DR.ALTHEA 345 Relief Cream — Gel-crème réparateur post-acné

This multi-layer formula orchestrates 12 active ingredients around a clinical triptych: soothe, repair, protect.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) — Present at 5%, this water-soluble form regulates sebum production, evens out skin tone, and fades post-inflammatory marks. Its effect on the skin barrier has been documented from a 2% concentration.

Panthenol (Pro-vitamin B5) — At 3%, it captures water in the upper layers of the epidermis and reduces visible inflammation. Its concentration here allows a tangible repairing effect on fragile skin.

Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract — At 2.5%, this leaf extract (no stem) contains madecassosides that inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Result: redness reduced after 2-3 weeks of continuous use.

Resveratrol — A polyphenol derived from red grapes, it neutralizes free radicals and protects against photoaging. Its antioxidant action complements that of Niacinamide in preventing spots.

Ceramide NP — This biomimetic lipid rebuilds the intercellular cement and locks in hydration. Essential for repairing a barrier damaged by acne or active treatments.

Hyaluronic Acid (hydrolyzed) — In fragmented form, it penetrates better and plumps the epidermis without an occlusive effect. Ideal for combination to oily skin that fears suffocation.

☀️ Morning routine

1. After toner, apply 2-3 drops of your usual serum (vitamin C, azelaic acid…)
2. On a still slightly damp face, take a pea-sized amount of 345 Relief Cream
3. Spread by gently pressing, from the center outward — the gel texture melts instantly
4. Wait 60 seconds, then seal with your SPF50+ sunscreen (Centella boosts its effectiveness on damp skin)

🌙 Evening routine

1. If you use a strong active ingredient (retinol, BHA, AHA), apply it on dry skin
2. Wait 20 minutes, then spray a soothing mist or toner
3. Apply the 345 Relief Cream: it buffers irritation without canceling the active’s effectiveness
4. In winter or after a peel, you can layer a second coat on dehydrated areas (cheeks, eye contour)

MPC tip : Keep a tube in the fridge — applied cool after sun exposure or a clay mask, the vasoconstrictive effect on redness is immediate.

This gel cream is designed for skin seeking comfort — not heavy nourishment.

• Reactive sensitive skin — If your face feels tight after cleansing, reddens with slight temperature changes, or stings with most cosmetics, Centella 2.5% + Panthenol 3% soothe overactive nerve endings.
• Post-acne or post-treatment — Recent scars, brown spots, peeling flaking: the Niacinamide 5% + Ceramide NP duo speeds up regeneration without comedogenic risk (clinically tested non-comedogenic).
• Combination to oily skin seeking hydration — Avoiding rich textures but your skin dehydrates? The multi-layer structure (aqueous phase + light emollients) delivers water without a greasy film.
• Support for powerful actives — Using retinol, tretinoin, AHA/BHA? Applied 20 minutes after, it buffers irritation while preserving the active’s effectiveness (dermatologically validated technique).
• Seasonal transition — When the air cools and your usual cream is no longer enough, it integrates as an intermediate layer before a richer cream or alone in summer.

Avoid if : You are looking for an ultra-nourishing cream for very dry skin (prefer DR.ALTHEA 147 Barrier Cream, richer). In case of active inflammatory acne (pustules, nodules), consult a dermatologist first.

The effects unfold in layers, just like the formula itself.

Immediate (0-30 minutes) : Sensation of freshness, visible reduction of diffuse redness. In a clinical study conducted by the Korea Institute of Dermatological Sciences, hydration jumped by 177.34% and soothing by 8.88% from the first application.

Short term (7-14 days) : Skin texture refines, pores appear tightened (action of Niacinamide on sebum regulation). Morning tightness fades — a sign that the barrier is rebuilding.

Medium term (3-4 weeks) : Post-inflammatory marks begin to fade (synergy of Niacinamide + Resveratrol). The skin better tolerates exfoliating actives or cold. This is when users report a real difference in the mirror.

Long term (8-12 weeks) : Texture evens out, overall reactivity decreases. You can reintroduce richer treatments or complex layering without triggering a reaction — proof that your barrier has strengthened.

What the 345 will not do : treat active acne (no keratolytic active), erase deep wrinkles (it’s not a pure anti-aging), replace a body cream for extensive atopic skin.

What is the difference between 345 Relief Cream and 147 Barrier Cream?

