral videos and get into the reality of daily use, maintenance, and how it stacks up against the heavy hitters of the K-beauty world. By the end of this guide, you will know for sure if this cream belongs in your cart or if you should keep scrolling.

My Experience With Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream

I decided to try the Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream during a period when my skin was acting particularly rebellious. I have combination skin that leans oily in the T-zone but gets dehydrated easily, and I was dealing with a frustrating cluster of hormonal breakouts along my jawline. I needed something that would hydrate without clogging my pores, but also something active enough to help fade the angry red marks left behind by old pimples. The marketing for the 345 Relief Cream seemed to target exactly that—a “regenerating ointment gel” designed for post-acne care.

When the tube arrived, I was immediately drawn to the packaging.

It comes in a sleek, aluminum-style tube that feels almost medical, which I personally love because it keeps the product hygienic and easy to control.

Squeezing it out, the texture was a pleasant surprise.

It is not a heavy, suffocating ointment as the name might suggest; instead, it is a lightweight, almost watery gel-cream.

It has a slight milky opacity to it and spreads incredibly easily.

Upon application, the first thing I noticed was the cooling sensation.

It wasn’t a menthol-like tingle, but a genuine drop in skin temperature that felt amazing on my inflamed cheeks. The scent is very faint—a subtle, clean herbal smell that likely comes from the plant extracts rather than synthetic perfume. It dissipated almost instantly, which is a huge plus for me as I get headaches from strong fragrances.

I started using it as my morning moisturizer because of how light it felt. It absorbed into my skin within seconds, leaving a finish that was neither matte nor dewy, just “skin-like” and plump. It layered beautifully under my sunscreen, which is often a dealbreaker with gel creams that tend to pill. However, the real test was the night routine. I applied a slightly thicker layer before bed, hoping to wake up with calmer skin.

After about two weeks of consistent use, the results were mixed but leaning positive. The redness around my nose and cheeks had definitely subsided. The cream is packed with Resveratrol and Panthenol, and I could feel those soothing ingredients working to bring down the heat in my skin. My active breakouts didn’t disappear overnight, but they seemed less angry and painful. The most significant change was in the texture of my skin; it felt softer and more resilient.

However, I did find that on days when my skin was feeling extra dry or when I had used a strong exfoliating acid, this cream wasn’t quite enough on its own. It provides a burst of hydration, but it lacks the heavy occlusives needed to really lock moisture in for 8+ hours if you have dry skin. I found myself needing to layer a sleeping mask over it on colder nights. Additionally, while it didn’t cause new breakouts for me, I didn’t see a dramatic erasing of my old dark spots in just a few weeks. It seems to be more of a slow-burn healer than a magic eraser.

Overall, my experience was that of a reliable, gentle daily driver. It didn’t perform miracles on my pigmentation, but it kept my barrier happy and provided a safe, non-irritating layer of moisture that my acne-prone skin tolerated perfectly. It feels like a safety net—a product you reach for when everything else stings or feels too heavy.

Read More: My Thoughts On BareMinerals Tinted Moisturizer

Pros Of Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream

When evaluating a skincare product, it is crucial to look at what sets it apart from the hundreds of other tubes on the shelf. The Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream has several distinct advantages that make it a strong contender, particularly for those with specific skin struggles. Here are the key benefits that stood out during my testing period.

