Dr. Althea vs Clinique
Dr. Althea and Clinique are renowned skincare brands offering thoughtfully crafted moisturizers, serums, and makeup removers designed for daily routines. The former features gentle formulas that suit acne-prone skin and dry skin best, while the latter incorporates hydrating hyaluronic acid, nourishing glycerin, and invigorating caffeine to cater to dry sensitive skin and oily skin. Ultimately, the Korean brand relies on soothing, reliable formulations, whereas the American brand utilizes balancing ingredients to provide targeted, harmonious care.
Dr. Althea is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2014 and owned by The Pure Lab Co., Ltd..
doctoraltheaglobal.comdoctoralthea.co.kr
Clinique is an American skincare brand founded in 1968 and owned by The Estée Lauder Companies Inc..
en.wikipedia.orgelcompanies.combusinesswire.comglossy.co
This page compares some of the most popular Dr. Althea and Clinique products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Dr. Althea vs Clinique products
- moisture surge
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Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
SAR 149.48
-
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+
SAR 106.95
-
All About Eyes
SAR 287.10
-
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
SAR 99.90
-
Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum
SAR 316.97
-
Moisture Surge Overnight Mask
SAR 233.00
-
Clarifying Lotion 2
SAR 159.61
People Say
Soothing and Gentle Formulas 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”
- “never irritated my eyes — Clinique All About Eyes”
Texture and Lightweight Feel Mostly 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”
- “sinks in immediately — Clinique moisture surge”
Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “hydrating but light — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “consistently hydrated mornings — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “Keeps my dry patches at bay all day — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
- “skin feels soft and smooth — Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask”
Skin Texture and Tone Improvement Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “faded dark spots — Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum”
- “faded acne scars — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “skin feels silky smooth — Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum”
- “gentle enough for everyday — Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream Rinse-Off Formula”
Cleansing and Makeup Removal Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Removes sunscreen well — Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm”
- “great for morning routine — Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser”
- “Melts waterproof mascara — Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm”
- “squeaky clean — Clinique all about clean”
Makeup Compatibility and Base Not notedOften Mentioned
- “foundation glides on — Clinique moisture surge”
- “holds concealer in place — Clinique All About Eyes”
- “perfect primer base — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel”
Expensive Price Point Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “a bit pricey — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “jar is too small for the cost — Clinique moisture surge”
Scent and Irritation Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “smells like plants — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “clinical scent — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “Smells like nail polish remover — Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2”
- “Made my skin super dry — Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2”
Causes Breakouts Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “broke me out — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “gave me cystic acne — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “Woke up with whiteheads on my chin — Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+”
- “gave me tiny bumps — Clinique moisture surge”
Dr. Althea vs Clinique 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
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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
all about clean
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 256.00
-
Moisturizer
Smart Clinical Repair Lifting Face + Neck Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 380.09
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 75.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
SAR 149.48
-
Cleansing Toner
Clarifying Lotion 2
Evening
SAR 159.61
-
Serum or Treatment
Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 316.97
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Moisture Surge Overnight Mask
Once a week
SAR 233.00
Buy Dr. Althea routine · SAR 722.37 · 90% fit
Buy Clinique routine · SAR 1,700.45 · 66% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Dr. Althea vs Clinique 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
Redness Solutions Soothing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 204.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.04
-
Moisturizer
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 99.90
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
SAR 149.48
-
Cleansing Toner
Clarifying Lotion 2
Evening
SAR 159.61
- Serum or Treatment Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector Evening · Once a week
-
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 Clinique routine · SAR 1,198.78 · 79% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Dr. Althea vs Clinique 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
all about clean
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 256.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 166.90
-
Moisturizer
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 99.90
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
SAR 149.48
-
Cleansing Toner
Clarifying Lotion 2
Evening
SAR 159.61
- Serum or Treatment Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector Evening · Once a week
-
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 Clinique routine · SAR 1,205.12 · 75% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Dr. Althea or Clinique: which is better?
Dr. Althea generally achieves higher routine fit levels than Clinique across most skin types, including Superior ratings for dry, oily, acne-prone, mature, and oily acne-prone skin on the page. Both brands feature fragrance-free ingredients across their products on this page and share key hydrating elements like hyaluronic acid.
What is the difference between Dr. Althea and Clinique?
Dr. Althea and Clinique differ mainly in their routine fits and strengths across skin types. Lovi rates Dr. Althea superior for acne-prone, dry, oily, mature, and oily acne-prone skin, while Clinique fits dry sensitive, oily, and sensitive skin best.
Dr. Althea or Clinique for dry skin?
For dry skin, Dr. Althea achieves a superior routine fit on this page, while Clinique reaches an average fit. Reviewers indicate that Dr. Althea provides gentler and more soothing formulas, whereas Clinique is often noted for a higher price point.
Dr. Althea or Clinique: which cleanser is better?
Dr. Althea is the better choice for cleansers because the products on this page achieve a Superior fit for acne-prone, oily, combination, and dry skin. Reviewers also mostly mention Dr. Althea for gentle and soothing cleansers.
Which is more affordable, Dr. Althea or Clinique?
Clinique has a more expensive price point among the products on this page, whereas Dr. Althea is noted for an expensive price point.
Dr. Althea or Clinique for oily skin?
Dr. Althea is a better fit for oily skin than Clinique, as Lovi rates Dr. Althea as Superior for oily skin while Clinique is rated High. Dr. Althea also features cleansers and moisturizers that help control oil and soothe the skin.
Dr. Althea or Clinique: which moisturizer is better?
Dr. Althea tends to perform better for moisturizers overall on this page, as its routine fit reaches a superior level for dry, acne-prone, and mature skin types compared to Clinique's average ratings for those same needs. Key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin across the products on this page help support hydration.
Dr. Althea or Clinique for sensitive skin?
Both Dr. Althea and Clinique are great options, as Lovi rates Dr. Althea High and Clinique High for sensitive skin. Reviewers note that both brands offer gentle cleansers and soothing moisturizers with no added fragrance across the products on this page.
Dr. Althea or Clinique for acne-prone skin?
Dr. Althea is a better fit for acne-prone skin, as Lovi rates its routine as Superior compared to Clinique's Average. Reviewers note that Dr. Althea offers gentle and soothing cleansers and moisturizers that help calm acne-prone skin.
Dr. Althea or Clinique for dry sensitive skin?
Both Dr. Althea and Clinique are well-suited for dry sensitive skin, as Lovi rates both brands at a High fit level for this skin type. Hyaluronic acid helps provide hydration to the skin.
Dr. Althea or Clinique for mature skin?
For mature skin, Lovi rates Dr. Althea as Superior and Clinique as High. Reviewers note that Dr. Althea delivers better soothing, gentle formulas, and a lightweight feel.
Dr. Althea or Clinique for skin with dark spots?
Dr. Althea is a better fit for skin with dark spots, with Lovi fit levels of High across its products compared to Clinique's average ratings on this page.
Research behind their key ingredients
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
Algae extract protection effect on oxidized protein level in human stratum corneum
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Safety of a preservative system containing 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol
Development and efficacy assessments of tea seed oil makeup remover
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Effects of fermented tea seed oil on the skin lipid barrier and microbiome of sensitive skin
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
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
-

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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