Compare Products: 345 Relief Cream vs Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
Who It's Designed For
- 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
- Experienced vitamin C users who want maximum potency at minimum cost
- Those who have built tolerance to lower vitamin C concentrations
- Users willing to work with a challenging texture for strong active delivery
- Budget-conscious shoppers seeking L-ascorbic acid at 23%
- People who use vitamin C as a nighttime treatment
Key Ingredients
Centella Asiatica Extract, Resveratrol, Ceramide NP, Panthenol, Madecassoside
23% L-Ascorbic Acid, 2% Sodium Hyaluronate (HA Spheres), Squalane
Product Composition
8% similarity (4 ingredients in common)
Only in Dr. Althea (33)▾
Only in The Ordinary (12)▾
User Feedback Patterns
Users frequently report reduced redness and calmer skin within days of use. Popular among those with rosacea-prone or post-procedure skin.
Multiple reviewers note the texture is lighter than expected for a repair cream. Absorbs well and works under makeup.
Many users report using this as their primary moisturizer long-term, not just for recovery periods. Consistent performance across seasons.
Some users with significantly compromised barriers note the cream helped but was not sufficient on its own. Needed pairing with other barrier products.
Nearly all first-time users report significant stinging and tingling. This subsides for most within 1-2 weeks of regular use as skin builds tolerance.
Layering anything over this product commonly causes pilling. Users have found that applying it as the last step at night or mixing with a drop of oil reduces this issue.
Users who tolerate the texture report visible brightening, improved tone, and reduced dark spots. The $8 price point makes it a cult favorite despite the application challenges.
Due to texture and pilling issues, most users reserve this for nighttime use. It does not layer well under sunscreen or makeup.
Which Should You Buy?
The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 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.