# Dr. Althea vs the purest

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/dr-althea-vs-the-purest

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

Dr. Althea and the purest are thoughtfully formulated skincare brands offering gentle cleansers, effective makeup removers, nourishing [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/serum), and soothing moisturizers. Dr. Althea suits dry and acne-prone skin best with standout solutions like the Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser, the 345 Relief Cream, and the [Vitamin C](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/vitamin-c) Boosting Serum, while the purest suits sensitive, dry, and combination skin best alongside reliable daily support for acne-prone skin. Ultimately, the brands differ through their specific ingredient profiles and target concerns, yet both provide a calm, measured path to healthier skin.

Dr. Althea is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2014 and owned by The Pure Lab Co., Ltd..

[doctoraltheaglobal.com](https://doctoraltheaglobal.com/) [doctoralthea.co.kr](https://doctoralthea.co.kr/shopinfo/company.html)

This page compares some of the most popular Dr. Althea and the purest products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, [use the Lovi app](https://app.pora.ai/vqqJ/j1xj2b6o?af_sub2=compare&af_sub3=selection_note&af_sub4=pg39362fd7f5).

### Popular Dr. Althea vs the purest products

#### Dr. Althea

- [345 Relief Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/dr-althea/345-relief-cream/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — [$27.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FKGJYFC8?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Barrier Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/dr-althea/barrier-cream/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [$25.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GPPRTD32?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/dr-althea/pure-grinding-cleansing-balm/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [$22.90 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTK1TYNG?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/dr-althea/amino-acid-gentle-bubble-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [$15.90 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RY6Q6QM?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Amino Gel Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/dr-althea/amino-gel-cleanser/for/mature-skin) — Average fit — [$19.90 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HBV83ZHL?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Vitamin C Boosting Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [$23.90 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGLCRZZ3?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

#### the purest

- [solutions](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/the-purest/solutions/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit

## Questions and answers

### Dr. Althea or the purest: which is better?

Dr. Althea is generally better because the products on this page are fragrance-free and offer superior fits for dry, oily, and acne-prone skin, whereas the purest includes fragrance in its moisturizer. Reviewers note that Dr. Althea provides gentle cleansers and soothing moisturizers, and the 345 Relief Cream earns a Superior Lovi fit for acne-prone skin.

### What is the difference between Dr. Althea and the purest?

Dr. Althea offers a wide range of fragrance-free cleansers, moisturizers, and [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/serum) with high or superior Lovi fit levels for dry, acne-prone, and oily skin, while the purest features a single moisturizing product that contains fragrance. Reviewers often mention Dr. Althea for its gentle and soothing cleansers and moisturizers.

### Dr. Althea or the purest: which moisturizer is better?

Dr. Althea provides a better moisturizer option because its 345 Relief Cream achieves a Superior fit for acne-prone skin and High fits for dry and oily skin types, whereas the purest solutions moisturizer only reaches an Average fit for dry skin and Low fits for oily and acne-prone skin.

### Which is more affordable, Dr. Althea or the purest?

This page does not compare prices, but Dr. Althea offers a much wider range of products that Lovi rates as Superior or High for dry, acne-prone, and oily skin, whereas the purest features only one product on this page with lower fit levels for most skin types.

### Which causes fewer breakouts, Dr. Althea or the purest?

Dr. Althea offers superior fits for acne-prone skin with products like the 345 Relief Cream, whereas the purest features a low fit for acne-prone skin.

### Which brand has more fragrance-free products, Dr. Althea or the purest?

Dr. Althea has more fragrance-free products because every product on its page lists no fragrance in its ingredients, whereas the purest includes fragrance in its sole product on this page.

### How do the founding years and parent companies of Dr. Althea and the purest compare?

Dr. Althea was founded in 2014 in South Korea and is owned by The Pure Lab Co., Ltd., while the purest was founded in 2020 and is owned by Evly Pharma Cosmetics.

### Which brand offers a better fit for acne-prone skin according to the Lovi fit levels?

Dr. Althea offers a much better fit for acne-prone skin, with products like the 345 Relief Cream and Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser achieving a Superior Lovi fit level for this skin type. In contrast, the purest products on this page have a Low Lovi fit level for acne-prone skin.

