Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream Review: Complete Guide in 2026

Your skin feels angry. Red patches appear out of nowhere. Blemishes refuse to fade. You need something gentle yet powerful.

The Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream promises to calm, heal, and restore troubled skin. But does this Korean skincare favorite actually deliver results?

This cream has taken the beauty world by storm with its unique 3-4-5 formula. The name is not random.

Key Takeaways:

• The 345 formula delivers targeted care through three categories of active ingredients that work together to improve your skin health and appearance.
• Niacinamide brightens and evens skin tone by reducing dark spots and post-acne marks while strengthening the moisture barrier for healthier skin.
• Ceramide NP provides deep hydration that lasts throughout the day, helping to repair damaged skin barriers and prevent moisture loss.
• Five soothing botanicals including Centella Asiatica, Heartleaf Extract, and Calendula calm inflammation, reduce redness, and support natural healing processes.
• The gel-cream texture absorbs quickly without leaving greasy residue, making it suitable for oily, combination, and sensitive skin types that need lightweight moisture.
• Clinically tested for sensitive skin and certified vegan, this Korean skincare product contains no parabens, sulfates, artificial colors, animal products, alcohol, mineral oil, or added fragrance.

Understanding the 345 Formula: What Makes This Cream Special

The 345 Relief Cream gets its name from its carefully designed ingredient structure. This is not just a marketing gimmick. The formula truly contains three distinct categories of active ingredients.

The 3 blemish relief ingredients work to address dark spots, acne marks, and uneven skin tone. Niacinamide leads this category. This powerful ingredient has been proven to reduce hyperpigmentation and improve skin texture. Plant extracts support this process by providing antioxidant protection.

Next come the 4 nourishing ingredients that feed your skin essential nutrients. Ceramide NP stands out here. This lipid molecule is naturally found in your skin barrier. When you apply it topically, it helps restore damaged barriers. Hyaluronic acid joins the team to attract and hold moisture deep within your skin layers.

The 5 soothing ingredients complete the formula. Centella Asiatica calms irritation and speeds healing. Heartleaf extract reduces inflammation. Calendula provides gentle care for sensitive skin. Together, these botanicals create a protective shield against daily stressors.

Key Ingredients That Make a Difference

The star ingredient is Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3. This ingredient has incredible benefits for troubled skin. It reduces the appearance of pores, evens out skin tone, and strengthens the moisture barrier. Research shows it can reduce acne marks by up to 60% with consistent use.

Ceramide NP is another essential component. Your skin naturally contains ceramides, but they decrease with age, sun damage, and harsh products. Replacing them helps restore your skin’s protective barrier. This means less water loss, better defense against irritants, and healthier skin overall.

PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) appears in the updated formula. This ingredient comes from salmon DNA. Before you feel weird about it, know that PDRN has powerful healing properties. It promotes cell regeneration, reduces inflammation, and speeds up the skin repair process.

Centella Asiatica has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Modern science confirms its benefits. This plant extract calms redness, supports wound healing, and provides antioxidant protection. People with rosacea and sensitive skin often see significant improvements.

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How to Use Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream for Best Results

Application timing matters for maximum benefits. Use this cream twice daily after cleansing and applying serums. The morning application provides protection throughout the day. The evening application supports overnight repair.

Start with a clean face. Remove all makeup, dirt, and oil. Apply your toner or essence first. These products prepare your skin to absorb the cream better. Wait a minute for them to sink in.

Take a small amount of the cream, about the size of a pea. This product spreads easily, so you do not need much. Warm it between your fingertips. This helps it glide smoothly across your skin.

Apply in upward motions from the center of your face outward. Focus on problem areas like cheeks, forehead, and chin. Do not forget your neck. The skin there ages quickly and deserves the same care.

Pat gently to help absorption. Avoid rubbing aggressively. Your skin is delicate, especially when irritated. Let the cream sink in for a few minutes before applying sunscreen in the morning.

Benefits You Can Expect from Regular Use

Reduced redness is often the first noticeable change. The soothing ingredients calm inflammation quickly. Users with rosacea and general sensitivity report less facial flushing after just one week.

Improved skin texture becomes apparent after two to three weeks. The nourishing ingredients smooth rough patches and refine skin surface. Your face feels softer and looks more even.

Faded dark spots take longer, usually four to six weeks. Niacinamide works gradually to break down excess melanin. Post-acne marks become lighter. Sun damage becomes less visible. Patience is key here.

