🇩🇪Germany

Dr. Althea vs Galderma

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes · How the Fit score works

Dr. Althea and Galderma are skincare brands that offer distinct approaches to complexion care, with the former originating in Korea in 2014 and the latter established in Switzerland in 1981. Dr. Althea specializes in soothing moisturizers, gentle cleansers, effective makeup removers, and nourishing serums featuring key ingredients, whereas Galderma focuses on specialized serums. While the Korean line suits dry skin and acne-prone skin best with balanced hydration, the Swiss brand fits oily skin and acne-prone skin best through targeted treatments. Ultimately, they differ in their product types, ingredient philosophies, and ideal skin profiles, allowing both to serve varied skincare needs.

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

doctoraltheaglobal.comdoctoralthea.co.kr

Galderma is a Swiss skincare brand founded in 1981 and owned by Galderma Group AG.

en.wikipedia.org

This page compares some of the most popular Dr. Althea and Galderma products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular Dr. Althea vs Galderma products

People Say

Dr. AltheaGalderma
  • Gentle Formula Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “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”
    • “didn't burn my face — Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel”
  • Acne Clearance and Prevention Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “cleared up my skin — Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel”
    • “cystic acne gone — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
    • “stops new pimples — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Lightweight and Pleasant Texture Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “absorbs beautifully — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
    • “rich but non-greasy — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
    • “Melts instantly — Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm”
  • Soothing and Calming Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “calms redness — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
    • “instantly calms irritated skin — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
    • “perfect for sensitive skin — Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser”
  • Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedNot noted
    • “hydrating but light — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
    • “consistently hydrated mornings — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
    • “feels hydrated — Dr. Althea Amino Gel Cleanser”
  • Skin Texture Improvement Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
    • “skin feels smooth — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
    • “faded acne scars — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
  • Severe Burning and Dryness Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “face on fire — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Causes Breakouts and Purging Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “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”
    • “got worse first — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Redness and Irritation Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “red as tomato — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
  • Bleaches Fabrics Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “bleached my towel — Galderma Benzac AC 5”

Dr. Althea vs Galderma routines for dry skin

See multi-brand routine · 99% fit

Dr. Althea vs Galderma routines for oily skin

See multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Dr. Althea vs Galderma routines for combination skin

See multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Questions and answers

Dr. Althea or Galderma: which is better?

Dr. Althea is better for a gentle, hydrating routine, while Galderma is better for clearing acne with its potent serums.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020

What is the difference between Dr. Althea and Galderma?

Dr. Althea focuses on gentle formulas, soothing hydration, and lightweight textures, whereas Galderma specializes in effective acne-clearing serums that may occasionally cause severe dryness and peeling.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020

Dr. Althea or Galderma for dry skin?

For dry skin, Dr. Althea achieves a Lovi fit level of Superior while Galderma reaches a High fit level. Dr. Althea offers gentler, highly hydrating moisturizers and cleansers, whereas Galderma serums may cause severe dryness and peeling.

Which is more affordable, Dr. Althea or Galderma?

This page does not provide pricing or affordability information to compare Dr. Althea and Galderma.

Between Dr. Althea and Galderma, which brand performs better for mature skin?

Galderma performs better for mature skin with a Superior Lovi fit level, whereas Dr. Althea has a High Lovi fit level for this skin type.

Which brand has fragrance-free products, Dr. Althea or Galderma?

Both Dr. Althea and Galderma offer products on this page that list no fragrance in their ingredients.

Dr. Althea or Galderma for oily skin?

Galderma is a better fit for oily skin, earning a Superior routine fit compared to Dr. Althea's High fit. Galderma features effective acne-clearing serums like Epiduo Gel and Benzac AC 5, though reviewers note that these products may cause severe dryness and peeling.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020

Dr. Althea or Galderma for sensitive skin?

For sensitive skin, both Dr. Althea and Galderma achieve a High Lovi fit level. Reviewers note that Dr. Althea provides gentle cleansers and soothing moisturizers, whereas Galderma serums may cause severe dryness, peeling, and irritation.

Dr. Althea or Galderma for acne-prone skin?

Both brands achieve a Superior Lovi fit level for acne-prone skin, with Dr. Althea providing gentle, soothing cleansers and moisturizers, while Galderma focuses on effective acne-clearing serums.

Dr. Althea or Galderma for skin with dark spots?

Galderma is the better choice for skin with dark spots, achieving a Lovi fit level of Superior compared to Dr. Althea's High. Reviewers note that Galderma provides effective acne-clearing serums that help improve skin texture.

Research behind their key ingredients

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.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

How does it fit your skin?

Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.

QR code: get the Lovi app
Download on theApp Store Get it onGoogle Play