Dr. Althea Is Coming to Sri Lanka: Meet the Brand Behind the 345 Relief Cream

Some Korean skincare brands build a following slowly. Dr. Althea did it with one cream. The 345 Relief Cream became one of the most talked-about moisturizers in K-beauty, and its simple white tube is now a familiar sight in skincare routines around the world.

This December, Dr. Althea arrives in Sri Lanka with 17 products. The brand launches officially at ORION XO.

Here is everything you need to know before launch day: the story behind the brand, the woman who founded it, the awards it has won, what customers around the world are saying, the full Sri Lanka line-up, and why Dr. Althea suits Sri Lankan skin so well.

The story behind Dr. Althea

Dr. Althea began with a personal skin journey. Founder Evelyn Lee started the brand in 2014, inspired by her own skin concerns and experiences. Her mission was clear: to carefully develop skincare that is effective yet gentle, addresses sensitive skin concerns, and supports long-term skin health.

The name is inspired by Althea, the Greek goddess of healing. It reflects what the brand wants for your skin: not a dramatic overhaul, but care that helps it restore, recover, and protect itself.

Dr. Althea through the years

Only Essentials. Gently Effective.

Dr. Althea describes itself as a derma skincare brand grounded in clinical research. Its approach is simple: minimalist formulas, inspired by nature, with only the ingredients that skin really needs.

• Minimalist formulas: fewer, well-chosen ingredients mean fewer chances of irritation.
• Nature-inspired ingredients: Centella, green tea, sea buckthorn, and rice appear across the range.
• Clinically tested: the 345 Relief Cream is clinically tested as non-comedogenic, and the 147 Barrier Cream is tested for sensitive skin, both by the Korea Institute of Dermatological Sciences.
• Fewer triggers: the 345 Relief Cream has no added oils or essential oils, and the 147 Barrier Cream is fragrance-free.
• Vegan-focused: the brand describes itself as a vegan skincare brand.

Instead of launching dozens of trend products, Dr. Althea is best known for a small number of focused products that each solve one clear skin concern.

A global brand with a K-pop face

In February 2026, Dr. Althea named Jang Won-young of the K-pop group IVE as its global ambassador. She was chosen for her ability to connect with a new generation of skincare lovers around the world and for reflecting the brand's clean beauty values.

Her campaign moves away from her glamorous stage image and shows her in quiet, everyday moments, reflecting the brand's message: When Skin Heals, You Bloom.

Go behind the scenes of Jang Won-young's Dr. Althea shoot:

Award-winning skincare

Dr. Althea has been recognized by beauty editors and expert judges in the US and UK, by Korea's biggest beauty retailer, and by Korean consumers.

• NewBeauty 2026 Beauty Awards (USA): the US beauty authority named the 345 Relief Cream its best moisturizer for acne-prone skin. NewBeauty's senior beauty editor praised it for not clogging pores while helping even skin tone and fade post-acne dark spots.
• The Beauty Awards 2025 (UK): the 345 Relief Cream won the Skin Soothing Saviour category, and the Pore Refresh Grinding Cleansing Balm was Highly Commended in the Cleansing Champion category.
• Who What Wear UK Next in Beauty Awards 2025: the Jelly Seal Dewy Mask was named Best Face Mask. The judges were impressed by how hydrated and plump their skin felt, even the next day.
• Olive Young Awards 2025 (Korea): at Korea's largest health and beauty retailer, the 345 Relief Cream was named in the Rising category, which recognizes the products gaining the most momentum.
• Glowpick Awards (Korea): Dr. Althea is a Glowpick Award winner on Korea's leading consumer beauty review platform, where awards are driven by real user reviews.
• 2019 Seoul Award (Korea): an early recognition of the brand in its home city, five years after it was founded.

Three of these award winners are part of the Sri Lanka launch: the 345 Relief Cream, the Jelly Seal Dewy Mask, and the Pore Refresh Grinding Cleansing Balm.

As seen in the media

In a single Amazon Prime Day week, the 345 Relief Cream and Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm were featured in more than 30 media outlets and a segment on the US TODAY Show.

What the world is saying

The 345 Relief Cream has built its reputation the hard way: through real customers, across many countries and stores.

• Amazon US: In May 2026, SheKnows reported that more than 40,000 Amazon shoppers bought the 345 Relief Cream in a single month.
• Nykaa, India: our neighbors are fans too. The 345 Relief Cream has more than 3,000 ratings on India's leading beauty retailer.
• Korea: On Glowpick, the 345 Relief Cream Mist ranks among the top cream mists in its category.
• YesStyle: The 345 Relief Cream has earned a place on YesStyle's bestseller list.
• Beauty editors: UK beauty site Cosmetify rated the 345 Relief Cream 9 out of 10.

Customer ratings around the world

At the time of writing:

What customers love most

Across stores like iHerb, Nykaa, Glowpick, Walmart, and Amazon, the same themes come up again and again in customer reviews of the 345 Relief Cream:

• The texture: light, silky, and fast-absorbing, with no sticky or greasy feel
• Calming redness: many reviewers say it soothes irritated skin, especially after exfoliating
• Safe for breakout-prone skin: it is often described as a moisturizer acne-prone skin can actually trust
• Slowly fading marks: some reviewers notice post-acne marks gradually looking less visible with regular use

An honest note: every skin is different. A small number of reviewers report stinging or irritation, and some older reviews refer to the previous formula. The 345 Relief Cream has since been renewed. As with any new product, patch test first.

Meet the hero products.

