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Dr. Althea Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream — Korean skincare product photo
Dr. Althea

Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream

Quick verdict

  • Best for:Sensitive, dehydrated, post-blemish skin that wants a light daily moisturizer
  • Skip if:You need a rich night cream or expect a moisturizer to clear acne on its own
  • Key ingredient:Rice-derived PDRN + niacinamide
See ratings on Amazon· Check the current price on Amazon

A lightweight vegan gel cream formulated with rice-derived PDRN, niacinamide, ceramide, hyaluronic acid, and soothing plant ingredients to hydrate sensitive, blemish-prone skin without a heavy finish.

Our verdict

Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream Ver. 2 is a daily moisturizer designed for dehydrated, sensitive, and post-blemish skin. Amazon reviewers frequently praise its strong moisturizing performance, lightweight texture, and ability to leave the skin feeling soft without excessive greasiness. Many users also report that it helps calm the appearance of redness and gives dull skin a brighter, healthier-looking finish. However, skin compatibility is mixed. Some reviewers with sensitive skin find the cream comfortable and soothing, while others report breakouts. The product should therefore be viewed as a supportive moisturizer rather than a treatment guaranteed to clear acne or remove post-acne marks. The updated formula is officially described as vegan, non-comedogenic tested, and suitable for daily use in acne-prone skincare routines.

What stands out

  • Lightweight Gel-Cream Texture — Delivers moisture with a silky finish that does not feel excessively rich
  • Rice-Derived PDRN — Contains sodium DNA derived from rice bran rather than salmon-derived PDRN
  • Niacinamide — Helps improve the appearance of dullness and uneven-looking skin tone
  • Ceramide NP — Supports moisture retention and a healthier-looking skin barrier
  • Soothing Ingredient Blend — Centella, tea tree leaf water, madecassoside, and panthenol help support sensitive-feeling skin
  • Non-Comedogenic Tested — Formulated and tested with acne-prone skin in mind, according to the brand

Key ingredients

  • Niacinamide
  • Sodium DNA from rice-bran PDRN
  • Ceramide NP
  • Sodium Hyaluronate
  • Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
  • Panthenol
  • Centella Asiatica Leaf Water
  • Madecassoside
  • Tea Tree Leaf Water
  • Beta-Glucan
  • Resveratrol

How to use

After cleansing, toner, and serum, apply an appropriate amount evenly over the face and neck. Gently pat until absorbed. Use morning and evening as the final moisturizing step of your routine. During the day, follow with broad-spectrum sunscreen. Those with reactive or acne-prone skin should patch-test first and introduce the cream gradually.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Lightweight gel-cream texture that finishes without a greasy film
  • Niacinamide and ceramide NP support the moisture barrier and dull-looking tone
  • Soothing blend of centella, madecassoside, panthenol and tea tree leaf water
  • Vegan formula, non-comedogenic tested by the brand
  • Layers comfortably under sunscreen and makeup

Cons

  • Skin compatibility is mixed — some Amazon reviewers report breakouts
  • Not rich enough on its own for very dry skin in winter
  • Improvements in redness are supportive, not guaranteed

Frequently asked questions

Is the Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream good for acne-prone skin?

It is non-comedogenic tested and formulated with blemish-prone skin in mind, including tea tree leaf water and centella. However, some Amazon reviewers with acne-prone skin report breakouts, so patch-test and introduce it gradually. It is a supportive moisturizer, not an acne treatment.

Can I use it with retinol or exfoliating acids?

Yes — the formula contains no conflicting actives, and its ceramide and panthenol content makes it a comfortable buffering moisturizer over retinoids or acids. Introduce only one new product at a time so you can identify the cause if irritation appears.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

The Ver. 2 formula is marketed for sensitive skin and includes several soothing ingredients. Individual tolerance still varies, and a small number of reviewers report irritation, so patch-testing before full-face use is the safest approach.

Does it help with redness and dark spots?

Niacinamide and madecassoside can improve the appearance of redness and uneven tone with consistent use. It is not a treatment for rosacea or melasma, and results on post-blemish marks are gradual and vary by person.

How long does one tube last?

That depends on how much you use per application. The gel-cream spreads easily, so a small amount covers the face, and most daily users find a single tube lasts several weeks to a couple of months with twice-daily use.

Who should buy it

  • You want a light, layerable daily moisturizer for sensitive or dehydrated skin
  • Your skin is recovering from blemishes and looks dull or uneven
  • You use actives like retinoids or acids and need a gentle buffering cream

Who should skip it

  • You have very dry skin that needs a rich occlusive cream
  • You expect a moisturizer to clear active breakouts on its own
  • Your skin has reacted to niacinamide or botanical extracts before

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The official ingredient list confirms that Ver. 2 contains sodium DNA, ceramide NP, multiple hydrating ingredients, and several soothing botanical components. Price and rating information may change. Check Amazon for the latest details.

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