Why Is 345 Cream the Best Moisturiser in the Market Today?
You want a moisturiser that does more than just sit on your skin. You want something that restores balance, strengthens your barrier, and keeps your face feeling calm all day. The Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream stands out because it delivers deep hydration and barrier repair without heaviness or irritation. Its lightweight, gel-like texture absorbs fast, making it ideal for both morning and night use.

This Korean moisturiser combines niacinamide, ceramides, and panthenol to soothe, brighten, and protect your skin barrier. It’s designed for sensitive and acne-prone skin, helping to reduce redness and dryness while keeping pores clear. Its vegan and eco-friendly formula also adds peace of mind, proving that effective skincare can be gentle and responsible.
You’ll notice how easily it fits into your routine—under sunscreen, makeup, or as a night recovery cream. The result is smoother, calmer, and more resilient skin that feels healthy rather than coated. Once you experience how balanced your skin becomes, it’s easy to see why many consider this cream the best moisturiser on the market today.
Key Takeaways
- Lightweight formula hydrates and strengthens your skin barrier
- Gentle ingredients calm sensitivity and support recovery
- Works well for daily use across different skin types
What Is 345 Cream and How Does It Work?
This lightweight Korean moisturiser focuses on barrier repair, hydration, and soothing care. You can use it daily to calm irritation, restore balance, and support long-term skin health without leaving a greasy finish.
The Origin and Philosophy Behind 345 Cream
Dr. Althea, a respected K-beauty brand, developed the 345 Relief Cream to meet the needs of sensitive and stressed skin. The brand’s philosophy centres on gentle yet effective skincare that strengthens your skin barrier while maintaining comfort and balance.
Made in Korea, this moisturiser reflects a science-based approach that blends dermatological research with minimalist formulation. You won’t find unnecessary additives or heavy fragrances.
Instead, it uses clean, clinically backed ingredients to help your skin recover from over-exfoliation, dryness, or irritation. Many users describe it as a “reset” cream that restores your skin’s natural resilience after environmental or product-related stress.
You can read more about its development and purpose in this Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream review.
Key Benefits for All Skin Types
The 345 Relief Cream suits most skin types, including sensitive, oily, and combination skin. It has a gel-cream texture that absorbs quickly, leaving your skin soft and hydrated without shine or stickiness.
Main benefits include:
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Hydration | Hyaluronic acid draws moisture into your skin, keeping it plump and smooth. |
| Soothing | Panthenol helps calm redness and irritation. |
| Barrier Repair | Ceramides reinforce your natural barrier to lock in moisture. |
| Brightening | Niacinamide improves uneven tone and reduces dullness. |
This combination makes it ideal for post-acne recovery or after using active skincare products. Reviews highlight that it works best as a recovery cream rather than an active acne treatment, offering steady improvement instead of quick fixes (All About The Gloss).
The 3:4:5 Ingredient Ratio Explained
The name “345” represents the cream’s structure and purpose. The 3 stands for its three main effects—hydration, soothing, and barrier repair. The 4 refers to four key ingredients: ceramides, niacinamide, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid. The 5 highlights its five overall benefits—hydration, anti-ageing, texture improvement, elasticity, and barrier strength.
Each component works together to create a balanced formula that supports your skin’s natural function. For example, ceramides and panthenol help restore damaged skin, while niacinamide brightens and refines texture.
This simple ratio keeps the formulation easy to understand and effective for daily use. You can explore the breakdown in more detail on SULSKIN’s overview of Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream.
Core Ingredients Powering 345 Cream’s Effectiveness

You benefit from a blend of clinically proven ingredients that hydrate, calm, and strengthen your skin barrier. Each component targets specific skin needs, from brightening and soothing to repairing and protecting against environmental stress.
Niacinamide for Brightening and Balancing
Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, helps even your skin tone and reduce dullness. It supports your skin’s natural barrier by increasing ceramide production, which improves moisture retention and resilience.
This ingredient also helps regulate oil production, making it useful for both dry and oily skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties calm redness and irritation, while its brightening effect reduces dark spots and uneven pigmentation.
In the Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream, niacinamide works alongside panthenol and adenosine to improve texture and elasticity, leaving your skin balanced, hydrated, and visibly smoother.
| Key Benefits | Effect on Skin |
|---|---|
| Brightening | Reduces dark spots and uneven tone |
| Barrier Support | Boosts ceramide synthesis |
| Oil Control | Balances sebum levels |
Centella Asiatica and Plant Extracts for Soothing
Centella Asiatica, known for its healing and anti-inflammatory qualities, helps calm irritation and redness. It encourages collagen production, which supports skin recovery and firmness.
The cream also includes calendula and chamomile extracts, both known for their soothing and antioxidant effects. These plant extracts reduce sensitivity and strengthen your skin’s natural defence against daily stress.
You’ll find that the combination of Centella and other botanicals such as turmeric root and houttuynia cordata provides a gentle yet effective approach to calming sensitive or acne-prone skin, as described on INCIDecoder’s ingredient analysis.
Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid for Deep Hydration
Ceramides are essential lipids that keep your skin barrier intact. They help prevent water loss and protect against dryness. When combined with hyaluronic acid, they deliver multi-layer hydration that leaves your skin plump and soft.
Hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin, while ceramides lock it in. This pairing supports long-lasting hydration and helps reduce fine lines caused by dehydration.
In the 345 Cream, ceramide NP and sodium hyaluronate work together to restore elasticity and maintain moisture balance. This combination makes your skin feel comfortable and hydrated throughout the day.
Resveratrol, Panthenol, and Beta-Glucan for Repair
Resveratrol offers strong antioxidant protection, helping your skin resist damage from pollution and UV exposure. It also supports the skin’s repair process by neutralising free radicals.
Panthenol, a form of vitamin B5, soothes and strengthens your skin barrier. It helps reduce irritation and promotes smoother, more supple skin.
Beta-glucan enhances hydration and improves the skin’s ability to recover from stress. Together, these ingredients create a protective, restorative effect that keeps your skin calm and resilient, as noted in reviews like All About the Gloss.
Why 345 Cream Excels for Sensitive and Acne-Prone Skin
You benefit most from a moisturiser that strengthens your skin barrier, calms irritation, and supports healing after breakouts. The Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream achieves this by combining lightweight hydration with ingredients that soothe, repair, and protect without clogging pores or triggering new flare-ups.
Barrier Support for Irritated Skin
A healthy skin barrier helps your skin stay hydrated and protected from irritants. When that barrier becomes damaged, you may notice dryness, itchiness, or increased sensitivity. The 345 Cream supports repair with ceramide NP, panthenol, and beta-glucan, ingredients known to restore moisture and reinforce the skin’s natural defences.
Its gel-based texture absorbs quickly, avoiding the greasy finish that thick creams often leave. This makes it suitable for acne-prone skin, where heavy products can cause congestion.
The formula also avoids fragrance and alcohol, which reduces the risk of irritation. Dermatologists note that this approach helps maintain comfort for people whose skin reacts easily to common cosmetic ingredients, as seen in reviews from Grazia Daily.
| Key Barrier Ingredients | Function |
|---|---|
| Ceramide NP | Strengthens skin barrier |
| Panthenol | Soothes and hydrates |
| Beta-glucan | Reduces dryness and irritation |
Reducing Redness and Inflammation
Inflamed or irritated skin often appears red and feels warm or sore. The 345 Cream helps calm these symptoms through centella asiatica, heartleaf extract, and lavender. These plant-based ingredients are valued in K-beauty for their ability to ease inflammation and support recovery.
You can apply the cream after cleansing and toning to instantly relieve tightness or burning sensations. Its lightweight consistency allows layering with other products without pilling or heaviness.
In clinical-style reviews, dermatologists highlight that this cream targets inflammation rather than just bacteria, which is important for long-term comfort and fewer flare-ups in sensitive or acne-prone skin, as noted by Cosmetify.
Post-Acne Care and Fading Marks
After a breakout, your skin may develop acne scars or post-acne marks. The 345 Cream includes niacinamide and resveratrol, which help brighten uneven tone and improve texture over time. These ingredients promote a smoother appearance without causing peeling or dryness.
You can use it daily to reduce lingering redness from healed blemishes. The inclusion of hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract provides mild exfoliation, encouraging faster renewal of dull or discoloured skin.
Consistent use supports a balanced complexion by strengthening the damaged skin barrier while gently fading post-acne discolouration, as described in Amuseground’s review. This makes it a reliable choice when you want calm, even-toned, and resilient skin.
Hydration and Texture: The Lightweight Difference

You get better skin balance when hydration meets a texture that feels weightless yet effective. A well-formulated lightweight moisturiser keeps your skin hydrated without heaviness, leaving it smooth, soft, and comfortable throughout the day.
Moisturising Without Greasiness
The Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream delivers moisture without leaving a greasy layer. Its gel-cream texture absorbs quickly, giving your skin a hydrated but matte finish. The formula includes hyaluronic acid and panthenol, which draw and lock in moisture while keeping your skin breathable.
Unlike thick creams that can clog pores, this one maintains a clean, non-sticky feel. You can apply it under sunscreen or makeup without worrying about pilling or shine.
A quick comparison of texture and finish:
| Feature | Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream | Traditional Heavy Cream |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Lightweight gel-cream | Thick and dense |
| Finish | Soft, non-greasy | Oily or sticky |
| Absorption | Fast | Slow |
| Comfort | Breathable | Heavy on skin |
Its lightweight design makes it suitable for daily use, especially in warm or humid weather.
Ideal for Oily, Combination, and Dry Skin
You can use this moisturiser across different skin types because it balances hydration without overloading oil-prone areas. People with oily or combination skin often struggle with creams that cause excess shine, but this one keeps moisture levels steady without blocking pores.
For dry skin, it offers deep hydration by reinforcing your skin barrier with ceramides and beta-glucan. These ingredients help prevent water loss and maintain elasticity.
According to reviews from All About The Gloss, the formula adapts to various skin needs, calming irritation while keeping the surface smooth. You can use it morning and night, adjusting the amount to suit your skin’s condition.
