Dr. Althea vs Clinique
Dr. Althea and Clinique are renowned skincare brands offering thoughtfully crafted moisturizers, serums, and makeup removers designed for daily routines. The former features gentle formulas that suit acne-prone skin and dry skin best, while the latter incorporates hydrating hyaluronic acid, nourishing glycerin, and invigorating caffeine to cater to dry sensitive skin and oily skin. Ultimately, the Korean brand relies on soothing, reliable formulations, whereas the American brand utilizes balancing ingredients to provide targeted, harmonious care.
Dr. Althea is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2014 and owned by The Pure Lab Co., Ltd..
doctoraltheaglobal.comdoctoralthea.co.kr
Clinique is an American skincare brand founded in 1968 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc..
en.wikipedia.orgelcompanies.combusinesswire.comglossy.co
This page compares some of the most popular Dr. Althea and Clinique products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Dr. Althea vs Clinique products
- moisture surge
-
Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
AED 123.26
-
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+
AED 123.95
-
All About Eyes
AED 164.29
-
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
AED 89.47
-
Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum
AED 297.75
-
Moisture Surge Overnight Mask
AED 292.69
- Clarifying Lotion 2
People Say
Soothing and Gentle Formulas Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “doesn't dry out my face — Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser”
- “skin doesn't feel stripped — Dr. Althea Amino Gel Cleanser”
- “great for sensitive skin — Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum”
- “never irritated my eyes — Clinique All About Eyes”
Texture and Lightweight Feel Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “absorbs beautifully — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “rich but non-greasy — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “Melts instantly — Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm”
- “sinks in immediately — Clinique moisture surge”
Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “hydrating but light — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “consistently hydrated mornings — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “Keeps my dry patches at bay all day — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
- “skin feels soft and smooth — Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask”
Skin Texture and Tone Improvement Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “faded dark spots — Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum”
- “faded acne scars — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “skin feels silky smooth — Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum”
- “gentle enough for everyday — Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream Rinse-Off Formula”
Cleansing and Makeup Removal Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Removes sunscreen well — Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm”
- “great for morning routine — Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser”
- “Melts waterproof mascara — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
- “squeaky clean — Clinique all about clean”
Makeup Compatibility and Base Not notedOften Mentioned
- “foundation glides on — Clinique moisture surge”
- “holds concealer in place — Clinique All About Eyes”
- “perfect primer base — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel”
Expensive Price Point Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “a bit pricey — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “jar is too small for the cost — Clinique moisture surge”
Scent and Irritation Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “smells like plants — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “clinical scent — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “Smells like nail polish remover — Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2”
- “Made my skin super dry — Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2”
Causes Breakouts Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “broke me out — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “gave me cystic acne — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “Woke up with whiteheads on my chin — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
- “gave me tiny bumps — Clinique moisture surge”
Dr. Althea vs Clinique routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 47.70
-
Moisturizer
345 Relief Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 54.05
-
SPF
Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun+
Morning
AED 81.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
AED 49.99
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
AED 38.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 46.00
-
Enzyme Powder
VT Cica Mild Powder Wash
Once a week
AED 47.62
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
AED 65.00
-
Cleanser
all about clean
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 209.14
-
Moisturizer
Smart Clinical Repair Lifting Face + Neck Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 553.77
-
SPF
Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun+
Morning
AED 81.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
AED 123.26
- Cleansing Toner Clarifying Lotion 2 Evening
-
Serum or Treatment
Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 297.75
-
Enzyme Powder
VT Cica Mild Powder Wash
Once a week
AED 47.62
-
Nourishing Mask
Moisture Surge Overnight Mask
Once a week
AED 292.69
Buy Dr. Althea routine · AED 430.35 · 90% fit
Buy Clinique routine · AED 1,605.23 · 66% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Dr. Althea vs Clinique routines for oily skin
-
Cleanser
Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 47.70
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 49.99
-
Moisturizer
345 Relief Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 54.05
-
SPF
d'Alba UVessence Mild Waterfull Sun Cream SPF 50
Morning
AED 92.70
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
AED 49.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
