Dr. Althea vs RoC
Dr. Althea and RoC are skincare brands known for gentle cleansers, nourishing serums, and dependable moisturizers. The Korean line relies on soothing formulas to suit dry skin and acne-prone skin best, while the French label anchors its products in glycerin and retinol to suit dry skin and skin with dark spots best. Both offer targeted care, yet they differ through Dr. Althea focusing on balanced hydration and RoC emphasizing increased collagen and barrier function.
Dr. Althea is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2014 and owned by The Pure Lab Co., Ltd..
doctoraltheaglobal.comdoctoralthea.co.kr
RoC is a French skincare brand founded in 1957 and owned by Bridgepoint Group plc since 2024.
en.wikipedia.orgprnewswire.combeautymatter.com
This page compares some of the most popular Dr. Althea and RoC products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Dr. Althea vs RoC products
-
Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
€44.90
-
Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream
€18.21
-
Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum
€32.97
-
Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream
€26.08
- Derm Correxion Fill + Treat Serum
-
Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum
€27.89
- Derm Correxion Dual Eye Cream
- Multi Correxion Hydrate + Plump Eye Cream
People Say
Lightweight and Fast Absorbing Texture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “absorbs beautifully — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “rich but non-greasy — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “absorbs nicely — RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream”
- “Absorbs easily and quickly — RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream”
Soothing and Gentle for Sensitive Skin 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”
- “doesn't leave my skin feeling tight — RoC BARRIER RENEW® GEL-TO-FOAM CLEANSER”
Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “hydrating but light — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “consistently hydrated mornings — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “skin is no longer dry — RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream”
- “Areas stay hydrated all day — RoC Multi Correxion Hydrate + Plump Eye Cream”
Improves Skin Texture and Radiance Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “diminished my forehead lines — RoC Derm Correxion Fill + Treat Serum”
- “instant luminosity — RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum”
- “face looked smoother — RoC Daily Resurfacing Disks”
- “faded dark spots — Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum”
Wrinkle and Fine Line Reduction Not notedOften Mentioned
- “wrinkles look less deep — RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream”
- “Fine lines definitely softer — RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream”
- “crow's feet are fading — RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum”
Cleansing and Makeup Removal Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “Removes sunscreen well — Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm”
- “great for morning routine — Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser”
- “lathers a lot — RoC Daily Resurfacing Disks”
Scent and Irritation Issues Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “smells like plants — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “clinical scent — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “Clouds vision temporarily — Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm”
- “smells like perfume — RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream”
Packaging and Quantity Issues Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “tube cracks easily — RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream”
- “Tube oozes product — RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream”
- “pump stopped working — RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum”
- “Runs out fast — Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm”
Subtle or Slow Results Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
- “didn't see big difference — Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum”
- “took 4 weeks to see change — RoC Derm Correxion Fill + Treat Serum”
Dr. Althea vs RoC routines for dry skin
-
Cleanser
Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€16.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
€16.89
-
Moisturizer
345 Relief Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€61.59
-
SPF
Purito Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen
Morning
€20.01
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
€12.49
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening · Once a week
€13.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
€15.00
-
Nourishing Mask
LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask_EX
Once a week
€33.90
-
Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€21.95
-
Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
€16.89
-
Moisturizer
Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€26.08
-
SPF
Purito Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen
Morning
€20.01
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
€11.83
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening · Once a week
€13.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum
Evening · Once a week
€27.89
-
Nourishing Mask
LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask_EX
Once a week
€33.90
Dr. Althea vs RoC routines for oily skin
-
Cleanser
Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€16.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
€19.90
-
Moisturizer
345 Relief Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€61.59
-
SPF
make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Morning
€33.70
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
€12.49
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
€18.05
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
€15.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€72.82
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€15.72
-
Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€21.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
€19.90
-
Moisturizer
Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€26.08
-
SPF
make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Morning
€33.70
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
€11.83
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
€18.05
-
Serum or Treatment
Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum
Evening · Once a week
€27.89
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€72.82
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€15.72
Dr. Althea vs RoC routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€16.50
-
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
€61.59
-
SPF
make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Morning
€33.70
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
€12.49
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening · Once a week
€16.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
€15.00
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€15.72
-
Cleanser
Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€16.50
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
€36.00
-
Moisturizer
Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€26.08
-
SPF
make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Morning
€33.70
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
€11.83
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening · Once a week
€16.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum
Evening · Once a week
€27.89
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
€15.72
Questions and answers
Dr. Althea or RoC: which is better?
Both brands are great choices, but they serve different goals since Dr. Althea tends to be gentler on sensitive skin while RoC is better for reducing wrinkles and fine lines.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007
What is the difference between Dr. Althea and RoC?
Dr. Althea and RoC both fit dry, acne-prone, and dark spot skin well, but Dr. Althea excels with gentle, fragrance-free soothing formulas while RoC is better known for wrinkle and fine line reduction through retinol products.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007
Dr. Althea or RoC for dry skin?
Both Dr. Althea and RoC are good choices for dry skin, with Lovi rating the routine fit for each brand as Superior. Dr. Althea is noted for its fragrance-free products and soothing moisturizers, while RoC offers strong hydration options like its Multi Correxion Hydrate + Plump Eye Cream and barrier-renewing creams.
Dr. Althea or RoC: which cleanser is better?
Dr. Althea is better for cleansing, as the products on this page are rated as more gentle and soothing for sensitive skin.
Which is more affordable, Dr. Althea or RoC?
The products on this page do not have pricing information available, so affordability cannot be compared.
Dr. Althea or RoC: which brand is better for reducing wrinkles and fine lines?
RoC is better for reducing wrinkles and fine lines, as the products on this page excel particularly in wrinkle and fine line reduction.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007
Do Dr. Althea products contain fragrance compared to RoC skincare?
Dr. Althea features no fragrance listed across the products on this page, whereas RoC includes fragrance in some of its formulas, such as the Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum and Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum.
Dr. Althea or RoC: which is better suited for mature skin and skin with dark spots?
RoC is better suited for mature skin and skin with dark spots. Lovi rates RoC's routine fit as Superior for both, compared to High for Dr. Althea.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007
Dr. Althea or RoC for oily skin?
Both Dr. Althea and RoC are great options, as Lovi rates the routine fit for oily skin as High for both brands on this page. Reviewers report that the products on this page help provide a lightweight and fast-absorbing texture for both.
Dr. Althea or RoC: which moisturizer is better?
When choosing between the moisturizers on this page, Dr. Althea is better for soothing and sensitive skin because every product on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients, whereas RoC is better for anti-aging results because its formulas feature ingredients like retinol that help stimulate collagen accumulation in naturally aged human skin.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2017
Dr. Althea or RoC for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, both Dr. Althea and RoC show a High routine fit level on Lovi. Reviewers note that Dr. Althea is soothing and gentle for sensitive skin, while RoC sometimes brings skin irritation and burning and includes strong fragrance in some products.
Dr. Althea or RoC for acne-prone skin?
Both brands are a Superior fit for acne-prone skin on the products on this page. Dr. Althea features gentle, fragrance-free formulations, while RoC offers targeted treatments containing ingredients like retinol that may help improve skin texture.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007
Research behind their key ingredients
Cutaneous photoprotection from ultraviolet injury by green tea polyphenols
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Encapsulation and controlled release of retinol from silicone particles for topical delivery
Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: Comparative study
Development and efficacy assessments of tea seed oil makeup remover
Study of the soothing effects of troxerutin in alleviating skin sensitivity
Effects of fermented tea seed oil on the skin lipid barrier and microbiome of sensitive skin
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
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.















































