Skip to main content
Shop Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream Mist
Moisturizer
Dr. Althea

345 Relief Cream Mist

~$19.9· Standard Size

What it's good for

Key actives from our research database. Click any to read the full evidence dossier.

  • Hyaluronic AcidStrong evidenceFull dossier ↗

    A pure hydrator that holds water in your skin. Makes skin look plumper and smoother almost immediately.

    Good for: Hydrating

  • Centella AsiaticaModerate evidenceFull dossier ↗

    Also called "cica," it calms redness, repairs the skin barrier, and speeds up recovery. The go-to for irritated or reactive skin.

    Good for: Anti-inflammatory, Barrier repair

  • MadecassosideModerate evidenceFull dossier ↗

    A purified compound from the cica (centella) plant, laser-focused on calming inflammation and speeding up how fast skin recovers.

    Good for: Anti-inflammatory, Barrier repair

  • HeartleafModerate evidenceFull dossier ↗

    A calming K-beauty botanical that's also antibacterial, so it pairs well for acne-prone, sensitive skin.

    Good for: Anti-inflammatory, Anti-acne

  • PanthenolModerate evidenceFull dossier ↗

    Pro-vitamin B5. Deeply hydrates and helps repair the skin barrier, calming dry or compromised skin.

    Good for: Hydrating, Barrier repair

  • GlycerinModerate evidenceFull dossier ↗

    A workhorse hydrator that pulls water into your skin. In nearly every good moisturizer for a reason.

    Good for: Hydrating

  • Aloe VeraModerate evidenceFull dossier ↗

    Calms irritation and adds light hydration. The classic for sunburned or reactive skin.

    Good for: Anti-inflammatory, Hydrating

  • Vitamin EModerate evidenceFull dossier ↗

    A workhorse antioxidant that defends your skin from daily oxidative damage. Pairs especially well with vitamin C, and it's in nearly every good moisturizer for a reason.

    Good for: Antioxidant

  • Lactobacillus FermentAnecdotal evidenceFull dossier ↗

    A "postbiotic" (dead probiotic bits) that talks to your skin microbiome without adding live bugs. Patches up a leaky barrier and is friendly even on very reactive skin.

    Good for: Barrier repair, Hydrating

  • Citric AcidModerate evidenceFull dossier ↗

    A fruit-derived AHA that exfoliates and antioxidizes. It shares the same basic mechanism as glycolic and lactic acid but is weaker gram-for-gram; in practice you'll see it doing dual duty (a little exfoliation plus pH stabilisation) in multi-acid toners and serums. When it appears low on an ingredient list, it's adjusting pH; higher up, it's contributing real exfoliation.

    Good for: Exfoliating, Antioxidant

New to this? Patch test on your inner arm for 24 to 48 hours before applying to your face. If you have sensitive skin or rosacea, start 2 to 3 times per week and build up slowly.

Evidence behind the ingredients

Real citations from our research database, one per tracked active in this product. Click any ingredient name to read its full evidence dossier.

Hyaluronic AcidStrong evidence7 citations

A pure hydrator that holds water in your skin. Makes skin look plumper and smoother almost immediately.

Karabat MU, Tuncer MC. Effects of hyaluronic acid on skin at the cellular level: a systematic review. Rev Assoc Med Bras. 2025;71(8):e20250208. — Systematic review of 45 studies found low-molecular-weight HA stimulates keratinocyte proliferation and migration while high-molecular-weight HA drives skin hydration, supporting topical HA as an effective skin-hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredient.

2025Meta-analysis (positive)PMID:40990743View source ↗

Bravo B et al., Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence, Dermatology and Therapy 2022;12(12):2657-2680 — HA-based cosmeceuticals reliably improve hydration and signs of skin aging

2022Meta-analysis (positive)PMID:36200921View source ↗

Lee SG et al., Hyaluronan Oligosaccharides Improve Rosacea-Like Phenotype through Anti-Inflammatory and Epidermal Barrier-Improving Effects, Annals of Dermatology 2020

2020Mechanism onlyPMID:33911737View source ↗
Centella AsiaticaModerate evidence6 citations

Also called "cica," it calms redness, repairs the skin barrier, and speeds up recovery. The go-to for irritated or reactive skin.

Hur N et al., A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial Assessing the Effects of Oral Centella asiatica Extract on Skin Aging-Related Parameters in Middle-Aged Korean Women, Nutrients 2026

2026Positive (efficacy)PMID:42196964View source ↗

Borowicz KK et al., Geroprotective Potential of Centella asiatica: Modulation of Cellular Aging, Nutrients 2026

2026Mechanism onlyPMID:42280293View source ↗

Witkowska K et al., Topical Application of Centella asiatica in Wound Healing: Recent Insights into Mechanisms and Clinical Efficacy, Pharmaceutics 2024;16(10):1252 — modern hydrogel and nanostructured Centella delivery systems accelerate wound healing across wound types

2024Meta-analysis (positive)PMID:39458583View source ↗
MadecassosideModerate evidence6 citations

A purified compound from the cica (centella) plant, laser-focused on calming inflammation and speeding up how fast skin recovers.

