Brand Comparison
Hanskin 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)
Hanskin
The PHA brand to know. Real Complexion Hyaluron Launchpad cleansing oil is the hero. PHA Deep Cleansing Oil built the cult. Mid-tier pricing, consistent formulation, minimal marketing. An underground K-beauty pick that has hung around long enough to prove it deserves the spot.
Pros
- ✓ PHA-led products are gentler than AHA equivalents
- ✓ Strong cleansing oils
- ✓ Consistent formulation over two decades
- ✓ Clean ingredient lists
Cons
- ✗ Limited product innovation
- ✗ Overshadowed by newer viral K-brands
- ✗ Not strongly marketed in the West
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
- ✓ dermatologist-led clinical approach
- ✓ 147 Enriched Cream is a legitimate barrier workhorse
- ✓ minimalist, no-nonsense branding
- ✓ every product is actives-first
Cons
- ✗ brand voice is drier than its peers
