Medicube vs Dr. Althea
Medicube and Dr. Althea are two popular Korean skincare brands that offer thoughtfully formulated moisturizers, serums, and more, driven by key ingredients like niacinamide, collagen, and hyaluronic acid, or soothing formulas. While both brands suit dry skin and acne-prone skin best to provide balanced hydration and calm comfort, they differ in their targeted solutions, such as Medicube offering the AGE-R Booster Gel, Deep Peptide Radiance Mask, and Deep Lifting Peptide Eye Cream, and Dr. Althea providing the Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser, 345 Relief Cream, and Vitamin C Boosting Serum. Through these carefully crafted items, every user can find a reliable path to healthier skin.
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
Zero Foam Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£12.90
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Hydrating Toner
Triple Collagen Toner
Morning
£14.20
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Moisturizer
AGE-R Booster Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£13.11
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SPF
Torriden DIVE-IN Mild Sunscreen
Morning
£22.00
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
£13.58
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Serum or Treatment
One Day Exosome Shot 2000
Evening · Once a week
£11.99
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Nourishing Mask
Deep Peptide Radiance Mask
Once a week
£17.00
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Cleanser
Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£12.90
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Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
£11.49
-
Moisturizer
345 Relief Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£16.81
-
SPF
Torriden DIVE-IN Mild Sunscreen
Morning
£22.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
£9.69
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
£14.79
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
£17.00
Buy Medicube routine · £104.78 · 91% fit
Buy Dr. Althea routine · £104.68 · 91% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Medicube vs Dr. Althea routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£12.90
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
£13.98
-
Moisturizer
345 Relief Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£16.81
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
£11.29
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
£9.69
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
£29.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
£14.79
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
£19.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Dr. Sebagh Deep Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
£61.99
-
Cleanser
Red Foam Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£12.90
-
Hydrating Toner
Triple Collagen Toner
Morning · Once a week
£14.20
-
Moisturizer
AGE-R Booster Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£13.11
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
£11.29
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
£17.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Zero Pore Pad
Evening
£15.30
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Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
£19.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask
Once a week
£14.00
Buy Dr. Althea routine · £189.45 · 89% fit
Buy Medicube routine · £116.80 · 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
£12.90
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
£30.37
-
Moisturizer
345 Relief Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£16.81
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
£9.69
-
Cleansing Toner
REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic
Evening
£30.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin C Boosting Serum
Evening · Once a week
£14.79
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
£19.00
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
£19.00
-
Cleanser
Red Foam Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£12.90
-
Hydrating Toner
Triple Collagen Toner
Morning · Once a week
£14.20
-
Moisturizer
AGE-R Booster Gel
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£13.11
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
£23.92
-
Cleansing Toner
Zero Pore Pad
Evening
£15.30
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
£19.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask
Once a week
£14.00
Buy Dr. Althea routine · £153.55 · 88% fit
Buy Medicube routine · £112.43 · 86% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Medicube or Dr. Althea: which is better?
Medicube is better for hydration and brightening, while Dr. Althea does better for soothing and gentle formulas as well as cleansing and pores. Both brands offer an equal routine fit for dry, oily, combination, sensitive, mature, dry sensitive, and oily acne-prone skin, whereas Dr. Althea has a Superior fit for acne-prone skin and skin with dark spots compared to Medicube's High fit.
What is the difference between Medicube and Dr. Althea?
Medicube excels in glow, brightening, and deep hydration with a wide product range, whereas Dr. Althea stands out for its soothing and gentle formulas and better pore and texture care. Both brands offer equal routine fit levels for most skin types, though Dr. Althea achieves a Superior fit for acne-prone skin and skin with dark spots compared to Medicube's High fit.
Medicube or Dr. Althea for dry skin?
Both Medicube and Dr. Althea are a Superior fit for dry skin, offering deeply hydrating moisturizers and gentle cleansers that help retain moisture. The products on this page from both brands feature key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which helps improve skin quality and signs of aging.
Medicube or Dr. Althea: which cleanser is better?
Dr. Althea does better for soothing and gentle formulas and for cleansing and pores, while Medicube fits best for hydration and moisture. The products on this page for Dr. Althea include gentle cleansers that reviewers mostly mention, and its Amino Acid Gentle Bubble Cleanser has a Superior Lovi fit level for dry, oily, combination, and acne-prone skin.
Which is more affordable, Medicube or Dr. Althea?
The review themes on this page state that price and quantity issues are equal between Medicube and Dr. Althea.
Between Medicube and Dr. Althea, which brand has more fragrance-free products?
Medicube has 23 fragrance-free products out of 25 on this page, while Dr. Althea has every product on this page listed as fragrance-free.
How do Medicube and Dr. Althea compare regarding review themes like soothing formulas, hydration, and stickiness?
Dr. Althea does better for soothing and gentle formulas and for texture and smoothness, while Medicube is noted more for hydration and moisture and for glow and brightening. Regarding stickiness and heavy residue, Dr. Althea does better because Medicube's products on this page frequently get mentioned for leaving a sticky residue.
Which brand performs better for skin with dark spots and acne-prone skin according to routine fits?
Dr. Althea performs better for both acne-prone skin and skin with dark spots, with a Superior routine fit compared to Medicube's High fit level for those skin types.
Medicube or Dr. Althea for oily skin?
Both Medicube and Dr. Althea achieve a High Lovi fit level for oily skin. Medicube provides deep hydration and glow, whereas Dr. Althea focuses on gentle, soothing cleansers.
Medicube or Dr. Althea: which moisturizer is better?
When choosing a moisturizer, Medicube is a strong option for deep hydration and a radiant glow, while Dr. Althea provides superior soothing and gentle formulas for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Medicube or Dr. Althea for sensitive skin?
Both Medicube and Dr. Althea are well suited for sensitive skin, with Lovi rating both brands at a High routine fit level. Reviewers most often mention Dr. Althea for gentle and soothing cleansers, while noting that Medicube formulas help provide deep hydration and a radiant glow.
Medicube or Dr. Althea for acne-prone skin?
Both Medicube and Dr. Althea fit acne-prone skin well, but Dr. Althea reaches a Superior Lovi fit level for this skin type compared to Medicube's High level. Reviewers often note that Dr. Althea offers gentler cleansers and soothing moisturizers, whereas Medicube's products on this page are known for providing deep hydration.
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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