Stronger moisture barrier develops over time. You will notice your skin feels more resilient. It reacts less to weather changes, stress, and products. This protective effect is one of the most valuable long-term benefits.

Who Should Use This Cream

Sensitive skin types benefit most from this gentle formula. If your skin turns red easily, stings with many products, or feels uncomfortable often, this cream provides relief without irritation.

Acne-prone skin finds support in the anti-inflammatory ingredients. The lightweight texture will not clog pores. The soothing components calm the redness and irritation that come with breakouts.

Post-acne recovery is where this cream truly shines. Those dark marks left behind after pimples heal respond well to niacinamide. The healing ingredients speed up the fading process.

Combination skin types appreciate the balanced formula. It hydrates dry areas without making oily zones greasy. The gel-cream texture absorbs quickly, leaving a comfortable finish.

Texture and Feel: What to Expect

The texture sits between a gel and a cream. It is not as light as a gel moisturizer, but not as thick as traditional face cream. This middle ground works well for many skin types.

When you first apply it, the cream feels rich and nourishing. Do not worry about the initial thickness. It absorbs within 30 to 60 seconds. You will not feel heavy or suffocated.

The finish is slightly dewy but not shiny. Your skin looks healthy and hydrated, not greasy. This makes it suitable for daytime wear under makeup. Many users with oily skin report that it does not increase shine throughout the day.

There is minimal scent. The cream has a very faint, clean smell that comes from the natural ingredients. It disappears quickly after application. People sensitive to fragrances find this aspect very appealing.

Comparing 345 Relief Cream with 147 Barrier Cream

Dr. Althea offers two main moisturizers: the 345 Relief Cream and the 147 Barrier Cream. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right one.

The 345 Relief Cream focuses on calming irritated skin and addressing blemishes. It is best for acne-prone, sensitive, and combination skin. The formula is lighter and absorbs faster.

The 147 Barrier Cream prioritizes deep hydration and barrier repair. It contains 1 ceramide complex, 4 hyaluronic acid types, and 7 plant extracts. This makes it richer and more suitable for very dry skin.

If you have oily or combination skin with occasional breakouts, choose the 345. If you have dry or dehydrated skin that feels tight and flaky, the 147 works better.

Real User Experiences and Testimonials

One user shared: “I have dry and sensitive skin, and this is the only cream that actually helped me. My skin tone and texture have evened out drastically.” This reflects the common experience of people with reactive skin.

Another person wrote: “After a week of using this, it has been AMAZING. My skin has been acting up for months. It was dehydrated, oily, sensitive, and textured.” This shows how quickly some people see results.

However, not everyone loves it. One reviewer mentioned: “I did not like this at all. It is very heavily scented and was very unbalanced, like it was too greasy but drying.” This reminds us that skincare is personal.

A positive review states: “This soothes, hydrates, and calms my redness!” Short and sweet, this captures the core benefits many users experience.

One person noted: “I love this moisturizer! It is especially for sensitive skin.” The gentle formulation wins over people who struggle to find products that do not irritate.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

Price is higher than drugstore options. At around $23 for 1.69 ounces, it costs more than basic moisturizers. However, the specialized ingredients and Korean skincare quality justify the cost for many users.

Scent sensitivity affects some people. While the fragrance is minimal and natural, a few users find even that slight smell irritating. If you are extremely sensitive to any scent, test it first.

Not rich enough for very dry skin types in harsh climates. People with severely dehydrated skin may need to layer this with a facial oil or richer cream, especially in winter.

Results take time for hyperpigmentation. While redness calms quickly, dark spots require weeks of consistent use. If you want instant results, you will be disappointed.

Availability can be limited. Not all stores carry Dr. Althea products. Ordering online is often necessary. This means waiting for shipping and being unable to test the product first.

How It Compares to Other Soothing Creams

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COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream is another K-beauty favorite. It focuses on healing and hydration through snail mucin. The texture is more gel-like. It is great for repair but does not address blemishes as directly as the 345 cream.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair is a French pharmacy staple. It contains ceramides and niacinamide like the Dr. Althea cream. The texture is lighter and more fluid. It is excellent for very sensitive skin but less focused on post-acne care.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream offers ceramides at a budget-friendly price. It is much thicker and better for body use or extremely dry skin. It lacks the soothing botanicals and blemish-fighting ingredients found in the 345 cream.

