Brand Comparison
BioNike vs Dr. Althea
A head-to-head comparison of two popular K-beauty brands. Which one is right for your skin?
Our Pick
Dr. Althea
Higher editor rating (8.8 vs 8.5)
BioNike
BioNike is the brand behind every Italian pharmacy counter that dermatologists actually write on prescription pads. Founded as a pharmaceutical company in 1930 and pivoting to dermocosmetics in the 1960s, BioNike built its reputation on a single obsession: formulating for skin that reacts to everything. Every product is nickel-tested (not just nickel-free — tested per batch, a higher standard), fragrance-free, and formulated without conventional preservatives like parabens. The Defence Hydractive line is the hydration workhorse — adaptive moisturizers with triple-weight hyaluronic acid and carnosine antioxidant protection. Defence B-Lucent handles pigmentation with a vitamin C concentrate that Italian dermatologists prescribe for melasma. Defence Sun is the post-procedure sunscreen range — SPF 50+ with modern EU filters, mattifying finishes, and the kind of cosmetic elegance that gets patients to actually reapply. The packaging is pharmacy-functional, the marketing is restrained, and the formulations are quietly excellent. BioNike doesn't chase trends — it formulates for the dermatologist's office and lets the results do the talking.
Pros
- ✓ nickel-tested on every production batch — gold standard for reactive skin
- ✓ fragrance-free across the entire range, no essential oils
- ✓ Defence Hydractive delivers adaptive hydration with triple-weight HA
- ✓ Italian dermatologists prescribe it — pharmacy-counter credibility
Cons
- ✗ pharmaceutical packaging lacks aspirational appeal
- ✗ international availability is limited outside Italy and Southern Europe
- ✗ some silicone-heavy textures may not suit silicone-avoiders
- ✗ the Defence sub-line naming (Hydractive, Xage, B-Lucent) is confusing