## Research behind their key ingredients

- [The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12100180/) Niacinamide · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
- [Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/) Hyaluronic acid · Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
- [Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disorders](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/) Panthenol · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
- [Anti-aging and brightening effects of a topical treatment containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract: A split-face, randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/) Tocopherol, Ascorbic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
- [Moisturizing and Antiinflammatory Properties of Cosmetic Formulations Containing Centella asiatica Extract](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27168678/) Centella asiatica · Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016
- [Topical Application of Centella asiatica in Wound Healing: Recent Insights into Mechanisms and Clinical Efficacy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39458583/) Centella asiatica · Pharmaceutics, 2024
- [Alteration of barrier properties, stratum corneum ceramides and microbiome composition in response to lotion application on cosmetic dry skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35340018/) Ceramide · Scientific Reports, 2022
- [Ceramide 1 and ceramide 3 act synergistically on skin hydration and the transepidermal water loss of sodium lauryl sulfate-irritated skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18717861/) Ceramide np · International Journal of Dermatology, 2008
- [Effect of a topical antioxidant serum containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid after Q-switched 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser for treatment of environment-induced skin pigmentation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32052907/) Ascorbic acid, Tocopherol · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
- [Clinical, biometric and structural evaluation of the long-term effects of a topical treatment with ascorbic acid and madecassoside in photoaged human skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18503551/) Centella asiatica leaf extract · Experimental Dermatology, 2008
- [Design, characterization, and clinical evaluation of argan oil nanostructured lipid carriers to improve skin hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25143733/) Argania spinosa kernel oil · International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2014
- [The 24-hour skin hydration and barrier function effects of a hyaluronic 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract moisturizing fluid: an intra-subject, randomized, assessor-blinded study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/) Glycerin, Madecassoside · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
- [Randomized controlled study for the anti-aging effect of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide after laser therapy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/) Niacinamide · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
- [The Effects of a Standardized Extract of Centella asiatica on Postlaser Resurfacing Wound Healing on the Face: A Split-Face, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32310680/) Madecassoside · Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2020
- [A new topical panthenol-containing emollient: Results from two randomized controlled studies assessing its skin moisturization and barrier restoration potential, and the effect on skin microflora](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27425824/) Panthenol · The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017
- [Adenosine-loaded dissolving microneedle patches to improve skin wrinkles, dermal density, elasticity and hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29574973/) Adenosine · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2018
- [Efficacy of a topical gel containing chitosan, chlorhexidine, allantoin and dexpanthenol for pain and inflammation control after third molar surgery: A randomized and placebo-controlled clinical trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32683390/) Allantoin · Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020
- [High molecular compounds (polysaccharides and proanthocyanidins) from Hamamelis virginiana bark: influence on human skin keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation and influence on irritated skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11684194/) Witch hazel · Phytochemistry, 2001
- [Systematic Study of Paeonol/Madecassoside Co-Delivery Nanoemulsion Transdermal Delivery System for Enhancing Barrier Repair and Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37446936/) Centella asiatica · Molecules, 2023
- [A Lipid Mixture Enriched by Ceramide NP with Fatty Acids of Diverse Chain Lengths Contributes to Restore the Skin Barrier Function Impaired by Topical Corticosteroid](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34348350/) Ceramide np · Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2022
- [Efficacy and safety of moisturizer containing 5% panthenol, madecassoside, and copper-zinc-manganese versus 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream in decreasing adverse reaction and downtime after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing: A split-face, double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30945430/) Centella asiatica leaf extract · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
- [Whitening effect of alpha-bisabolol in Asian women subjects](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20642768/) Bisabolol · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2010
- [Two-phase delivery using a horse oil and adenosine-loaded dissolving microneedle patch for skin barrier restoration, moisturization, and wrinkle improvement](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30160014/) Adenosine · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