345 Relief Cream: the icon

The one that made the brand famous and a multi-award winner in the US, UK, and Korea. A lightweight daily moisturizer for acne-prone and sensitive skin, made to calm post-breakout redness, smooth uneven texture, and help lingering marks look less visible.

• Key ingredients: niacinamide, resveratrol, centella, madecassoside, and ceramide NP
• Texture: light and non-greasy, ideal for humid weather
• Best for: oily, combination, acne-prone, and sensitive skin

147 Barrier Cream: the deep hydrator

The richer sister. A deeply hydrating, fragrance-free cream for dry, tight, or flaky skin with a weakened barrier.

• Key ingredients: ectoin, ceramide NP, squalane, betaine, and many forms of hyaluronic acid
• Texture: rich and cushiony, but not heavy or greasy
• Best for: dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin, and skin that dries out in air-conditioning

345 Relief Cream Mist: moisture on the go

A two-layer face mist that combines a cream layer and an essence layer in one fine spray. Unlike a basic water mist, it gives both refreshing hydration and light nourishment.

• Key ingredients: panthenol, hyaluronic acid, centella, madecassoside, and rice extract
• How to use: shake well, hold about 20 cm from your face, and mist after cleansing, between skincare steps, or over makeup
• Best for: skin that feels tight by the afternoon, and anyone working in air-conditioning

Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm: gentle makeup removal

Sri Lanka's sun means daily sunscreen, and sunscreen needs to be removed properly at night. This balm melts away sunscreen, makeup, and even waterproof formulas, then rinses clean without leaving skin tight.

• Only 14 ingredients: including madecassoside, centella, green tea seed oil, and grape seed oil
• Hygienic grinder: twist the jar to dispense a fresh portion, with no fingers or spatula in the balm
• How to use: massage onto dry skin, add a little water until it turns milky, then rinse

Vitamin C Boosting Serum: for dark spots and dullness

Made for dark spots, post-blemish marks, dullness, and uneven tone, some of the most common skin concerns in Sri Lanka.

• 5% niacinamide: helps improve the look of uneven tone
• 2% tranexamic acid: targets visible dark spots and lingering marks
• Alpha arbutin: supports brighter-looking skin
• 63% sea buckthorn water: a botanical base for the formula
• No artificial colours or scents

Tip: if you are new to vitamin C, start every other day. When you use it in the morning, always finish with sunscreen.

The full Sri Lanka launch line-up

Dr. Althea arrives in Sri Lanka with 17 products, covering every step of a complete routine.

Why Sri Lankan skin will love Dr. Althea

• Humidity: heavy creams feel unbearable in Sri Lanka's heat. The 345 Relief Cream and Aqua Marine Watery Cream are light enough for hot, sticky days.
• Post-acne marks: marks left after breakouts are one of the most common skin concerns here, and exactly what the 345 line and Vitamin C Boosting Serum are made for.
• Air-conditioning: long hours in air-conditioned offices, cars, and bedrooms leave skin tight. That is where the 147 Barrier Cream and the mists come in.
• Daily sunscreen: two SPF50+ PA++++ sunscreens for every skin type, and two cleansing balms to remove them gently every night.
• Sensitive skin: heat, sun, and pollution make skin react easily. Gentle, low-trigger formulas help.
• Proven in South Asia: with thousands of ratings on India's Nykaa, the 345 Relief Cream is already trusted in a climate much like ours.

A simple Dr. Althea routine for Sri Lanka

Morning

1. Gentle cleanser
2. 345 Relief Cream Mist
3. Vitamin C Boosting Serum, if you have dark spots
4. 345 Relief Cream
5. Green Tea Fresh Sunscreen for oily skin, or Aqua Glowing Sunscreen for dry skin

Night

1. Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm to remove sunscreen and makeup
2. Gentle water-based cleanser
3. 345 Relief Cream, or 147 Barrier Cream if your skin feels dry

Once or twice a week

1. A Dr. Althea sheet mask, such as the Jelly Seal Dewy Mask

Which one should you start with?

The Dr. Althea gallery

A closer look at the textures, details, and quiet, minimal style that make Dr. Althea instantly recognisable.

Why wait for the official launch?

Popular Korean brands are often copied, and products bought through unofficial channels may be old, stored in heat, or not genuine at all. Heat is especially hard on skincare in Sri Lanka. When a brand launches officially, you know exactly where your product came from and how it was handled on the way to you.

How to get ready for launch

1. Know your skin type: oily, combination, dry, or sensitive. It decides which cream you need.
2. List your main concern: post-acne marks, dryness, dark spots, or sensitivity.
3. Keep your routine simple: a gentle cleanser, one serum, a moisturiser, and sunscreen is enough.
4. Plan to patch test: try any new product on your jawline for a few days before using it all over.

Frequently asked questions

When will Dr. Althea be available in Sri Lanka?
Dr. Althea launches officially at ORION XO in December.

How many products are launching?
17 products: cleansers, mists, serums, creams, sunscreens, and sheet masks.

Which product should I try first?
If your skin is oily, combination, or has post-acne marks, start with the 345 Relief Cream. If it is dry or sensitive, start with the 147 Barrier Cream.

Is Dr. Althea suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes. The brand focuses on sensitive, acne-prone, and barrier-stressed skin. As with any new product, patch test first.

Is Dr. Althea suitable for men?
Yes. Skin concerns like post-acne marks, dark spots, and dryness affect everyone.

Can I use Dr. Althea with my other Korean skincare?
Yes. The creams work as the last step of most routines, and the mists and cleansing balms fit easily around the products you already use.

Want to know the moment Dr. Althea arrives? Follow us on Instagram or WhatsApp us on +94 77 846 5000.