Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream - Soothing Moisturizer with PDRN & Niacinamide
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What it is
Dr.Althea's 345 Relief Cream is a Korean-formulated moisturizer built around two actives: PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) and niacinamide. Positioned as a calming daily cream, it is designed to deliver meaningful hydration while simultaneously addressing reactive skin and uneven tone. With more than 18,000 shopper reviews and a 4.6-out-of-5 rating, it has earned a loyal following well beyond early adopter circles.
Who it's for
This cream is a strong match for people managing dry or dehydrated skin, persistent redness or sensitivity, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation—particularly those who want a single moisturizer that works on multiple concerns at once. It is also a sensible option for compromised or barrier-damaged skin, given PDRN's established role in Korean aesthetic medicine as a recovery-focused ingredient.
Those with oily or acne-prone skin who prefer water-gel textures may find a cream format too substantial in warm weather. Anyone with a known sensitivity to salmon-derived ingredients should review the full INCI list before committing, since PDRN is typically sourced from salmon DNA.
How to use it
Apply the Relief Cream as the final or near-final step in your routine, after toners, essences, and serums have fully absorbed. Press a pea- to dime-sized amount into the skin rather than rubbing it across the surface. It works morning or evening—in the AM, follow with a broad-spectrum SPF; in the PM, it can be layered under a facial oil or occlusive for added moisture sealing on very dry nights. Daily use is appropriate for most skin types.
Key ingredients
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 with a deep evidence base in cosmetic formulation. At effective concentrations, it helps visibly fade dark spots and post-inflammatory marks, reinforces the skin barrier, reduces transepidermal water loss, and decreases the appearance of redness. It is water-soluble, photostable, and broadly compatible with other actives in a layered K-beauty routine.
PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a DNA-fragment ingredient derived from salmon, with an established track record in Korean aesthetic and regenerative medicine. In topical cosmetics, it is used for its soothing and skin-recovery properties. Research into percutaneous absorption continues, but PDRN is a recognized functional ingredient in Korean dermatology and is well-suited to formulations targeting sensitivity and skin repair.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Addresses three common concerns—hyperpigmentation, dryness, and sensitivity—in a single moisturizer step
- Niacinamide is one of the best-studied brightening and barrier-supportive ingredients available over the counter
- Exceptionally well-reviewed across a very large sample of shoppers (4.6/5, 18,000+ reviews)
- PDRN brings a skin-recovery dimension not typically found in standard niacinamide creams
- K-beauty formulation philosophy tends to favor skin-compatible, non-stripping textures
Cons
- PDRN's topical efficacy at cosmetic concentrations is not as firmly established as niacinamide's by independent research
- A cream texture may feel too heavy for oily skin types in humid climates
- Salmon-derived PDRN is a consideration for those with relevant sensitivities or dietary restrictions
How it compares
If the soothing and hydrating intent appeals to you but you prefer a lighter format, COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence offers a water-like consistency that layers easily under heavier moisturizers without cream weight. For the dedicated moisturizer step with a gel-cream feel, the COSRX Snail Mucin 92% Face Moisturizer is a well-regarded alternative focused on barrier repair through snail secretion filtrate rather than PDRN. The meaningful distinction is ingredient intent: Dr.Althea 345 leads with niacinamide for tonal evening and sensitivity, while both COSRX options lean harder into raw hydration and barrier recovery.
The verdict
The Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream makes a credible case as a multitasking daily moisturizer. Niacinamide carries this formula—it is among the most evidence-backed brightening ingredients in cosmetics—and PDRN adds a skin-soothing angle grounded in Korean clinical tradition. Shoppers expecting dramatic overnight changes from any moisturizer should temper expectations, but for consistent, calm, long-term improvement in tone and texture while keeping the skin barrier comfortable, this is a well-formulated and widely-trusted option in the K-beauty space.
What shoppers say
Shoppers with acne-prone, sensitive, or oily skin consistently praise this cream for calming redness and fading post-acne marks without leaving a greasy finish. Many note that a small amount covers the whole face, and the lightweight gel-cream texture absorbs quickly while still delivering real hydration. Several reviewers with closed comedones found it one of the few moisturizers that didn't make congestion worse.
The main caveat is richness: a handful of combo and oily skin users found it slightly too heavy for daytime wear and reserved it for nights only. A few also reported minor breakouts when first using it, suggesting it may suit some oily skin types better as a PM-only step.
I have tan skin, severe acne both hormonal and closer comedones, in my 40s. Severe scaring and blemishes. On heavy acne meds. Struggled to find products thats work on my skin. So many products out there and have all good ingredients but its not one shoe size fits all. What works for one person’a skin may not work for others. Hence I dont believe in tiktok reviews or any other. I finally found my products. Hopefully my body/skin doesn’t change and I can continue to use it. This cream is a major relief cream in reality. I use it during active breakouts and after. Use it day and night. When something works, I want to maximize its benefit. Wash with cerave cleanser or Bio Derm or Benzoyl peroxide face wash. I do a double wash if i worked in the yard or had heavy sunscreen application somedays. Use multiple products for cleansing. Apply differin (closed comedones) or drmtlgy 24 acne serum(cystic acne) depending on the issue I want to tackle. I usually do two days of differin, two days of the acne serum, 2 days of break. Apply the Dr Althea Relief cream after. It absorbs like a dream. Hasnt broken me out. Skin is soft in the AM. Shocked. Took a week to reach this level. I gifted to friends too. Its super lightweight, goes well under make up. Reduced the redness around the new scars or pimples. Does not sting on open pimples. Their barrier cream will be my night cream in the harsh midwest winters Other drmtlgy products I love: AHA Advanced restructurizer. Twice a week, usually Friday night and Saturday Night. Followed by the Dr Althea Relief cream. Highly recommend it.
