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Quick Answer
Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream is built around centella asiatica (cica), a calming, barrier-supporting ingredient with a long track record in Korean skincare for redness and irritation. It’s a rich but non-greasy cream well-suited to dry skin that’s also reactive or easily irritated, not just plain dryness.
What Is Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream?
Centella asiatica (often labeled “cica”) is a plant extract with a long history in Asian skincare for calming irritation and supporting wound healing, and it’s the core of this cream’s “345” formula — a nod to its concentrated centella content. It’s paired with additional soothing and hydrating ingredients in a rich, balm-like cream texture.
The formula is aimed specifically at reactive, compromised, or irritated skin rather than plain everyday dryness — it reads as more of a “recovery” cream than a basic daily moisturizer.
Why We Recommend It
Centella has meaningfully more research behind its anti-inflammatory and barrier-support properties than most trend-driven skincare ingredients, and it’s become a staple specifically because it works well on skin that’s both dry and irritated at the same time — a combination that plain ceramide creams don’t always fully address.
The richer, balm-like texture also makes it a good “recovery mode” cream after over-exfoliation, sunburn, or a reaction to another product — a specific, useful role that not every moisturizer on this list fills.
Pros
- Centella asiatica has strong evidence for calming irritation and redness
- Rich, balm-like texture works well for compromised or “recovering” skin
- Doubles as a barrier-recovery cream after over-exfoliation or irritation
- K-beauty formulation focus tends to prioritize gentle, well-tolerated ingredients
- Good option layered over actives that leave skin feeling irritated
Cons
- Richer texture may feel too heavy for oily or combination skin
- Smaller 1.69 fl oz size relative to mass-market Western tubs
Who Should Buy Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream?
Best for dry skin that’s also reactive, redness-prone, or currently irritated — post-exfoliation, post-sun, or generally sensitive skin looking to calm down and recover.
If your main issue is plain everyday dryness without irritation or redness, a straightforward ceramide cream may give you more hydration per dollar.
How to Use It
- Apply as the final step of your routine, especially on nights when skin feels irritated or over-exfoliated.
- A slightly thicker layer than usual can help during active irritation or recovery.
- Safe for daily use, morning and/or night.
Our Verdict
A genuinely useful “recovery mode” cream for dry, irritated, or reactive skin — centella’s calming reputation is well-earned, and this formula puts it to good use in a rich, comforting texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does centella asiatica (cica) do for skin?
It’s a plant extract with anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, commonly used to calm redness, irritation, and support the skin barrier during recovery.
Is this good for sensitive skin?
Yes, it’s specifically formulated with calming, barrier-supporting ingredients that make it well-suited to sensitive or reactive skin.
Can I use this every day?
Yes, it’s safe for daily use, though many people reach for it specifically on nights when skin feels irritated or needs extra recovery.
Related Guides
See the full Best Products for Dry Skin guide for how this compares to the other top picks, or browse all our skincare recommendations.