# Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream for acne-prone skin

**Lovi Fit: Superior fit for acne-prone skin.**
Combination Skin Fit: Superior · Effectiveness: Superior · Safety: Excellent.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dr-althea/345-relief-cream/for/acne-prone-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Canada.

Brand: [Dr. Althea](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/dr-althea)
Category: [Moisturizers and moisturizing serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/best/moisturizers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with acne-prone skin: breakouts, blackheads, and post-acne marks. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

One of the best moisturizers for acne-prone skin.

## Why this fit

- Excellent suitability for your combination skin and acne concerns is provided by niacinamide and centella asiatica extract, which effectively soothe inflammation and support barrier function. Hyaluronic acid and ceramides further enhance hydration and resilience, ensuring your skin remains balanced and well-nourished.
- The formula's gentle nature, with ingredients like panthenol, ensures comfort and aids in barrier repair without causing irritation.
- This product is safe for your skin, containing no harsh or prohibited ingredients and featuring soothing components.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dr-althea/345-relief-cream/for/oily-skin): High
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dr-althea/345-relief-cream/for/dry-skin): High
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dr-althea/345-relief-cream/for/combination-skin): High
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dr-althea/345-relief-cream/for/sensitive-skin): High
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dr-althea/345-relief-cream/for/acne-prone-skin): Superior (this page)
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dr-althea/345-relief-cream/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dr-althea/345-relief-cream/for/mature-skin): High
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dr-althea/345-relief-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin): High
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dr-althea/345-relief-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Superior

## Key ingredients

Niacinamide, Centella Asiatica, Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramide, Oenothera Biennis Oil

## What the research says

- Co-delivery of paeonol and madecassoside via nanoemulsions improved transdermal delivery, promoted barrier repair proteins, inhibited inflammatory cytokine secretion in cellular and 3D models, and reduced transepidermal water loss and acne in human facial skin compared to free components. ([Molecules, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37446936/))
- Cosmetic formulations containing 5% Centella asiatica extract showed the best efficacy in improving skin moisture and decreasing transepidermal water loss, while also exhibiting antiinflammatory properties in 25 volunteers compared to baseline measurements. ([Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27168678/))
- Topical dexpanthenol acts as a moisturizer, improves stratum corneum hydration, accelerates wound healing and epidermal regeneration, reduces erythema, and improves symptoms of skin irritation compared to vehicle or no pretreatment. ([American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/))
- A new topical panthenol-containing emollient significantly improved transepidermal water loss reduction, stratum corneum hydration, and intercellular lipid lamellae length compared with control in healthy subjects without negatively impacting bacterial viability. ([The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27425824/))
- Topical post-laser application of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide significantly improved wrinkle index, melanin index, patient satisfaction, and investigator esthetic improvement scores compared to vehicle cream in patients with aging skin. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/))
- Topical nicotinamide prevented solar-simulated UV-induced immunosuppression in healthy volunteers, and men experienced immunosuppression at solar-simulated UV doses three times lower than those required for women. ([The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17882270/))
- Topical 5% niacinamide applied twice daily for 12 weeks reduced fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness, and improved skin elasticity compared to vehicle control in 50 female white subjects with facial photoaging. ([Dermatologic Surgery, 2005](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16029679/))
- Topical application of 0.05% w/w ECa 233 gel reduced erythema index by 0.03 U and improved early crusting and general wound appearance compared to placebo in thirty individuals undergoing facial laser resurfacing. ([Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32310680/))
- A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- Moisturizer containing 5% panthenol, madecassoside, and copper-zinc-manganese decreased adverse reactions and downtime after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing with comparable efficacy to 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream in 20 subjects. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30945430/))
- Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/))
- Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction. ([Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34623507/))
- Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days. ([BMC Oral Health, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31311529/))
- Electrospun poly (vinyl butyral-co-vinyl alcohol-co-vinyl acetate) patches loaded with evening primrose oil applied to the forearm of volunteers for 6 hours increased skin moisture, with pore size, shape, and fiber diameter influencing oil transport. ([Biomaterials Advances, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35929319/))
- A topical preparation containing urea, sunflower oil, evening primrose oil, wheat germ oil, and sodium pyruvate led to clinical improvement after a month in diverse hyperkeratotic skin conditions except pityriasis lichenoides. ([Medicina Cutanea Ibero-latino-americana, 1986](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3528709/))
- Topical application of linseed, evening primrose, and olive oil emulsions accelerated wound closure in rats with excision wounds compared to untreated controls, though via different mechanisms. ([Drug Delivery and Translational Research, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29667150/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, this gel-cream is highly regarded by users with oily and acne-prone skin for its lightweight, fast-absorbing texture that effectively soothes redness and strengthens the skin barrier without causing pore congestion. Some users with dry skin find it insufficiently moisturizing, and a few report occasional breakouts or pilling when layered with other products.

