Brand Comparison

Then I Met You 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 8.5)

Then I Met You Dr. Althea

Rating8.5/108.8/10

Price RangePremium ($$$)Mid-Range ($$)

Founded20182003

OriginNew York / SeoulSeoul, South Korea

Products55

Best Forall skin types, Sensitive, DrySensitive, compromised-barrier, Mature, Dry

PhilosophyLuxury K-beauty-inspired skincare from Soko Glam co-founder Charlotte Cho, built around the Korean concept of "jeong" — slow, intentional care.Dermatologist-led K-beauty — clinical formulations, no wasted space, 147 as in the number of ingredients in the cream that made them famous.

Then I Met You

Then I Met You is Charlotte Cho passion project and it feels like it. The Living Cleansing Balm is arguably the best cleansing balm at any price — a rich, buttery formula with sea buckthorn that actually melts makeup and does not sting the eyes. Premium price, premium product.

Pros

✓ Exceptional cleansing balm formulation
✓ Luxury packaging and experience
✓ Built on Korean skincare philosophy
✓ Sea buckthorn is a standout ingredient

Cons

✗ Premium pricing
✗ Small catalog
✗ Not every product is a category leader

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