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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 established skincare brands offering distinct approaches to daily care. The Korean brand features gentle, nourishing moisturizers, cleansers, makeup removers, and serums that suit dry and mature skin best. Meanwhile, the Swiss brand provides targeted serums to address specific dermatological concerns. While both support balanced complexions, the first focuses on soothing hydration through harmonious ingredients, and the second specializes in active gels like Epiduo and Benzac.

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”

Questions and answers

Dr. Althea or Galderma: which is better?

Dr. Althea is better for gentle hydration and soothing care, as the products on this page provide calming moisturizers and cleansers, whereas Galderma is better for acne clearance with effective treatment serums. Reviewers note that Galderma can cause severe dryness and peeling, while Dr. Althea tends to offer a more comfortable experience.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2016

What is the difference between Dr. Althea and Galderma?

Dr. Althea provides gentle and soothing hydration with products like the 345 Relief Cream and Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser, while Galderma specializes in effective acne-clearing serums such as Epiduo Gel. Reviewers note that Galderma's products often cause severe dryness and peeling, whereas Dr. Althea focuses on gentle formulas that help nourish dry and mature skin types.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020

Which is more affordable, Dr. Althea or Galderma?

Neither Dr. Althea nor Galderma has pricing information available on this page to determine which brand is more affordable.

Which causes fewer breakouts, Dr. Althea or Galderma?

Galderma is better for acne clearance, while the products on this page from Dr. Althea sometimes cause breakouts.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020

Between Dr. Althea and Galderma, which brand focuses better on gentle formulas and soothing, calming skincare?

Dr. Althea focuses better on gentle formulas and soothing, calming skincare because the products on this page are mostly mentioned by reviewers for having gentle cleansers and soothing moisturizers, whereas Galderma is noted for severe dryness, peeling, and irritation. Additionally, Dr. Althea's 345 Relief Cream achieves a Superior Lovi fit for acne-prone skin while remaining fragrance-free.

How do the founding years and countries of origin compare between Dr. Althea and Galderma?

Dr. Althea was founded in South Korea in 2014, while Galderma originated in Switzerland in 1981.

Which brand performs better for acne clearance and prevention according to the review themes?

Galderma performs better for acne clearance and prevention according to the review themes. Reviewers mostly mention its serums as effective for clearing acne, while some reviewers note that the products on this page from Dr. Althea can cause breakouts.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020

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

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