345 is a lightweight gel cream focused on soothing and post-acne repair — ideal for sensitive, combination, or oily skin. 147 is richer, with a balm texture, designed for dry to very dry skin needing deep reconstruction of the hydrolipidic film. You can combine them: 345 in the morning, 147 in the evening during winter.

Can I use it with retinol or acids (AHA/BHA)?

Absolutely. 345 Relief Cream is even recommended to buffer irritation caused by these actives. Apply your retinol or acid on dry skin, wait 20 minutes, then seal with the cream. Centella Asiatica is recognized in dermatology for reducing peeling and redness caused by retinol without canceling its effectiveness.

Is it suitable for acne-prone skin?

Yes, it is clinically tested non-comedogenic. However, it does not treat active acne (no BHA, benzoyl peroxide, or keratolytic active). It excels in the healing phase: once pimples have calmed, it fades residual redness, plumps dehydrated skin, and accelerates regeneration thanks to 5% Niacinamide and Ceramide NP.

How long does a 50 ml tube last?

About 2 to 3 months with daily use morning and evening (recommended amount: a pea-sized amount per application). If you use it occasionally as a buffer with a strong active, one tube can last 4 to 6 months.

Can I apply it around the eyes?

Technically yes (gentle formula, fragrance-free, and no essential oils), but the eye area has specific needs (firming, microcirculation). For best results on dark circles or fine lines, use a dedicated eye serum first, then seal with a light touch of 345 Relief Cream if your skin is very dry.

Is the texture suitable under makeup?

Perfectly. The gel-cream formula absorbs in less than 60 seconds and leaves a slightly dewy velvety finish — excellent under a liquid foundation or BB cream. Avoid layering a mattifying powder immediately: wait 2 minutes for the cream to be fully absorbed, otherwise pilling may occur.

DR.ALTHEA was founded in 2014 in Seoul by Evelyn Lee after a personal journey marked by sensitive skin. The brand name weaves together two heritages: "Dr" for the rigorous dermatological approach, and "Althea" in tribute to the South Korean national flower (Mugunghwa) and Aletheia, the Greek goddess of truth and sincerity. This dual reference expresses the brand’s philosophy: reconnecting with nature through botanically selected ingredients proven effective, while relying on clinical research.

Each DR.ALTHEA product is developed in collaboration with dermatologists and cosmetic researchers, ensuring minimal yet powerful formulas—never more than 40 ingredients per product. The brand claims its commitment to vegan (no animal-derived ingredients), cruelty-free, and the use of recyclable FSC packaging. All skincare products are made in South Korea, where quality control follows the strictest K-beauty standards.

Among the best-sellers are the Vitamin C Boosting Serum (63% sea buckthorn water), the Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm (patented grinding mechanism), and of course the Relief line: 345 for sensitive/combination skin, 147 for dry skin. The brand has been rapidly expanding in Europe, Russia, and Japan since 2020, supported by a community of skincare addicts who value INCI transparency and clinically tested efficacy.

Discover the entire DR.ALTHEA range

Full INCI (source: incidecoder.com, incibeauty.com):

Water (solvent), Propanediol (plant-based humectant), Glycerin (moisturizer), Cyclohexasiloxane (silicone emollient), 1,2-Hexanediol (mild preservative), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (coconut-derived emollient), Niacinamide (5% — brightening, anti-inflammatory), Panthenol (3% — repairing, soothing), Polyglycerin-3, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Hydrogenated Polydecene, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract (antibacterial), Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract (omega-6 fatty acids), Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract, Sargassum Fulvellum Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract (2.5% — healing), Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract (prickly pear, vitamin E), Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract (antioxidant), Sodium Hyaluronate (surface hydration), Hydrogenated Lecithin, Empetrum Nigrum Fruit Juice, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, C14-22 Alcohols, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyquaternium-51, Tromethamine, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Beta-Glucan (nourishing polysaccharide), Resveratrol (antioxidant polyphenol), Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid (deep penetration), Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol (vitamin E), Ceramide NP (barrier repair), Adenosine (anti-wrinkle), Oligopeptide-1 (regeneration), Glycine Soja Sterols.

Note : Vegan formula, free of synthetic fragrance, essential oils, parabens, and sulfates. Concentrations of key actives sourced from the manufacturer (Niacinamide 5%, Panthenol 3%, Centella 2.5%) and verified INCI databases (incidecoder, skinsort). The rest of the list follows the INCI regulatory descending concentration order.