Dr. Althea vs Some By Mi
Dr. Althea and Some By Mi are popular Korean skincare brands known for thoughtfully crafted moisturizers, cleansers, toners, and serums that feature gentle, nourishing formulas. While both suit dry skin best, the first brand specializes in soothing hydration and care using ingredients like vitamins for mature and acne-prone skin, whereas the second brand relies on niacinamide, centella asiatica, and salicylic acid to target dark spots, acne, and aging. Ultimately, they differ in their core ingredient philosophies, offering distinct pathways to a balanced and healthy complexion.
Dr. Althea is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2014 and owned by The Pure Lab Co., Ltd..
doctoraltheaglobal.comdoctoralthea.co.kr
Some By Mi is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by JKL Partners since 2021.
kedglobal.compreqin.comtracxn.com
This page compares some of the most popular Dr. Althea and Some By Mi products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Dr. Althea vs Some By Mi products
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AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
CA$65.99
- Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum
- AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Foam
-
AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum
CA$39.99
- Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream
-
Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask
CA$27.50
- Beta Panthenol Repair Cream
- Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream
People Say
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”
- “Zero irritation or redness — Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum”
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”
- “Calmed my retinol burn overnight — Some By Mi Beta Panthenol Repair Cream”
Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “hydrating but light — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “consistently hydrated mornings — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “Lasts 100 hours as claimed — Some By Mi Beta Panthenol Repair Cream”
- “Absorbs quickly — Some By Mi Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum”
Lightweight and Fast Absorbing Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “absorbs beautifully — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “absorbs quickly — Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum”
- “absorbs quickly — Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream”
- “absorbs quickly — Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Serum”
Skin Texture Improvement Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Skin became smoother — Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner”
- “Skin feels baby soft — Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum”
- “skin feels baby soft — Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum”
- “Melts instantly — Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm”
Brightening and Evening Skin Tone Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Fades dark spots — Some By Mi Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum”
- “skin looks visibly brighter — Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Anti Blemish Serum”
- “brightens dull skin — Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream”
- “faded dark spots — Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum”
Scent and Fragrance Dislike 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”
- “overwhelming citrus fragrance — Some By Mi V10 Hyal Air Fit Sunscreen”
Insufficient Hydration or Dryness Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “not enough for dry skin — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “drying on my hands and face — Dr. Althea Amino Gel Cleanser”
- “not moisturizing enough — Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream”
Breakouts and Purging Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “broke me out — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “gave me cystic acne — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “Zits appeared initially — Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner”
- “gave me cystic acne — Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum”
Dr. Althea vs Some By Mi routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$24.83
-
Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
-
Moisturizer
Tata Harper Repairative Moisturizer
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$162.00
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
CA$38.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
CA$17.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$32.93
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
-
Cleanser
Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$29.79
-
Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
CA$27.99
-
Moisturizer
345 Relief Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$28.45
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
CA$38.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
CA$20.50
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$27.99
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
Buy Some By Mi routine · CA$333.73 · 96% fit
Buy Dr. Althea routine · CA$202.71 · 91% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Dr. Althea vs Some By Mi routines for oily skin
-
Cleanser
Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$29.79
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
345 Relief Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$28.45
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
CA$35.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
CA$20.50
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
CA$28.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$27.99
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask
Once a week
CA$95.00
-
Cleanser
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$24.83
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$29.98
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
CA$35.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Evening
CA$65.99
-
Serum or Treatment
AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$39.99
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask
Once a week
CA$27.50
Buy Dr. Althea routine · CA$333.68 · 89% fit
Buy Some By Mi routine · CA$315.33 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Dr. Althea vs Some By Mi routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$24.83
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$29.98
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
CA$20.96
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Evening
CA$65.99
-
Serum or Treatment
AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$39.99
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask
Once a week
CA$27.50
-
Cleanser
Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$29.79
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$37.60
-
Moisturizer
345 Relief Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$28.45
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
CA$20.96
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
CA$20.50
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
CA$31.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$27.99
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
CA$50.00
Buy Some By Mi routine · CA$300.34 · 91% fit
Buy Dr. Althea routine · CA$276.78 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Dr. Althea or Some By Mi: which is better?
Both brands offer strong options, but Some By Mi is better suited for brightening skin tone and improving skin texture, whereas Dr. Althea is better for a gentle, soothing formula. Niacinamide helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation and suppresses melanosome transfer, contributing to the brightening effects found in products on this page.
What is the difference between Dr. Althea and Some By Mi?
Dr. Althea provides a gentler, more soothing formula that fits best on dry, mature, and oily skin, while Some By Mi excels in brightening skin tone and improving skin texture with key ingredients like Niacinamide. Niacinamide helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation and suppresses melanosome transfer.
Dr. Althea or Some By Mi for dry skin?
Both Dr. Althea and Some By Mi are great options for dry skin, offering a Superior routine fit on this page. Reviewers note that Dr. Althea provides soothing and hydrating moisturizers with gentle cleansers, while Some By Mi offers excellent texture moisturizers and lightweight serums.
Dr. Althea or Some By Mi: which cleanser is better?
Dr. Althea provides a better overall experience for cleansers, as the products on this page are noted for being particularly gentle and soothing. Some By Mi also offers deep pore cleansing cleansers, but reviewers sometimes note drying or stripping effects from them.
Which is more affordable, Dr. Althea or Some By Mi?
The provided page and facts do not contain pricing information to determine whether Dr. Althea or Some By Mi is more affordable.
Dr. Althea or Some By Mi: which brand is better for skin texture improvement?
Some By Mi is better for skin texture improvement as it scores higher in skin texture improvement than Dr. Althea.
Dr. Althea or Some By Mi: which brand performs better for brightening and evening skin tone?
Some By Mi performs better for brightening and evening skin tone, featuring key ingredients like Niacinamide that help reduce pigmentation.
Dr. Althea or Some By Mi: which brand is better suited for combination skin?
Some By Mi is better suited for combination skin, offering a Superior routine fit compared to Dr. Althea's High fit level.
Dr. Althea or Some By Mi for oily skin?
Both Dr. Althea and Some By Mi fit oily skin at a High level on this page. Reviewers report that Dr. Althea offers gentle cleansers and soothing moisturizers, while Some By Mi provides deep pore cleansing cleansers and effective acne-clearing treatments.
Dr. Althea or Some By Mi: which moisturizer is better?
Both brands offer strong options, with the Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream and Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream both achieving a Superior Lovi fit level for acne-prone skin. Reviewers note that Dr. Althea products are generally soothing and hydrating, while Some By Mi moisturizers are praised for their excellent textures and brightening effects.
Dr. Althea or Some By Mi for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, Some By Mi achieves a Superior routine fit while Dr. Althea achieves a High routine fit on Lovi.
Dr. Althea or Some By Mi for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, both brands offer products on this page with a High routine fit level. Some By Mi provides options like AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum, while Dr. Althea offers the 345 Relief Cream.
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
Topical menthol--a human model for cold pain by activation and sensitization of C nociceptors
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin
HelixComplex snail mucus as a potential technology against O3 induced skin damage
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Ethosomes of Phenylethyl Resorcinol as Vesicular Delivery System for Skin Lightening Applications
The use of green tea extract in cosmetic formulations: not only an antioxidant active ingredient
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Allergy to oxidized limonene and linalool is frequent in the U.K
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Development and efficacy assessments of tea seed oil makeup remover
Effects of fermented tea seed oil on the skin lipid barrier and microbiome of sensitive skin
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
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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