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Dr. Althea Vitamin C Serums, Cleansing Balm and Amino Gel Cleanser in Australia: Which to Choose
The 345 Relief Cream gets the headlines, but Dr. Althea's quieter products tell you a lot about the brand. Gentle cleansers. Two vitamin C serums, one stronger and one softer. A cleansing balm that does what it says. They are the supporting cast, and for many people they are the reason the cream works so well: a calm cleanse before it, a careful brightening step beside it.
The Beauty Desk · Dr. Althea · 7 minute read
Featured product
Dr. Althea Gentle Vitamin C Serum · $32.00
The softer of the two vitamin C serums, a good first step into brightening-feel skincare.
If you have searched for dr althea vitamin c, dr althea cleanser or dr althea cleansing balm, this is the guide. The brand story and the creams are in our Dr. Althea in Australia guide, and everything is in the Dr. Althea collection.
Quick answer
Sensitive skin starting vitamin C: the Gentle Vitamin C Serum ($32). Skin that is used to actives: the Vitamin C Boosting Serum ($32). Makeup and sunscreen removal: the Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm ($29.95). A calm daily wash: the Green Relief Amino Gel Cleanser ($25).
Two vitamin C serums, one decision
Dr. Althea has two, both $32.00. The Dr. Althea Gentle Vitamin C Serum is the softer option, for skin that is new to vitamin C or easily irritated. The Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum is the more assertive choice. Check each product page for the formula and directions, since the exact vitamin C forms and strengths differ.
How to use vitamin C safely
- Patch test for 24 hours.
- Start every second morning, not every day.
- Apply after cleansing and before moisturiser.
- Always follow with sunscreen. Australian guidance is SPF50+, reapplied every two hours outdoors.
- Do not combine with another new active on the same day.
The cleansing balm
The Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm ($29.95) is the first step of an evening double cleanse. Massage onto dry skin, add water to emulsify, then rinse. It suits anyone who wears sunscreen or makeup.
The amino gel cleanser
The Dr. Althea Green Relief Amino Gel Cleanser ($25.00) is the gentle daily wash. Amino-acid cleansers are generally described as mild, which suits sensitive skin and the brand's barrier-friendly approach.
Building a routine around the cream
A simple Dr. Althea day: amino gel cleanser, vitamin C serum, then the 345 Relief Cream ($34.00), then sunscreen. A simple night: balm, then gel cleanser, then the cream or the 147 Barrier Cream ($34.00). The Dual Cream Set ($76.00) is the shortcut.
Where the trend is going
Coverage of 2026 skincare describes barrier-first, preventive routines as a defining direction, with gentle cleansing and carefully introduced actives. That is how Dr. Althea's range fits together: calm cleanse, one careful brightening step, then barrier care.
Around Australia
- Sydney, NSW: gentle vitamin C by day with strong sunscreen.
- Melbourne, VIC: the balm and the cream in winter.
- Brisbane and the Gold Coast, QLD: the gel cleanser twice a day.
- Perth, WA: sunscreen first.
- Adelaide, SA: swap with the season.
- Canberra, ACT: dry air; the cream.
- Hobart, TAS: richer layers.
- Darwin, NT: the gel cleanser and light layers.
Where we fit in
Eastern Curlew is an authorised Dr. Althea stockist and we dispatch from Sydney. We sell the products mentioned, so weigh our view accordingly. Prices come from the live product pages and can change.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dr. Althea vitamin C serum should I buy?
The Gentle one if you are new or sensitive; the Boosting one if your skin is used to actives.
Can I use vitamin C every day?
Start every second day, patch test first, and always wear sunscreen.
Do I need a cleansing balm?
If you wear sunscreen or makeup, a balm is a comfortable first cleanse.
How much is Dr. Althea in Australia?
The vitamin C serums are $32.00 each at Eastern Curlew.
Where can I buy Dr. Althea in Australia?
From Eastern Curlew, an authorised stockist, dispatched from Sydney.
This article is general information only. It is not medical advice and does not replace advice from a doctor or dermatologist. Results vary from person to person, and you should patch test new products. This guide draws on our own product pages and on published reviews, trend coverage and editorial features from Australian and international beauty and K-beauty publications and independent reviewers. Product information may change. Last checked: 10 November 2026.
Ready to choose? Start with the Dr. Althea Gentle Vitamin C Serum or the Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm.