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Illustration of the pack shape, not the real packaging.
345 Relief Cream
A light, fragrance-free calming cream that starts with tea tree leaf water, with niacinamide, panthenol, centella, resveratrol and a little PDRN (sodium DNA).
Buyer verdictA comfortable everyday cream for red, oily or breakout-prone skin that went viral in Korea. It's light rather than rich, so dry skin may want more. Seoul is about 40% below Amazon US for the same 50ml tube.
- Key ingredient
- Tea tree leaf water, Niacinamide and panthenol
- Texture
- Soft, light cream that absorbs quickly with a natural finish
- Routine step
- moisturizer · AM & PM
- Korean pack
- 50ml
Overview
Key ingredients
- Tea tree leaf water Second on the list, right after water; a gentle form of tea tree
- Niacinamide and panthenol Calm redness and support the barrier
- Centella leaf water, centella extract and madecassoside The cica calming complex
- Resveratrol, beta-glucan and coptis root extract Antioxidant and soothing extras
- Sodium DNA (PDRN) and ceramide NP Small amounts of the current Korean trend ingredients
From the US, it's 40% cheaper in Seoul after tax and refund. From the UK, it's 24% cheaper in Seoul.
What it is
Dr. Althea’s 345 Relief Cream became one of Olive Young’s most talked-about creams after Korean celebrities and beauty creators picked it up. It comes in a 50ml tube and is designed as a light, calming daily moisturiser.
The Korean ingredient list starts with water and tea tree leaf water, then humectants and light emollients. Niacinamide and panthenol come next, followed by a calming group: coptis root extract, centella leaf water, beta-glucan, resveratrol, green tea water, madecassoside and centella extract. Near the end are sodium DNA (PDRN), ceramide NP and tannic acid. There’s no fragrance.
Who it suits (and who should skip it)
Good pick if
- Your skin gets red, irritated or blotchy easily
- You have oily or combination skin that breaks out but still needs moisture
- You want a light, fragrance-free cream to use with acne treatments or retinoids
Skip it if
- Your skin is very dry and needs a rich, lipid-heavy cream
- You’re buying it mainly for PDRN; it’s a minor ingredient here
- You react to tea tree in any form
What the ingredients do
Tea tree has a long reputation for blemish-prone skin. As a leaf water rather than an essential oil, it’s much gentler, which suits a daily cream. Niacinamide calms visible redness, evens tone and supports the barrier over a few weeks. Panthenol keeps skin comfortable.
The centella group is the classic Korean calming combination, with madecassoside as one of its best-studied compounds. Resveratrol, green tea and coptis root add antioxidant and soothing support. Beta-glucan is a gentle hydrator.
Sodium DNA, sold as PDRN, is the trend ingredient of the moment in Korea, linked to skin repair. Here it’s a small extra, not the main active.
How to use it
Dr. Althea’s directions are to apply it after your serum, spreading a suitable amount along the skin. Use it morning and night as your moisturiser. In the morning, let it settle before sunscreen.
On irritated days, keep the rest of your routine simple: gentle cleanser, a calming serum and this cream.
How it compares
Dr.G Red Blemish Clear Soothing Cream is the closest rival, a similarly light calming cream with more centella and no tea tree. Torriden DIVE-IN Soothing Cream is more about hydration. Aestura Atobarrier 365 is the step up for dry or truly damaged skin.
Is it worth buying in Seoul?
Yes. Olive Young sells the same 50ml tube as Amazon US and UK. At Olive Young’s sale price, Seoul works out about 40% below Amazon US and about a quarter below Amazon UK.
One tube clears the ₩15,000 tax refund minimum. A 50ml tube fits carry-on liquids.
FAQ
Is it fragrance-free?
Yes. The Korean label lists no fragrance or essential oils. Tea tree is present as a leaf water, not as tea tree oil.
Does it really contain PDRN?
It contains sodium DNA, the ingredient often sold as PDRN, but it's listed near the end, so it's a small amount. Niacinamide, panthenol and tea tree water do more of the work.
Is it good for acne-prone skin?
It's light and calming, so it suits most acne-prone skin. It isn't an acne treatment, but it pairs well with one.
Is it rich enough for winter?
For oily and combination skin, usually yes. Dry skin may want a richer barrier cream on top at night.
