Dr. Althea – Skin Relief Essence 30ml

I purchased Dr. Althea Skin Relief Essence on impulse from a Brands For Less store in Dubai for just 16 AED, which seemed like an excellent bargain considering the brand’s reputation in Korean skincare. At that price, I thought it would be a great opportunity to try one of Dr. Althea’s products without spending too much, especially since I was looking for a lightweight, soothing essence to add to my skincare routine.

The first thing I noticed was the texture. Despite being called an essence, the product feels more like a lightweight serum. It has a watery consistency with a subtle greenish tint that gives it a fresh, calming appearance. The formula is completely fragrance-free, which I appreciated, as it makes the product suitable for those who prefer skincare without added perfume or are sensitive to strong scents.

Application is pleasant at first. The essence spreads easily across the skin and initially feels refreshing and hydrating. Because of its lightweight texture, I expected it to absorb quickly and leave a natural finish. Unfortunately, that wasn’t my experience.

I have oily skin, and although the product is quite fluid, it never fully absorbed into my skin. Instead, it left behind a noticeable sticky film that remained even after waiting several minutes. Rather than feeling like my skin had absorbed the hydration, it felt as though there was a thin layer of product sitting on the surface. This tacky finish became more obvious when applying additional skincare or sunscreen afterwards.

The stickiness wasn’t unbearable, but it was persistent enough that I became constantly aware of it throughout the day. I think people with very dry skin may appreciate the extra layer of moisture, but for oily skin types, the finish may feel heavier than expected despite the watery consistency.

On the positive side, the essence did not have an overpowering fragrance, did not feel irritating on my skin, and the bottle offers good value for the price I paid. At 16 AED, it was certainly worth trying, and I do not regret purchasing it. However, based on my skin type, it is not something I would repurchase.

Overall, Dr. Althea Skin Relief Essence has a pleasant lightweight serum-like texture, a refreshing watery consistency with a subtle green tint, and no added fragrance, making it appealing for those who enjoy minimalist skincare. However, if you have oily skin like I do, be aware that it may not absorb completely and can leave behind a sticky film that prevents the skin from feeling truly fresh. It is an affordable product if you happen to find it discounted, but unfortunately, the finish did not suit my skin.