The Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream is a Korean soothing cream formulated with Centella Asiatica, designed to restore the skin barrier and calm sensitive or damaged skin. In 2026, it's one of the most sought-after products on our site, and for good reason: it combines a light texture, a fragrance-free formula, and documented efficacy on redness and tightness. It is particularly suitable for sensitive, combination, and dehydrated skin. It is not suitable if you are looking for a powerful anti-aging treatment or a very nourishing cream for very dry skin.
In this article: deciphered INCI composition, texture test, week-by-week results, compatibility with active ingredients, and the skin profiles for which it truly works (or not).
What the 345 Relief Cream truly contains 🔬
The formula is based on three main active pillars. Centella Asiatica (madecassoside, asiaticoside) is the central ingredient: it reduces skin inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which translates concretely into a visible reduction in redness within 2 to 3 weeks of regular use. A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology confirms its effectiveness on sensitized skin with two daily applications.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (aloe vera) provides immediate hydration and enhances the soothing effect without weighing down the texture. Secondary botanical extracts (green tea extract, pine extract) complement the antioxidant profile. The formula is free of parabens, synthetic fragrance, and mineral oils, which explains why it passes the test for even the most demanding reactive skin. It is officially classified as non-comedogenic.
On the scale of concerning ingredients, quechoisir.org (present in position 7 on the SERP) notes an overall clean composition, with no major alerts on endocrine disruptors or classic allergens.
Our test: textures, sensations, and week-by-week results 📊
The texture is the first pleasant surprise. It is lighter than expected for a soothing cream: neither gel nor balm, it falls into an intermediate zone that we describe as a "thick gel-cream". Absorption is quick, between 30 and 45 seconds on clean skin, with no sticky residue.
On combination skin sensitized by winter or an exfoliant, results progress predictably:
- Week 1: reduced post-cleansing tightness, immediate comfort after application. Diffuse redness begins to fade slightly.
- Week 2: the skin barrier appears more stable. Areas of reactive dryness (around the nostrils, cheeks) are significantly less uncomfortable.
- Week 3: redness visibly reduced on the cheeks. Skin appears more even upon waking. No spectacular "new skin" effect, but sustained comfort over time.
On dehydrated oily skin, it works well provided it is applied in a thin layer. Too much product on already sebaceous skin can create a slightly shiny appearance, especially on the T-zone.
On very dry skin, it soothes but does not hydrate enough on its own. It should be layered with a strongly humectant serum (such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin) to achieve a satisfactory result.
How to properly use 345 Relief Cream morning and night ✅
The 345 Relief Cream is applied after serum, as the penultimate step in your routine. In the morning, it prepares the skin before sunscreen. In the evening, it locks in hydration and supports nightly regeneration.
Recommended routine to maximize its effects:
- Gentle cleanser (sulfate-free)
- Hydrating toner or essence
- Targeted serum (Centella, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid depending on your concern)
- 345 Relief Cream (1 to 2 pumps, warm between palms before applying)
- Morning only: SPF 50+ as a finishing touch
The ideal amount is a pea-sized amount for the entire face. Less is more: a thin layer penetrates better than a thick layer and avoids the undesirable occlusive effect on combination skin.
Expert tip: Many apply their cream to dry skin after the serum has absorbed. On slightly damp skin, the 345 Relief Cream seals in residual water, and the efficacy of Centella is amplified. The timing between serum and cream: 30 to 60 seconds maximum, no more.
Compatibilities with other active ingredients: what works and what doesn't 🧪
The 345 Relief Cream is one of the most compatible creams on the K-Beauty market, precisely because its formula is minimalist and pH neutral. Here are the tested combinations:
| Associated active ingredient | Compatibility | Observed result |
|---|---|---|
| Niacinamide (serum) | Excellent | Soothing and anti-redness synergy, no irritation |
| Hyaluronic acid | Excellent | The 345 seals the humectant, prolonged hydration |
| Retinol (low concentration) | Good | Reduces retinol irritation, apply after |
| Exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA) | Good (not simultaneous) | Ideal as a recovery cream at night post-exfoliation |
| Vitamin C (ascorbic) | Neutral | No interaction, apply vitamin C first |
| Retinol (high concentration) | To be monitored | May reduce retinol efficacy if too occlusive |
On the specific issue of retinol: Centella Asiatica is recognized in dermatology for reducing desquamation and erythema induced by retinol. The 345 Relief Cream is therefore a relevant option as a "buffer" (applied after retinol to cushion the reaction), provided you do not want to push for maximum retinol penetration.
Source: Dermatology and Therapy, "Management of retinoid-induced skin reactions"
Who is it really for? The 4 profiles 💡
The 345 Relief Cream is not a universal cream. Here are the 4 profiles for which it works (or not) in a documented way:
- Sensitive or reactive skin: this is its main playground. It calms without irritating, without fragrance or irritating alcohol. Visible results in 2 to 3 weeks.
- Dehydrated combination skin: it hydrates without weighing down the T-zone, provided it is applied in a thin layer. It works on the U-zone without excess sebum on the T-zone.
- Recovering skin: post-peeling, post-laser, reaction to an overly strong active ingredient. This is where it truly excels, with a fast repairing barrier effect.
- Very dry skin in winter: it soothes but does not nourish enough on its own. It should be combined with a very humectant serum or a dry oil on top for very dehydrated skin in winter.
It is less suitable if you have oily skin with constant excess sebum and no sensitivity, or if you are looking for a visible anti-aging effect (no active ingredient such as retinol, peptide, or glycolic acid in the formula).
If you are unsure of your skin type, Holy Skin's free skin diagnosis guides you to the cream adapted to your exact skin profile.
345 Relief Cream vs 147 Cream: which to choose? 🔎
This is the most frequent question about Dr Althea, and it regularly comes up in Google searches (the "345 vs 147" comparison is in the top 10 related queries). Here is the clear distinction:
- The 345 Relief Cream is a soothing and barrier cream. Its objective is to calm, protect, and lightly hydrate. It is suitable for sensitive, combination, and recovering skin.
- The 147 Cream is richer, with an action more geared towards nourishment and the reconstruction of the hydrolipidic film. It is better suited for dry to very dry skin that needs deep comfort.
If you hesitate: sensitive skin + desired lightness, choose the 345. Dry skin + need for intense nourishment, the 147 is more appropriate. Both can coexist in the same routine if you use the 345 in the morning and the 147 at night in winter.
To explore all the Korean moisturizing creams available at Holy Skin, the Korean moisturizing creams collection groups all options by skin profile.
What to remember before buying ✨
The Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream is a solid, well-formulated, non-comedogenic soothing cream suitable for a wide range of sensitive skin types. It is not an anti-aging cream, nor a very nourishing cream for very dry skin: its role is to gently calm, protect, and restore the barrier.
Three key takeaways: it works best on slightly damp skin, it is an excellent buffer to accompany strong active ingredients like retinol or BHAs, and its results on redness are documented within 2 to 3 weeks. If your skin is sensitive, reactive, or recovering, it is a consistent investment.
To further enhance your routine, explore the complete selection of Korean moisturizing creams to find the one that perfectly matches your skin type.
