Brand Comparison
Synergie Skin 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 8.7)
Synergie Skin
Synergie Skin is the Melbourne brand that turned Australian cosmetic-chemist credibility into a cult cosmeceutical line. Founder Terri Vinson is a working cosmetic chemist with formal scientific training (Bachelor of Science, post-grad Diploma in Formulating Chemistry, ASCC member) — and Synergie's product strategy reflects that: high active concentrations, clean-formulation discipline, evidence-led claims. The hero products tell the story: [Vitamin B](/products/synergie-skin-vitamin-b-serum) at 13% niacinamide, [Priority B](/products/synergie-skin-priority-b-serum) at 22% (one of the highest niacinamide concentrations on the market), and [Ultimate A](/products/synergie-skin-ultimate-a-serum) liposomally-encapsulated retinol that's gentle enough for sensitive skin. Australian-made, Melbourne-headquartered, distributed through clinic and DTC channels in Australia, NZ, and increasingly the US. The Australian counterpart to Skinceuticals at a more accessible price tier.
Pros
- ✓ founder is a working cosmetic chemist with formal scientific credentials (rare in skincare branding)
- ✓ Vitamin B at 13% and Priority B at 22% niacinamide deliver genuinely high-concentration active formulations
- ✓ Ultimate A's liposomal retinol encapsulation makes retinol accessible to sensitive skin
- ✓ Clean Science philosophy excludes parabens, sulphates, mineral oils, propylene glycol, MIT
- ✓ 100% Australian-made and Australian-owned
- ✓ growing US distribution
Cons
- ✗ clinic-channel-first distribution makes the brand harder to find at retail
- ✗ premium pricing relative to Australian mass-market alternatives
- ✗ the clinical-cosmeceutical positioning lacks the lifestyle-aspirational pull of an Aesop or Go-To
