Compare Products: 345 Relief Cream vs Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%

Dr. Althea

345 Relief Cream

Mid-range
$24 / 50ml — $0.48/ml
Naturium

Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2%

Budget12%
$17 / 30ml — $0.57/ml

Who It's Designed For

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
Naturium
  • Oily and combination skin seeking sebum control
  • Uneven skin tone and dark spots
  • Fine lines and early signs of aging
  • Enlarged pores and textured skin
  • Those who want higher niacinamide concentration than standard 10%

Key Ingredients

Dr. Althea

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

Naturium

Niacinamide (12%), Zinc PCA (2%)

Product Composition

30% similarity (13 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
waterglycerinniacinamide1glyceryl stearatedimethiconedipotassium glycyrrhizatesodium hyaluronatexanthan gumethylhexylglycerindisodium edtapolyglyceryl-10 lauratecaprylyl glycol
Only in Dr. Althea (24)
butylene glycolcetyl ethylhexanoate2-hexanediolcetearyl alcoholhydrogenated lecithinstearic acidcetearyl olivatesorbitan olivateceramide nppanthenolcentella asiatica extractmadecassosideasiaticosideasiatic acidmadecassic acidresveratrolallantoinbeta-glucantocopherolcaprylic/capric triglyceridehydroxyethyl ureacarbomertromethaminesorbitan sesquioleate
Only in Naturium (6)
propanediolzinc pcaphenoxyethanoltocopheryl acetatehexylene glycolcitric acid

User Feedback Patterns

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.

Naturium
Higher quality than The Ordinary

Users who have tried both brands frequently note Naturium feels 'better quality' with faster absorption and less pilling, though acknowledging The Ordinary costs less.

Effective but requires patience

Most users report visible improvement in skin texture and oil control within 2-4 weeks, with more significant changes at the 6-8 week mark.

Minimal scent issue

Some users note a subtle odd scent, though it dissipates quickly after application. Generally not a dealbreaker.

Layers well

Consistent praise for how this serum absorbs and layers under other products without pilling or feeling heavy.

Which Should You Buy?

Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2% offers great value at a lower price point. Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream may be worth the premium if you want Centella Asiatica Extract.

Budget Pick
Buy Naturium
Premium Pick
Buy Dr. Althea

View Full Product Details

Related Comparisons