- Liked: Hydrating for Oily Skin (often mentioned)
- Liked: Lightweight & Fast Absorbing (often mentioned)
- Liked: Soothing & Calming (often mentioned)
- Liked: Improves Skin Texture (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Causes breakouts (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Not moisturizing enough (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Pilling issues (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Scent/Irritation (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your moisturizer twice a day in your AM and PM routines. Apply it daily to help keep breakouts under control.
- Apply after your cleanser and toner, and make sure to use your SPF right after in the morning.
- Gently spread a small amount of moisturizer over your face using soft motions. Let it absorb into the skin for a minute before getting dressed or applying makeup.
- Apply on slightly damp skin to help lock in extra moisture. This keeps your combination skin balanced without feeling heavy.
- Avoid the eye area and do a patch test before your first use. Stop using if you feel any irritation.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/2f72f5d69f07beeafc30237f829efbff.mp4

## Questions and answers

### What makes Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream one of the best fits for acne-prone skin?

Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream is one of the best fits for acne-prone skin because ingredients like niacinamide and centella asiatica calm redness and support the skin barrier. Hyaluronic acid and ceramides add balanced hydration, while gentle components like panthenol help repair the skin comfortably without causing irritation.
Sources: [Molecules, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37446936/), [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/)

### Which ingredients make this cream a good fit for acne-prone skin?

This cream is a great fit for acne-prone skin because it contains niacinamide and centella asiatica, which help calm inflammation and support the skin barrier. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and panthenol further add balanced moisture and comfort without causing irritation.
Sources: [Molecules, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37446936/), [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/)

### What does Niacinamide do for acne-prone skin?

Niacinamide helps acne-prone skin by reducing both inflamed and uninflamed breakouts and calming redness. It is also very helpful for keeping oily skin balanced by cutting down on excess oil production, and it is well tolerated by most people.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38299457/), [Cureus, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38725769/)

### What does Centella Asiatica do for acne-prone skin?

Centella asiatica helps calm acne-prone skin by reducing redness and soothing inflammation while supporting healing. It may also help manage breakouts by addressing factors like acne blemishes and irritation.
Sources: [Molecules, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37446936/), [Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32310680/)

### Where does this cream go in a skincare routine for acne-prone skin?

This cream goes toward the end of your morning routine after a hydrating toner and before your sunscreen, and as the final step of your evening routine after any treatments. Lovi routines place it here to lock in hydration and keep your skin balanced, comfortable, and well-nourished without causing irritation.

### Can I use this cream with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this cream alongside retinol by applying the retinol first, letting it absorb, and then following with the cream to keep your skin calm and hydrated. Using a moisturizer with barrier-strengthening ingredients like ceramides helps reduce dryness and irritation while you use retinoids.
Sources: [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37276158/), [Cutis, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17121065/)

### How often should I use this cream?

You can use this moisturizing treatment twice daily as part of your morning and evening routine to keep your skin balanced and well-nourished. Regular daily application helps maintain moisture and supports your skin barrier without causing irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32141711/), [Health Science Reports, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34141902/)

### Can this cream clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for acne-prone skin?

This cream is unlikely to clog pores and has a very safe profile for acne-prone skin, though some reviewers do mention breakouts. Its soothing ingredients like centella asiatica and niacinamide help calm inflammation while keeping the skin balanced.
Sources: [Molecules, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37446936/)

### Can I use this cream around the eyes or on my body?

Yes, you can use this moisturizing treatment around the eyes and on your body because its gentle formula with panthenol and centella asiatica helps keep skin comfortable and calm without irritation. It is safe for delicate areas and supports skin barrier repair.
Sources: [Molecules, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37446936/), [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/)

### Is this cream fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for acne-prone skin

- [COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cosrx/advanced-snail-96-mucin-power-essence/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$24.99 at Amazon
- [Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/drunk-elephant/protini-polypeptide-cream/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$95.99 at Amazon
- [belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/belif/the-true-cream-aqua-bomb/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — CA$49.99 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [B.LAB Matcha Hydrating Foam Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/b-lab/matcha-hydrating-foam-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$22.95 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Resist Advanced Replenishing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/advanced-replenishing-toner/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$41.00 at Amazon
- SPF: [innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/innisfree/daily-uv-defense-mineral-sunscreen/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$24.50 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.ca: CA$28.45 (https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07PK2P2XB?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Shoppers Drug Mart: CA$36.00 (https://www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/dr-althea-345-relief-cream/p/BB_8809447256221?variantCode=8809447256221)
Prices checked 10 Oct – 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Polyglycerin-3, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Hydrogenated Poly C6-14 Olefin, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract, Sargassum Fulvellum Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Empetrum Nigrum Fruit Juice, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, C14-22 Alcohols, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Vp Copolymer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Acrylates C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyquaternium-51, Tromethamine, Fructooligosaccharides, Adenosine, Beta-Glucan, Glycine Soja Soybean Sterols, Peg-40 Castor Oil, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Resveratrol, Tocopherol, Ceramide Np, Oligopeptide-1, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its 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. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/dr-althea/345-relief-cream/for/acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/dr-althea/345-relief-cream/for/acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/dr-althea/345-relief-cream/for/acne-prone-skin
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- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/dr-althea/345-relief-cream/for/acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-althea/345-relief-cream/for/acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/dr-althea/345-relief-cream/for/acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dr-althea/345-relief-cream/for/acne-prone-skin (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/dr-althea/345-relief-cream/for/acne-prone-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/dr-althea/345-relief-cream/for/acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/dr-althea/345-relief-cream/for/acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/dr-althea/345-relief-cream/for/acne-prone-skin