Liu L et al., Madecassoside Attenuated UVB Irradiation-Induced Skin Ferroptosis by Targeting POR, Phytomedicine 2026

2026Mechanism onlyPMID:41421280View source ↗

Bandopadhyay S et al., Therapeutic properties and pharmacological activities of asiaticoside and madecassoside: A review, Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine 2023;27(5):593-608 — comprehensive review of wound-healing, anti-inflammatory and regenerative activity

2023Meta-analysis (positive)PMID:36756687View source ↗

Park KS, Pharmacological Effects of Centella asiatica on Skin Diseases: Evidence and Possible Mechanisms, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2021;2021:5462633 — KR-authored review of triterpenes including madecassoside

2021Meta-analysis (positive)PMID:34845411View source ↗
+7 more ingredients
HeartleafModerate evidence8 citations

A calming K-beauty botanical that's also antibacterial, so it pairs well for acne-prone, sensitive skin.

Song Z et al., Inhibition of LPS-Induced Skin Inflammatory Response and Barrier Damage via MAPK/NF-kB Signaling Pathway by Houttuynia cordata Thunb Fermentation Broth, Foods 2024

2024Mechanism onlyPMID:38790770View source ↗

Kwon N et al., Protective Effects of Fermented Houttuynia cordata Against UVA and H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress in Human Skin Keratinocytes, Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology 2023;195(5):3027-3046 — Korean-authored; fermented H. cordata showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection against UVA/H2O2 stress

2023Mechanism onlyPMID:36495375View source ↗

Rafiq S et al., Pharmacological Effects of Houttuynia cordata Thunb (H. cordata): A Comprehensive Review, Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022

2022Mechanism onlyPMID:36145299View source ↗
PanthenolModerate evidence5 citations

Pro-vitamin B5. Deeply hydrates and helps repair the skin barrier, calming dry or compromised skin.

Gao Y et al., Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a Panthenol-Enriched Mask for Skin Barrier Recovery After Facial Laser Treatment, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2025;24(7):e70223 — double-blind RCT (n=60): panthenol mask decreased erythema, enhanced hydration, repaired barrier vs saline

2025Positive (efficacy)PMID:40613435View source ↗

Cho YS et al., Use of Dexpanthenol for Atopic Dermatitis-Benefits and Recommendations Based on Current Evidence, Journal of Clinical Medicine 2022;11(14):3943 — Korean-authored review; dexpanthenol improves barrier and reduces severity in mild-to-moderate AD

2022Meta-analysis (positive)PMID:35887707View source ↗

Heise R et al., Accelerated wound healing with a dexpanthenol-containing ointment after fractional ablative CO2 laser resurfacing of photo-damaged skin in a randomized prospective clinical trial, Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology 2019;38(3):274-278 — RCT: dexpanthenol significantly faster wound closure vs petroleum jelly post-laser

2019Positive (efficacy)PMID:30897983View source ↗
GlycerinModerate evidence6 citations

A workhorse hydrator that pulls water into your skin. In nearly every good moisturizer for a reason.

Danby SG et al., Different types of emollient cream exhibit diverse physiological effects on the skin barrier in adults with atopic dermatitis, Clinical and Experimental Dermatology 2022;47(6):1154-1164 — glycerol+urea emollient delivered superior barrier-strengthening and irritant protection

2022Positive (efficacy)PMID:35167133View source ↗

Youssef R et al., Glycerol 85% efficacy on atopic skin and its microbiome: a randomized controlled trial, Journal of Dermatological Treatment 2021;32(7):730-736 — topical glycerol 85% RCT on atopic skin

2021Positive (efficacy)PMID:31869257View source ↗

Evans NJ et al., Human axillary skin condition is improved following incorporation of glycerol into the stratum corneum from an antiperspirant formulation, Archives of Dermatological Research 2017;309(9):739-748 — 4% glycerol penetrated axillary SC, reduced irritation, improved hydration

2017Positive (efficacy)PMID:28889318View source ↗
Aloe VeraModerate evidence7 citations

Calms irritation and adds light hydration. The classic for sunburned or reactive skin.

Huang YN et al., Effects of Aloe vera on Burn Injuries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials, Journal of Burn Care & Research 2024;45(6):1536-1545 — topical aloe vera reduced burn wound-healing time

2024Meta-analysis (positive)PMID:38605441View source ↗

Tungkasamit T et al., Reduction in severity of radiation-induced dermatitis in head and neck cancer patients treated with topical aloe vera gel: A randomized multicenter double-blind placebo-controlled trial, European Journal of Oncology Nursing 2022;59:102164 — aloe vera reduced severity of moderate-to-severe radiation dermatitis

2022Positive (efficacy)PMID:35767935View source ↗

Sharma S et al., Second-Degree Burns and Aloe Vera: A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review, Advances in Skin & Wound Care 2022;35(11):1-9 — topical aloe vera shortened time to healing for second-degree burns

2022Meta-analysis (positive)PMID:36264753View source ↗
Vitamin EModerate evidence6 citations

A workhorse antioxidant that defends your skin from daily oxidative damage. Pairs especially well with vitamin C, and it's in nearly every good moisturizer for a reason.

