Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream Review: Does It Really Work?

As with many hit Korean beauty products at the moment, the Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream has been making waves in the skincare world, going viral for its fuss-free, calming formula that many praise as a saviour for acne-prone complexions.

Unlike heavier creams that risk clogging pores, this one promises a lightweight texture that soothes without suffocating the skin. It’s gained popularity for its simple approach, no unnecessary frills, just a focus on calming irritation and supporting skin health. In this Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream review, we put this bestselling cream to the test to see if it really is worth all the hype.

What Does The Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream Claim

Dr. Althea positions the 345 Relief Cream as a gentle, soothing moisturiser designed especially for reactive and acne-prone skin. The formula is free from fragrance, which makes it a safe choice for sensitive complexions.

At the heart of the cream are three hero ingredients:

• Centella Asiatica Extract – well-loved for its calming, anti-inflammatory properties.
• Niacinamide – brightens the skin tone, strengthens the barrier, and helps reduce post-breakout marks.
• Panthenol – deeply soothing and moisturising, keeping skin soft and comfortable.

Together, these create a cream that aims to calm redness, hydrate lightly, and give the skin the chance to heal in peace.

Our Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream Review

What struck me first about the Dr Althea 345 Cream was its texture. I’d read that it was lightweight, but I still wasn’t prepared for how feather-soft and almost gel-like it felt on the skin. It absorbed in seconds, leaving behind no heaviness, just a comfortable veil of moisture. The absence of fragrance added to its appeal; it felt like a simple, no-fuss cream that prioritised soothing and calming benefits rather than distracting add-ons.

At the time I started using it, my skin was far from its best. I was dealing with multiple concerns at once: active breakouts across my cheeks and jawline, lingering post-breakout marks that were still red and inflamed, a scattering of closed comedones, and an overall lack of radiance that made my skin look dull and uneven. Texture issues only made matters worse, leaving my complexion looking rough and unsettled.

After around two weeks of using the cream day and night, I began to notice small but consistent improvements. The angry redness around healing breakouts seemed to soften, making my skin appear calmer overall. Active blemishes still surfaced, but they looked less inflamed and acne scars faded more quickly than usual. This cream didn’t behave like a targeted acne treatment; it wasn’t designed to eliminate breakouts, but it worked quietly in the background to support my skin’s recovery. The difference it made to post-inflammatory erythema was especially noticeable, as the redness gradually became less prominent, giving my complexion a much more even tone.

One pleasant surprise was how the cream impacted my closed comedones. They didn’t vanish completely, which I hadn’t expected from a moisturiser anyway, but the bumps became less obvious, and my skin’s overall texture looked smoother. This made me realise how well the formula complemented actives like exfoliants, acting as a supportive base without adding any irritation.

As a daily moisturiser, it delivered comfortable hydration, though I wouldn’t call it deeply nourishing. My skin felt plump and balanced, but if you struggle with very dry skin, this cream might not be sufficient on its own. In that case, I’d recommend layering it underneath a richer cream to lock in extra hydration. For my combination skin, however, it was the right amount – hydrating enough to keep my skin soft and supple, but never greasy or heavy.

Perhaps the most unexpected result was the brightness it brought to my complexion. I know it contains niacinamide, but I hadn’t anticipated such a visible improvement in glow. Over time, my skin looked less lacklustre and far more refreshed, with an overall healthier appearance that made me reach for less makeup.

FAQs About the Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream

Q: Is the Dr. Althea 345 Cream good for dry skin?
A: It offers light hydration and a soothing feel, but it’s not deeply nourishing. If you have very dry skin, you may want to layer a richer cream or oil on top.

Q: Can you use the Dr. Althea 345 Cream with actives like retinol or acids?
A: Yes, its gentle, fragrance-free formula makes it a great pairing with stronger actives, helping to calm irritation and support barrier repair.

Q: Does the Dr. Althea 345 Cream help with acne?
A: It isn’t a targeted acne treatment, but it does calm inflammation and redness, helping breakouts heal more evenly and comfortably.

Q: Is the Dr. Althea 345 Cream suitable for sensitive skin?
A: Yes, the simple formula avoids fragrance and heavy irritants, making it a safe choice for sensitive or reactive skin types.

Q: How long does it take to see results?
A: Many people notice calming effects within a couple of weeks of consistent use, especially when it comes to reducing redness and irritation.

The Relief Cream delivers exactly what it sets out to: a simple, lightweight, soothing moisturiser that complements acne-prone skin beautifully. It’s not the most hydrating cream out there, nor is it a spot treatment, but it works quietly in the background to calm inflammation, reduce redness, and support healing. If your skin struggles with irritation, breakouts, or post-inflammatory marks, this is a great everyday option that won’t overwhelm your complexion. In our Dr Althea 325 Relief Cream review, we rate it a 9/10.

For the lowdown on more Korean skincare, check out our Beauty of Joseon review or our Medicube review to see if their bestsellers live up to the hype.