Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream vs 147 Barrier Cream: Which One Should You Actually Buy?

If you've spent more than five minutes on Korean skincare TikTok recently, you've probably come across Dr. Althea's two most talked-about moisturisers: the 345 Relief Cream and the 147 Barrier Cream.

At first glance, they seem very similar. Same brand. Similar packaging. Similar promises of calm, healthy-looking skin.

But after reading countless reviews, customer feedback, skincare forum discussions, and using both creams ourselves, we've found that they are actually designed for quite different skin concerns.

If you're trying to decide between them, here's the guide we wish existed when we first started looking into these creams.

The Quick Answer

Choose 345 Relief Cream if:

• You have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin
• You want a lightweight moisturiser
• You are dealing with redness or post-breakout marks
• You dislike feeling moisturiser on your skin

Choose 147 Barrier Cream if:

• Your skin feels dry, tight, or dehydrated
• You use retinal, retinol, acids, or other strong actives
• Your skin barrier feels compromised
• You prefer richer, more nourishing creams

Still not sure? Keep reading.

Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream

The 345 Relief Cream became popular for a reason.

Unlike many "acne-friendly" moisturisers that feel basic or underwhelming, 345 manages to feel lightweight while still delivering enough hydration for most skin types.

The formula combines soothing ingredients such as Centella Asiatica, niacinamide, ceramide NP, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and various botanical extracts. It is also fragrance-free, which makes it a popular choice among sensitive skin users.

What it feels like

One of the best descriptions we've seen from skincare enthusiasts is that it feels more like a lotion than a traditional cream.

The texture sits somewhere between a gel and a cream. It spreads easily, absorbs quickly, and doesn't leave behind a heavy or greasy finish. Many users specifically mention that it layers well under sunscreen and makeup.

What people seem to love

Across skincare communities, several themes appear repeatedly:

• Lightweight but still moisturising
• Helps calm redness
• Comfortable for oily and combination skin
• Doesn't feel suffocating
• Fragrance-free and generally gentle

Some users report that their skin looked calmer and more even after a few weeks of consistent use. Others simply appreciate having a moisturiser that hydrates without making them shiny.

Criticisms of 345 Relief Cream

No product is perfect.

The most common criticism is that it may not be rich enough for very dry skin, especially during winter.

Some users also expected dramatic fading of post-acne marks and were disappointed when the results were more subtle than social media suggested. Others liked the moisturising effect but didn't notice major skin-transforming benefits.

In our opinion, this is primarily a moisturiser first and a treatment second. Think of any brightening or soothing benefits as a bonus rather than the main reason to buy it.

Dr. Althea 147 Barrier Cream

If 345 is the lightweight all-rounder, 147 is the comfort blanket.

This cream is built around barrier support. The formula includes four types of ceramides, seven types of hyaluronic acid, and guaiazulene, a soothing ingredient derived from chamomile that gives the cream its distinctive pale blue colour.

What it feels like

After handling dozens of Korean moisturisers, one thing that immediately stands out about 147 is its texture. 

It is noticeably thicker than most barrier creams we stock. The only cream we've found with a richer texture is Atopalm MLE Barrier Cream.

Despite its texture, 147 still spreads surprisingly well and doesn't feel greasy.

Like 345, it is fragrance-free.

That might sound like a small detail, but many people with irritated or damaged skin specifically seek out moisturisers that don't contain added fragrance.

What people seem to love

This cream has developed something of a cult following among people using retinoids.

One Reddit user described it as having "saved" their skin after tretinoin left their face red, flaky, and irritated. Others repeatedly mention how comforting it feels when their skin barrier is struggling.

The most common praise includes:

• Deep hydration
• Barrier support
• Relief from dryness and irritation
• Fragrance-free formula
• Rich texture without excessive greasiness

Several reviewers mention that their skin simply feels healthier while using it.

Criticisms of 147 Barrier Cream

This is where things get interesting.

Although 147 is widely loved, it isn't universally loved.

Some users find the texture too noticeable on the skin. Others with sensory sensitivities describe being constantly aware that the product is sitting on their face.

A small number of users also report that the richer formula felt too heavy or contributed to congestion and breakouts.

There's also a fair criticism regarding value.

Some skincare enthusiasts point out that while the formula is good, there are larger barrier creams available at lower prices containing similarly proven ingredients such as ceramides and humectants.

We think that's a fair observation.

The question isn't whether 147 contains good ingredients—it does. The question is whether its texture and overall experience work for your skin.

Can You Use Both?

Absolutely.

This is actually one of the most common approaches we see.

Many people use 345 Relief Cream during the day because of its lighter texture and switch to 147 Barrier Cream at night when they want more nourishment.

This approach can work particularly well if you have combination skin or use strong active ingredients such as retinal, retinol, or exfoliating acids.

One Important Warning: Watch Out For Fakes

Unfortunately, both 345 Relief Cream and 147 Barrier Cream have become popular enough that counterfeit versions have appeared online.

When buying either cream:

• Purchase from authorised retailers
• Be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true
• Check packaging carefully
• Avoid unknown marketplace sellers with limited history

A genuine product should have consistent packaging quality, batch information, and texture.

Final Verdict

If we could only give one piece of advice, it would be this:

Don't choose based on which cream is trending.

Choose based on your skin.

If your biggest concern is breakouts, redness, and finding a moisturiser that disappears into the skin, the 345 Relief Cream is usually the better choice.

If your skin feels dry, irritated, over-exfoliated, or simply needs more support, the 147 Barrier Cream is likely to make you happier.

They're both excellent moisturisers.

They're just excellent for different people.