If you’ve been keeping up with K-beauty trends, you’ve probably heard whispers (or full-blown raves) about Dr. Althea’s 345 Relief Cream. It’s a minimalist-looking tube that promises to calm, hydrate, and brighten—all in one go. But like any hyped product, it’s not for everyone.

So, what makes this cream so popular? And why do some people experience irritation instead of relief?

Let’s break it down.

What Is It?

The Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream is a lightweight gel-cream packed with skin-loving ingredients, designed especially for sensitive or troubled skin. Its star components are:

• Niacinamide (10,000ppm): A multitasker that helps with brightening, oil control, and barrier repair.

• Panthenol (10,000ppm): A soothing agent that hydrates and calms irritated skin.

• Opuntia Ficus-Indica (Cactus) Stem Extract: Offers deep hydration and antioxidant support.

• Resveratrol: Helps improve skin elasticity and supports skin recovery.

• Centella Asiatica Extract & Ceramide NP: Strengthen the skin barrier and help calm inflammation.

The cream is also EWG green-grade rated, vegan-certified, and free from artificial fragrances or dyes.

Who Is It For?

This cream is a hit among people dealing with:

• Post-acne sensitivity

• Redness or mild inflammation

• Dehydrated skin that still breaks out

• Uneven skin tone

The texture is ideal for layering—it absorbs quickly without feeling greasy, which makes it a solid choice for both morning and night routines.

Who Should Be Cautious?

Despite all its benefits, the 345 Relief Cream isn’t a universal fit. Based on community feedback and a closer look at the ingredient list, here are a few groups who may want to proceed with caution:

1. If you’re prone to fungal acne (Malassezia):

Some ingredients in this formula may feed yeast, potentially triggering breakouts in fungal acne-prone skin.

2. If your skin barrier is severely compromised:

Although it contains soothing ingredients, the high concentration of actives (like niacinamide) may be too stimulating if your skin is already over-exfoliated or sensitized.

3. If you react poorly to niacinamide:

At 10,000ppm, niacinamide is one of the hero ingredients in this cream. But if you’ve experienced tingling, redness, or breakouts from it before, this might not be the best fit.

Final Thoughts

Dr. Althea’s 345 Relief Cream has definitely earned its reputation for being a calming, brightening powerhouse—but like any skincare product, it works best when it’s right for your skin type.

If your skin loves niacinamide and you’re looking for something that soothes and strengthens without clogging pores, this could be a game-changer.

But if you’re currently dealing with barrier damage or fungal acne, you may want to patch test first—or explore gentler alternatives.

Have you tried this cream before? Share your experience with us in the comments below!