Dr. Althea vs BYOMA
Dr. Althea and BYOMA are two distinct skincare lines offering thoughtfully crafted moisturizers, cleansers, and serums for daily routines. Founded in 2014, the Korean brand is widely loved for gentle formulas featuring items like the Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser and 345 Relief Cream that suit acne-prone and dry skin best. In contrast, the British brand launched in 2022 focuses on nourishing tri-ceramide and squalane, with products like the Balancing Face Mist and Melting Balm Cleanser suiting sensitive and dry sensitive skin best. While both provide steady, soothing care, they differ through the Korean line's focus on balanced formulations versus the British line's emphasis on barrier-focused components.
Dr. Althea is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2014 and owned by The Pure Lab Co., Ltd..
doctoraltheaglobal.comdoctoralthea.co.kr
BYOMA is a British skincare brand founded in 2022 and owned by Bansk Group since 2025.
This page compares some of the most popular Dr. Althea and BYOMA products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Dr. Althea vs BYOMA products
People Say
Gentle Formula Mostly MentionedMostly 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”
- “doesn't strip skin — BYOMA Creamy Jelly Cleanser”
Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “skin feels so hydrated — BYOMA Hydrating Milky Toner”
- “feels refreshing on the skin — BYOMA Balancing Face Mist”
- “leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated — BYOMA Milky Moisture Cleanser”
- “hydrating but light — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
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”
- “healed my skin barrier — BYOMA Hydrating Milky Toner”
Lightweight and Fast Absorbing Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “absorbs beautifully — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “absorbs quickly — Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum”
- “Absorbs instantly — BYOMA Moisturizing Gel-Cream”
- “sinks in quickly — BYOMA Brightening Serum”
Improves Skin Texture Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Melts instantly — Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm”
- “faded acne scars — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “Keeps my face soft and not oily — BYOMA Brightening Toner”
- “skin was soft the next morning — BYOMA Sensitive Retinol Oil”
Repairs and Supports Skin Barrier Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “strengthened my skin barrier — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “helped heal my barrier — BYOMA Hydrating Serum”
- “calmed my redness — BYOMA Creamy Jelly Cleanser”
Packaging Complaints Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “Hard to see remaining amount — Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm”
- “hard to squeeze — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “Opening is huge — BYOMA Brightening Toner”
Texture Issues Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “pills under makeup — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “left a moisturizing film — Dr. Althea Amino Gel Cleanser”
- “drying on my hands and face — Dr. Althea Amino Gel Cleanser”
- “Rolls off skin — BYOMA Moisturizing Gel-Cream”
Scent and Irritation Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “smells like plants — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “clinical scent — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “has a weird chemically smell — BYOMA Milky Moisture Cleanser”
- “smell is annoying — BYOMA Milky Oil Cleanser”
Dr. Althea vs BYOMA routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Milky Moisture Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 98.07
-
Hydrating Toner
Balancing Face Mist
Morning
SAR 104.94
-
Moisturizer
Moisturizing Rich Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 117.17
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 75.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Melting Balm Cleanser
Evening · Once a week
SAR 128.65
-
Cleansing Toner
Brightening Toner
Evening
SAR 125.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Clarifying Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 101.13
-
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
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
Buy BYOMA routine · SAR 1,114.99 · 91% fit
Buy Dr. Althea routine · SAR 722.37 · 90% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Dr. Althea vs BYOMA 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
Creamy Jelly Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 90.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Balancing Face Mist
Morning · Once a week
SAR 104.94
-
Moisturizer
Hydrating Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 119.00
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Melting Balm Cleanser
Evening · Once a week
SAR 128.65
-
Cleansing Toner
Brightening Toner
Evening
SAR 125.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Clarifying Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 101.13
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
Buy Dr. Althea routine · SAR 982.49 · 90% fit
Buy BYOMA routine · SAR 1,201.47 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Dr. Althea vs BYOMA routines for combination skin
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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
Creamy Jelly Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 90.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Balancing Face Mist
Morning · Once a week
SAR 104.94
-
Moisturizer
Hydrating Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 119.00
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Melting Balm Cleanser
Evening · Once a week
SAR 128.65
-
Cleansing Toner
Brightening Toner
Evening
SAR 125.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Brightening Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 99.11
-
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
Buy Dr. Althea routine · SAR 814.63 · 89% fit
Buy BYOMA routine · SAR 1,039.93 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Dr. Althea or BYOMA: which is better?
Dr. Althea and BYOMA both perform strongly, with Dr. Althea offering superior gentleness and calming effects, while BYOMA excels in hydration and moisture. Lovi rates Dr. Althea as superior for acne-prone, oily, and mature skin types, whereas BYOMA achieves a superior fit for sensitive and dry sensitive skin.
What is the difference between Dr. Althea and BYOMA?
Dr. Althea tends to excel with a gentler and more soothing formula, while BYOMA is often noted for deeper hydration and moisture. The products on this page for both brands offer strong options, but their strengths lean toward different skincare goals.
Dr. Althea or BYOMA for dry skin?
Both Dr. Althea and BYOMA are a Superior fit for dry skin.
Dr. Althea or BYOMA: which cleanser is better?
Dr. Althea is better for a gentle formula, while BYOMA is better for hydration and moisture. The products on this page from both brands offer options for cleansers, with reviewers noting Dr. Althea for its gentle cleansers and BYOMA for hydrating and non-stripping cleansers.
Which is more affordable, Dr. Althea or BYOMA?
This page does not provide pricing or affordability information for Dr. Althea or BYOMA.
Between Dr. Althea and BYOMA, which brand is better for mature skin?
Between the two brands, Dr. Althea is better for mature skin because Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior, compared to High for BYOMA.
Which brand performs better for hydration and moisture according to review themes?
According to the review themes on this page, BYOMA performs better than Dr. Althea for hydration and moisture.
Which brand was founded earlier and in which country?
Dr. Althea was founded earlier in 2014 in South Korea, while BYOMA was founded in 2022 in the United Kingdom.
Dr. Althea or BYOMA for oily skin?
For oily skin, Dr. Althea provides a Superior routine fit, whereas BYOMA offers a High fit. Reviewers note that Dr. Althea tends to do better on gentle formulas and soothing.
Dr. Althea or BYOMA: which moisturizer is better?
Both brands offer strong moisturizers on the products on this page, but BYOMA is particularly noted for hydration and moisture, while Dr. Althea excels in soothing and calming.
Dr. Althea or BYOMA for sensitive skin?
BYOMA is a better match for sensitive skin, as Lovi rates its routine as Superior while Dr. Althea's routine is rated as High.
Dr. Althea or BYOMA for acne-prone skin?
Dr. Althea is better for acne-prone skin, as Lovi rates its routine fit as Superior while BYOMA is High. Reviewers also note Dr. Althea for a more gentle formula.
Research behind their key ingredients
Cutaneous photoprotection from ultraviolet injury by green tea polyphenols
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Preparation and evaluation of anti-wrinkle cream containing saffron extract and avocado oil
Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
Salicyloyl-phytosphingosine: a novel agent for the repair of photoaged skin
Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum
Development and efficacy assessments of tea seed oil makeup remover
Clinical study of a spray containing birch juice for repairing sensitive skin
Hippophae rhamnoides oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion improves barrier function in healthy human subjects
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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