Anua vs Dr. Althea
Anua and Dr. Althea are modern Korean skincare brands designed to address diverse complexions through thoughtful, ingredient-led formulations. Anua features moisturizers, toners, serums, and cleansers centered on hyaluronic acid, heartleaf, and niacinamide, while Dr. Althea offers nourishing serums, gentle cleansers, makeup removers, and moisturizers driven by soothing benefits. Both brands suit dry skin and acne-prone skin best, though they differ in their specific targeted solutions and founding backgrounds.
Anua is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2019 and owned by The Founders Inc..
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Dr. Althea is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2014 and owned by The Pure Lab Co., Ltd..
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This page compares some of the most popular Anua and Dr. Althea products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Anua vs Dr. Althea products
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Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
€19.90
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Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
€21.97
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Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
€22.56
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PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
€25.79
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Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
€14.89
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Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
€21.37
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PEACH 70% NIACINAMIDE SERUM
€21.90
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Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad
€23.99
People Say
Lightweight Texture and Absorption Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “absorbs beautifully — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “rich but non-greasy — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “Melts instantly — Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm”
- “melts into skin — Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream”
Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “complexion feels so plump — Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum”
- “leaves skin plump — Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner”
- “Drink of water for my skin — Anua PEACH 70% NIACINAMIDE SERUM”
- “hydrating but light — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
Gentle and Non-Irritating Formula Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “great for sensitive skin — Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum”
- “Soothes sensitive skin — Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm”
- “perfect for sensitive skin — Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser”
- “didn't sensitize my skin — Anua BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner”
Soothing and Barrier Repair Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Calms my redness instantly — Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner”
- “calmed my red spots — Anua Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad”
- “strengthened my skin barrier — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “calms redness — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
Brightening and Glow Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Significant reduction in hyperpigmentation from acne scarring. — Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum”
- “Gives a nice healthy glow — Anua PEACH 70% NIACINAMIDE SERUM”
- “Gives my skin a beautiful, healthy glow. — Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum”
- “faded dark spots — Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum”
Pore Care and Cleansing Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Dissolved my sebaceous filaments immediately — Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil”
- “effectively removes sebum — Anua Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam”
- “pores visibly tightened — Anua NANO RETINOL™ 0.3% + NIACIN RENEWING SERUM”
- “Removes sunscreen well — Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm”
Breakouts and Acne Often MentionedSometimes 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”
- “Wrecked my skin barrier — Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil”
Packaging and Quantity Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “price feels way too high — Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum”
- “be careful when you first squeeze it out — Anua Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder”
- “small size, the price is expensive — Anua Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder”
- “Runs out fast — Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm”
Anua vs Dr. Althea routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€13.50
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Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
€15.16
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Moisturizer
345 Relief Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€21.80
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SPF
thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Morning
€37.19
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Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
€16.76
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
€19.30
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
€31.93
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Cleanser
Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€18.95
-
Hydrating Toner
Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
Morning
€21.37
-
Moisturizer
Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€25.29
-
SPF
Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream
Morning
€21.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€19.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Green Lemon Vita C Blemish Serum
Evening · Once a week
€40.00
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Nourishing Mask
Heartleaf 77% Soothing Sheet Mask
Once a week
€26.00
Anua vs Dr. Althea routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€13.50
-
Hydrating Toner
La Mer The Tonic
Morning · Once a week
€103.91
-
Moisturizer
345 Relief Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€21.80
-
SPF
make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Morning
€40.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
€16.76
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
€19.50
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
€19.30
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€19.79
-
Cleanser
Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€14.89
-
Hydrating Toner
Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
Morning · Once a week
€19.80
-
Moisturizer
Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€25.29
-
SPF
Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream
Morning
€21.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€19.90
-
Cleansing Toner
BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner
Evening
€22.98
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
€22.56
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€19.79
Anua vs Dr. Althea routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€13.50
-
Hydrating Toner
La Mer The Tonic
Morning · Once a week
€103.91
-
Moisturizer
345 Relief Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€21.80
-
SPF
make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Morning
€40.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
€16.76
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
€17.15
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
€19.30
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€49.00
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€19.79
-
Cleanser
Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€14.89
-
Hydrating Toner
Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
Morning · Once a week
€21.37
-
Moisturizer
Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€19.80
-
SPF
Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream
Morning
€21.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
€19.90
-
Cleansing Toner
BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner
Evening
€22.98
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
€22.56
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€19.79
Questions and answers
Anua or Dr. Althea: which is better?
Anua and Dr. Althea each excel in different areas, with Anua standing out for brightening and pore care while Dr. Althea scores higher for dry and acne-prone skin routines. Reviewers note that Anua helps provide hydration and a glass skin glow, whereas Dr. Althea is often praised for its gentle and soothing cleansers and moisturizers.
What is the difference between Anua and Dr. Althea?
Anua focuses on brightening, pore care, and hydration with ingredients like niacinamide and heartleaf, whereas Dr. Althea specializes in gentle, non-irritating formulas and soothing moisturizers. Reviewers note that Anua provides better brightening and glow while Dr. Althea delivers a lighter texture and absorption.
Anua or Dr. Althea for dry skin?
Dr. Althea has a Superior routine fit for dry skin, while Anua has a High routine fit for dry skin. Reviewers often mention Dr. Althea for soothing and hydrating moisturizers, whereas Anua excels in hydration and moisture.
Anua or Dr. Althea: which cleanser is better?
Dr. Althea tends to perform better for gentle cleansers as noted by reviewers, whereas Anua excels specifically in pore care and cleansing across the products on this page. Dr. Althea also features a superior routine fit for acne-prone skin.
Which is more affordable, Anua or Dr. Althea?
This page does not provide information to compare the affordability of Anua and Dr. Althea.
Anua or Dr. Althea: which brand offers better brightening and glow results?
Anua offers better brightening and glow results, as reviewers highlight its brightening serums and glass skin glow toners. Lovi rates Anua as High for skin with dark spots across multiple products on this page.
Anua or Dr. Althea: which brand is superior for pore care and cleansing?
Anua does better for pore care and cleansing, as the products on this page excel in pore care and cleansing.
Anua or Dr. Althea: which brand provides better lightweight texture and absorption?
Dr. Althea provides better lightweight texture and absorption for the products on this page compared to Anua.
Anua or Dr. Althea for oily skin?
Both Anua and Dr. Althea are well suited for oily skin, with Lovi rating the routine fit for both brands as High. Reviewers note that Anua stands out for pore care and cleansing among the products on this page.
Anua or Dr. Althea for sensitive skin?
Both Anua and Dr. Althea are a High fit for sensitive skin on Lovi. Reviewers note that Dr. Althea has a more gentle and non-irritating formula, while Anua offers great soothing benefits and barrier support.
Anua or Dr. Althea for acne-prone skin?
Anua and Dr. Althea both fit acne-prone skin well, with Dr. Althea achieving a Superior routine fit compared to Anua's High fit on this page. Reviewers note that Anua helps with pore care and brightening, while Dr. Althea is often recognized for gentle cleansers and soothing moisturizers.
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
Effects of glyceryl glucoside on AQP3 expression, barrier function and hydration of human skin
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Histometric assessment of the age-related skin response to 2-hydroxy-5-octanoyl benzoic acid
Emulgels powered by coco-glucoside: A stable and effective synbiotics delivery system for skin care
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
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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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
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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