Anua vs Dr. Althea
Anua and Dr. Althea are Korean skincare brands that offer thoughtfully crafted moisturizers, cleansers, and serums built around gentle formulas and key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, heartleaf, and niacinamide. Both brands suit acne-prone skin best, while the first also fits combination skin and the second accommodates dry skin. The first brand is known for targeted care such as its soothing toner and vitamin C serum for dark spots, whereas the second provides reliable formulations like its bubble cleanser and relief cream. Ultimately, they differ in their specific ingredient focus and the range of skin types they serve.
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
SAR 62.80
-
Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
SAR 49.00
-
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
SAR 68.00
-
PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
SAR 91.90
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Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
SAR 58.12
-
Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
SAR 92.50
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PEACH 70% NIACINAMIDE SERUM
SAR 37.98
-
Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad
SAR 30.33
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
SAR 40.34
-
Moisturizer
345 Relief Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 59.90
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 75.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
SAR 59.43
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
SAR 72.64
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 50.03
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
-
Cleanser
Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 72.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
Morning
SAR 92.50
-
Moisturizer
Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 106.64
-
SPF
Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream
Morning
SAR 83.71
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 62.80
-
Cleansing Toner
BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner
Evening
SAR 55.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 68.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
Once a week
SAR 39.22
-
Nourishing Mask
Heartleaf 77% Soothing Sheet Mask
Once a week
SAR 19.77
Buy Dr. Althea routine · SAR 722.37 · 90% fit
Buy Anua routine · SAR 599.64 · 78% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Anua vs Dr. Althea routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 40.34
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.04
-
Moisturizer
345 Relief Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 59.90
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
SAR 59.43
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
SAR 187.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 50.03
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
-
Cleanser
Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 58.12
-
Hydrating Toner
Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
Morning · Once a week
SAR 39.22
-
Moisturizer
Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 106.64
-
SPF
Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream
Morning
SAR 83.71
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 62.80
-
Cleansing Toner
BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner
Evening
SAR 55.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 68.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Heartleaf Pore Clay Pack
Once a week
SAR 34.99
Buy Dr. Althea routine · SAR 982.49 · 90% fit
Buy Anua routine · SAR 508.48 · 81% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Anua vs Dr. Althea routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 40.34
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 166.90
-
Moisturizer
345 Relief Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 59.90
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
SAR 59.43
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
SAR 64.80
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 50.03
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
SAR 168.77
-
Cleanser
Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 58.12
-
Hydrating Toner
Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 92.50
-
Moisturizer
Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 39.22
-
SPF
Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream
Morning
SAR 83.71
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 62.80
-
Cleansing Toner
BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner
Evening
SAR 55.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 68.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Heartleaf Pore Clay Pack
Once a week
SAR 34.99
Buy Dr. Althea routine · SAR 814.63 · 89% fit
Buy Anua routine · SAR 494.34 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Anua or Dr. Althea: which is better?
Anua and Dr. Althea each excel in different areas, with Anua leading in pore care, brightening, and hydration, while Dr. Althea stands out for its lightweight texture and gentle, non-irritating formulas. For dry skin, acne-prone skin, oily skin, and mature skin, Dr. Althea achieves a Superior routine fit, whereas Anua achieves a High routine fit across these same skin types.
What is the difference between Anua and Dr. Althea?
Anua focuses on brightening, pore care, and hydration with products on this page like its niacinamide serums and heartleaf toners, while Dr. Althea excels with gentle cleansers and soothing moisturizers. Reviewers note that Dr. Althea tends to offer a more lightweight texture and a gentler, less irritating formula, whereas Anua is often chosen for its glass skin glow and brightening effects.
Anua or Dr. Althea for dry skin?
Dr. Althea provides a superior routine fit for dry skin compared to Anua's high fit. Dr. Althea's products on this page are noted for gentle cleansers and soothing, hydrating moisturizers.
Anua or Dr. Althea: which cleanser is better?
Dr. Althea provides better cleansers, as the products on this page achieve a superior routine fit for several skin types. Reviewers also mostly mention Dr. Althea for gentle cleansers and soothing cleansers.
Which is more affordable, Anua or Dr. Althea?
The products on this page do not list pricing information, so a comparison of affordability between Anua and Dr. Althea cannot be made.
Between Anua and Dr. Althea, which brand performs better for brightening and glow according to review themes?
According to the review themes on this page, Anua performs better for brightening and glow. Reviewers frequently mention Anua's brightening serums and glass skin glow toners.
How do the founding years and corporate ownership of Anua and Dr. Althea compare?
Anua was founded in 2019 in South Korea and is owned by The Founders Inc., whereas Dr. Althea was founded earlier in 2014 in South Korea and is owned by The Pure Lab Co., Ltd.
Which brand has a superior routine fit for dry sensitive skin based on the comparison data?
Anua has a High routine fit for dry sensitive skin, while Dr. Althea also has a High routine fit for dry sensitive skin.
Anua or Dr. Althea for oily skin?
For oily skin, Dr. Althea has a Superior routine fit with products like the Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser, while Anua achieves a High routine fit on the products on this page. Reviewers report that Dr. Althea does better for gentle and non-irritating formulas as well as lightweight texture and absorption.
Anua or Dr. Althea for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, both brands do well, with Lovi giving Anua a High fit and Dr. Althea a High fit. Reviewers note that Dr. Althea offers gentle cleansers and soothing moisturizers, while Anua focuses on calming ingredients like heartleaf and panthenol.
Anua or Dr. Althea for acne-prone skin?
Dr. Althea provides a superior routine fit for acne-prone skin compared to Anua, which has a high fit. Reviewers often note that Dr. Althea offers gentler cleansers and soothing moisturizers, though some users still experience occasional breakouts or irritation issues with the products on this page.
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.
-

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
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