The Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream was always one of those products I kept coming back to. Whenever I was trialing something new and my skin started reacting — redness, texture, breakouts — the 345 was my reset button. Reliable, calming, never dramatic. So when Dr. Althea quietly dropped a reformulated version, I paid attention.
Here's what actually changed, what stayed the same, and whether it's still worth the spot in your routine.
What Changed in the Ingredient List
The two formulas share the same core purpose — barrier support, calming, post-blemish care — but the specific ingredients are noticeably different, and the changes matter depending on your skin type.
Old formula key ingredients:
Centella extract, Gardenia fruit extract, Houttuynia cordata, Lavender extract, Ceramide NP. Lightweight texture.
New formula key ingredients:
Resveratrol, Tannic acid, Niacinamide, PDRN (Centella DNA extract), Green tea leaf water, Tea tree leaf water, Centella + Madecassoside, Beta-glucan, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Ceramide NP, Sodium DNA (Rice Bran PDRN). Slightly thicker texture, absorbs easily.
The most significant change is the removal of lavender extract. Lavender is a fragrance ingredient that can trigger sensitivity and irritation in reactive skin — its presence in the original formula was likely why some people experienced occasional redness or breakouts even while trying to calm their skin. Removing it was the right call.
The biggest upgrade is the addition of PDRN — Polynucleotide DNA extract derived from both Centella and Rice Bran. PDRN has become one of the most talked-about ingredients in Korean skincare for its regenerative and calming properties. It's typically found in professional-grade post-procedure treatments. Getting it in a daily cream at this price point is genuinely impressive.
The new formula also introduces green tea leaf water and tea tree leaf water, both gentle and non-stripping, alongside Centella and Madecassoside working together for faster calming and recovery. Beta-glucan and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid round out the hydration side, making this a denser moisture experience than the original without feeling heavy.
Texture: Has It Changed?
Yes, slightly. The old formula was known for being lightweight. The new version is a little thicker but absorbs easily and doesn't sit on the skin. For oily skin types, start with a smaller amount. For dry or combination skin, you'll likely appreciate the added richness, especially as a final step in your evening routine.
What the New Formula Is Best For
The reformulated 345 is specifically built for blemish-prone, very sensitive, and reactive skin.
The combination of tea tree leaf water and green tea provides gentle antibacterial and anti-inflammatory support without the harshness of stronger actives. The PDRN complex adds a layer of regeneration that the original simply didn't have. And the removal of lavender means the skin types that always felt like the 345 was almost right for them now have a version that actually is.
Who Should Use Which Formula
If you still have the old formula and your skin loves it, no need to worry. It worked beautifully for certain skin types and still holds up.
But if you've ever felt like the 345 caused occasional irritation, redness, or congestion — or if you've been on the fence about trying it because of mixed reviews — the new formula addresses those concerns directly. Most of those negative reviews were written about the old version.
The die-hard 345 fans I know personally haven't noticed a drop in performance. If anything, their skin seems to be responding even better. That's the best possible outcome from a reformulation — improved accessibility without compromising what made the product work in the first place.
Bottom line: The new formula is better engineered for the skin type this cream was always meant for. It's still my reset-button recommendation, and now I can suggest it to an even wider range of skin types than before.
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