Dr. Althea vs celimax
Dr. Althea and celimax are popular Korean skincare brands that offer thoughtful moisturizers, gentle cleansers, effective makeup removers, and nourishing serums driven by carefully selected ingredients. The former suits dry skin and acne-prone skin best, featuring soothing formulas like the 345 Relief Cream and the Vitamin C Boosting Serum, while the latter suits sensitive skin and acne-prone skin best through gentle yet effective compositions such as the Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad and the Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream. They differ primarily in their founding years, parent companies, and specific standout solutions, yet both provide reliable paths to healthier skin for daily routines.
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
$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
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
$22.90
-
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
-
Cleanser
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$19.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Dual Barrier Creamy Toner
Morning
$22.29
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$20.16
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
$15.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
$15.22
-
Serum or Treatment
Noni Ampoule
Evening · Once a week
$23.18
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
$22.00
Buy Dr. Althea routine · $144.68 · 91% fit
Buy celimax routine · $138.34 · 73% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Dr. Althea vs celimax 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
-
Cleanser
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$19.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Dual Barrier Creamy Toner
Morning · Once a week
$22.29
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$20.16
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
$14.97
-
Pre-Cleanser
Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
$15.22
-
Cleansing Toner
Ji.Woo.Gae Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad
Evening
$21.03
-
Serum or Treatment
Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad
Evening · Once a week
$17.25
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
$69.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
$79.00
Buy Dr. Althea routine · $296.69 · 90% fit
Buy celimax routine · $278.42 · 81% fitSee multi-brand routine · 98% fit
Dr. Althea vs celimax 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
Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$19.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Dual Barrier Creamy Toner
Morning · Once a week
$22.29
-
Moisturizer
Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$20.16
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
$14.97
-
Pre-Cleanser
Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
$15.22
-
Cleansing Toner
Ji.Woo.Gae Cica BHA Blemish Toner Pad
Evening
$21.03
-
Serum or Treatment
Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad
Evening · Once a week
$17.25
-
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
Buy Dr. Althea routine · $276.17 · 89% fit
Buy celimax routine · $257.42 · 79% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Dr. Althea or celimax: which is better?
Dr. Althea is better for dry skin and dry sensitive skin, where Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior and High compared to celimax's Average levels. Both brands feature no fragrance across the products on this page.
What is the difference between Dr. Althea and celimax?
Dr. Althea provides a Superior routine fit for dry, acne-prone, mature, and oily acne-prone skin, while celimax has an Average routine fit for dry and dry sensitive skin. Both brands list no fragrance in the ingredients for the products on this page.
Dr. Althea or celimax for dry skin?
Dr. Althea is a better option for dry skin, where Lovi rates the routine fit as Superior compared to an Average fit for celimax.
Dr. Althea or celimax: which cleanser is better?
Dr. Althea features a Superior Lovi fit level for cleansers like the Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser, while celimax offers options such as the Noni Acne Bubble Cleanser with a High fit level for oily acne-prone skin.
Which is more affordable, Dr. Althea or celimax?
When comparing price and quantity on this page, Dr. Althea and celimax are equal.
Between Dr. Althea and celimax, which brand has better skin repair and anti-aging properties?
Between Dr. Althea and celimax, celimax does better for skin repair and anti-aging. Every product on the celimax page lists no fragrance in its ingredients.
How do the founding years and parent companies of Dr. Althea and celimax compare?
Dr. Althea was founded in 2014 and is owned by The Pure Lab Co., Ltd., whereas celimax was established in 2019 and is owned by ABSORBLAB Co., Ltd.
Do any products from Dr. Althea or celimax contain fragrance?
Every product from Dr. Althea and celimax on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients.
Dr. Althea or celimax for oily skin?
For oily skin, Lovi rates Dr. Althea as Superior and celimax as High. Every product on this page from both brands lists no fragrance in its ingredients.
Dr. Althea or celimax: which moisturizer is better?
Dr. Althea provides a Superior Lovi fit for dry skin with its 345 Relief Cream, whereas celimax offers a Superior Lovi fit for dry skin with its Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream. Reviewers note that Dr. Althea's moisturizers are hydrating, while celimax's moisturizers are soothing and calming.
Dr. Althea or celimax for sensitive skin?
Dr. Althea has a High routine fit for sensitive skin, while celimax also has a High routine fit for sensitive skin.
Dr. Althea or celimax for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, Dr. Althea achieves a Superior routine fit on Lovi compared to a High fit for celimax. Both brands feature products that contain no fragrance 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.
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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
-

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
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
How does it fit your skin?
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