You have probably seen the Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream all over TikTok, with some people calling it their holy grail and others swearing it broke them out badly.
We get this exact question almost every week at Beauty By Daz, so we sat our aestheticians down to settle it for good.
The short version? There are two formulas floating around Nigeria, and that one detail explains nearly every good and bad review you have read.
Here’s everything you need to know.
TL;DR: Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream Review
- The Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream is a lightweight Korean gel-cream built around niacinamide, ceramide NP, panthenol and tea tree leaf water, designed to calm, hydrate and care for post-acne skin.
- There are two versions in circulation: an older formula that contained oils and broke out oily and fungal-acne-prone skin, and a renewed “Ver.2” formula that is clinically tested non-comedogenic and fungal-acne safe.
- The new formula genuinely works, and many users see calmer, clearer, more even skin within two to four weeks of consistent use.
- It suits oily, combination, sensitive and acne-prone skin best, especially anyone calming redness or fading post-acne marks.
- It is a 50ml tube, so it is small, and yes, it is premium-priced for a moisturiser, which is the main complaint online.
- You can buy The Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream for ₦18,850 for the 50ml tube at Beauty By Daz, with fast nationwide delivery.
What Is the Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream?
The Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream is a lightweight Korean post-acne gel-cream that soothes, hydrates and supports the skin barrier without a heavy or greasy feel.
The “345” comes straight from its ingredient breakdown: 3 blemish-relief ingredients, 4 nourishing ingredients and 5 soothing ingredients, all packed into a 50ml tube.
It is made by Dr Althea, a South Korean brand known for clean, derma-inspired formulas.
The cream is vegan, fragrance-free and, in its current version, clinically tested as non-comedogenic.
Think of it as a calming, barrier-supporting moisturiser rather than an active acne treatment; it cares for skin after the breakout, easing redness and helping marks fade.
What’s Actually In the Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream?
The Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream is built around niacinamide, ceramide NP, panthenol and tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) leaf water, supported by centella, heartleaf, evening primrose and a long list of soothing plant extracts.
Each ingredient earns its spot, which is why this little tube does so much.
Here’s the breakdown of each one:
Ingredient |
What it does |
| Niacinamide | Brightens dullness, fades post-acne marks, strengthens the barrier and helps regulate oil |
| Ceramide NP | Rebuilds and seals the skin barrier so moisture stays in |
| Panthenol (Vitamin B5) | Soothes irritation, calms redness and supports healing |
| Tea tree leaf water + centella | Calm angry, blemish-prone skin and reduce inflammation |
| Hyaluronic acid + beta-glucan | Pull in and hold lightweight hydration |
The tea tree is worth flagging. It is fantastic for calming blemishes, but a small number of people simply do not get along with it, so if you already know your skin dislikes tea tree, this is your heads-up.
Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream: Old Formula vs New Formula
The old Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream contained oils and was not fungal-acne safe, which is exactly why oily and combination-skin users kept breaking out, while the new formula is reformulated to be lightweight, clinically non-comedogenic and fungal-acne (malassezia) safe.
This single change explains the split reviews you see everywhere online.
The older version leaned richer and heavier, with oil-based ingredients that fed malassezia (the yeast behind fungal acne) and clogged oilier skin types.
People with dry skin loved it, but people with oily, congested or fungal-acne-prone skin did not.
The renewed formula keeps the soothing, barrier-loving core but drops the problem oils, so it now sits comfortably on the skin types that struggled before.
Beauty By Daz Tip: the safest way to guarantee you are getting the new, fungal-acne-safe Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream is to buy from a verified seller like Beauty By Daz rather than chasing the cheapest tube you can find.
Cheap old stock is the number-one reason people end up with the wrong version.
Does the Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream Actually Work?
Yes, the new Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream works, and calming irritated, blemish-prone skin is the thing users rave about most.
Many people notice visibly calmer redness and clearer skin within two to four weeks of consistent use, and some acne-prone users report dramatic results even faster.
Screenshot from TikTok
One creator put it simply: she cleared her acne in about ten days and called the cream her holy grail.
