Dr. Althea

Dr. Althea Melaclear Cream

Name: Dr. Althea - Melaclear Cream
Brand: Dr. Althea

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Edit

Works for

2 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Moisturizing

Niacinamide, Ceramide np + 12 more

Strong evidence

What the product description says

“Made to remove stubborn dark spots and inner skin dryness with Alpha Arbutin.”

Source: Lila Beauty

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: glycerin, hyaluronic acid.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: linolenic acid, coco-caprylate/caprate.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide np, niacinamide

Tranexamic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn amino acid that is effective in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out the skin tone. It can also help in skin barrier recovery. It is used to treat melasma, especially with injections and when taken orally~2.1–3.1%

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~2.9–4.4%

Hyaluronic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation~0.1–0.4%

Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin~0.1–0.35%

Ceramide npHero· EmollientEffect: HighA type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin~0.05–0.3%

Hydroxyethyl ureaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA derivative of urea, a compound that is naturally present in skin. Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients~0.55–1.35%

Linolenic acidKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin and calm down inflammation~0.15–0.5%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~4–6%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.4%

AdenosineKey activeEffect: MediumMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.15–0.65%

Coco-caprylate/caprateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture~1.2–1.8%

Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~6.2–9.3%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideUnder-dosedEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~0.2–0.8%

Hydrolyzed viola tricolor extractUnder-dosedEffect: MediumMight have some moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. Can be added to products to create a nice smell.~0.1–0.45%

Evens skin tone

Tranexamic acid, Niacinamide + 1 more

Strong evidence

What the product description says

“Dr. Althea Melaclear Cream is designed to improve uneven skin tone, visible dark spots, and dull-looking skin.”

Source: Lila Beauty

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: alpha-arbutin, hydroxyethyl urea, niacinamide, tranexamic acid

Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~2.9–4.4%

Alpha-arbutinKey activeEffect: HighMight help reduce hyperpigmentation when used regularly over a long period of time. Is more effective than beta-arbutin~1.4–2.2%

Exfoliation

Not advertised by the brand · Hydroxyethyl urea

Strong evidence

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: hydroxyethyl urea.

Hydroxyethyl ureaKey activeEffect: HighA derivative of urea, a compound that is naturally present in skin. Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients~0.55–1.35%

Anti-blemish

Not advertised by the brand · Niacinamide

Strong evidence

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

Anti-aging

Not advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, Adenosine + 1 more

Strong evidence

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine, niacinamide.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

AdenosineKey activeEffect: HighMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.15–0.65%

Hyaluronic acidEffect: LowOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation~0.1–0.4%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

3 strong irritants: Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extract, Hydrolyzed viola tricolor extract + 1 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 10 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Lithospermum erythrorhizon root extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can be used for its fragranceHigh~0.15–0.6%est.

Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extractUsed as a fragrance. Might have some anti-oxidant propertiesHigh~0.15–0.55%est.

Hydrolyzed viola tricolor extractMight have some moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. Can be added to products to create a nice smell.High~0.1–0.45%est.

Plumeria rubra flower extractUsed to add a nice smell to the product. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.25%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.5–1.15%est.

Alpha-arbutinMight help reduce hyperpigmentation when used regularly over a long period of time. Is more effective than beta-arbutinMedium~1.4–2.2%est.

Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.35–0.75%est.

Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~0.2–0.8%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.65%est.

Linolenic acidAn emollient that helps soften the skin and calm down inflammationMedium~0.15–0.5%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

Edit

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

SUNGBOON EDITOR Alaska Salmon PDRN Ultra Moisturizing Barrier Cream

Cheaper93% match

$19.50

ROUND LAB Pine Calming Cica Cream Plus 60ml

Cheaper92% match

$14.01

View all alternatives

User reviews

Would you recommend?

No community reviews yet.

Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.

Write a review · ~30s

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Butylene glycol~6.2–9.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol

Glycerin~4–6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin

Niacinamide~2.9–4.4%

Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-blemishEvens skin toneAnti-agingMoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessAntibacterial

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

More about Niacinamide

Tranexamic acid~2.1–3.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingEvens skin tone

An amino acid that is effective in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out the skin tone. It can also help in skin barrier recovery. It is used to treat melasma, especially with injections and when taken orally

More about Tranexamic acid

1,2-hexanediol~0.5–1.15%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Alpha-arbutin~1.4–2.2%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Evens skin tone

Might help reduce hyperpigmentation when used regularly over a long period of time. Is more effective than beta-arbutin

More about Alpha-arbutin

Coco-caprylate/caprate~1.2–1.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture

More about Coco-caprylate/caprate

Diethoxyethyl succinate~0.95–1.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps dissolve other ingredients in the formulation

More about Diethoxyethyl succinate

Hydroxyethyl urea~0.55–1.35%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

