dr. althea 345 cream vs 147 cream: here's how to choose

Two moisturisers. One decision. The good news: once you understand what each one is actually doing, the choice is pretty straightforward.

Dr. ALTHEA has built a reputation for serious, results-driven K-beauty, and both of these creams have earned genuine cult status in our community. But they're built for different skin needs, and using the wrong one is like wearing the wrong shoes for the weather. Fine, technically. Not ideal.

the 345 Cream: lightweight, calming, built for oily and acne-prone skin

If your skin leans oily, breaks out regularly, or deals with post-acne redness, the 345 Cream was made for you.

It's a gel-cream formula that absorbs quickly and leaves zero greasiness behind. It's non-comedogenic, meaning it's specifically formulated not to clog pores. It layers well under SPF and doesn't fight with anything else in your routine.

The key ingredients: Centella Asiatica Extract to reduce inflammation and support post-breakout healing, Resveratrol for antioxidant protection and additional soothing, and Niacinamide to regulate oil production and gradually fade post-acne marks over time.

It's the cream you reach for when your skin needs to calm down and get back to baseline.

Best for: oily, combination, and acne-prone skin. Excellent as a daytime moisturiser.

the 147 Cream: richer, barrier-repairing, built for dry and sensitive skin

The 147 Cream is a different conversation entirely. Where the 345 is about calming and controlling, the 147 is about replenishing and repairing.

It's formulated for dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin, and for anyone whose barrier has taken a hit from over-exfoliation, harsh actives, or just a rough few weeks. The texture is richer than the 345, but it still absorbs well. It doesn't feel heavy or suffocating, even in warmer weather.

The key ingredients: 5 types of Ceramides to structurally rebuild the skin barrier, 9 types of Hyaluronic Acid for hydration at multiple skin depths, and Azulene — the natural compound responsible for the cream's signature blue colour — which delivers anti-inflammatory and calming benefits. A Skin Lipid Trio complex rounds things out, mimicking the skin's natural lipid structure to improve long-term moisture retention.

It's particularly effective as an evening moisturiser, when the skin does most of its repair work.

Best for: dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin. Also, a strong nighttime option for oily or combination skin needing more intensive support in the evenings.

Many people in our community do exactly this. The 345 in the morning for balance and oil control, the 147 at night for barrier repair and deep hydration. If your skin's needs shift across seasons or between day and night, rotating between them makes a lot of sense.

Both are available at Skin Cupid now.

FAQ

Is the Dr. ALTHEA 345 Cream non-comedogenic? Yes. It's formulated specifically for acne-prone skin and designed not to clog pores.

Is the Dr. ALTHEA 147 Cream suitable for sensitive skin? Yes. The Azulene and ceramide-rich formula makes it particularly well-suited to sensitive and reactive skin types.

Which cream is better for post-acne marks? The 345 Cream, thanks to its Niacinamide content, which fades hyperpigmentation while managing oil production.

Can the 345 and 147 be used together? Absolutely. 345 in the morning, 147 at night, is one of the most popular combinations in our community.