× 
Dr. Althea is best known for two creams in almost identical white tubes: the 345 Relief Cream and the 147 Barrier Cream. They look the same on the shelf, but they do very different jobs. Choosing the wrong one is the most common mistake people make with this brand.
Here is a clear, side-by-side guide to help you choose the right cream for your skin and Sri Lanka's climate.
At a glance
| 345 Relief Cream | 147 Barrier Cream | |
|---|---|---|
| Main job | Calm post-breakout skin and marks | Repair a weak barrier and deeply hydrate. |
| Texture | Lightweight | Rich and cushiony, not greasy |
| Key ingredients | Niacinamide, resveratrol, centella, ceramide NP | Ectoin, ceramide NP, squalane, hyaluronic acids |
| Best for | Oily, combination, acne-prone skin | Dry, dehydrated, sensitive skin |
| Best time | Day or night | Night, or all day for dry skin |
| Also | No added oils or essential oils; non-comedogenic tested | Fragrance-free; non-comedogenic |
345 Relief Cream: calm and clear
The name describes the formula: 3 blemish-care ingredients, 4 nourishing ingredients, and 5 soothing ingredients.
- Focus: post-breakout redness, lingering marks, and uneven texture
- Niacinamide: helps even tone and fade the look of marks
- Resveratrol: an antioxidant from red grapes
- Centella and madecassoside: calm redness and irritation
- Ceramide NP: supports the barrier
It is light enough for humid days and is clinically tested as non-comedogenic by the Korea Institute of Dermatological Sciences.
147 Barrier Cream: deep hydration
The name describes the formula: 1 barrier-care ingredient, 4 nourishing ingredients, and 7 hydrating ingredients.
- Focus: a weakened barrier, dryness, tightness, and flaking
- Ectoin: a protective molecule that helps shield skin from environmental stress and keep the barrier healthy
- Ceramide NP: helps rebuild the barrier and seal in moisture
- Squalane: a lightweight oil similar to the skin's own, for softness without greasiness
- Many forms of hyaluronic acid: different sizes hydrate at different levels of the skin
- Betaine: helps balance moisture
It is fragrance-free and has been tested for sensitive skin by the Korea Institute of Dermatological Sciences.
Dr. Althea updates its formulas from time to time. Always check the ingredient list on the box.
But Sri Lanka is humid. Who needs rich cream?
More people than you think. A humid climate does not guarantee hydrated skin.
- Air-conditioning: hours in an air-conditioned office, car, or bedroom dry skin out just as much as cold weather.
- Strong actives: retinol and exfoliating acids can leave skin tight and flaky.
- Over-cleansing: washing too often or with harsh cleansers strips the barrier.
- Hill country: in cooler areas like Nuwara Eliya, skin often feels drier.
Which one should you choose?
- Choose 345 if your skin gets oily by midday, you have post-acne marks, or you want a light daytime moisturizer.
- Choose 147 if your skin feels tight after washing, flakes, stings easily, or spends long hours in air-conditioning.
- Use both if your skin changes through the day: 345 in the morning under sunscreen and 147 at night.
Routines by skin type
Oily or acne-prone
Morning and night: 345 Relief Cream. Add sunscreen in the morning.
Combination
Morning: 345 Relief Cream. Night: 147 Barrier Cream on dry areas only, such as cheeks.
Dry or air-conditioned all day
Morning and night: 147 Barrier Cream. Keep the 345 Relief Cream Mist on your desk for a moisture top-up.
Using retinoids or acids
Night: 147 Barrier Cream with the sandwich method. Apply a light layer of cream, then your active, then another layer of cream on top.
Signs you picked the wrong one
- Using 345, but skin still feels tight: your barrier may need the extra support of 147, at least at night.
- Using 147 and skin feels heavy or shiny: use a thinner layer, or switch to 345 during the day.
Frequently asked questions
Can oily skin use the 147 Barrier Cream?
Yes, especially at night or when your skin feels dehydrated. Use a thin layer.
Can I mix both creams together?
Pick one per routine. Most people use 345 in the morning and 147 at night.
Which is better for sensitive skin?
Both are gentle. If your sensitivity comes with dryness, choose 147. If it comes with redness and breakouts, choose 345.
Do I still need sunscreen?
Yes. Neither cream is a sunscreen.
COMING TO ORION XO · DECEMBER 2026
Dr. Althea launches officially in Sri Lanka at ORION XO this December. Not sure which cream suits you? Message us on Instagram or WhatsApp us on +94 77 846 5000.