ExfoliationMoisturizing

A derivative of urea, a compound that is naturally present in skin. Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients

More about Hydroxyethyl urea

Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.45–1.05%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions

More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer

Propanediol~0.35–0.85%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol

Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.35–0.75%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together

More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer

Tromethamine~0.2–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.2–0.8%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.15–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Adenosine~0.15–0.65%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingMoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)

More about Adenosine

Lithospermum erythrorhizon root extract~0.15–0.6%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can be used for its fragrance

More about Lithospermum erythrorhizon root extract

Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extract~0.15–0.55%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

Used as a fragrance. Might have some anti-oxidant properties

More about Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extract

Hydrolyzed malt extract~0.15–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Hydrolyzed malt extract

Hydrolyzed viola tricolor extract~0.1–0.45%

Under-dosedIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Moisturizing

Might have some moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. Can be added to products to create a nice smell.

More about Hydrolyzed viola tricolor extract

Sodium hyaluronate~0.1–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate

Hyaluronic acid~0.1–0.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation

More about Hyaluronic acid

Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid~0.1–0.35%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin

More about Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid

Linolenic acid~0.15–0.5%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

CleansingMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritation

An emollient that helps soften the skin and calm down inflammation

More about Linolenic acid

Plumeria rubra flower extract~0.05–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used to add a nice smell to the product. Can be irritating

More about Plumeria rubra flower extract

Ceramide np~0.05–0.3%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritation

A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin

More about Ceramide np

Hydrogenated lecithin~0.05–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.

More about Hydrogenated lecithin

Sodium dna~0.05–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Sodium dna

Solanum lycopersicum fruit extract~0.05–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Solanum lycopersicum fruit extract

Ingredient list view

Water, Butylene glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Tranexamic acid, 1,2-hexanediol, Alpha-arbutin, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Diethoxyethyl succinate, Hydroxyethyl urea, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Propanediol, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Lithospermum erythrorhizon root extract, Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extract, Hydrolyzed malt extract, Hydrolyzed viola tricolor extract, Sodium hyaluronate, Hyaluronic acid, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Linolenic acid, Plumeria rubra flower extract, Ceramide np, Hydrogenated lecithin, Sodium dna, Solanum lycopersicum fruit extract

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Lila Beauty

≈ $21.06

Buy

Affiliate links · prices updated regularly

Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	Dr. AltheaMelaclear CreamYOUR PRODUCT	MedicubeKojic Acid Turmeric Vita Capsule Cream	SUNGBOON EDITORAlaska Salmon PDRN Ultra Moisturizing Barrier Cream	Rephrintense hydration cream 1.0
Match	—	100%	93%	93%
Price	$21.04	$25.69+$4.65	$19.50−$1.54	—
Shared key ingredients	—	9 of 12	9 of 12	8 of 12
Key difference	—	Retinol	3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid	Ceramide Ng
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

Cheaper alternatives? See how this stacks up against similar formulas.

We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.

Open dupe finder

Product summary

"Dr. Althea - Buy Dr. Althea Melaclear Cream in Australia - K-Beauty Online Store" is a well-rounded moisturizing product. The formulation is based on a combination of good humectants and emollients. Both are needed to increase the skin hydration level. Humectants in this product (glycerin, hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, hydroxyethyl urea and sodium hyaluronate) help to increase the water content in the upper layer of the skin. (These ingredients do so by "capturing" water molecules from the outside air or from within the deeper layers of the skin). Emollients in this formulation (linolenic acid and coco-caprylate/caprate) help to reduce the moisture loss from the skin. They also soften the skin surface and relieve the feeling of dryness and tightness.

Ingredient callouts

We love that this moisturizer contains a good concentration of niacinamide 2.90% - 4.40%. Niacinamide is a perfect active in a moistruizer because it helps calm down inflamation in skin and support the skin barrier. More than that, it is helpful for most common skin concerns: it helps regulat oil production, help reduce acne and clogged pores, improve skin tone and prevent pigmentation marks. It also helps fight photodamage.
Another benefit is that this moisturizer contain ceramides (ceramide np 0.05% - 0.30%). Ceramides are an important part of our natural skin barrier. The Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or come from plants. They help soften the skin and can help "fill the gaps" in the skin barrier, keeping the skin hydrated and resilient for longer.
Adenosine 0.15% - 0.65%. It is a compound that in involved in many biological processes inside the skin cells. According one high-quality clinical trial, topical Adenosine in low concentrations can somewhat help improve "deep wrinkles" - the wrinkles that appear with age in places where our faces are most dynamic (for example, on the forehead or in the corners of the eyes).

This product contains ingredients that could be beneficial, but their concentrations are too low in this formulation: caprylic/capric triglyceride

Irritation risk

This formulation includes some common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here

You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.