Neves JR et al., Efficacy of a topical serum containing L-ascorbic acid, neohesperidin, pycnogenol, tocopherol, and hyaluronic acid in relation to skin aging signs, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2022;21(10):4462-4469 — tocopherol-containing antioxidant serum reduced pollution-induced damage and improved aging signs

2022Positive (efficacy)PMID:35150043View source ↗

Warshaw EM et al., Patch Testing With Tocopherol and Tocopherol Acetate: The North American Contact Dermatitis Group Experience, 2001 to 2016, Dermatitis 2021;32(5):308-318 — 15-year NACDG data: positive patch-test reactions to tocopherol rare given widespread cosmetic use

2021Safety assessmentPMID:34238818View source ↗

Lin FH et al., Ferulic acid stabilizes a solution of vitamins C and E and doubles its photoprotection of skin, Journal of Investigative Dermatology 2005;125(4):826-832 — ferulic acid + vit C + vit E combo doubled photoprotection vs C+E alone (cross-listed; same paper cited for Ferulic Acid and Vit C)

2005Positive (efficacy)PMID:16185284View source ↗
Lactobacillus FermentAnecdotal evidence6 citations

A "postbiotic" (dead probiotic bits) that talks to your skin microbiome without adding live bugs. Patches up a leaky barrier and is friendly even on very reactive skin.

Algieri F, Pimazzoni S et al. (Italy), Postbiotic derived from Lacticaseibacillus paracasei CNCM I-5220 as a novel approach to improve ageing-induced skin damage, Scientific Reports 2026 — 6-week topical postbiotic application reduced roughness and increased hydration, elasticity, and echogenicity vs placebo; boosted hyaluronic acid in keratinocytes and pro-collagen in fibroblasts

2026Positive (efficacy)PMID:42168426View source ↗

Flores Rodriguez JC et al. (Mexico/Colombia/Costa Rica), Postbiotics in Dermatology: A Literature Review of Emerging Topical Therapies for Acne, Rosacea, and Eczema, Cureus 2026;18(3) — review of 16 studies: postbiotics improved SCORAD and barrier function in atopic dermatitis; reduced inflammatory acne lesions 50-70% and suppressed sebum 42-72%

2026Meta-analysis (positive)PMID:42005241View source ↗

Flint E et al., Topical Probiotics Reduce Atopic Dermatitis Severity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, Cureus 2024;16(9):e70001 — SR/MA of topical Lactobacillus probiotics for atopic dermatitis

2024Meta-analysis (positive)PMID:39445279View source ↗
Citric AcidModerate evidence4 citations

A fruit-derived AHA that exfoliates and antioxidizes. It shares the same basic mechanism as glycolic and lactic acid but is weaker gram-for-gram; in practice you'll see it doing dual duty (a little exfoliation plus pH stabilisation) in multi-acid toners and serums. When it appears low on an ingredient list, it's adjusting pH; higher up, it's contributing real exfoliation.

Tang SC, Yang JH. Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin. Molecules. 2018;23(4):863.

2018Mechanism onlyPMC:PMC6017965View source ↗

Yamamoto Y, Uede K, Yonei N, Kishioka A, Ohtani T, Furukawa F. Effects of alpha-hydroxy acids on the human skin of Japanese subjects: the rationale for chemical peeling. Journal of Dermatology. 2006 Jan;33(1):16-22. — Clinical-mechanistic study in Japanese subjects demonstrating AHA (including citric acid class) keratolytic and epidermal renewal effects as rationale for chemical peeling.

2006Mechanism onlyPMID:16469079View source ↗

Bernstein EF, Underhill CB, Lakkakorpi J, et al. Citric acid increases viable epidermal thickness and glycosaminoglycan content of sun-damaged skin. Dermatologic Surgery. 1997 Aug;23(8):689-694. — Mechanistic study showing topical citric acid increased viable epidermal thickness and dermal glycosaminoglycans in sun-damaged skin, similar to glycolic acid and retinoic acid.

1997Mechanism onlyPMID:9256916View source ↗

Sources: 10 clinical journals and regulatory databases across the US, EU, Korea, Japan, and China. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for the full list and what each outcome label means.

Similar comparisons

← Back to shop

Not medical advice. GlowPal is educational. Patch-test new products and talk to a qualified healthcare professional before changing your routine, especially if you're pregnant, nursing, or have a diagnosed skin condition. See our terms.