Does your skin often feel dry, irritated, or unbalanced? Then Dr. Althea is the Korean skincare you have been looking for.
With its philosophy of gentle yet effective skincare, the brand combines advanced science with natural ingredients to provide the skin with optimal hydration, radiance, and calm.
As one of the fastest-growing names in K-beauty, Dr. Althea has become loved worldwide for its vegan, cruelty-free, and dermatologically tested products.
Philosophy and Background
Dr. Althea was founded in South Korea by Evelyn Lee, with a clear vision: to create skincare that balances science, nature, and sensitivity.
The brand stands for purity, efficiency, and safety, which is reflected in every product – from carefully selected ingredients to sustainable packaging.
- Vegan and cruelty-free: All products are completely free from animal ingredients and are not tested on animals.
- Natural ingredients: Each formula contains botanical extracts like centella asiatica, chamomile, and birch sap – known for their soothing properties.
- Sustainability: The packaging is made from recyclable glass and paper.
- Dermatologically tested skincare: Several products are clinically tested and have received EWG's highest green safety rating.
Dr. Althea today has a strong global presence, with loyal users in both Asia, Europe, and the USA. The brand's success comes from honest communication and skin results that speak for themselves – not large advertising campaigns.
What makes Dr. Althea unique?
What sets Dr. Althea apart is its science-based philosophy, combined with natural gentleness.
Each product is developed in laboratories in Seoul with a focus on strengthening the skin barrier and restoring moisture balance – the key to healthy and calm skin.
Key Ingredients
- Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae Rhamnoides): Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, provides radiance and evens out skin tone.
- Kakadu Plum: One of the world's most vitamin C-rich fruits that protects against environmental damage.
- Centella Asiatica: Soothing herb that strengthens the skin's barrier.
- Niacinamide: Improves skin texture, reduces pores, and balances sebum.
- Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid: Deeply hydrates and prevents moisture loss.
- Azulene (from chamomile): Relieves redness and irritation.
Benefits of Dr. Althea
- Suitable for all skin types, even sensitive and acne-prone skin
- EWG green formulas without parabens, phthalates, or artificial colorants
- Strengthens the skin barrier with clinically proven ingredients
- Provides natural radiance and moisture without clogging pores
The unique combination of research, gentleness, and aesthetics makes Dr. Althea an obvious choice for those seeking South Korean skincare with results and integrity.
Popular Products from Dr. Althea
Dr. Althea 147 Barrier Cream
An iconic moisturizer developed to Rebuild the skin barrier. Rich in ceramides, guaiazulene (chamomile), and a 7-layer hyaluronic acid complex.
Benefits and ingredients:
- Strengthens the skin's protection against dehydration
- Soothes redness and irritation
- Provides long-lasting hydration with a silky finish
Usage: Apply as the last step in your skincare routine, both morning and evening. Ideal for dry, sensitive, or reactive skin.
Buy Dr. Althea 147 Barrier Cream here.
Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream
A lightweight gel cream developed for oily and acne-prone skin. It is clinically tested as non-comedogenic and reduces both inflammation and redness.
Benefits and ingredients:
- Contains tea tree extract, niacinamide, and ceramide NP
- Balances sebum production without clogging pores
- Soothes stressed skin and reduces visible blemishes
Usage: Apply as a day or night cream after your serum. Suitable for combination to oily skin.
Buy Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream here.
Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
A gentle cleansing balm with 14 pure ingredients that melts away makeup and dirt. The formula with madecassoside and chamomile cleans effectively without drying out the skin.
Benefits and ingredients:
- Removes makeup and sunscreen in one step
- Softens and preserves the skin's natural moisture
- Leaves the skin clean, calm, and supple
Usage: Massage onto dry skin, add water, then rinse thoroughly. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Buy Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm here.
Dr. Althea Gentle Vitamin C Serum
A serum for uneven skin tone and pigmentation spots. With 20% sea buckthorn and green tea, it gives the skin a natural glow.
Benefits and ingredients:
- Brightens and evens out skin tone
- Protects against free radicals
- Soothing formula for sensitive skin
Usage: Apply a few drops to cleansed skin morning and evening for a radiant glow without irritation.
Buy Dr. Althea Gentle Vitamin C Serum here.
Dr. Althea Niacinamide Purity Serum 15 %
A powerful serum that improves pores, texture, and redness. Contains a full 15% niacinamide combined with zinc and tea extract.
Benefits and ingredients:
- Refines skin surface and balances sebum
- Reduces redness and impurities
- Clinically tested and vegan formula
Usage: Apply 1–2 pumps to the skin before your face cream, both morning and evening. The product is ideal for oily or combination skin and helps to even out skin tone.
Buy Dr. Althea Niacinamide Purity Serum 15% here.
1. Cleansing
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm – Gently dissolves dirt, makeup, and sunscreen.
- Removes impurities without drying out
- Prepares the skin for the next step
2. Toner
Choose a soothing toner with hyaluronic acid or centella.
- Restores the skin's pH balance
- Improves the absorption of active ingredients
3. Serum
Customize according to skin needs:
- For glow: Gentle Vitamin C Serum
- For pores and balance: Niacinamide Purity Serum
- For barrier strengthening: Centella or ceramide-based serum
4. Moisturizer
- Dry/sensitive skin: 147 Barrier Cream
-
Oily skin: 345 Relief Cream
Provides nourishment, hydration, and protection throughout the day.
5. Mask (extra step)
Use Jelly Seal Dewy Mask 1–2 times a week for intense hydration.
- Restores skin elasticity
- Provides immediate radiance and softness
For best results – follow the layering method and build up moisture in thin layers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dr. Althea
Is Dr. Althea vegan?
Yes, all products are 100% vegan and made without animal ingredients.
Is Dr. Althea cruelty-free?
Yes, the brand is completely cruelty-free and does not test on animals at any stage of production.
Is Dr. Althea suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes. The brand is specifically designed for sensitive and reactive skin with mild, natural ingredients.
Are the products dermatologically tested?
Yes, several products have undergone dermatological testing and have EWG's green safety classification.
Does Dr. Althea contain perfume or parabens?
No, the products are free from parabens, phthalates, and strong fragrances.
What skin types is Dr. Althea suitable for?
All – but particularly dry, sensitive, and acne-prone skin benefit the most from their mild formulations.
What is the layering method?
A Korean routine where you apply products in thin layers, from lightest to richest, for maximum hydration and absorption.
How does Dr. Althea strengthen the skin barrier?
Through ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid which restore moisture levels and resistance to external stress.
Which product gives the most glow?
Gentle Vitamin C Serum and Radiance Essence give the skin a natural glow thanks to antioxidants and vitamin C-rich extracts.
Is Dr. Althea popular internationally?
Yes, the brand has grown globally and is praised in both Asia and the Western world for its science-based yet gentle philosophy.
Dr. Althea – Science-Based Korean Skincare for all skin types
Dr. Althea represents the best in South Korean skincare – where science meets natural beauty. With vegan, cruelty-free and dermatologically tested products, the brand offers safe and effective solutions for all skin types. Whether you want to strengthen your skin barrier, give your skin a new glow, or find the perfect moisturizer – there is a product from Dr. Althea for you.
Discover the full range of Dr. Althea with us and create your own Korean skincare routine filled with radiance, balance, and results.