Another said it noticeably improved her skin texture when she paired it with a centella ampoule.
Screenshot from TikTok
This cream shines as a soothing, barrier-repairing layer that lets your actives do their job without irritation.
Just keep your expectations realistic: it supports clearer skin, but it is a relief cream, not a spot treatment. Pair it with a proper routine and you will see the difference far faster.
If dark spots are your main concern, try the Axis-Y Dark Spot Correcting Serum or the Aret Tretinoin Gel.
By the way, if you’re loving this review, you’ll love the Axis-Y review and the Aret Gel review too.
Is the Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream Good for Fungal Acne, Oily, Combination Skin?
The new Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream is good for oily, combination and fungal-acne-prone skin, because the renewed formula is lightweight, clinically non-comedogenic and malassezia safe.
The old formula was not, which is why you will still find oily-skin users online saying it broke them out badly.
If you have oily or combination skin and the brand confirms you have the new formulation, the answer is a confident yes; it absorbs without that greasy film and won’t sit heavy.
For fungal acne specifically, the current version checks the right boxes, but always patch test first if your skin is reactive.
Now, if you’re not sure whether your bumps are regular acne or fungal acne, check out this fungal acne and hormonal acne guide. But if you want a personalised answer, you can book a consultation with our aestheticians.
Will the Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream Break You Out?
The Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream rarely breaks out skin on its own, and when it does, it almost always traces back to one of three things: the old oil-containing formula, a tea-tree sensitivity, or an already-damaged skin barrier.
The new formula itself is gentle and non-comedogenic, so a bad reaction is usually a clue rather than proof the product is bad.
Run through these before you write it off:
- You got the old formula. This is the most common culprit for oily and fungal-acne skin. Confirm you have the new, fungal-acne-safe version.
- Your barrier was already damaged. If you have been over-exfoliating, using harsh actives or bleaching creams, almost anything will sting. Repair the barrier first.
- You react to tea tree. A genuine ingredient sensitivity, not a product failure. A 48-hour patch test on your inner arm tells you almost everything.
Other than that, expect mild, normal stuff at most. The biggest honest “downside” is not a side effect at all; it is the size. At 50ml it is small, so heavy users finish it faster than they would like.
How Much Is the Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream in Nigeria?
The Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream costs around ₦18,850 for the 50ml tube at Beauty By Daz, with authentic, new-formula stock and fast nationwide delivery.
Prices elsewhere swing widely because old stock and fakes are sold cheap, so a suspiciously low price is usually a red flag.
You may see the cream listed for significantly less elsewhere, but that is often where buyers run into problems.
Some sellers clear out old stock, while others sell products of questionable origin that may not perform the same way as the genuine product.
If a price looks dramatically lower than what reputable skincare retailers charge, it is worth being cautious.
The 50ml tube is also fairly concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Most people only need a small amount per application, making it a product that can last several weeks to a few months depending on how often it is used.
Because prices can change with exchange rates, shipping costs, and distributor pricing, it is always a good idea to check current listings before purchasing.
However, if you see the Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream selling for far below the market average, treat it as a potential red flag rather than a bargain.
Who Should Use the Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream?
The Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream suits oily, combination, sensitive and acne-prone skin best, along with anyone calming post-acne redness, fading marks or buffering strong actives like retinol.
It works across every skin tone and truly shines on irritated, reactive skin that needs a gentle reset.
Here’s who gets the most out of it:
- Oily or combination skin that hates heavy creams (new formula only)
- Acne-prone and fungal-acne-prone skin needing a safe daily moisturiser
- Sensitive, reactive skin dealing with redness or a struggling barrier
- Anyone fading post-acne marks alongside a niacinamide or vitamin C serum like the Anua Niacinamide Serum or the Beauty Formulas Vitamin C Serum.
- Retinol and acid users who want a calming buffer layer
Who Should Skip the Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream?
Skip or go slow with the Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream if you know your skin reacts to tea tree, if your barrier is currently inflamed, or if you only want deep, rich hydration for very dry skin.
None of these mean the cream is bad; they just mean it may not be the right match for you right now.
