Brand Comparison
HABA 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)
HABA
HABA is the Japanese cult brand that quietly built squalane skincare as a global category. Founded in 1983 in Tokyo, the brand's philosophy is genuinely radical even by today's clean-beauty standards: preservative-free, additive-free, fragrance-free, and minimal-INCI formulations. The Squa Facial Lotion (100% pure pharmaceutical-grade squalane in a tiny iconic bottle) is the brand's flagship — one or two drops as a pre-toner step delivers the glow that a multi-step routine can't. Beyond squalane, the G Lotion preservative-free toner, the Squa Facial Moisturizer, and the White Lady brightening essence extend the platform.
Pros
- ✓ pioneered squalane skincare as a global category
- ✓ preservative-free, additive-free, fragrance-free philosophy
- ✓ pharmaceutical-grade squalane sourcing
- ✓ decades-long Japanese cult validation
Cons
- ✗ preservative-free formulations have shorter shelf life
- ✗ minimalist ingredient lists may feel under-formulated to active-led routine fans
- ✗ limited international distribution outside YesStyle/Stylevana
- ✗ small-bottle pricing makes per-ml cost higher
Dr. Althea
Dr. Althea is the dermatologist-led K-beauty brand quietly outperforming its more-hyped peers on every actives-forward product. The 147 Enriched Cream (147 active and adjunct ingredients in one barrier cream) is the reason Reddit's AsianBeauty community keeps pointing new people here. No sparkly packaging, no K-pop collab — just well-built formulas with peptide, ceramide, and panthenol stacks that hold up under scrutiny.
Pros
