Medicube vs Dr. Althea
Medicube and Dr. Althea are two Korean skincare brands offering thoughtful moisturizers and serums. Medicube incorporates niacinamide, collagen, and hyaluronic acid to suit oily acne-prone skin and oily skin best, whereas Dr. Althea relies on gentle formulas to suit acne-prone skin and dry skin best. While the former focuses on balancing excess sebum, the latter provides steady, soothing care for daily routines.
Medicube is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by APR Corp..
medicubereviews.co.ukglossy.co
Dr. Althea is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2014 and owned by The Pure Lab Co., Ltd..
doctoraltheaglobal.comdoctoralthea.co.kr
This page compares some of the most popular Medicube and Dr. Althea products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Medicube vs Dr. Althea products
People Say
Soothing and Gentle Formulas Often 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”
- “refreshing sensation — Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask”
Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “skin feels bouncier and hydrated — Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum”
- “glass skin — Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask”
- “woke up with baby soft skin — Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream”
- “hydrating but light — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
Cleansing and Pores Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “absorbs beautifully — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “foam is rich and creamy — Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser”
- “absorbs quickly — Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum”
- “Pores drastically reduced — Medicube Zero Foam Cleanser”
Texture and Smoothness Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “rich but non-greasy — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “Melts instantly — Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm”
- “faded acne scars — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “gives my skin a smooth, glass-like finish — Medicube Zero Pore Pad”
Unique Application & Features Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “feels amazing and cooling — Medicube Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask”
- “dries super fast — Medicube Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask”
- “active breakouts look less inflamed — Medicube Red Succinic Acid Peeling Pad”
- “Innovative dial mechanism — Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm”
Glow and Brightening Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “gave me instant glass skin — Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream”
- “woke up with glowing skin — Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask”
- “Dark spots go away faster — Medicube Deep Vita C Pad”
- “faded dark spots — Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum”
Packaging and Application Issues Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “messy — Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask”
- “lifted around the nose/eyes — Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask”
- “Hard to see remaining amount — Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm”
- “Struggles with waterproof mascara — Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm”
Stickiness and Heavy Residue Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “too nourishing for combo skin — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
- “left a moisturizing film — Dr. Althea Amino Gel Cleanser”
- “leaves a tacky film — Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum”
- “hair sticks to my face — Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream”
Acne and Breakouts Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “caused redness and sensitivity — Medicube Zero Pore Pad”
- “woke up with whiteheads — Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask”
- “broke me out — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
- “gave me cystic acne — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
Price and Quantity Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “tube is tiny for the price — Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask”
- “price is steep — Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask”
- “Runs out fast — Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm”
- “a bit pricey — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
Medicube 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
Zero Foam Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 40.90
-
Hydrating Toner
Triple Collagen Toner
Morning
SAR 50.00
-
Moisturizer
AGE-R Booster Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 117.99
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 75.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
SAR 65.11
-
Cleansing Toner
Zero Pore Pad
Evening
SAR 64.80
-
Serum or Treatment
One Day Exosome Shot 2000
Evening · Once a week
SAR 34.00
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Deep Peptide Radiance Mask
Once a week
SAR 120.88
Buy Dr. Althea routine · SAR 722.37 · 90% fit
Buy Medicube routine · SAR 698.98 · 86% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Medicube 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
Red Foam Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 35.61
-
Hydrating Toner
Triple Collagen Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 50.00
-
Moisturizer
AGE-R Booster Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 117.99
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Zero Pore Pad
Evening
SAR 64.80
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask
Once a week
SAR 87.59
Buy Dr. Althea routine · SAR 982.49 · 90% fit
Buy Medicube routine · SAR 806.40 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Medicube vs Dr. Althea 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
Red Foam Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 35.61
-
Hydrating Toner
Triple Collagen Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 50.00
-
Moisturizer
AGE-R Booster Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 117.99
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Zero Pore Pad
Evening
SAR 64.80
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask
Once a week
SAR 87.59
Buy Dr. Althea routine · SAR 814.63 · 89% fit
Buy Medicube routine · SAR 806.40 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Medicube or Dr. Althea: which is better?
