Dr. Althea vs Some By Mi
Dr. Althea and Some By Mi are popular Korean skincare brands offering gentle cleansers, nourishing moisturizers, and targeted serums. Dr. Althea features nourishing formulas with standout solutions like the 345 Relief Cream, while Some By Mi builds its products around niacinamide, centella asiatica, and salicylic acid. Both brands suit dry skin best, though the brand from 2014 focuses on soothing hydration for mature skin and acne-prone skin, whereas its counterpart from 2016 addresses hyperpigmentation and skin clarity.
Dr. Althea is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2014 and owned by The Pure Lab Co., Ltd..
doctoraltheaglobal.comdoctoralthea.co.kr
Some By Mi is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by JKL Partners since 2021.
kedglobal.compreqin.comtracxn.com
This page compares some of the most popular Dr. Althea and Some By Mi products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Dr. Althea vs Some By Mi products
-
AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
€5.00
-
Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum
€28.85
-
AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Foam
€6.00
-
AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum
€21.50
-
Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream
€16.30
-
Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask
€16.79
-
Beta Panthenol Repair Cream
€15.78
-
Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream
€13.67
People Say
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”
- “Zero irritation or redness — Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum”
Soothing and Calming Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “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”
- “Calmed my retinol burn overnight — Some By Mi Beta Panthenol Repair Cream”
Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “hydrating but light — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “consistently hydrated mornings — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “Lasts 100 hours as claimed — Some By Mi Beta Panthenol Repair Cream”
- “Absorbs quickly — Some By Mi Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum”
Lightweight and Fast Absorbing Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “absorbs beautifully — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “absorbs quickly — Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum”
- “absorbs quickly — Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream”
- “absorbs quickly — Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Serum”
Skin Texture Improvement Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Skin became smoother — Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner”
- “Skin feels baby soft — Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum”
- “skin feels baby soft — Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum”
- “Melts instantly — Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm”
Brightening and Evening Skin Tone Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Fades dark spots — Some By Mi Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum”
- “skin looks visibly brighter — Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Anti Blemish Serum”
- “brightens dull skin — Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream”
- “faded dark spots — Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum”
Scent and Fragrance Dislike Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “smells like plants — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “clinical scent — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “prominent acidic hint — Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser”
- “overwhelming citrus fragrance — Some By Mi V10 Hyal Air Fit Sunscreen”
Insufficient Hydration or Dryness Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “not enough for dry skin — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “drying on my hands and face — Dr. Althea Amino Gel Cleanser”
- “not moisturizing enough — Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream”
Breakouts and Purging Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “broke me out — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “gave me cystic acne — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “Zits appeared initially — Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner”
- “gave me cystic acne — Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum”
Dr. Althea vs Some By Mi routines for dry skin
-
Cleanser
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€14.90
-
Hydrating Toner
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning
€16.90
-
Moisturizer
Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€13.67
-
SPF
V10 Hyal Air Fit Sunscreen
Morning
€16.90
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
€10.97
-
Serum or Treatment
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Serum
Evening · Once a week
€21.50
-
Nourishing Mask
Abib Rice Probiotics Overnight Mask
Once a week
€15.30
-
Cleanser
Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€11.25
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Advanced Replenishing Toner
Morning
€34.00
-
Moisturizer
345 Relief Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€9.99
-
SPF
Purito Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen
Morning
€12.98
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
€15.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
€19.50
-
Nourishing Mask
Abib Rice Probiotics Overnight Mask
Once a week
€15.30
Dr. Althea vs Some By Mi routines for oily skin
-
Cleanser
Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€11.25
-
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
€9.99
-
SPF
d'Alba UVessence Mild Waterfull Sun Cream SPF 50
Morning
€16.99
-
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
€19.50
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€16.79
-
Cleanser
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€14.90
-
Hydrating Toner
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
€16.90
-
Moisturizer
Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€13.67
-
SPF
V10 Hyal Air Fit Sunscreen
Morning
€16.90
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€97.52
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Evening
€5.00
-
Serum or Treatment
AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum
Evening · Once a week
€21.50
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask
Once a week
€16.79
Dr. Althea vs Some By Mi routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€11.25
-
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
€9.99
-
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
€19.50
-
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
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Low pH Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€14.90
-
Hydrating Toner
Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
€16.90
-
Moisturizer
Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€13.67
-
SPF
V10 Hyal Air Fit Sunscreen
Morning
€16.90
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€97.52
-
Cleansing Toner
AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
Evening
€5.00
-
Serum or Treatment
AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum
Evening · Once a week
€21.50
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€48.55
-
Cleansing Mask
Super Matcha Pore Clean Clay Mask
Once a week
€16.79
Questions and answers
Dr. Althea or Some By Mi: which is better?
