Beauty of Joseon vs Dr. Althea
Beauty of Joseon and Dr. Althea are two popular Korean skincare brands that offer thoughtful serums, moisturizers, masks, sunscreens, and gentle cleansers. The former features star ingredients like niacinamide, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid, while the latter is driven by soothing formulas. Both brands suit dry skin best, though the first also caters well to sensitive skin and the second to acne-prone skin. They differ primarily in their specific targeted formulations and key active ingredients, providing distinct paths to daily care.
Beauty of Joseon is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by Goodai Global Inc. since 2019.
kbeautywiki.combeautymatter.comprnewswire.comgoodai-global.com
Dr. Althea is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2014 and owned by The Pure Lab Co., Ltd..
doctoraltheaglobal.comdoctoralthea.co.kr
This page compares some of the most popular Beauty of Joseon and Dr. Althea products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Beauty of Joseon vs Dr. Althea products
People Say
Gentle and non-irritating formula Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “no irritation at all — Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum”
- “cleansed my face gently without making my skin feel irritated — Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser”
- “doesn't dry out my face — Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser”
- “great for sensitive skin — Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum”
Unique or pleasant texture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “sinks in instantly — Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water”
- “sinks in immediately — Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel”
- “absorbs beautifully — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “rich but non-greasy — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
Deep hydration and moisturization Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Saved my dry winter skin — Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream”
- “doesn't dry my skin like other cleansers — Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm”
- “hydrating but light — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “consistently hydrated mornings — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
Effective makeup removal and cleansing Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “melts waterproof mascara — Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil”
- “melts away sunscreen easily — Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm”
- “Removes sunscreen well — Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm”
- “great for morning routine — Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser”
Glow and radiant skin effect Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “gives a glass skin look — Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum”
- “Gives me that chok-chok dewy look — Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream”
- “gives my skin an insane glow — Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask”
- “faded dark spots — Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum”
Scent and fragrance issues Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “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 cooking oil — Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil”
Causes breakouts or acne Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “broke me out — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “gave me cystic acne — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “broke me out badly — Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum”
- “Broke me out in cystic acne — Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream”
Packaging and size issues Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “dropper doesn't reach the bottom — Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum”
- “Hate dipping my fingers in the jar — Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream”
- “one pump is too much — Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum”
- “Runs out fast — Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm”
Beauty of Joseon vs Dr. Althea routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$15.90
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Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
$16.99
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Moisturizer
345 Relief Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$27.00
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SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
$15.99
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Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
$22.90
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Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
$23.90
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
$22.00
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Cleanser
Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$13.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Ginseng Essence Water
Morning
$17.79
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Moisturizer
Revive Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$17.00
-
SPF
Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
Morning
$18.85
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Pre-Cleanser
Ginseng Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
$20.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
$16.75
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Nourishing Mask
Centella Asiatica Calming Mask
Once a week
$25.00
Buy Dr. Althea routine · $144.68 · 91% fit
Buy Beauty of Joseon routine · $128.39 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Beauty of Joseon vs Dr. Althea routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$15.90
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
$15.60
-
Moisturizer
345 Relief Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$27.00
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
$14.97
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
$22.90
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
$28.42
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
$23.90
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
$69.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
$79.00
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Cleanser
Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$13.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Ginseng Essence Water
Morning · Once a week
$17.79
-
Moisturizer
Revive Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$17.00
-
SPF
Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
Morning
$18.85
-
Pre-Cleanser
Ginseng Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
$20.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Green Plum Refreshing Toner
Evening
$18.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
$16.75
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
$69.00
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Cleansing Mask
Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask
Once a week
$20.00
Buy Dr. Althea routine · $296.69 · 90% fit
Buy Beauty of Joseon routine · $210.39 · 80% fitSee multi-brand routine · 98% fit
Beauty of Joseon vs Dr. Althea routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$15.90
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
$25.60
-
Moisturizer
345 Relief Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$27.00
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
$14.97
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
$22.90
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
$18.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
$23.90
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
$69.00
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
$58.00
-
Cleanser
Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$13.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Ginseng Essence Water
Morning · Once a week
$17.79
-
Moisturizer
Revive Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$17.00
-
SPF
Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
Morning
$18.85
-
Pre-Cleanser
Radiance Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
$19.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Green Plum Refreshing Toner
Evening
$18.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
$16.75
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
$69.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask
Once a week
$20.00
Buy Dr. Althea routine · $276.17 · 89% fit
Buy Beauty of Joseon routine · $209.39 · 81% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Beauty of Joseon or Dr. Althea: which is better?
