Compare Products: The Niacinamide 15 Serum vs 345 Relief Cream

COSRX

The Niacinamide 15 Serum

Mid-range15%
$25 / 20ml — $1.25/ml
Dr. Althea

345 Relief Cream

Mid-range
$24 / 50ml — $0.48/ml

Who It's Designed For

COSRX
  • Oily and acne-prone skin seeking serious oil control
  • Post-acne marks and hyperpigmentation
  • Enlarged pores and textured skin
  • Users ready to step up from 10% to higher-strength niacinamide
  • Those who prefer minimal-ingredient formulas
Dr. Althea
  • Those with compromised or sensitized skin barriers
  • Users recovering from skin procedures or environmental damage
  • Sensitive skin types seeking a fragrance-free calming cream
  • People who want centella benefits with added antioxidant support
  • Those looking for a non-greasy barrier repair cream

Key Ingredients

COSRX

Niacinamide (15%), Acetyl Glucosamine (2%), Zinc PCA (1%), Allantoin (0.1%)

Dr. Althea

Centella Asiatica Extract, Resveratrol, Ceramide NP, Panthenol, Madecassoside

Product Composition

28% similarity (11 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
waterniacinamidebutylene glycolacetyl glucosamine12-hexanediolxanthan gumallantoinethylhexylglycerinsodium phytatetocopherol
Only in COSRX (5)
pentylene glycolzinc pcatrehalosepullulancitric acid
Only in Dr. Althea (23)
cetearyl alcoholglyceryl stearatehydrogenated lecithinstearic acidcetearyl olivatesorbitan olivatedimethiconeceramide nppanthenolcentella asiatica extractmadecassosideasiaticosideasiatic acidmadecassic acidresveratrolbeta-glucandipotassium glycyrrhizatecaprylic/capric triglyceridehydroxyethyl ureacarbomertromethaminesorbitan sesquioleatecaprylyl glycol

User Feedback Patterns

COSRX
Oil control standout

Users consistently report significant reduction in daytime oil and shine. Many describe it as the best niacinamide serum they have tried for sebum control.

Lightweight texture praised

Unlike some high-concentration serums, this absorbs quickly without tackiness or residue. Layers well under other products.

Small bottle concern

The 20ml size (vs. 30ml standard) is a common gripe, especially given the price point.

Pore improvement takes time

Users report visible pore improvement around the 3-4 week mark with consistent twice-daily use.

Dr. Althea
Effective for redness and irritation

Users frequently report reduced redness and calmer skin within days of use. Popular among those with rosacea-prone or post-procedure skin.

Non-greasy for a barrier cream

Multiple reviewers note the texture is lighter than expected for a repair cream. Absorbs well and works under makeup.

Reliable daily moisturizer

Many users report using this as their primary moisturizer long-term, not just for recovery periods. Consistent performance across seasons.

Mild results for severe barrier damage

Some users with significantly compromised barriers note the cream helped but was not sufficient on its own. Needed pairing with other barrier products.

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