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Dr. Althea vs SK-II

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes · How the Fit score works

Dr. Althea and SK-II are esteemed skincare brands that offer thoughtfully crafted moisturizers, cleansers, serums, and masks designed to support a balanced and healthy complexion. The Korean brand features gentle, nourishing formulas with standout solutions like the 345 Relief Cream and Vitamin C Boosting Serum, which suit dry skin and mature skin best. Meanwhile, the Japanese brand relies on signature pitera formulations and products like the Facial Treatment Essence, making it a luxurious choice for dry skin and dry sensitive skin. Ultimately, the two brands differ in their specific ingredient approaches and targeted solutions while both delivering deep hydration and care.

Dr. Althea is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2014 and owned by The Pure Lab Co., Ltd..

doctoraltheaglobal.comdoctoralthea.co.kr

SK-II is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1980 and owned by The Procter & Gamble Company since 1991.

en.wikipedia.orgdiscoversk-ii.wixsite.comglossy.co

This page compares some of the most popular Dr. Althea and SK-II products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular Dr. Althea vs SK-II products

People Say

Dr. AltheaSK-II
  • Improves Skin Texture and Radiance Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “rich but non-greasy — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
    • “Melts instantly — Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm”
    • “skin feels soft as butter — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “gives a glass skin look — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
  • Soothing and Gentle on Skin Mostly MentionedRarely Noted
    • “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”
    • “Great for sensitive — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
  • Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “flooded my skin with moisture — SK-II Facial Treatment Mask”
    • “skin feels deeply hydrated, plump, and smoother — SK-II Skinpower Advanced Cream”
    • “Leaves skin soft, feels moisturized, does not dry out skin. — SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil”
    • “hydrating but light — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
  • Lightweight and Fast Absorbing Texture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “drinks right into the skin — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “Absorbs into the skin quickly. — SK-II Genoptics Ultraura Essence”
    • “Absorbs quickly — SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence”
    • “absorbs beautifully — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
  • Effective Daily Cleansing Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
    • “Removes sunscreen well — Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm”
    • “great for morning routine — Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser”
    • “Dissolves waterproof mascara, melts stubborn makeup, removes sunscreen easily. — SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil”
  • High Price Point Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “way too expensive — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
  • Breakouts and Skin Irritation Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “broke me out — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
    • “gave me cystic acne — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
    • “caused tiny red bumps — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
    • “Small bumps — SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion”
  • Unpleasant Scent or Fragrance Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “smells like plants — Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream”
    • “clinical scent — Dr. Althea Barrier Cream”
    • “prominent acidic hint — Dr. Althea Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser”
    • “smells like dirty feet — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”
  • Subtle or Delayed Results Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “didn't see big difference — Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum”
    • “did absolutely nothing — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence”

Dr. Althea vs SK-II routines for dry skin

Buy SK-II routine · S$606.78 · 93% fitBuy Dr. Althea routine · S$125.10 · 91% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit

Dr. Althea vs SK-II routines for oily skin

Buy Dr. Althea routine · S$322.85 · 88% fitBuy SK-II routine · S$820.58 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Dr. Althea vs SK-II routines for combination skin

Buy SK-II routine · S$716.48 · 89% fitBuy Dr. Althea routine · S$219.15 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit

Questions and answers

Dr. Althea or SK-II: which is better?

Dr. Althea and SK-II perform similarly across most skin types on this page, with Dr. Althea achieving a Superior routine fit for mature skin and SK-II doing so for dry sensitive skin. Reviewers note that Dr. Althea is better for soothing, gentle care and effective daily cleansing, while SK-II leads in hydration, moisture, and lightweight texture.

What is the difference between Dr. Althea and SK-II?

Dr. Althea provides better routine fit for mature skin, while SK-II does better on hydration and moisture and lightweight and fast-absorbing texture.

Dr. Althea or SK-II for dry skin?

Both brands achieve a Superior routine fit for dry skin, though Dr. Althea also features dedicated dry skin products like its 345 Relief Cream.

Dr. Althea or SK-II: which moisturizer is better?

When comparing moisturizers, Dr. Althea features options like the 345 Relief Cream which Lovi rates as Superior for acne-prone skin, while SK-II offers choices such as the Facial Treatment Essence and Skinpower Advanced Cream rated as High for dry skin.

Which is more affordable, Dr. Althea or SK-II?

Dr. Althea has a high price point compared to SK-II according to the review themes on the page.

Which brand performs better for hydration and moisture?

SK-II performs better for hydration and moisture according to the review themes on this page.

Dr. Althea or SK-II for oily skin?

For oily skin, both Dr. Althea and SK-II achieve a High routine fit level on Lovi. Reviewers note that Dr. Althea offers effective daily cleansing, while SK-II provides a lightweight and fast-absorbing texture.

Dr. Althea or SK-II for sensitive skin?

For sensitive skin, both Dr. Althea and SK-II achieve a High Lovi fit level. Reviewers note that Dr. Althea does better for soothing and gentle on skin.

Dr. Althea or SK-II for acne-prone skin?

Both brands fit acne-prone skin well, with Lovi giving them an equal High level. Reviewers note that Dr. Althea provides soothing cleansers, while SK-II features key ingredients like Pitera across the products on this page.

Dr. Althea or SK-II for mature skin?

For mature skin, Dr. Althea achieves a Superior routine fit while SK-II reaches a High routine fit on Lovi.

Dr. Althea or SK-II for dry sensitive skin?

For dry sensitive skin, Lovi rates SK-II as Superior and Dr. Althea as High. Reviewers note that SK-II delivers better hydration and moisture.

Research behind their key ingredients

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.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

How does it fit your skin?

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