If you've been following the K-beauty barrier repair space, Dr. Althea's 345 Relief Cream has been a quiet staple — beloved for its no-fuss, skin-first formula. Now, the brand has released Renewal Version 2.0, and we put it through its paces to see if the upgrade lives up to the hype.
What Is the Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream?
The Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream is a vegan, cruelty-free soothing moisturizer designed around three core skin concerns: calming, hydration, and barrier repair. The "345" references the brand's signature approach to layering actives at skin-compatible concentrations — nothing aggressive, everything intentional.
Since landing in Canada, it's quietly become one of the most-searched Korean moisturizers for sensitive and post-acne skin — and for good reason. The formula avoids fragrance, parabens, and artificial colourants, making it a safe daily choice for reactive skin types common in Canada's harsh winters and dry climates.
V1 vs V2: What Actually Changed?
This is where it gets interesting. The Renewal 2.0 isn't just a repackage — the formula has been meaningfully updated.
| Feature | Original V1 | Renewal V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Water | Tea Tree Leaf Water |
| Brightening | Not present | Niacinamide added |
| Skin repair | Centella, Ceramides | Centella, Ceramides + upgraded Panthenol |
| Texture | Gel-cream | Slightly lighter gel-cream |
| Fragrance-free | ✅ | ✅ |
| Vegan | ✅ |
✅ |
The biggest upgrade is the Tea Tree Leaf Water base — it delivers the antibacterial and calming benefits of tea tree without the harshness or irritation of straight tea tree oil. For sensitive skin types in Canada dealing with seasonal dryness or redness, this is a significant improvement.
Full Ingredient Highlights
- Tea Tree Leaf Water — antibacterial, soothing, replaces plain water as the base for added function
- Niacinamide — brightens, minimizes pores, and directly supports the skin barrier
- Panthenol (Vitamin B5) — a deep humectant that draws moisture into the skin layers
- Centella Asiatica Extract — the K-beauty gold standard for redness, sensitivity, and inflammation
- Ceramides — the backbone of barrier repair; locks in moisture and protects against pollution and cold weather
Together, these actives make a compelling case for sensitive, dry, or compromised skin types — especially relevant for Canadian winters when barrier damage is at its peak.
Texture & How to Apply
The cream has a lightweight, gel-cream consistency that absorbs in seconds without leaving a heavy or greasy film — ideal for layering under SPF in the morning or as a standalone evening moisturizer.
It's fully fragrance-free, sits comfortably under makeup, and doesn't pill when layered over serums. For Canadians dealing with cold, dry air that strips the skin barrier, this formula balances hydration without the heaviness of traditional barrier creams.
Recommended routine:
Recommended routine:
- Gentle cleanser
- Hydrating toner
- Serum or ampoule (e.g. Centella, Niacinamide)
-
Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream V2
- SPF (AM) or sleeping mask (PM)
Who Is This For?
This cream works best for:
- Sensitive or reactive skin dealing with redness, irritation, or seasonal flare-ups
- Dry skin needing a hydration boost without heavy occlusive weight
- Post-treatment skin recovering from retinol, chemical exfoliants, or procedures
- Acne-prone skin — V2 is clinically tested as non-comedogenic
- Men's skincare routines — simple, effective, no complicated layering needed
Anyone in Canada dealing with barrier damage from cold weather, wind, or indoor heating
Our Verdict
The Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream V2 is a thoughtful, well-executed upgrade. The addition of niacinamide and the tea tree leaf water base gives it a broader functional range — brightening and antibacterial support — without sacrificing the gentle, barrier-first ethos that made the original a bestseller.
It's the kind of moisturizer that works quietly in the background, calming and repairing while you go about your day. And in Canada's climate, where skin takes a beating from cold winters and indoor heating, that consistency matters.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — 5/5 — We recommend it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream V2 available in Canada? Yes — you can buy it directly at VGLE.ca with free shipping on orders over $55 CAD across Canada. No customs, no international shipping delays.
What's the difference between Dr. Althea 345 V1 and V2? V2 features a Tea Tree Leaf Water base, added Niacinamide, and has been clinically tested as non-comedogenic. The texture is slightly lighter and the formula is better suited for acne-prone and sensitive skin types.
Is Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream good for sensitive skin in Canada? Yes — the centella asiatica, panthenol, and ceramide combination makes it one of the gentler K-beauty moisturizers available in Canada. It's fragrance-free, paraben-free, and dermatologist-tested.
Can I use Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream under SPF? Absolutely. The lightweight, fast-absorbing gel-cream texture layers cleanly under sunscreen without pilling or feeling heavy.
Is Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream good for acne-prone skin? Yes — V2 has been clinically tested as non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores. The tea tree leaf water base adds gentle antibacterial support without drying out the skin.
Ready to try it? Shop the Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream 2.0 — available now at VGLE Studios with free shipping on orders $55+ across Canada.
