Brand Comparison
Klairs 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)
Klairs
Klairs built its reputation on being the sensitive-skin-friendly brand, and the Supple Preparation Toner remains one of the most reliable hydrating toners in K-beauty. Their move toward unscented versions of key products shows they listen to consumers. Solid mid-range brand that doesn't overpromise.
Pros
- ✓ Excellent for sensitive skin
- ✓ Supple Preparation Toner is a category staple
- ✓ Unscented versions available
- ✓ Honest marketing, no miracle claims
Cons
- ✗ Original versions contain essential oils
- ✗ Mid-range pricing without premium formulations
- ✗ Product range feels stagnant
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