Read on Amazon ↗I have combo oily sensitive acne prone skin i mainly only use it as an overnight cream but when i did use it the consistency was nice a little goes a long way and it didn’t feel like it was irritating my skin maybe it was just too heavy for my skin cause i would get small or just irregular bumps? i love the outcome i get, less irritation meaning less redness, my skin felt soft it didnt really do much for my pores but it is a moisturizer not pure Niacinamide but its a nice moisturizer definitely. i recommend for dry skin types or dry combo skin types!
Read on Amazon ↗If you are looking for the ultimate soothing moisturizer, the 345 Relief Cream is a game-changer!!'ve been struggling with post-acne marks and occasional redness, and this cream has worked wonders in calming my skin down. The texture is a lightweight gel-cream that sinks in instantly without any greasy residue, making it perfect for both morning and night routines. I love that it contains Niacinamide and Panthenol, which have visibly brightened my complexion and strengthened my skin barrier over the last two weeks. It sits beautifully under SPF and makeup, too! If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, you definitely need to try this.
Read on Amazon ↗This cream has quickly become one of my favorite moisturizers. The texture is lightweight but still deeply hydrating, and it absorbs beautifully without feeling greasy or heavy. A little bit definitely goes a long way. My skin feels and looks great considering I typically have irritated or sensitive skin with new products but not this one! It has helped reduce redness and dryness. It layers really well with the rest of my skincare and doesn’t clog my pores or cause breakouts.
Read on Amazon ↗Pricey but so worth it. I have closed comedones - the pimples/blackheads that are under the skin not irritated bumps, & I have tried so many moisturizers that have made it worse. My skin is really greasy & this moisturizer is perfect, I feel hydrated but not like I have a layer of cream on my face & I still get greasy throughout the day but no where near as bad as I used to get without this moisturizer. My husband uses it for his really dry skin/eczema & it soothes his skin so it really works well for any skin type. Your wallet will cry but atleast your face will be glowy 🥲
Read on Amazon ↗Reviews are from verified Amazon customers, shown for reference. We don't edit or endorse individual reviews.
Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream - Soothing Moisturizer with PDRN & Niacinamide: frequently asked questions
What is Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream used for?
The 345 Relief Cream is a soothing moisturizer formulated to calm reactive skin while addressing multiple concerns at once. Its two key actives—PDRN (a skin-recovery ingredient derived from salmon DNA) and niacinamide—work together to reduce visible redness, fade dark spots, and replenish moisture in dehydrated skin.
It's best thought of as a calming, brightening hybrid: not a treatment serum, but more targeted than a basic moisturizer.
Is Dr. Althea a Korean brand?
Yes. Dr. Althea is a South Korean skincare brand that positions itself in the clinical K-beauty space, emphasizing dermatologist-developed formulations. Its products are widely used in Korea and have grown a following internationally through platforms like Amazon and Korean beauty retailers.
Can I use Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream every day?
Yes—it's designed for daily use, morning and night, as the final moisturizing step in your routine. Both PDRN and niacinamide are well-tolerated ingredients suited to consistent application. If your skin is very oily, you may prefer it as a night cream only, since the texture leans toward a richer feel.
How long does it take to see results from Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream?
Hydration and a reduction in tightness are typically noticeable within the first few uses. For visible improvements in redness, uneven tone, or dark spots, most users report meaningful changes after four to eight weeks of consistent daily use—which is standard for actives like niacinamide that work gradually at the cellular level.
What is the difference between Dr. Althea barrier cream and the 345 Relief Cream?
Dr. Althea's barrier cream focuses primarily on reinforcing a compromised skin barrier—think post-procedure or severely dry, stripped skin. The 345 Relief Cream is broader in scope: it layers in PDRN for recovery and niacinamide for brightening and tone-evening alongside its soothing function. If your main concern is hyperpigmentation or redness rather than pure barrier repair, the 345 Relief Cream is the more targeted pick.
Who is Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream best suited for?
It's a good fit for anyone with sensitive or reactive skin who also wants to address dullness, dark spots, or dehydration without layering multiple products. It works across skin types but is especially useful for those whose skin flushes easily or struggles to tolerate stronger actives—the PDRN helps buffer irritation while niacinamide gently corrects tone over time.
Is Dr. Althea a good brand?
Dr. Althea has a solid reputation in the clinical K-beauty segment, with a focus on ingredient-led formulations at accessible price points. Its products are generally well-reviewed for sensitivity and efficacy. That said, no single brand suits everyone—patch-testing any new moisturizer is worthwhile, particularly if your skin is prone to reactions. For a comparison, COSRX Snail Mucin 92% Face Moisturizer is another popular K-beauty option targeting barrier repair and hydration.
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