K-Beauty Brand Spotlight
Dr. Althea: Gentle Science for Sensitive Skin
In the ever-evolving world of K-beauty, few brands stand out quite like Dr. Althea. Whether you’re new to Korean skincare or a long-time fan, chances are you’ve come across Dr. Althea’s gentle yet effective products. But what exactly sets this brand apart, and how can you build the perfect routine using its innovative formulations?
In this blog, we’ll uncover the brand’s origins, highlight best-sellers like the Skin Relief Essence and Vitamin C formulas, and guide you through layering for maximum results.
Brand origins: where science meets skin sensitivity
Dr. Althea was born out of founder Evelyn Lee’s personal struggle with sensitive skin. The brand combines modern dermatological research with natural, gentle ingredients to deliver results without irritation.
- “Doctor” represents science, research, and medical-grade care.
- “Althea” (from Hibiscus syriacus, South Korea’s national flower) symbolises resilience, beauty, and healing.
Inspired by Althea, the Greek goddess of restoration, the brand is dedicated to calming and restoring the skin, especially if you struggle with redness, dehydration, or barrier damage.
What sets Dr. Althea apart from other K-beauty brands?
Dr. Althea stands out by focusing on simplicity, skin health, and clinically backed formulations—a refreshing contrast to trend-driven, overly complicated routines. It’s a go-to choice for reactive or compromised skin.
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Minimalist, often fragrance-free formulas
- Clinically tested for sensitive skin
- Barrier-supporting ingredients
- Free from parabens, artificial fragrance, and drying alcohols
- Backed by dermatological research
- Elegant, clean packaging that reflects its soothing philosophy
Ingredient spotlight: why Dr. Althea serums work
A key factor behind Dr. Althea’s international success is its commitment to high-performance serums that deliver real results without compromising sensitivity. Each formula is carefully crafted with dermatologically tested ingredients to address specific concerns while maintaining skin health.
Gentle ingredients + advanced skin science = targeted treatments that support glow, comfort, and barrier strength.
Dr. Althea daily skincare routine: cleanse · hydrate · treat · protect
Use this as your plug-and-play routine guide. (It stacks nicely even if you’re keeping your routine simple.)
Cleanser
Start with the Dr. Althea Green Relief Amino Gel Cleanser. This gentle, pH-balanced cleanser removes impurities without drying out your skin. It’s enriched with hyaluronic acid and plant-based surfactants to cleanse while hydrating and soothing.
Double cleanse (if wearing SPF or makeup)
In the evening (or after sunscreen/makeup), begin with the Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm. It melts away build-up and pollution while calming the skin with camellia seed oil and panthenol. Follow with the Green Relief Amino Gel Cleanser to complete the double cleanse.
Exfoliate & tone (optional, 2–3 times/week)
Swipe on the Anastatica Skin Conditioning Pad to gently exfoliate and hydrate. With 85% Anastatica extract and a dual-texture surface, it preps the skin for better product absorption while soothing and refreshing.
Essence
Apply the Natural Radiance Essence, formulated with 85% Kakadu plum extract and antioxidants. It helps brighten the look of skin, support a more even tone, and boost glow—while staying gentle enough for sensitive skin.
Hydrating serum
Follow with the Multi Action Infusion Serum. This multi-tasking formula combines six types of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, adenosine, and centella to hydrate, plump, and support the skin barrier.
Treatment serum (2–3 times/week)
Use the Vitamin C Boosting Serum for extra antioxidant support, brightening, and help with the look of pigmentation.
Patch test first if your skin is sensitive.
Repair (alternate or as needed)
On non–Vitamin C days—or when your skin feels irritated or compromised—apply either:
- Multi Action Infusion Serum (hydration + plumping), or
-
345 Relief Cream, a reparative treatment with centella, panthenol, and madecassoside to calm and strengthen the barrier.
Shop 345 Relief Cream
Barrier cream
Seal in moisture with the 147 Barrier Cream. With seven hyaluronic acids, ceramides, azulene, and botanical extracts, it deeply hydrates and reinforces the skin barrier—ideal for both morning and night.
Sculpting cream (optional)
If you want lifting + firming support, gently massage in the Rapid Firm Sculpting Cream. Peptide-rich and hydrating, it helps improve the look of elasticity and smoothness.
Complete your morning routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin and lock in the benefits of your Dr. Althea routine.
Routine tip
- Morning: cleanser → essence → hydrating serum → barrier cream → SPF
- Evening: double cleanse → essence → treatment/repair serum → barrier cream
Try Dr. Althea’s best-sellers and save
Ready to upgrade your routine? Shop our Dr. Althea range online and enjoy 10% off when you use the code JULY10 at checkout.
Offer valid until 31 July 2025.
Shop NowKey takeaway
Dr. Althea is all about calm, barrier-first skincare powered by modern skin science. If your skin is sensitive, reactive, or easily dehydrated, this brand makes it easier to build a routine that feels soothing, while still delivering visible results. Keep it consistent, prioritise hydration + barrier support, and don’t skip SPF.
