Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream: what's in it and how to use it for redness-prone, oily skin
Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream is a light moisturizer for oily or combination skin that also gets red and irritated easily. Its formula pairs niacinamide and panthenol with centella asiatica and a long list of plant extracts, so skin looks calmer and stays hydrated without a heavy, greasy feel. Use a pea-sized amount after serum, morning and night, and finish with sunscreen in the morning.
What's in it
The ingredient list is long, but a few ingredients do most of the work:
- Niacinamide. A form of vitamin B3 that appears high on the list. It's widely used for the look of uneven tone and leftover marks after breakouts, and to support a healthy-looking skin barrier.
- Panthenol. Also known as provitamin B5, a humectant that helps skin feel soft and comfortable.
- Centella asiatica. A classic soothing botanical in Korean skincare, often called cica.
- Ceramide NP and sodium hyaluronate. Help skin hold moisture and feel less tight.
- Resveratrol and tocopherol (vitamin E). Antioxidant ingredients.
- A blend of plant extracts, including houttuynia cordata, calendula, turmeric root and lavender flower extract.
The cream is vegan and made without artificial fragrance or colorants. It does contain several plant extracts, including lavender extract, which some very fragrance-sensitive people prefer to avoid. That's worth knowing if you've reacted to botanical products before. It comes in a 50 ml tube.
Why it works for redness-prone, oily skin
Oily skin that also flushes or stings easily is tricky to moisturize. Rich creams can feel heavy and leave skin looking shiny, while skipping moisturizer often makes skin feel tight and more reactive. This cream sits in between. It has a soft, lightweight texture that sinks in, with soothing and barrier-supporting ingredients that help skin look calmer.
It's also a good fit if you're using other products that can be drying, such as acne-focused cleansers or exfoliants. A comfortable moisturizer makes those easier to stick with.
How to use it
- Cleanse gently. Use lukewarm water and a mild cleanser. Hot water and harsh scrubbing make redness more noticeable.
- Apply toner and serum if you use them. A watery hydrating serum underneath works well for skin that is oily but dehydrated.
- Smooth on a pea-sized amount. Spread it over your face with light pressure. Use a little more on drier areas if you need it.
- Morning: Let it absorb for a minute, then apply sunscreen as your last step. Reapply every two hours when you are outdoors.
- Night: Use it as your final step, or after a treatment product your skin already tolerates.
Tips for reactive skin
- Patch test along the jawline for several days before using it on your full face.
- Introduce it on its own, not in the same week as other new products.
- Keep the rest of your routine simple while you're working out what calms your skin. Fewer products usually means fewer surprises.
- Redness that is persistent, spreading, painful or comes with bumps or eye irritation is worth bringing to a healthcare professional. A moisturizer helps skin look and feel more comfortable, but it isn't a substitute for advice.
What not to combine it with
The cream itself is gentle, so the main thing to watch is the rest of your routine:
- Lots of niacinamide in several products. If you also use a high-strength niacinamide serum, like The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, introduce them one at a time. Some sensitive skin flushes with heavy niacinamide layering. If you notice that, use them at different times of day.
- Several strong actives at once. Pairing retinoids, exfoliating acids and spicule products in one routine is a common reason redness-prone skin flares. This cream won't cancel that out.
- Heavy oils on top if you're breakout-prone. The cream is designed to be enough on its own for oily skin.
Who it's for
- Oily and combination skin that turns red or feels irritated easily.
- Breakout-prone skin, and anyone who wants leftover marks after breakouts to look less noticeable.
- People using drying acne products who need a light, comfortable moisturizer alongside them.
- Anyone looking for a vegan moisturizer without artificial fragrance.
Who should skip it
- Very dry skin that needs a rich, occlusive cream. This one may not feel like enough, especially in winter.
- People who react to botanical extracts such as lavender, calendula or turmeric.
- Anyone who has noticed flushing from niacinamide before.
FAQ
Is Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream good for acne-prone skin?
It's designed with oily and breakout-prone skin in mind and has a light texture. As with any new product, patch test first and watch how your skin responds over a few weeks.
Does it contain fragrance?
It is made without artificial fragrance. It does contain plant extracts, including lavender flower extract, which can have a natural scent.
Can I use it with retinol?
Yes, many people use a gentle moisturizer like this alongside retinoids. Apply it after your retinoid at night, and don't add other strong actives the same night.
Is it vegan?
Yes, the cream is vegan.
Can I use it in the morning under makeup?
Yes. It absorbs quickly. Follow with sunscreen, then makeup.
Will it make redness go away?
It helps skin look calmer and feel more comfortable, but it isn't a medical treatment. Persistent redness is worth having checked.
Where to find it
You can find Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream in our shop, or browse our redness and sensitivity collection for other gentle options. Orders ship free within the US and usually arrive in about two business days.