Brand Comparison
Helan 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 8.3)
Helan
Helan is the Italian organic brand for people who actually read INCI lists. ECOCERT-certified across most of the line, formulations lean botanical-rich without crossing into greenwash territory, and the prenatal/post-pregnancy collection is one of the better European options for sensitive expecting skin. Available mostly in Italian organic shops and pharmacies — a quiet workhorse rather than a hype brand.
Pros
- ✓ ECOCERT-certified across most products
- ✓ Strong prenatal/postnatal range
- ✓ Genuine clean-formulation rigor
- ✓ Italian heritage
Cons
- ✗ Limited distribution outside Italy
- ✗ Branding leans clinical, not editorial
- ✗ Range is wide but uneven
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