Tips for Maximizing Your Results

Patch test before full application. Apply a small amount on your inner wrist or behind your ear. Wait 24 hours to ensure no reaction occurs. This prevents wasting product if your skin does not like it.

Build up slowly if you have very sensitive skin. Start using it once a day for a week. If your skin responds well, increase to twice daily. This gentle approach prevents overwhelming reactive skin.

Pair with gentle products. Harsh cleansers or strong actives can counteract the cream’s soothing effects. Use a mild cleanser and avoid over-exfoliating.

Always wear sunscreen during the day. Niacinamide makes your skin more sensitive to sun damage as it brightens. Protect your results with daily SPF 30 or higher.

Take progress photos. Your brain adjusts to gradual changes, making them hard to notice. Weekly photos help you see real improvements over time.

Give it time. Most effective skincare ingredients need four to six weeks to show significant results. Do not give up after one week.

Where to Buy and What to Look For

Amazon offers the cream with reliable shipping and customer protection. Look for the official Dr. Althea store to ensure authenticity. The ASIN B0FKGJYFC8 corresponds to the newest formula version.

Ulta Beauty stocks Dr. Althea products in some stores and online. You can test it before buying if available near you. Points members get rewards on purchases.

YesStyle specializes in Asian beauty products. They often have sales and bundle deals. Shipping takes longer but prices can be lower.

Official Dr. Althea website guarantees authentic products. They sometimes offer promotions not available elsewhere. Direct purchase supports the brand.

Check for version labels. The updated formula (Ver.2) contains PDRN and improved ingredients. Make sure you are getting the latest version for best results.

Final Verdict: Is Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream Worth It

This cream delivers on its promises for the right skin types. If you have sensitive, combination, or acne-prone skin, it likely will benefit you. The formula is well-designed and backed by solid ingredients.

The multi-benefit approach saves time and money. Instead of buying separate products for soothing, hydrating, and brightening, you get all three in one jar. This simplifies your routine.

Value for money is good considering the quality ingredients and amount of product. The 1.69-ounce jar lasts about two months with twice-daily use. That breaks down to about $11.50 per month.

However, it is not perfect for everyone. Very dry skin types might need additional hydration. People seeking dramatic anti-aging results should add targeted treatments. Those on a tight budget might prefer more affordable options.

The cream works best when you have realistic expectations and give it adequate time. It will not transform your skin overnight. It will gradually improve texture, tone, and comfort with consistent use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream if I have oily skin?

Yes, the gel-cream texture absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy finish. Many people with oily and combination skin love this cream because it provides hydration without increasing shine. The lightweight formula will not clog your pores or make your face look oily throughout the day.

How long does it take to see results from this cream?

Calming effects appear within the first week as redness and irritation decrease. Improved texture becomes noticeable after two to three weeks. Fading dark spots and hyperpigmentation takes four to six weeks of consistent use. Remember that skincare results require patience and regular application.

Is Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream safe for sensitive skin?

Yes, this cream is clinically tested for sensitive skin. It contains no parabens, sulfates, artificial fragrances, or alcohol. The formula is gentle and focuses on calming irritation. However, everyone’s skin is unique, so patch testing before full application is always smart.

Can I use this cream with retinol or vitamin C?

Yes, you can combine this cream with active ingredients. The soothing and barrier-supporting properties actually help minimize irritation from strong actives like retinol. Apply your treatment products first, wait a few minutes, then apply the cream to seal everything in and provide calming support.

Does this cream help with acne breakouts?

The cream helps calm inflammation and redness associated with acne. It will not treat active breakouts like a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid product would. However, it excels at healing post-acne marks and preventing inflammation that leads to new breakouts. It works best as part of a complete acne care routine.

Should I refrigerate Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream?

Refrigeration is not necessary. Store the cream in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Some people like to refrigerate it for an extra cooling, soothing sensation upon application, especially if they have inflamed or sunburned skin. This is optional and based on personal preference.

Can I use this cream on my neck and chest?

Absolutely! The beneficial ingredients work well on any skin area. Your neck and chest are often neglected but age quickly. Extending your facial skincare to these areas helps maintain even skin tone and texture. The cream absorbs easily enough that you will not feel sticky or uncomfortable.

Is the 345 Relief Cream vegan and cruelty-free?

Yes, Dr. Althea certifies this product as vegan. It contains no animal-derived ingredients. The brand also states they do not test on animals. If ethical beauty practices matter to you, this cream aligns with those values.