• Exceptional Ingredient Profile for Calming: The “345” in the name isn’t just a random number; it hints at the complex formulation. This cream is packed with high concentrations of soothing powerhouses. It contains 10,000ppm of Panthenol (Vitamin B5), which is the gold standard for skin barrier repair and hydration. It also features Opuntia Ficus-Indica (Prickly Pear) Stem Extract and Centella Asiatica, both of which are phenomenal for reducing redness and irritation. The inclusion of Resveratrol is a unique touch; this potent antioxidant helps protect the skin from environmental stressors and aging, giving the cream an anti-aging edge that simple soothing gels often lack. You are essentially getting a serum’s worth of actives in a moisturizer format.
• Lightweight Texture Ideal for Acne-Prone Skin: One of the biggest fears for people with acne is that a “relief” cream will be thick, greasy, and pore-clogging. Dr. Althea has nailed the texture here. It strikes a perfect balance between a gel and a cream, providing hydration without the heavy, suffocating film of an occlusive balm. This makes it incredibly safe for oily and congested skin types who need moisture but can’t handle shea butter or heavy oils. It absorbs fully, meaning you don’t stick to your pillowcase at night, and it doesn’t make your T-zone look like an oil slick by midday.
• Hygienic and Practical Packaging: While we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, in skincare, packaging matters for stability and hygiene. The aluminum-laminated tube is excellent for protecting the antioxidants inside (like Resveratrol) from light and air exposure, which keeps them effective for longer. Unlike jar packaging where you have to dip your fingers in (introducing bacteria every time), this squeeze tube allows you to dispense the exact amount you need without contamination. The narrow nozzle tip gives you precision control, so you don’t accidentally squirt out half the tube. It is also travel-friendly and durable, unlikely to crack if dropped on a tiled bathroom floor.
• Versatility in Routine Layering: Because the formula is so cosmetically elegant, it plays very well with other products. I found it to be an excellent “buffer” cream to use alongside strong actives like Retinol or Tretinoin. If you are using a drying acne treatment, applying this first can reduce the side effects without blocking the treatment’s absorption. It also works well under makeup; because it dries down to a natural finish without tackiness, it acts as a decent hydrating primer. This versatility means it can fit into almost any existing routine without causing pilling or texture issues.

Cons Of Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream

No skincare product is perfect for everyone, and despite the glowing reviews, there are limitations to this cream that you need to be aware of. It is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and for some skin types, it might fall short.

• Insufficient Moisture for Dry Skin Types: If you have dry, flaky, or mature skin, this cream will likely leave you wanting more. While it hydrates well initially, it lacks the rich emollients and occlusives needed to prevent transepidermal water loss over a long night. Users with dry skin often report feeling “tight” a few hours after application, especially in winter or air-conditioned environments. You would almost certainly need to layer a facial oil or a heavier sleeping pack on top of this to feel adequately moisturized. It is definitely designed with the oily/combination demographic in mind, leaving the dry skin crowd needing a booster.
• Potential Sensitivities to Plant Extracts: While “natural” sounds good, plant extracts can be a double-edged sword for highly reactive skin. The formula includes a long list of botanical extracts, including Lavender and Bergamot fruit oils in some versions (or extracts that contain natural fragrance components). For people with severe rosacea or known allergies to essential oils or specific flowers, this “cocktail” of ingredients increases the risk of contact dermatitis. Unlike a sterile, clinical brand like Vanicream that uses only the bare minimum, Dr. Althea relies on these complex extracts for its effects. If your skin gets irritated by too many botanicals, this cream might cause a reaction rather than soothe one.
• Confusion Over Reformulations and Versions: There has been some confusion in the community regarding different versions or reformulations of this product. Some users have reported receiving tubes with slightly different ingredient lists depending on the region or batch. This inconsistency can be frustrating if you fall in love with one version and then receive a slightly different one that your skin doesn’t like as much. It also makes it harder to rely on older reviews, as the product they are describing might not be exactly what is being sold today. You have to be diligent about checking the ingredient list on the specific box you receive.
• Price Per Volume: While it is not luxury pricing, it falls into the “mid-range” category that can feel steep for the amount you get. The tube is typically 50ml, which is standard, but because the texture is so light, you might find yourself using a larger amount to get the hydration you want. If you use it twice a day, a tube can run out in less than a month. Compared to budget-friendly options like Illiyoon or huge tubs of Cerave, the cost per use is significantly higher. For a daily moisturizer that you burn through quickly, this can add up to a pricey habit over the course of a year.

Maintenance Tips For Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream

Getting the most out of your skincare requires proper usage and storage. To ensure the 345 Relief Cream works effectively and lasts as long as possible, follow these maintenance and usage tips.

