Compare Products: 345 Relief Cream vs Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment

Dr. Althea

345 Relief Cream

Mid-range
$24 / 50ml — $0.48/ml
Paula's Choice

Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment

Mid-range20%
$55 / 20ml — $2.75/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
Paula's Choice
  • Stubborn enlarged or sagging pores that haven't responded to 10% niacinamide
  • Orange-peel texture and rough, bumpy skin
  • Sebaceous hyperplasia
  • Advanced pore concerns related to aging or sun damage
  • Post-acne marks and uneven texture

Key Ingredients

Dr. Althea

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

Paula's Choice

Niacinamide (20%), Ascorbyl Glucoside (Vitamin C), Meadowsweet Extract

Product Composition

26% similarity (13 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
waterbutylene glycolglycerincetyl ethylhexanoateniacinamidehydrogenated lecithinpanthenolallantoindipotassium glycyrrhizatesodium hyaluronatexanthan gumethylhexylglycerindisodium edta
Only in Dr. Althea (24)
12-hexanediolcetearyl alcoholglyceryl stearatestearic acidcetearyl olivatesorbitan olivatedimethiconeceramide npcentella asiatica extractmadecassosideasiaticosideasiatic acidmadecassic acidresveratrolbeta-glucantocopherolcaprylic/capric triglyceridehydroxyethyl ureacarbomertromethaminesorbitan sesquioleatepolyglyceryl-10 lauratecaprylyl glycol
Only in Paula's Choice (13)
pentylene glycolascorbyl glucosidespiraea ulmaria (meadowsweet) extractportulaca oleracea (purslane) extractcamellia japonica flower extractepigallocatechin gallateboerhavia diffusa root extractcamellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extractpullulansilicasclerotium gumpropanediolphenoxyethanol

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.

Paula's Choice
More effective than 10% for stubborn concerns

Users who found the 10% booster insufficient often report better results with this formula, particularly for aging-related pore concerns and textural issues.

Texture and feel

The gel texture feels slightly oily to some users before it dries down. Some report a tacky feel or that it takes time to absorb. Most find it works well under moisturizer.

Potential irritation at high concentration

Some users report sensitivity, flushing, or irritation — especially if used daily from the start. Several reviewers recommend using every other day initially or finding 10% sufficient.

Gradual, cumulative results

Like the 10% booster, results are typically seen over weeks of consistent use rather than immediately. Some users report noticeable improvement within 1-2 weeks; others need longer.

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