Dr. Althea does better for gentle formulas and soothing, while Some By Mi excels in skin texture improvement and brightening. Reviewers note that Dr. Althea provides gentle cleansers and soothing moisturizers, whereas Some By Mi offers effective acne-clearing treatments and brightening serums.
What is the difference between Dr. Althea and Some By Mi?
Dr. Althea focuses more on gentle and soothing formulas that suit sensitive skin well, while Some By Mi tends to offer stronger treatments that help improve skin texture and brighten the complexion. Niacinamide helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation and suppresses melanosome transfer, which is a key ingredient featured across Some By Mi products.
Dr. Althea or Some By Mi for dry skin?
When choosing between Dr. Althea and Some By Mi for dry skin, Some By Mi achieves a Superior routine fit while Dr. Althea reaches a High level. Both brands feature no fragrance across the products on this page.
Dr. Althea or Some By Mi: which cleanser is better?
Dr. Althea is better for a gentle and soothing cleanse, as the products on this page feature options like the Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser which achieves a Superior fit across most skin types. Some By Mi also offers deep pore cleansing cleansers, but reviewers note that some options may cause drying or stripping effects.
Which is more affordable, Dr. Althea or Some By Mi?
The provided page facts do not mention the prices of products from either Dr. Althea or Some By Mi.
Dr. Althea or Some By Mi: which brand is better for skin texture improvement?
Some By Mi does better for skin texture improvement because its products focus more on smoothing textures. Reviewers often mention its skin-smoothing textures, while Dr. Althea tends to focus more on gentle formulas and soothing care.
Dr. Althea or Some By Mi: which brand is better for brightening and evening skin tone?
Some By Mi is the better brand for brightening and evening skin tone, as it is noted for complexion brightening and offers higher Lovi fit levels for skin with dark spots. Niacinamide, one of the key ingredients across the products on this page, helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation and suppress melanosome transfer.
Dr. Althea or Some By Mi: which brand is more gentle and soothing?
Dr. Althea does better for gentle formulas as well as soothing and calming. Reviewers mostly mention its gentle cleansers and soothing moisturizers.
Dr. Althea or Some By Mi for oily skin?
For oily skin, both Dr. Althea and Some By Mi achieve a High Lovi fit level. Reviewers mention that Dr. Althea provides gentle and soothing cleansers and moisturizers, while Some By Mi offers deep pore cleansing cleansers and effective acne-clearing treatments.
Dr. Althea or Some By Mi: which moisturizer is better?
Dr. Althea and Some By Mi both offer well-liked moisturizers, but Dr. Althea stands out for its soothing properties while Some By Mi excels in brightening and skin texture improvement. For dry sensitive skin, Some By Mi achieves a Superior routine fit, whereas Dr. Althea reaches a High level.
Dr. Althea or Some By Mi for sensitive skin?
Some By Mi is better for sensitive skin, as Lovi rates its routine as Superior compared to Dr. Althea's High. Reviewers note that Some By Mi offers gentle and lightweight serums, though some mention it can occasionally cause drying or stripping effects.
Dr. Althea or Some By Mi for acne-prone skin?
Both Dr. Althea and Some By Mi are well suited for acne-prone skin, as their routines achieve a High fit level for this skin type. Some By Mi stands out with effective acne-clearing treatments and products like the AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner, which reaches a Superior fit level for acne-prone skin.
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
Topical menthol--a human model for cold pain by activation and sensitization of C nociceptors
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin
HelixComplex snail mucus as a potential technology against O3 induced skin damage
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Ethosomes of Phenylethyl Resorcinol as Vesicular Delivery System for Skin Lightening Applications
The use of green tea extract in cosmetic formulations: not only an antioxidant active ingredient
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Allergy to oxidized limonene and linalool is frequent in the U.K
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese 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
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
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.
-

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
























































