We are often asked: which Dr. Althea cream is best for my skin?
The Korean brand is particularly appreciated for its gentle and effective formulas, designed to respect even the most delicate skin. Two treatments stand out: the 345 Relief Cream and the 147 Barrier Cream. Although they look similar on paper, their uses are quite different.
Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream : when your skin needs calm
The 345 Relief Cream is the treatment we recommend when the skin shows signs of sensitivity: redness, discomfort, tightness, or frequent reactions. It acts as a true “bandage” treatment, helping the skin regain its natural balance.
Its deliberately minimalist formula was designed to minimize the risk of reactions. It contains no fragrance or alcohol, making it an excellent choice for reactive or weakened skin. Despite its lightness, it provides effective and long-lasting hydration.
What this cream brings to the skin:
- An immediate soothing sensation
- Comfortable hydration without a heavy feel
- Support for the skin barrier when it is weakened
At the heart of the formula:
- Madecassoside, derived from Centella Asiatica, known to help the skin repair and calm itself
- Ceramides, essential for protecting the skin and limiting dehydration
- Panthenol (vitamin B5), to boost hydration and improve daily comfort
From the very first uses, the skin is softer and less reactive. Over time, the complexion becomes more even and sensations of discomfort fade.

A texture easy to incorporate into any routine
The texture of the 345 Relief Cream is light, melting, and absorbs quickly. It is suitable for both combination and sensitive skin, and can be used alone or combined with other treatments. It is an ideal cream for everyday use, especially during the day.
Dr. Althea 147 Barrier Cream : intense nourishment and long-lasting protection
Dr. Althea's 147 Barrier Cream was designed to meet the needs of dry, weakened, or uncomfortable skin. Thanks to its rich and balanced formulation, it works on several levels: hydration, soothing, and strengthening the skin barrier.
At the heart of this cream is a synergy of 47 botanical extracts, carefully selected for their soothing, protective, and rebalancing properties. These plant extracts help the skin better resist external aggressors such as cold, pollution, or temperature fluctuations.
A rich cream enriched with postbiotics, ceramides, and panthenol, it strengthens the microbiome and skin barrier, soothes discomfort, and limits dehydration. Its creamy, non-greasy texture intensely nourishes, protects long-term, and helps the skin regain suppleness, comfort, and balance, ideal for dry or weakened skin.

345 or 147 : what is the difference?
Even though they belong to the same brand, these two creams meet distinct needs:
345 Relief Cream: perfect for soothing, hydrating, and maintaining the balance of sensitive, combination, or blemish-prone skin.
147 Barrier Cream : richer, it is designed to intensely nourish and protect dry, very dry, or weakened skin.
Our recommendation: many customers choose to use the 345 Relief Cream in the morning for its light comfort, and the 147 Barrier Cream in the evening to help the skin regenerate overnight.
Our opinion
If your skin tends to react easily, the 345 Relief Cream is an excellent choice to soothe it and quickly restore comfort. The 147 Barrier Cream, on the other hand, will be better suited for skin lacking nourishment and protection. Depending on your skin type and the season, they can be used separately or combined for a complete routine inspired by Korean skincare.