Both brands are great choices depending on your skin goals, as Beauty of Joseon is better for achieving a radiant glow, while Dr. Althea tends to cause fewer scent and irritation issues. Reviewers mention that both lines offer gentle and non-irritating formulas with deep hydration.
What is the difference between Beauty of Joseon and Dr. Althea?
Beauty of Joseon is best for dry skin, sensitive skin, and skin with dark spots, whereas Dr. Althea is best for dry skin, acne-prone skin, and oily skin. Reviewers note that Beauty of Joseon does better for glow and radiant skin effects, while Dr. Althea sometimes has scent and irritation issues or causes breakouts.
Beauty of Joseon or Dr. Althea for dry skin?
For dry skin, both brands offer great options, though Dr. Althea has a superior routine fit on this page. Beauty of Joseon also provides deep hydration and moisturization with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Beauty of Joseon or Dr. Althea: which cleanser is better?
Both brands offer gentle cleansers on this page, but Dr. Althea's routine fit is rated Superior for acne-prone skin while Beauty of Joseon's cleanser fit is High. Reviewers mostly mention that both brands provide gentle and soothing cleansers.
Which is more affordable, Beauty of Joseon or Dr. Althea?
The products on this page do not include pricing information, so it is not possible to determine whether Beauty of Joseon or Dr. Althea is more affordable.
Between Beauty of Joseon and Dr. Althea, which brand has better review themes for glowing and radiant skin effects?
Beauty of Joseon does better for glowing and radiant skin effects.
How do the founding years and corporate ownership of Beauty of Joseon and Dr. Althea compare?
Beauty of Joseon was founded in South Korea in 2016 and is owned by Goodai Global Inc., whereas Dr. Althea was founded earlier in 2014 in South Korea and is owned by The Pure Lab Co., Ltd.
Which brand provides a superior routine fit for mature skin according to the provided facts?
According to Lovi, Dr. Althea provides a Superior routine fit for mature skin, while Beauty of Joseon offers an Average routine fit.
Beauty of Joseon or Dr. Althea for oily skin?
For oily skin, Lovi rates Beauty of Joseon as High and Dr. Althea as Superior. Both brands feature fragrance-free products on this page, but Beauty of Joseon is noted for a radiant glow effect while Dr. Althea is frequently praised for soothing moisturizers.
Beauty of Joseon or Dr. Althea: which moisturizer is better?
Beauty of Joseon and Dr. Althea both offer popular moisturizers on the products on this page, but Dr. Althea stands out with its 345 Relief Cream achieving a superior Lovi fit level for acne-prone and oily acne-prone skin compared to Beauty of Joseon's average to high ratings for those skin types.
Beauty of Joseon or Dr. Althea for sensitive skin?
Both Beauty of Joseon and Dr. Althea fit sensitive skin at a High level according to Lovi. Reviewers note that both brands offer gentle and non-irritating formulas.
Beauty of Joseon or Dr. Althea for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, Dr. Althea achieves a superior Lovi fit while Beauty of Joseon reaches a high fit.
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
Safety evaluation of topical applications of ethanol on the skin and inside the oral cavity
Cutaneous photoprotection from ultraviolet injury by green tea polyphenols
Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study
Panax ginseng induces human Type I collagen synthesis through activation of Smad signaling
Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: Comparative study
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
Novel beads made of alpha-cyclodextrin and oil for topical delivery of a lipophilic drug
A study of anti-wrinkle functions and improvement of cream with Phaseolus angularis
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Hippophae rhamnoides oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion improves barrier function in healthy human 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
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
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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
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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