Dr. Althea built its reputation on 345 Relief Cream, a barrier-repair cream that became one of the most reordered moisturizers in K-beauty, before expanding into a niacinamide serum, vitamin C line, and a PDRN-based anti-aging range. Here's how the collection actually breaks down.
345 Relief Cream: the barrier repair line
The 345 Relief Cream (also in 15ml) is built to calm and repair a compromised skin barrier rather than target a specific concern — the reason it works across dry, sensitive, and reactive skin types alike. The line extends into a Relief Cream Mist (also in 60ml) for reapplying moisture throughout the day, a Relief Cream Mask for a deeper treatment, and the newer 345 Relief Serum for layering underneath. The 147 Barrier Cream sits alongside it as an alternative formula for the same barrier-focused goal.
Niacinamide and Vitamin C: the brightening actives
The 15% Niacinamide Purity Serum targets dullness and uneven tone, and pairs well with either the Vitamin C Boosting Serum or the gentler Gentle Vitamin C Serum for more targeted brightening. For dark spots and discoloration specifically, the Melaclear Cream adds a more concentrated correcting step.
PDRN and anti-aging actives
The PDRN Reju 5000 Cream targets recovery and firmness, and the 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum covers fine lines at a beginner-friendly strength. For the eye area specifically, the To Be Youthful Eye Serum and Retinol Flat Iron Eye Roller combine actives with a cooling metal applicator, and the Eye Lash Boost Serum targets lash growth specifically.
Aqua Marine: the hydration line
The Aqua Marine Watery Cream, Aqua Marine Deep Serum, and Aqua Marine Jelly Mist focus purely on hydration, built for skin that needs water more than actives.
Cleansing
The Gentle Pore Vegan Cleansing Oil handles the first cleanse, followed by the Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser or Green Relief Amino Gel Cleanser as the water-based second step. The Pore Refresh Grinding Cleansing Balm adds light exfoliation, and the Premium Quick Step Sebum Cleanser covers a fast, no-rinse option.
Masks and sun protection
The Jelly Seal Repair Mask, Aqua Blue Hydration Mask, Cushion Veil Calming Mask, and Vita Glow Mask each target a different concern in the same jelly-mask format. For sun protection, the Green Tea Fresh Sunscreen and Aqua Glowing Sunscreen cover daily protection with two different finishes.
Frequently asked questions
What makes 345 Relief Cream different from a regular moisturizer?
It's formulated to repair a compromised skin barrier rather than just hydrate — useful specifically when skin feels reactive, tight, or irritated rather than only dry.
Should I use niacinamide serum or vitamin C serum for brightening?
Niacinamide works more broadly on tone and oil balance; vitamin C targets brightening and antioxidant protection more directly. Many routines use niacinamide in one step and vitamin C at a different time of day rather than choosing only one.
Is the 0.1% retinol serum suitable for first-time users?
Yes — it's formulated at a beginner-friendly concentration specifically so first-time retinol users can introduce it without the irritation a stronger formula might cause.
Ready to build a routine? Browse Korean Skincare (K-Beauty), or shop Niacinamide across every brand we carry.