Brand Comparison
The Face Shop 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 7.5)
The Face Shop
The Face Shop is a K-beauty institution. Their Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam has introduced millions to Korean skincare. The brand offers incredible breadth — from cleansers to sunscreens — but quality varies. Stick to their hero products (rice water line, Dr. Belmeur for sensitive skin) and you will not be disappointed.
Pros
- ✓ Rice Water line is iconic and effective
- ✓ Wide product range
- ✓ Very accessible pricing
- ✓ Available globally through Avon/LG
Cons
- ✗ Quality inconsistent across lines
- ✗ Some products feel dated
- ✗ Fragrance in many products
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
