Dr. Althea vs celimax
Dr. Althea and celimax are two thoughtful Korean skincare brands offering gentle, effective solutions for diverse complexions. The first brand is known for soothing moisturizers, gentle cleansers, effective makeup removers, and nourishing serums featuring calming formulas, while the second brand is adored for its thoughtful formulation of serums, moisturizers, toners, makeup removers, and more, combining gentle efficacy with targeted active ingredients. The initial brand suits dry skin and acne-prone skin best with balanced hydration and calm comfort, whereas the latter suits sensitive skin and skin with dark spots best owing to soothing and brightening properties. Ultimately, they differ through Dr. Althea's focus on foundational moisture and celimax's emphasis on targeted actives.
Dr. Althea is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2014 and owned by The Pure Lab Co., Ltd..
doctoraltheaglobal.comdoctoralthea.co.kr
celimax is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2019 and owned by ABSORBLAB Co., Ltd..
This page compares some of the most popular Dr. Althea and celimax products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Dr. Althea vs celimax products
People Say
Texture and Absorption Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “absorbs beautifully — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “rich but non-greasy — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “absorbs incredibly fast — celimax Pore+Dark Spot Brightening Serum”
- “skin feels noticeably smoother — celimax Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad”
Gentle Formula Mostly MentionedOften 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”
- “cleans deeply without stripping — celimax Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser”
Soothing and Calming Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “calms redness — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “instantly calms irritated skin — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “calms my face redness upon application — celimax Noni Ampoule”
- “Calms irritation — celimax Dual Barrier Creamy Toner”
Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “hydrating but light — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “consistently hydrated mornings — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “Skin stays soft throughout the day — celimax Dual Barrier Creamy Toner”
- “gives a very beautiful glow to your skin — celimax Noni Ampoule”
Skin Repair and Anti-Aging Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “glass-like smoothness — celimax RETINAL SHOT”
- “Helped restore skin after chemical peels — celimax Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream”
- “plumper skin — celimax RETINAL SHOT”
- “strengthened my skin barrier — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
Cleansing Performance Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Removes sunscreen well — Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm”
- “great for morning routine — Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser”
- “skin feels noticeably smoother — celimax Ji.Woo.Gae Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad”
- “emulsifies well — celimax Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil”
Scent and Irritation Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “smells like plants — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “clinical scent — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “stinging — celimax RETINAL SHOT”
- “redness — celimax RETINAL SHOT”
Price and Quantity Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Runs out fast — Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm”
- “a bit pricey — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “tiny — celimax RETINAL SHOT”
- “Expensive for only 150ml — celimax Dual Barrier Creamy Toner”
Packaging Issues Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Hard to see remaining amount — Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm”
- “hard to squeeze — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “pump shoots out — celimax Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil”
- “Getting the product out requires strength — celimax Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream”
Dr. Althea vs celimax routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$25.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
A$23.99
-
Moisturizer
345 Relief Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$22.40
-
SPF
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Fluide SPF50+
Morning
A$24.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
A$26.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$37.00
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
A$28.48
-
Cleanser
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$25.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Dual Barrier Creamy Toner
Morning
A$26.00
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$25.90
-
SPF
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Fluide SPF50+
Morning
A$24.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$27.45
-
Serum or Treatment
Noni Ampoule
Evening · Once a week
A$29.33
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
A$28.48
Buy Dr. Althea routine · A$223.85 · 91% fit
Buy celimax routine · A$222.15 · 75% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Dr. Althea vs celimax routines for oily skin
-
Cleanser
Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$25.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$34.66
-
Moisturizer
345 Relief Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$22.40
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
A$26.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
A$75.95
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$37.00
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
-
Cleanser
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$25.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Dual Barrier Creamy Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$26.00