• Store Away from Direct Sunlight and Heat: The key ingredient, Resveratrol, is a potent antioxidant, but like many antioxidants, it can be sensitive to environmental factors. Although the tube is opaque, you should still keep it in a cool, dark place, like a drawer or a skincare fridge if you have one. Leaving it on a sunny windowsill or in a hot, steamy bathroom cabinet could potentially degrade the active ingredients faster. Keeping it cool also enhances the soothing, depuffing effect when you apply it to inflamed skin. If the separation occurs (oil and water separating), it is usually a sign of heat damage.
• The “Sandwich Method” for Retinoid Users: If you are using this cream alongside a retinoid (like adapalene or retinol), use the sandwich method to prevent irritation. Apply a thin layer of the Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream on damp skin first and let it dry. Then apply your retinoid. Finally, apply another layer of the cream on top. This buffering technique reduces the side effects of the active ingredients while ensuring your barrier stays intact. The lightweight nature of this cream makes it perfect for this method as it won’t feel heavy or pill up with three layers.
• Cut the Tube Open at the End: The aluminum-style tube is great, but it can be difficult to get the last 10% of the product out just by squeezing. When you think it is empty, do not throw it away. Use a pair of scissors to cut the tube in half. You will likely find enough product inside for another 3 to 5 days of use. You can slide the top half of the cut tube over the bottom half to create a makeshift lid to keep it from drying out. This ensures you are getting every cent’s worth of the product you paid for.
• Patch Test for Botanical Allergies: Because of the complex list of plant extracts, you must patch test before slathering it all over your face. Apply a small amount behind your ear or on the inside of your wrist and wait 24 hours. If you see any redness, itching, or bumps, do not use it on your face. This is especially important if you have a history of reacting to “natural” skincare products. It is better to waste a tiny dot of cream than to spend a week recovering from an allergic reaction on your entire face.

Comparison with Other Brands

The market for soothing barrier creams is crowded. To help you decide if Dr. Althea is the right choice, I have compared it against three of its biggest competitors in the Asian Beauty space.

• Purito Oat-in Calming Gel Cream: This is often cited as a direct alternative for sensitive skin. Comparison: The Purito Oat-in Gel is significantly simpler in its formulation. It focuses almost exclusively on oat extracts and water, with a very minimal ingredient list (only about 15 ingredients). It is fungal acne safe and oil-free, making it the safer choice for extremely reactive or fungal-acne-prone skin. However, Dr. Althea 345 feels more “active” with its Niacinamide and Resveratrol; it does more to brighten and treat aging while soothing. Purito is just pure hydration and calm; Dr. Althea is soothing plus treatment. Texture-wise, Purito is even lighter and more watery. Choose Purito if you want zero risks; choose Dr. Althea if you want multitasking benefits.
• Dr. G Red Blemish Clear Soothing Cream: A massive cult favorite in Korea, known for its jar packaging. Comparison: Dr. G has a very similar gel-cream texture that breaks down into water upon contact with the skin. Both focus heavily on Centella Asiatica for soothing. Dr. G is often considered slightly more hydrating and leaves a dewier finish than Dr. Althea. However, Dr. G typically comes in a jar (though tubes exist), which some find less hygienic than Dr. Althea’s tube. Price-wise, Dr. G can be more expensive depending on the sale. Dr. Althea’s inclusion of Ceramide NP gives it a slight edge for barrier repair, whereas Dr. G is purely about putting out the fire of inflammation. If you have very oily skin, Dr. G might feel slightly fresher; for combination skin needing repair, Dr. Althea is better.
• Anua Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream: Anua has taken the world by storm with their heartleaf toner, and their cream is the logical next step. Comparison: The Anua cream is richer and thicker than the Dr. Althea 345 cream. It relies on Heartleaf (Houttuynia Cordata) as its star ingredient, which Dr. Althea also contains but in a blend. Anua is better suited for those who find Dr. Althea too light; it provides a more substantial protective layer. However, Dr. Althea absorbs faster and feels less present on the skin. If your main concern is strictly acne redness, Anua’s high concentration of Heartleaf is powerful. If your concern is post-acne marks and texture (PIH), Dr. Althea’s Niacinamide and Resveratrol combo makes it the superior choice for brightening.

Also Read: My Thoughts On Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

The Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream is more than just a pretty tube; it is a sophisticated, well-formulated moisturizer that fills a necessary gap in the market. It bridges the divide between a basic soothing gel and an active treatment cream, offering hydration alongside genuine barrier repair and brightening benefits. For those with oily, combination, or acne-prone skin, it is a fantastic daily staple that feels luxurious to use without the heavy price tag or heavy texture.

However, if you have dry skin, you might find it underwhelming as a standalone moisturizer. It shines brightest as a daytime cream or a summer moisturizer when you want relief without the weight. If you are looking to calm redness, fade post-acne marks, and maintain a healthy barrier, Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream is absolutely worth the investment. It is a reliable, calming presence in a chaotic skincare world.