Compare Products: 345 Relief Cream vs Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%

Dr. Althea

345 Relief Cream

Mid-range
$24 / 50ml — $0.48/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
The Ordinary
  • Vitamin C beginners who want a low-irritation starting point
  • Sensitive skin types who cannot tolerate L-ascorbic acid
  • Those who want a stable vitamin C that will not oxidize in the bottle
  • Budget-conscious shoppers seeking a no-frills vitamin C serum
  • Users who prefer ultra-minimalist ingredient lists

Key Ingredients

Dr. Althea

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

The Ordinary

12% Ascorbyl Glucoside

Product Composition

16% similarity (7 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
water12-hexanediolsodium hyaluronatexanthan gumpolyglyceryl-10 lauratecaprylyl glycol
Only in Dr. Althea (30)
butylene glycolglycerincetyl ethylhexanoateniacinamidecetearyl alcoholglyceryl stearatehydrogenated lecithinstearic acidcetearyl olivatesorbitan olivatedimethiconeceramide nppanthenolcentella asiatica extractmadecassosideasiaticosideasiatic acidmadecassic acidresveratrolallantoinbeta-glucandipotassium glycyrrhizatetocopherolcaprylic/capric triglyceridehydroxyethyl ureacarbomertromethamineethylhexylglycerindisodium edtasorbitan sesquioleate
Only in The Ordinary (7)
ascorbyl glucosidepropanediolaminomethyl propanoltriethanolamineisoceteth-20dimethyl isosorbideethoxydiglycol

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.

The Ordinary
Beginner-friendly and non-irritating

The most common positive feedback is that this product causes no irritation. Users with sensitive skin, rosacea-prone skin, and vitamin C beginners praise its gentleness.

Slow but steady brightening

Users who use it consistently for 8+ weeks report gradual brightening and more even skin tone. Results are subtle rather than dramatic.

Some find it too mild

Users coming from L-ascorbic acid serums or expecting fast results find the effects underwhelming. Several reviewers switched to more potent vitamin C products.

Great texture for layering

The thin, watery texture layers well under other products. No stickiness, pilling, or interference with subsequent skincare or makeup steps.

Which Should You Buy?

The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% offers great value at a lower price point. Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream may be worth the premium if you want Centella Asiatica Extract.

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