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
€16.00
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Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
€12.59
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Moisturizer
345 Relief Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€18.53
-
SPF
Australian Gold Botanical Lotion SPF 30
Morning
€21.04
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
€15.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
€14.29
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
€19.00
-
Cleanser
Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€16.94
-
Hydrating Toner
Ginseng Essence Water
Morning
€12.50
-
Moisturizer
Revive Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€9.93
-
SPF
Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
Morning
€9.92
-
Pre-Cleanser
Ginseng Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€18.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
€9.99
-
Nourishing Mask
Centella Asiatica Calming Mask
Once a week
€3.95
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
€16.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
€16.59
-
Moisturizer
345 Relief Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€18.53
-
SPF
make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Morning
€32.80
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
€15.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
€16.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
€14.29
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
Dr. Sebagh Deep Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
€81.80
-
Cleanser
Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€16.94
-
Hydrating Toner
Ginseng Essence Water
Morning · Once a week
€12.50
-
Moisturizer
Revive Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€9.93
-
SPF
Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
Morning
€9.92
-
Pre-Cleanser
Ginseng Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€18.90
-
Cleansing Toner
Green Plum Refreshing Toner
Evening
€10.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
€9.99
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask
Once a week
€12.24
Beauty of Joseon vs Dr. Althea routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€16.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€36.00
-
Moisturizer
345 Relief Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€18.53
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
€15.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
€16.98
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
€14.29
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
€28.50
-
Cleanser
Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€16.94
-
Hydrating Toner
Ginseng Essence Water
Morning · Once a week
€12.50
-
Moisturizer
Revive Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€9.93
-
SPF
Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
Morning
€9.92
-
Pre-Cleanser
Radiance Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
€21.04
-
Cleansing Toner
Green Plum Refreshing Toner
Evening
€10.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
€9.99
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask
Once a week
€12.24
Questions and answers
Beauty of Joseon or Dr. Althea: which is better?
Beauty of Joseon is better for radiant skin effects, while Dr. Althea has fewer reported scent and breakout issues among reviewers. Both brands provide fragrance-free options with key ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to help improve skin quality.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
What is the difference between Beauty of Joseon and Dr. Althea?
Beauty of Joseon and Dr. Althea are both South Korean skincare brands founded in the 2010s with no added fragrance across the products on this page. Beauty of Joseon is best suited for dry skin, sensitive skin, and skin with dark spots, while Dr. Althea best fits dry skin, acne-prone skin, and oily skin.
Beauty of Joseon or Dr. Althea for dry skin?
For dry skin, Beauty of Joseon and Dr. Althea both achieve a High routine fit level, while Dr. Althea also reaches a Superior routine fit level on this page. Reviewers often mention deep hydration and moisturization for both brands.
Beauty of Joseon or Dr. Althea: which cleanser is better?
For cleansers, the products on this page show that Dr. Althea has a Superior fit for acne-prone, dry, oily, and combination skin with its Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser. Beauty of Joseon also offers strong options, such as the Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser, which has a High fit across all listed skin types.
Which is more affordable, Beauty of Joseon or Dr. Althea?
The page does not provide pricing or affordability information for either Beauty of Joseon or Dr. Althea.
Between Beauty of Joseon and Dr. Althea, which brand has better review themes regarding scent and fragrance issues?
Beauty of Joseon does better regarding scent and fragrance issues, as scent and fragrance issues are sometimes noted for Dr. Althea.
How do the founding years and corporate ownerships 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. since 2019, while Dr. Althea was founded earlier in 2014 in South Korea and is owned by The Pure Lab Co., Ltd.
Which brand performs better for mature skin according to the routine fit levels?
For mature skin, Dr. Althea performs better with a High routine fit level compared to Beauty of Joseon, which has an Average fit.
Beauty of Joseon or Dr. Althea for oily skin?
Both brands are a good choice for oily skin, with Lovi giving Beauty of Joseon a High fit and Dr. Althea a High fit as well. The products on this page help provide gentle care and oil control without added fragrance.
Beauty of Joseon or Dr. Althea: which moisturizer is better?
Both brands offer popular moisturizers on this page, with Beauty of Joseon featuring the Dynasty Cream and Red Bean Water Gel, while Dr. Althea features the 345 Relief Cream and Barrier Cream. Lovi rates the Dynasty Cream as High for dry skin, mature skin, dry sensitive skin, and skin with dark spots, and Average for sensitive skin, oily skin, oily acne-prone skin, acne-prone skin, and combination skin. Lovi rates the 345 Relief Cream as Superior for acne-prone skin and oily acne-prone skin, and High for dry skin, combination skin, mature skin, dry sensitive skin, skin with dark spots, oily skin, and sensitive skin.
Beauty of Joseon or Dr. Althea for sensitive skin?
Both Beauty of Joseon and Dr. Althea are well-suited for sensitive skin, with Lovi rating both brands at a High routine fit level. Reviewers on the page frequently note that the products from both brands offer gentle and non-irritating formulas.
Beauty of Joseon or Dr. Althea for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, Dr. Althea has a Superior routine fit, while Beauty of Joseon has a High routine 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
-

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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