AED 120.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 46.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
AED 204.00
-
Cleanser
Redness Solutions Soothing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 342.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 49.99
-
Moisturizer
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 89.47
-
SPF
d'Alba UVessence Mild Waterfull Sun Cream SPF 50
Morning
AED 92.70
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
AED 123.26
- Cleansing Toner Clarifying Lotion 2 Evening
- Serum or Treatment Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
AED 204.00
Buy Dr. Althea routine · AED 765.52 · 90% fit
Buy Clinique routine · AED 1,002.51 · 79% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Dr. Althea vs Clinique routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 47.70
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 145.00
-
Moisturizer
345 Relief Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 54.05
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
AED 49.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
AED 53.12
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 46.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
AED 122.93
-
Cleanser
all about clean
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 209.14
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 145.00
-
Moisturizer
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 89.47
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
AED 123.26
- Cleansing Toner Clarifying Lotion 2 Evening
- Serum or Treatment Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
AED 122.93
Buy Dr. Althea routine · AED 619.88 · 88% fit
Buy Clinique routine · AED 790.89 · 72% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Dr. Althea or Clinique: which is better?
Dr. Althea is better for acne-prone, dry, and combination skin on this page, while both brands offer equal fit levels for sensitive, mature, and dry sensitive skin. Reviewers note that the products on this page for Dr. Althea tend to excel in soothing and gentle formulas and lightweight textures.
What is the difference between Dr. Althea and Clinique?
Dr. Althea and Clinique both offer fragrance-free skincare products on this page, but Dr. Althea is noted for gentler, more soothing formulas while Clinique is often recognized for its lightweight textures and makeup compatibility. Reviewers find that Dr. Althea provides superior routine fits for acne-prone, dry, and combination skin compared to Clinique.
Dr. Althea or Clinique for dry skin?
For dry skin, Dr. Althea achieves a Superior routine fit, whereas Clinique reaches an Average fit on the products on this page. Hyaluronic acid helps improve skin quality and signs of aging.
Dr. Althea or Clinique: which cleanser is better?
Dr. Althea is better for cleansers on this page, as Lovi rates its Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser as a Superior fit for multiple skin types, whereas Clinique cleansers on this page have lower fit levels and warnings.
Which is more affordable, Dr. Althea or Clinique?
Clinique is more affordable, whereas Dr. Althea has a more expensive price point among the products on this page.
Dr. Althea or Clinique for oily skin?
For oily skin, Dr. Althea achieves a Superior routine fit level while Clinique reaches a High fit level. Reviewers of the products on this page mention that Dr. Althea provides soothing and gentle formulas as well as a lightweight feel, whereas Clinique offers oil-controlling and smoothing moisturizers.
Dr. Althea or Clinique: which moisturizer is better?
Dr. Althea is better for moisturizers on the products on this page, as it offers superior options for dry, acne-prone, and oily skin.
Dr. Althea or Clinique for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, both brands offer products on this page that achieve a high Lovi fit level. Reviewers note that the products on this page from both brands feature gentle cleansers and hydrating moisturizers.
Dr. Althea or Clinique for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, Lovi rates Dr. Althea as having a Superior routine fit compared to an Average fit for Clinique. The products on this page help provide soothing hydration while targeting blemishes.
Dr. Althea or Clinique for mature skin?
Both Dr. Althea and Clinique are good options for mature skin, with Dr. Althea achieving a High fit level and Clinique achieving a High fit level on this page. Reviewers report that both brands provide hydrating moisturizers, though the products on this page list no fragrance in their ingredients.
Dr. Althea or Clinique for skin with dark spots?
For skin with dark spots, Dr. Althea offers a High Lovi fit while Clinique offers an Average Lovi fit. Dr. Althea provides better overall performance for brightening and smoothing skin tone on the products on this page.
Dr. Althea or Clinique for dry sensitive skin?
For dry sensitive skin, both Dr. Althea and Clinique earn a High Lovi fit level for their routines on this page. Hyaluronic acid helps maintain skin hydration, while panthenol helps support the skin barrier.
Dermatologic Therapy, 2022American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
Research behind their key ingredients
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
Algae extract protection effect on oxidized protein level in human stratum corneum
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Safety of a preservative system containing 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol
Development and efficacy assessments of tea seed oil makeup remover
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Effects of fermented tea seed oil on the skin lipid barrier and microbiome of sensitive skin
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Behind this comparison
Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
-

Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
-

Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
-

Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-

Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
-

Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-

Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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