Anua vs Dr. Althea
Anua and Dr. Althea are two Korean skincare brands offering thoughtfully crafted moisturizers, cleansers, and serums built around nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, heartleaf, and niacinamide. Anua fits oily, acne-prone skin and skin with dark spots best, whereas Dr. Althea suits dry skin and mature skin best with its soothing hydration and care. While both brands feature standout targeted solutions, the former relies on ingredients that lengthen wrinkle reduction and decrease hyperpigmentation, and the latter works harmoniously to support a balanced and healthy complexion.
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
S$21.83
-
Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
S$26.97
-
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
S$19.06
-
PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
S$30.50
- Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
-
Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
S$22.92
- PEACH 70% NIACINAMIDE SERUM
-
Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad
S$14.13
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
S$22.31
-
Hydrating Toner
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
S$41.07
-
Moisturizer
345 Relief Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$29.47
-
SPF
thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Morning
S$21.09
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
S$25.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$29.86
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Collagen Essential Mask
Once a week
S$62.94
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Cleanser
Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$17.98
-
Hydrating Toner
Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
Morning
S$22.92
-
Moisturizer
Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$19.26
-
SPF
Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream
Morning
S$16.57
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$21.83
-
Serum or Treatment
Green Lemon Vita C Blemish Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$28.55
-
Nourishing Mask
Heartleaf 77% Soothing Sheet Mask
Once a week
S$3.35
Buy Dr. Althea routine · S$125.10 · 91% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Anua vs Dr. Althea routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$22.31
-
Hydrating Toner
TROIAREUKE H+Cocktail Purifying Ampoule Toner
Morning · Once a week
S$168.51
-
Moisturizer
345 Relief Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$29.47
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
S$28.72
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
S$25.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening · Once a week
S$36.48
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$29.86
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
- Cleanser Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam Morning · Evening · Once a week
-
Hydrating Toner
Peach 77 Niacin Essence Toner
Morning · Once a week
S$20.55
-
Moisturizer
Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$19.26
-
SPF
Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream
Morning
S$16.57
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$21.83
-
Cleansing Toner
BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner
Evening · Once a week
S$26.97
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$19.06
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
Buy Dr. Althea routine · S$322.85 · 88% fit
Buy Anua routine · S$89.14 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Anua vs Dr. Althea routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$22.31
-
Hydrating Toner
Whamisa Organic Flowers Toner Deep Rich
Morning · Once a week
S$64.81
-
Moisturizer
345 Relief Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$29.47
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
S$28.72
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
S$25.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening · Once a week
S$36.48
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$29.86
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
- Cleanser Heartleaf Quercetin Pore Deep Cleansing Foam Morning · Evening · Once a week
-
Hydrating Toner
Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner
Morning · Once a week
S$22.92
-
Moisturizer
Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
Morning · Evening · Once a week
S$21.23
-
SPF
Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream
Morning
S$16.57
-
Pre-Cleanser
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
S$21.83
-
Cleansing Toner
BHA 2% Gentle Exfoliating Toner
Evening · Once a week
S$26.97
-
Serum or Treatment
Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Evening · Once a week
S$19.06
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
S$89.14
Buy Dr. Althea routine · S$219.15 · 88% fit
Buy Anua routine · S$89.14 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Anua or Dr. Althea: which is better?
Anua is better for brightening and hydration, while Dr. Althea is better for lightweight texture and gentle, non-irritating formulas. Both brands offer fragrance-free products on this page, but Anua excels in pore care while Dr. Althea is often noted for soothing cleansers.
What is the difference between Anua and Dr. Althea?
Anua excels at brightening and pore care with popular serums and toners, while Dr. Althea stands out for lightweight texture and gentle, non-irritating formulas. Both brands feature fragrance-free products on this page, but Anua is best for oily acne-prone skin and dark spots, whereas Dr. Althea is a superior fit for dry and mature skin routines.
Anua or Dr. Althea for dry skin?
Dr. Althea provides a Superior routine fit for dry skin, whereas Anua offers a High fit. Both brands feature fragrance-free product lines, though Anua excels specifically in hydration and moisture on this page.
Anua or Dr. Althea: which cleanser is better?
Dr. Althea provides gentler cleansers, as the review themes on this page highlight its formulas as more gentle and non-irritating. Anua focuses more on pore care and cleansing across the products on this page.
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.
Which brand performs better for brightening and glow according to reviewers?
Anua performs better for brightening and glow among the products on this page. Reviewers note that Anua is strong in brightening serums and glass skin glow toners.
How do the founding years and countries of origin compare between Anua and Dr. Althea?
Both Anua and Dr. Althea originated in South Korea. Anua was founded in 2019, whereas Dr. Althea was established earlier in 2014.
Which brand is rated as Superior for routine fit for mature skin?
Dr. Althea is rated as Superior for routine fit for mature skin, while Anua achieves a High fit level for this skin type.
Anua or Dr. Althea for oily skin?
Both Anua and Dr. Althea are a High fit for oily skin. Reviewers note that Anua is better for pore care and cleansing, while Dr. Althea offers a lighter texture and absorption.
Anua or Dr. Althea for sensitive skin?
Both Anua and Dr. Althea are great options, as Lovi rates both brands as having a High routine fit for sensitive skin. Reviewers often mention that Dr. Althea offers gentle cleansers and soothing moisturizers, while Anua features fragrance-free formulas across the products on this page.
Anua or Dr. Althea for acne-prone skin?
Both brands fit acne-prone skin well, with Anua offering products on this page that rate High for this skin type and Dr. Althea achieving a Superior fit for its 345 Relief Cream and Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser. Niacinamide, featured in Anua's range, may help reduce skin pigmentation and suppress melanosome transfer.
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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