This versatility makes it a dependable choice if you want one product that works through seasonal or hormonal skin changes.
Addressing Dry Patches and Uneven Texture
When your skin feels rough or shows dry patches, consistent hydration helps it recover. The Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream includes Centella Asiatica and niacinamide, which calm irritation and improve uneven skin tone. These ingredients help restore balance by supporting your skin’s natural repair process.
You’ll notice smoother areas where dry spots once appeared because the formula strengthens the barrier and keeps moisture sealed in. The cream’s light texture allows better absorption, so nutrients reach deeper layers without residue.
As Grazia Daily notes, this approach leaves the skin soft and even, making it easier for makeup to apply evenly. Regular use helps maintain a consistent texture and a healthy, hydrated appearance.
How to Use 345 Cream in Your Skincare Routine
Apply 345 Cream with clean hands on freshly washed skin to help calm redness, strengthen your skin barrier, and maintain hydration. Use it consistently to see smoother texture and fewer signs of irritation.
Daily Application Tips
Start by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser. Pat your skin dry, leaving it slightly damp to help the cream absorb better. Take a pea-sized amount of 345 Cream and warm it between your fingers before applying.
Spread it evenly across your face using light upward motions. Focus on areas that feel dry or irritated. The lightweight texture absorbs quickly, leaving no greasy residue.
Use it morning and night for best results. In the morning, follow with sunscreen to protect your skin barrier. At night, apply it as the final step to lock in moisture while your skin repairs itself.
If your skin feels tight or dry, apply a thin second layer to problem areas. The formula’s niacinamide, panthenol, and ceramides help maintain hydration and reduce redness.
Layering with Other Skincare Products
345 Cream fits easily into most skincare routines. After cleansing, apply lighter products first, such as toner, essence, or serum. Let each layer absorb before adding the cream.
When layering, think of texture order: thin to thick. This ensures each product works effectively. For example:
- Cleanser
- Toner
- Serum
- 345 Cream
- Sunscreen (morning only)
The cream can be used under makeup since it leaves a smooth, non-greasy finish. It also pairs well with active ingredients like vitamin C or retinol, as its soothing extracts—such as centella asiatica and beta-glucan—help reduce irritation.
If you prefer a minimalist routine, 345 Cream alone provides enough hydration and barrier support for most skin types. According to SkinSort, it works both day and night, simplifying your daily care.
Spot Treatment for Targeted Relief
You can use 345 Cream as a spot treatment on red, dry, or irritated areas. Apply a small amount directly to spots after your serum but before sunscreen or makeup.
For breakouts or redness, dab a thin layer on the affected area twice daily. The anti-inflammatory ingredients, including turmeric and centella, calm irritation and help skin recover faster.
If your skin barrier feels compromised, apply extra cream to those areas to strengthen protection. The formula’s ceramides and panthenol create a light shield that locks in moisture.
This targeted use is especially helpful after exfoliation or sun exposure. As noted in The Pretty Picks, the cream helps soothe sensitivity caused by weather changes or harsh products.
What Sets 345 Cream Apart from Other Moisturisers
You get a lightweight gel-cream that supports your skin barrier, hydrates deeply, and reduces redness without irritation. Its clean formula, trusted reputation, and roots in Korean skincare innovation make it a standout choice for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Clean, Vegan, and Fragrance-Free Formula
Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream uses a vegan, cruelty-free, and fragrance-free formula that suits even the most reactive skin. You avoid artificial scents, parabens, and animal-derived ingredients often found in other moisturisers.
The product contains four key ingredients: ceramides, panthenol, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. These work together to restore moisture, calm irritation, and strengthen your skin barrier. You can read more about its ingredient benefits on Sulskin’s review of Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream.
| Ingredient | Function |
|---|---|
| Ceramides | Reinforce skin barrier |
| Panthenol (B5) | Soothe and heal irritation |
| Niacinamide | Brighten and even tone |
| Hyaluronic Acid | Draw and retain moisture |
This minimalist formula helps your skin stay balanced without heavy oils or pore-clogging agents.
Global Popularity and User Experiences
You’ll find the 345 Relief Cream widely praised across skincare blogs and reviews for its visible results and gentle texture. Many users describe smoother, calmer skin after only a few weeks of use, especially those with acne-prone or sensitive skin.
Its reputation grew quickly through K-beauty communities and international retailers. According to Grazia Daily, the cream’s lightweight texture makes it ideal for layering under sunscreen or makeup without causing breakouts.
The consistency feels like a gel but hydrates like a rich cream. You can use it both day and night, which adds to its practicality.
K-Beauty Innovation and Standards
Korean skincare brands like Dr. Althea focus on barrier repair and long-term skin health rather than short-term fixes. The 345 Relief Cream reflects this approach by combining clinical-grade ingredients with a lightweight, user-friendly texture.
Unlike many Western moisturisers, it avoids occlusive waxes and instead relies on hydrating humectants and skin-identical lipids. This design helps your skin retain moisture naturally.
The product also aligns with K-beauty standards of gentle, multi-functional care. As noted by Lengbox, it’s a trending Korean moisturiser known for soothing redness and restoring the skin barrier without irritation.
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