Some links in this article are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support the site at no extra cost to you.
Quick verdict
Dr. Althea’s 345 Relief Cream (often listed as “Soothing & Recovery” or “345 Relief Cream”) is a lightweight, barrier-friendly K-Beauty moisturizer built around niacinamide, ceramide NP, and hyaluronic acid. It’s formulated to calm redness, support barrier repair, and hydrate without greasiness — making it a strong daily option for sensitive, acne-prone, and irritation-prone skin that needs recovery rather than aggressive actives.
Key Specs
Product name: Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream (Soothing & Recovery / Post-Acne Moisturizer).
Size: 1.69 fl oz (typical listing size — check current Amazon/retailer page).
Texture / finish: Lightweight cream — non-greasy, fast-absorbing, natural hydrated finish.
Key actives: Niacinamide, Ceramide NP, Hyaluronic Acid (multi-layer hydration), Panthenol and botanical extracts for soothing.
Skin types: Sensitive, irritated, acne-prone, combination; good as a post-treatment recovery cream.
Claims: Soothes redness, strengthens barrier, improves tone and blemish marks over time. Clinically tested for sensitive skin (brand claim).
Why you might buy it
- Barrier-first formulation: If your skin is red, reactive, or recovering from treatments (retinoids, peels, acne meds), the emphasis on ceramides, panthenol, and humectants helps restore comfort without adding irritation.
- Niacinamide benefits without irritation: Niacinamide is a proven multitasker (brightening, barrier support, oil-regulation) and appears fairly high in the formula — useful for blemish marks and uneven tone.
- Lightweight, everyday use: Works under sunscreen and makeup; not heavy or occlusive, so it suits oily/combination skin that still needs repair.
- K-Beauty backing + modern clinical positioning: Marketed as clinically tested for sensitive skin and featured positively in beauty press roundups, adding credibility for cautious buyers.
Pros
- Lightweight, non-greasy texture that layers well.
- Contains niacinamide + ceramide NP + hyaluronic acid — evidence-based barrier and hydration actives.
- Designed for sensitive or compromised skin — good as a post-treatment recovery step.
- Widely available (Amazon, Ulta, official site) and often included in bundles/gift sets.
Cons
- Not rich enough for extremely dry skin or cold, harsh winter climates (you may need a heavier occlusive).
- Results (e.g., fading dark spots) are gradual — it’s a recovery moisturizer, not an aggressive brightening treatment.
- Some users note packaging/size expectations vs price — always check current offers and sizes.
Performance & real-world use
In practice the 345 Relief Cream reads as a “skin-comfort” moisturizer. Users report immediate reductions in tightness and visible redness after use, and better tolerance of active treatments (retinols, acids) when paired with this cream. Its lightweight feel makes it comfortable for daytime layering under sunscreen or for nighttime repair without pilling. Several user reviews and editorial write-ups praise its calming effect on reactive skin, and clinical/ingredient transparency backs up the formulation choices.
Comparison
- Versus CeraVe Moisturizing Cream: CeraVe is thicker and more occlusive (better for very dry skin). Dr. Althea is lighter and more targeted for redness and post-acne recovery.
- Versus La Roche-Posay Cicaplast / Baume B5: Baume B5 can be more reparative for acute irritation; Dr. Althea is more cosmetically elegant for everyday use.
- Versus COSRX or snail mucin creams: Those focus on repair and hydration with different textures — Dr. Althea emphasizes niacinamide + ceramides specifically for barrier and blemish-care balance.
- Choose Dr. Althea if you want a daily, lightweight recovery moisturizer with skin-brightening and barrier support built in; choose thicker balms if you need heavy occlusion or intense overnight repair.
Who is this best for?
- People with sensitive, redness-prone, or acne-prone skin needing gentle hydration.
- Anyone recovering from active treatments (retinol, chemical exfoliation, acne meds) who wants a soothing, non-irritating moisturizer.
- Users who prefer K-Beauty formulations that combine modern actives with botanical calming agents.
Avoid if: you need a very heavy occlusive night cream for extremely dry or winter-exposed skin.
Short buying checklist
- Check the ingredient list for any personal allergens (fragrance is typically absent, but double-check).
- Size vs price: Confirm the milliliters/oz on your retailer page — some users note expectations vs actual amount.
- Pair with sunscreen in AM — formula plays nicely under SPF.
- Buy from authorized sellers (Amazon, Ulta, Dr.Althea official) for authenticity and returns.
Key Specs
Product name: Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream (Soothing & Recovery / Post-Acne Moisturizer).
Size: 1.69 fl oz (typical listing size — check current Amazon/retailer page).
Texture / finish: Lightweight cream — non-greasy, fast-absorbing, natural hydrated finish.
Key actives: Niacinamide, Ceramide NP, Hyaluronic Acid (multi-layer hydration), Panthenol and botanical extracts for soothing.
Skin types: Sensitive, irritated, acne-prone, combination; good as a post-treatment recovery cream.
Claims: Soothes redness, strengthens barrier, improves tone and blemish marks over time. Clinically tested for sensitive skin (brand claim).
Safety, Maintenance & Buying Tips
- Patch test if you have highly reactive skin (even gentle actives can cause reaction in rare cases).
- Apply after hydrating toner/serum (hyaluronic acid serums pair well) and finish with sunscreen in the daytime.
- Use as a calming “step down” after retinols or acids — it’s intended to rebuild barrier rather than exfoliate.
FAQs
Final verdict
Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream is a well-formulated, evidence-aligned recovery moisturizer that lives up to its “relief” positioning — calming redness, supporting barrier repair, and hydrating without heaviness. It’s especially useful for people who are sensitive, blemish-prone, or recovering from active treatments and who want a gentle everyday cream that won’t interfere with makeup or sunscreen. If you want a no-fuss, barrier-focused moisturizer with niacinamide and ceramides in a lightweight texture, this is one of the stronger K-Beauty options available in 2025.