If you have very dry, dehydrated skin and want maximum richness, a heavier moisturiser may serve you better. And if your barrier is damaged, repair it first, then reintroduce the cream gently.
How to Use the Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream for Best Results
Use the Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream as the final or semi-final step of your routine, after cleansing, toning and your serums, on freshly washed skin.
Apply a small amount, pat it in, and use it morning and night. There is no need to rinse, and yes, you should always wash your face first.
Quick routine order:
- Cleanse with a gentle, low-pH option like the Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Cleanser.
- Tone to rebalance; the Acwell Licorice pH Toner is a great match (read our Acwell Toner review).
- Treat with an essence or serum, like the Cosrx Snail 96 Mucin Essence or a Skin1004 Centella ampoule, which one user paired with this cream for better texture.
- Moisturise with the Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream.
- Protect every single morning with sunscreen like the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun.
P.S.: Check out these sunscreens for oily skin and sunscreens for fair skin.
P.S.S.: you absolutely can use the Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream with retinol; many people use it specifically to buffer retinol and acids and reduce irritation.
Can you use it on your body? Technically yes, but at 50ml it is not economical, so keep it for your face.
Still figuring out the order of things? Here’s a guide on how to layer your skincare.
Where Can You Buy the Authentic Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream in Nigeria?
You can buy the authentic, new-formula Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream from Beauty By Daz, Nigeria’s most trusted skincare store, with fast delivery nationwide.
The real challenge with this product isn’t finding it; it is finding the right version that is genuine and not old, oil-heavy stock.
When you buy the Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream from Beauty By Daz, you get:
- Guaranteed authentic, new-formula (fungal-acne-safe) stock
- Products sourced from verified distributors and stored properly
- Fair pricing on genuine Korean skincare
- Fast nationwide delivery (1 to 3 working days in Lagos, up to 5 days outside)
- Access to our aestheticians for skincare guidance
Instead of gambling on a random seller and risking the old formula or a fake, you can shop knowing the work is already done for you.
The Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream is available now at Beauty By Daz.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream
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What is Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream Used For?
The Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream is used to soothe irritated, blemish-prone skin, calm redness, hydrate and support the skin barrier as a gentle daily moisturiser. It is a post-acne relief cream, so it cares for skin after breakouts and helps marks fade rather than treating active spots.
2. Does Dr Althea 345 Lighten Skin?
The Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream brightens and evens out your tone rather than bleaching it. Its niacinamide gradually fades dark spots and post-acne marks for a natural, healthier glow, not an artificial colour change.
3. Can I use Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream Every Day?
Yes, the Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream is gentle enough for daily morning and night use as the final step of your routine. If your skin is very sensitive, start once a day and build up as it adjusts.
4. Is the Dr Althea 345 Cream Good for Oily Skin?
The new formula is great for oily and combination skin because it is lightweight and clinically non-comedogenic. The old formula was not, so confirm you are getting the new, fungal-acne-safe version from a verified seller like Beauty By Daz.
5. Can I Use the Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream On My Body?
You can, but at 50ml it is too small to be economical for body use, so it is best kept for your face.
6. How Fast Does Beauty By Daz Deliver the Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream?
Beauty By Daz delivers within 1 to 3 working days in Lagos and up to 5 working days nationwide.
Final Review of the Dr Altea 345 Relief Cream in Nigeria
Here’s the takeaway in one line: the Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream earned its viral status, but only the new formula deserves it.
Get the renewed, fungal-acne-safe version and you have a genuinely lovely, skin-calming moisturiser that fits oily, combination, sensitive and acne-prone skin and plays nicely with your actives.
Get the old one by accident, and you will probably end up in TikTok comments wondering why your skin is angry.
So before anything else, sort out which tube you are buying, because that decision matters more than any review.
Remember, the Beauty By Daz stocks the authentic, new-formula Dr Althea 345 Relief Cream, with real guidance and fast nationwide delivery, so you get it right the first time.
And if you’re curious what to layer underneath it? Go read our Acwell Toner review next. Or read our Skin Aqua and Nivea Sunscreen review.