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$25.90
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$27.45
-
Cleansing Toner
Ji.Woo.Gae Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad
Evening
A$28.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad
Evening · Once a week
A$29.87
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
Buy Dr. Althea routine · A$403.84 · 89% fit
Buy celimax routine · A$344.06 · 81% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Dr. Althea vs celimax routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$25.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$42.00
-
Moisturizer
345 Relief Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$22.40
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
A$26.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
A$29.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$37.00
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
-
Cleanser
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$25.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Dual Barrier Creamy Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$26.00
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$25.90
-
Pre-Cleanser
Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$27.45
-
Cleansing Toner
Ji.Woo.Gae Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad
Evening
A$28.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad
Evening · Once a week
A$29.87
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
Buy Dr. Althea routine · A$337.14 · 87% fit
Buy celimax routine · A$316.07 · 76% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
Dr. Althea or celimax: which is better?
Dr. Althea provides a Superior routine fit for dry and acne-prone skin, while celimax offers a High fit for those skin types. Both brands achieve equal High levels for combination, sensitive, mature, dark spot, and oily skin routines.
What is the difference between Dr. Althea and celimax?
Dr. Althea achieves a Superior routine fit for dry and acne-prone skin, whereas celimax achieves a High fit for those skin types. Reviewers note that Dr. Althea does better with gentle formulas, while celimax does better with skin repair and anti-aging.
Dr. Althea or celimax for dry skin?
For dry skin, Dr. Althea has a Superior routine fit while celimax has a High routine fit on the products on this page. Reviewers note that Dr. Althea offers gentle cleansers and soothing, hydrating moisturizers, helping dry skin care.
Dr. Althea or celimax: which cleanser is better?
Dr. Althea provides a better overall cleanser experience on this page, achieving a Superior Lovi fit level for dry skin, combination skin, acne-prone skin, and oily skin with its Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser. Celimax also offers strong options like the Ji.Woo.Gae Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad and Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser, but Dr. Althea's cleansers are more frequently noted by reviewers for being gentle and soothing.
Which is more affordable, Dr. Althea or celimax?
Both Dr. Althea and celimax are considered equal when it comes to price and quantity based on reviewer feedback.
Between Dr. Althea and celimax, which brand scores better for skin repair and anti-aging?
Between Dr. Althea and celimax, celimax does better for skin repair and anti-aging according to the review themes on this page.
Do any products from Dr. Althea or celimax contain fragrance in their ingredients?
Every product from Dr. Althea and celimax on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients.
Which brand fits best for skin with dark spots according to their brand-focused routines?
Both Dr. Althea and celimax are a High fit for skin with dark spots according to their brand-focused routines, though celimax fits best overall for this concern.
Dr. Althea or celimax for oily skin?
For oily skin, Dr. Althea has a Superior fit for its routine while celimax has a High fit, making Dr. Althea a better match on this page. Both brands feature products with no fragrance listed in their ingredients.
Dr. Althea or celimax: which moisturizer is better?
Dr. Althea offers a Superior routine fit for dry and acne-prone skin with its 345 Relief Cream, while celimax provides a Superior routine fit for dry skin through its Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream. Reviewers note that the products on this page for both brands feature soothing and hydrating moisturizers.
Dr. Althea or celimax for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, both Dr. Althea and celimax are great options, as Lovi rates both brands with a High fit level for this skin type. Reviewers note that Dr. Althea offers particularly gentle cleansers, while celimax provides soothing and calming moisturizers.
Dr. Althea or celimax for acne-prone skin?
Dr. Althea provides a Superior routine fit for acne-prone skin, while celimax offers a High fit. Reviewers note that Dr. Althea features gentle cleansers and soothing moisturizers on the products on this page.
Research behind their key ingredients
Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles in sunscreens: focus on their safety and effectiveness
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
Effect of Camellia japonica oil on human type I procollagen production and skin barrier function
Protective effects of Camellia japonica flower extract against urban air pollutants
Morinda citrifolia Linn. (Rubiaceae) leaf extracts mitigate UVB-induced erythema
Development and efficacy assessments of tea seed oil makeup remover
Histometric assessment of the age-related skin response to 2-hydroxy-5-octanoyl benzoic acid
Effects of fermented tea seed oil on the skin lipid barrier and microbiome of sensitive skin
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.
-

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
-

Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-

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