Dr. Althea vs Dermalogica
Dr. Althea and Dermalogica are two distinct skincare lines designed to address diverse complexions. The Korean brand, founded in 2014, relies on soothing formulas found in its moisturizers, gentle cleansers, makeup removers, and nourishing serums to suit dry and acne-prone skin best. Meanwhile, the American brand, founded in 1986, utilizes powerful ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and salicylic acid across its targeted serums, nourishing moisturizers, gentle cleansers, and purifying masks to suit oily and oily acne-prone skin best. While both offer effective solutions for specific concerns such as dark spots and mature skin, Dr. Althea provides balanced hydration and calm comfort, whereas Dermalogica manages excess oil and breakouts to deliver visible results.
Dr. Althea is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2014 and owned by The Pure Lab Co., Ltd..
doctoraltheaglobal.comdoctoralthea.co.kr
Dermalogica is an American skincare brand founded in 1986 and owned by Unilever since 2015.
en.wikipedia.orgcosmeticsbusiness.com
This page compares some of the most popular Dr. Althea and Dermalogica products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Dr. Althea vs Dermalogica products
People Say
Gentle Formula and Cleansing Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “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”
- “gentle enough for daily use — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
Hydration and Moisture Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “Saved my dry skin — Dermalogica Super Rich Repair”
- “blends seamlessly — Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50”
- “Absorbs quickly... not greasy — Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream”
- “hydrating but light — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
Skin Texture and Smoothing Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “absorbs beautifully — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “rich but non-greasy — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “Melts instantly — Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm”
- “skin feels smooth as silk — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
Soothing and Calming Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “calms redness — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “instantly calms irritated skin — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “perfect for sensitive skin — Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser”
- “helps calm and nourish my skin — Dermalogica Stabilizing Repair Cream”
Brightening and Radiance Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “faded dark spots — Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum”
- “immediately brighter looking — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
- “skin looks amazing — Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque”
Price and Value Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
- “a bit pricey — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “hefty price tag — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
Scents and Smells Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “smells like plants — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “clinical scent — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “prominent acidic hint — Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser”
- “smells like puke — Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant”
Insufficient Hydration or Heavy Feel Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “Too thick for day — Dermalogica Super Rich Repair”
- “skin felt tight — Dermalogica Active Moist”
- “felt a bit dry — Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel”
- “not enough for dry skin — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
Breakouts and Acne Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “broke me out — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “gave me cystic acne — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “Cystic acne flare-ups — Dermalogica Precleanse”
- “Caused cystic acne — Dermalogica Super Rich Repair”
Dr. Althea vs Dermalogica routines for dry skin
-
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 UltraCalming Cleanser Morning · Evening · Once a week
-
Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
A$23.99
-
Moisturizer
Intensive Moisture Balance
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$126.50
-
SPF
Invisible Physical Defense SPF30
Morning
A$116.73
-
Pre-Cleanser
Precleanse
Evening · Once a week
A$172.95
-
Serum or Treatment
BioLumin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$217.60
-
Enzyme Powder
Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
A$179.95
-
Nourishing Mask
Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque
Once a week
A$207.95
Buy Dr. Althea routine · A$223.85 · 91% fit
Buy Dermalogica routine · A$1,045.67 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Dr. Althea vs Dermalogica 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
Clear Start Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$49.52
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$34.66
-
Moisturizer
Active Moist
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$169.95
-
SPF
Invisible Physical Defense SPF30
Morning
A$116.73
-
Pre-Cleanser
Precleanse
Evening · Once a week
A$172.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
A$75.95
-
Serum or Treatment
BioLumin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$217.60
-
Enzyme Powder
Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
A$179.95
-
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 Dermalogica routine · A$1,135.66 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Dr. Althea vs Dermalogica 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
Clear Start Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$49.52
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$42.00
-
Moisturizer
Active Moist
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$169.95
-
SPF
Invisible Physical Defense SPF30
Morning
A$116.73
-
Pre-Cleanser
Precleanse
Evening · Once a week
A$172.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
A$29.90
-
Serum or Treatment
BioLumin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$217.60
-
Enzyme Powder
Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
A$179.95
-
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 Dermalogica routine · A$1,096.95 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
Dr. Althea or Dermalogica: which is better?