Medicube is better for hydration and brightening on this page, while Dr. Althea tends to do better with soothing and gentle formulas. Reviewers note that Medicube products on this page help deliver deep hydration and a radiant glow, whereas Dr. Althea's cleansers and moisturizers are frequently praised for being soothing and gentle.
What is the difference between Medicube and Dr. Althea?
Medicube is better for hydration and glow with a wider variety of exfoliating and anti-aging treatments, while Dr. Althea focuses more on gentle, soothing cleansers and moisturizers. Every product on the Dr. Althea page is fragrance-free, whereas two Medicube products contain fragrance. Medicube fits oily acne-prone, oily, and combination skin best, while Dr. Althea focuses best on acne-prone, dry, and oily skin.
Medicube or Dr. Althea for dry skin?
For dry skin, Dr. Althea has a Superior routine fit, while Medicube has a High routine fit on the products on this page. Dr. Althea excels with gentle and soothing moisturizers, whereas Medicube is noted for deep hydration moisturizers.
Medicube or Dr. Althea: which cleanser is better?
Dr. Althea tends to do better for soothing and gentle cleansing, while Medicube offers strong options like the Zero Foam Cleanser and Red Foam Cleanser that fit oily and combination skin at a High level. Reviewers mostly mention Dr. Althea for gentle cleansers, whereas Medicube has products on this page featuring key ingredients like Niacinamide and Salicylic acid.
Which is more affordable, Medicube or Dr. Althea?
Both Medicube and Dr. Althea score equally well regarding price and quantity according to reviewers on this page.
Between Medicube and Dr. Althea, which brand offers a better routine fit for mature skin?
Between the two brands, Dr. Althea offers a Superior routine fit for mature skin, while Medicube has a High fit level for this skin type. Dr. Althea also scores better for soothing and gentle formulas, while Medicube excels in hydration and moisture.
Which brand has more fragrance-free products on this page, Medicube or Dr. Althea?
Dr. Althea has more fragrance-free products on this page because every product from Dr. Althea lists no fragrance in its ingredients, whereas 23 out of 25 Medicube products on this page list no fragrance.
How do Medicube and Dr. Althea compare in terms of glow and brightening according to reviewers?
According to reviewers, Medicube does better than Dr. Althea when it comes to glow and brightening.
Medicube or Dr. Althea for oily skin?
For oily skin, Dr. Althea has a Superior routine fit with the products on this page, while Medicube has a High fit level. Dr. Althea leads in gentle cleansers and soothing and gentle formulas, whereas Medicube tends to offer hydration and moisture.
Medicube or Dr. Althea: which moisturizer is better?
Both Medicube and Dr. Althea offer quality moisturizers, with Dr. Althea achieving a Superior routine fit for dry, acne-prone, and mature skin, while Medicube achieves a High fit for those skin types. Dr. Althea focuses on soothing formulas, whereas Medicube is noted for deep hydration and a radiant glow.
Medicube or Dr. Althea for sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, Medicube has a Lovi fit level of High and Dr. Althea has a Lovi fit level of High. Reviewers note that Dr. Althea focuses more on soothing and gentle formulas, while Medicube is often noted for hydration and moisture.
Medicube or Dr. Althea for acne-prone skin?
Dr. Althea is a better fit than Medicube for acne-prone skin, offering a Superior routine fit compared to Medicube's High level.
Research behind their key ingredients
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
Effect of Camellia japonica oil on human type I procollagen production and skin barrier function
Protective effects of Camellia japonica flower extract against urban air pollutants
Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: Comparative study
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate
Composition characterization and clinical efficacy study of a salmon egg extract
Development and efficacy assessments of tea seed oil makeup remover
Anti-Aging Efficacy of Low-Molecular-Weight Polydeoxyribonucleotide Derived from Paeonia lactiflora
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
-

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
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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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