The short answer: Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream is the lightweight, calming pick for acne-prone or reactive skin, while the 147 Cream is the richer, barrier-repairing pick for dry or dehydrated skin. Both come from the same lineup, and a lot of people who try one eventually end up using both, just at different times of day or different seasons. Here is exactly how they differ and how to tell which one your skin is actually asking for.
In this article
- What is the difference between Dr.Althea 345 and 147?
- Who should use the 345 Relief Cream?
- Who should use the 147 Cream?
- Can you use both in one routine?
- How to tell which one your skin needs
- FAQ
What is the difference between Dr.Althea 345 and 147?
Both creams are part of Dr.Althea's Korean skincare range and both are non-comedogenic, but they are built to solve different problems.
The 345 Relief Cream is a gel-cream hybrid built around three blemish-relief ingredients, four nourishing ingredients and five soothing ingredients, including niacinamide, centella asiatica and tea tree leaf water. It absorbs fast, feels almost weightless, and its whole job is calming redness and irritation without clogging pores.
The 147 Cream leans richer. It is built around barrier repair and deep hydration, with ceramides and nourishing plant oils doing the heavy lifting. The texture is thicker and more velvety, and it is meant to sit on the skin a little longer, replenishing moisture rather than just calming it.
| Feature | 345 Relief Cream | 147 Cream |
|---|---|---|
| Main focus | Calming redness, post-acne care | Barrier repair, deep hydration |
| Texture | Lightweight gel-cream | Rich, velvety cream |
| Best skin type | Oily, acne-prone, reactive | Dry, dehydrated, sensitive |
| Key ingredients | Niacinamide, centella asiatica, tea tree leaf water | Ceramides, plant oils, botanical extracts |
| Best time to use | Daytime moisturizer | Nighttime, richer treatment |
Who should use the 345 Relief Cream?
If your skin runs oily to combination, breaks out easily, or gets red and reactive with weather changes, the 345 Relief Cream is the one to reach for. Niacinamide helps even out post-acne marks over time, while centella asiatica works on visible redness and irritation. Because the formula is so light, it layers well under sunscreen and makeup without pilling, which is why it works especially well as a daytime step.
It also plays nicely with actives. If you already use retinol, an AHA or a BHA, the 345 Relief Cream is gentle enough to buffer those stronger ingredients on nights when your skin needs a break.
Lightweight, fast-absorbing, calms redness without clogging pores.
Who should use the 147 Cream?
If your skin feels tight, flaky, or loses moisture fast, especially through winter or in dry climates, the 147 Cream is the better fit. Its ceramide and plant oil blend helps rebuild the skin's protective barrier and hold hydration in place for longer, so skin feels comfortable well into the next day.
It is also the one to reach for if your main concern is dullness or uneven texture rather than active breakouts. The richer formula supports a smoother, more supple look over time without feeling heavy once it settles in.
Rich, velvety texture that rebuilds the barrier and locks in hydration.
Can you use both in one routine?
Yes, and a lot of people do. A common approach is the 345 Relief Cream in the morning, since it is light enough to sit comfortably under sunscreen and makeup, and the 147 Cream at night, when skin can absorb a richer formula while you sleep. That gives you calming, oil-balancing coverage during the day and deeper barrier repair overnight, which works well if your skin runs combination or changes with the seasons.
How to tell which one your skin needs
If you are still unsure, let your skin's current complaint decide:
- Breakouts, oiliness, or post-acne redness: start with the 345 Relief Cream.
- Tightness, flaking, or a skin barrier that feels compromised: start with the 147 Cream.
- Both, depending on the day: keep one of each and alternate as your skin's needs shift.
Either way, patch test on your jawline for five to seven days before applying a new cream to your full face, especially if your skin tends to react to new products.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 345 Relief Cream good for active breakouts?
It is not formulated with acne-treating actives, so it will not clear active breakouts on its own. It works best once spots have settled, helping calm lingering redness and support recovery.
Which cream is better for anti-aging?
Neither cream contains retinol or peptides, so if anti-aging is your main goal, look for a dedicated treatment to layer underneath either one. The 147 Cream's richer hydration can still support a smoother look over time.
Can I use these creams with retinol or acids?
Yes, both pair well with retinol, AHAs and BHAs. Many people use the 345 Relief Cream specifically to buffer stronger actives and reduce irritation while still supporting the skin barrier.
How long does a 50ml jar last?
With daily use, a 50ml jar of either cream typically lasts around two to three months, depending on how much product you apply per use.
Do I need to choose just one?
No. Combination and normal skin types often do well using the 345 Relief Cream by day and the 147 Cream by night, or switching between them as the seasons change.
Ready to find your match?
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Written by The Uexim Team
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