Dr. Althea provides a superior fit for dry and acne-prone skin, while Dermalogica excels with a superior fit for oily acne-prone skin and a wide selection of specialized treatments.
What is the difference between Dr. Althea and Dermalogica?
Dr. Althea is better for gentle formulas and soothing care with a lower price point, while Dermalogica is preferred for intense hydration and a wider product selection on this page.
Dr. Althea or Dermalogica for dry skin?
For dry skin, Dr. Althea provides a superior routine compared to Dermalogica, which provides a high routine. Dr. Althea is noted for its hydrating moisturizers and gentle cleansers, helping to deliver soothing care without added fragrance.
Dr. Althea or Dermalogica: which cleanser is better?
Dr. Althea is better for gentle formulas and cleansing on the products on this page, while Dermalogica offers a wider range of cleansers with strong options like the Daily Glycolic Cleanser and Intensive Moisture Cleanser. Lovi rates the Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser from Dr. Althea as a Superior fit for oily, combination, acne-prone, and dry skin.
Which is more affordable, Dr. Althea or Dermalogica?
Dr. Althea is more affordable, as Dermalogica reviewers frequently note its high price point.
Dr. Althea or Dermalogica: which has better reviews for fragrance and scents?
Dr. Althea has better reviews for scents, as review themes note it does better on scents and smells compared to Dermalogica.
Dr. Althea or Dermalogica for oily skin?
For oily skin, Lovi finds that Dr. Althea has a High routine fit and Dermalogica has a High fit, making them equal. Both brands offer targeted products for this skin type, such as Dr. Althea's Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser and Dermalogica's Active Moist.
Dr. Althea or Dermalogica: which moisturizer is better?
Both brands offer strong options, but Dermalogica features superior specialized moisturizers like Stabilizing Repair Cream, while Dr. Althea provides highly rated everyday hydrators like 345 Relief Cream. Topical hyaluronic acid helps improve overall skin quality and hydration.
Dr. Althea or Dermalogica for sensitive skin?
Both Dr. Althea and Dermalogica are a High fit for sensitive skin. Reviewers note that Dr. Althea offers a gentle formula and cleansing, while Dermalogica provides intense hydration.
Dr. Althea or Dermalogica for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, Dr. Althea provides a superior routine fit compared to Dermalogica, which achieves a high fit. Dr. Althea also takes the lead in reviewer themes for gentle formulas and cleansing.
Dr. Althea or Dermalogica for mature skin?
Both brands offer solid options for mature skin, with Lovi giving Dr. Althea a High fit level and Dermalogica a High fit level. Dermalogica provides a broader selection of specialized serums and masks tailored for aging concerns, while Dr. Althea focuses on gentle, soothing hydration.
Dr. Althea or Dermalogica for skin with dark spots?
Both brands fit skin with dark spots well, with Lovi rating Dr. Althea High and Dermalogica High. Reviewers find them equal in brightening and radiance.
Research behind their key ingredients
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Topical anti-inflammatory effects of isorhamnetin glycosides isolated from Opuntia ficus-indica
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Antioxidant properties evaluation of topical astaxanthin formulations as anti-aging products
Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: Comparative study
Topical beta-carotene protects against infra-red-light-induced free radicals
Efficacy of Oxybrasion in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: A Preliminary Report
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Colloidal Oatmeal <em>(Avena Sativa)</em> Improves Skin Barrier Through Multi-Therapy Activity
Well-aging: A new strategy for skin homeostasis under multi-stressed conditions
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
The impacts of sodium lauroyl sarcosinate in facial cleanser on facial skin microbiome and lipidome
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling
Algae extract protection effect on oxidized protein level in human stratum corneum
Starch- and carboxymethyl cellulose-based films as active beauty masks with papain incorporation
Semi-solid functionalized nanostructured lipid carriers loading thymol for skin disorders
Modulating effects of oatmeal extracts in the sodium lauryl sulfate skin irritancy model
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
The effect of Zanthoxylum bungeanum maxim extract on crow's feet: A double-blind, split-face trial
Development and efficacy assessments of tea seed oil makeup remover
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Effects of fermented tea seed oil on the skin lipid barrier and microbiome of sensitive skin
Skin barrier repair efficacy and safety evaluation of an extract from Gardenia jasminoides J.Ellis
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.
-

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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