Dr. Althea vs Real Barrier — side by side, no bias.
Our pick
Extreme Cream
9/10 · Real Barrier
| Glutathione Niacin Cream | Extreme Cream | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Dr. Althea | Real Barrier |
| Category | moisturizer | moisturizer |
| Editor Rating | 8/10 | 9/10 ★ |
| Category | moisturizer | moisturizer |
| Texture | Lightweight cream | Rich, restoring cream |
| Finish | Bright, even | Cushioned satin |
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| Verdict | Dr. Althea's glutathione cream combines the skin-brightening peptide glutathione with high-concentration niacinamide for dual-mechanism depigmentation. Glutathione — the body's master antioxidant — inhibits tyrosinase and converts existing melanin from dark eumelanin to lighter pheomelanin. At $24, this is the Korean approach to brightening: clinical actives at approachable prices. | The Korean derm community's quiet answer to La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair. Real Barrier's patented MLE (Multi-Lamellar Emulsion) technology delivers ceramide NP, cholesterol, and phytosphingosine in the same lamellar structure as human skin's natural lipid matrix — clinical studies show 99% barrier restoration within 14 days. Not sexy, not editorial. A barrier-repair cream that does exactly what it says without a single wasted ingredient. |