- [Development of solid lipid microparticles (SLMs) containing asiatic acid for topical treatment of acne: Characterization, stability, in vitro and in vivo anti-acne assessment](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38460769/) Centella asiatica leaf extract · International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2024
- [Clinical Development and Evaluation of a Multi-Component Dissolving Microneedle Patch for Skin Pigmentation Disorders](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37571190/) 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid · Polymers, 2023
- [Antiaging, Brightening, and Antioxidant Efficacy of Fermented Bilberry Extract (Vaccinium myrtillus): A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39064646/) Vaccinium myrtillus · Nutrients, 2024
- [Moisturizing effect of serine-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles and polysaccharide-rich extract of root Phragmites communis incorporated in hydrogel bases](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27778274/) Serine · Archives of Pharmacal Research, 2017
- [Formulation of Ascorbic Acid and Betaine-based Therapeutic Deep Eutectic System for Enhanced Transdermal Delivery of Ascorbic Acid](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38794349/) 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid ascorbic acid · Pharmaceutics, 2024
- [Combined Skin Moisturization of Liposomal Serine Incorporated in Hydrogels Prepared with Carbopol ETD 2020, Rhesperse RM 100 and Hyaluronic Acid](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26557021/) Serine · The Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology, 2015
- [Why is sodium cocoyl isethionate (SCI) mild to the skin barrier? - An in vitro investigation based on the relative sizes of the SCI micelles and the skin aqueous pores](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17598025/) Sodium cocoyl isethionate · Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2007
- [Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a Panthenol-Enriched Mask for Skin Barrier Recovery After Facial Laser Treatment: Results of a Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40613435/) Panthenol · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
- [Translational Evaluation of a Disodium Adenosine Monophosphate (AMP2Na)-Based Topical Formulation for Physiology-Aligned Skin Rejuvenation: Integrated In Vitro, Ex Vivo, and Clinical Evidence](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42278371/) Adenosine · International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2026
- [Effect of isosecotanapartholide isolated from Artemisia princeps Pampanini on IL‑33 production and STAT‑1 activation in HaCaT keratinocytes](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28447741/) Artemisia princeps leaf extract · Molecular Medicine Reports, 2017
- [Development and efficacy assessments of tea seed oil makeup remover](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27988044/) Camellia sinensis seed oil · Annales Pharmaceutiques Francaises, 2017
- [Effect of an Emollient Emulsion Containing 15.0% of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride on the Urocanic Acid of the Stratum Corneum](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37109405/) Caprylic capric triglyceride · Life, 2023
- [Effects of fermented tea seed oil on the skin lipid barrier and microbiome of sensitive skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41319188/) Camellia sinensis seed oil · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2026
- [Efficacy and safety of combination cream of stimu-tex AS™ (spent grain wax, Argania Spinosa Kernel oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (shea butter) extract), and saccharide isomerate after fractional CO2 laser procedure: split-face, double blinded, randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41134387/) Shea butter · Lasers in Medical Science, 2025
- [Clinical Evaluation of a Soap-Free Cleansing Lotion Containing Sodium Cocoyl Apple Amino Acids for Effective Impurity Removal and Skin Barrier Preservation in Healthy Adults With Diverse Skin Types](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40978887/) Sodium cocoyl apple amino acids · Cureus, 2025
- [Efficacy of a Topical Formulation on Skin Hydration and Barrier Function in Individuals With Xerosis: A 28-Day Randomized, Split-Leg, Untreated-Controlled Trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42108609/) Dipotassium glycyrrhizate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026

## The brands

- Korean skincare: [Dr. Althea](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/dr-althea)
- Skincare: [the purest](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/the-purest)

## More comparisons

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- [The Ordinary vs Dr. Althea](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/the-ordinary-vs-dr-althea)
- [The Ordinary vs the purest](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/the-ordinary-vs-the-purest)
- [Beauty of Joseon vs Dr. Althea](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-dr-althea)
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- [COSRX vs Dr. Althea](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/cosrx-vs-dr-althea)
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- [CeraVe vs Dr. Althea](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/cerave-vs-dr-althea)
- [CeraVe vs the purest](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/cerave-vs-the-purest)
- [La Roche-Posay vs Dr. Althea](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-dr-althea)
- [La Roche-Posay vs the purest](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-the-purest)
- [Dr. Althea vs Some By Mi](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/dr-althea-vs-some-by-mi)
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- [Dr. Althea vs celimax](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/dr-althea-vs-celimax)
- [Dr. Althea vs Purito](https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/dr-althea-vs-purito)

## About the Lovi Fit

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

Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated 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 comparison: 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/compare/dr-althea-vs-the-purest (this page)
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