Tucked within the ever-evolving beauty scene, Dr. Althea has been quietly cultivating a devoted West Coast following, one gentle, skin-restoring formula at a time. For Dr. Althea’s founder, Evelyn Lee, skincare isn’t just about results, it’s about fitting into an intentional, wellness-driven life. “Wellness isn’t just a trend, it’s a way of life. People are deeply mindful of what they put on their skin,” the founder tells Sunset.
That insight shapes everything, from the brand’s clean, non-irritating ingredients to its portable, lightweight packaging designed for busy days and carry-on bags. You will also notice that Dr. Althea’s branding focus is on sustainability with packaging that forgo extra boxes, excess filler, wasteful packaging. “We’re aware of how much unnecessary paper and plastic the cosmetics industry creates,” Lee explains. “We use recyclable glass bottles, soy-based ink, and minimal packaging, only what’s needed to protect and deliver the product. Nothing more.” That same minimalist mindset extends to the way Dr. Althea sources ingredients and partners with like-minded manufacturers, another reason the brand resonates with sustainability-conscious consumers.
Dr. Althea
Dr. Althea’s calming approach wasn’t born in a boardroom, it started with Lee’s own struggles. “Because I travel often and work in high-stress environments, my skin was always dry, reactive, and easily irritated, even premium products didn’t help,” Lee recalls. “I wanted skincare that felt weightless yet delivered true comfort. Something that restored my skin and offered a peaceful mindset too.”
Word of mouth did the rest. Instead of splashy ads, the brand’s breakout moment came when its Vitamin C Boosting Serum began circulating organically among the beauty world, and one authentic review led to another, leading to its global buzz.
Dr. Althea
Today, essentials like the Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm, Gentle Vitamin C Serum, and the Jelly Seal Dewy Mask (which is part of the summer edition of the Sunset Box) are staples for fans from Seoul to California. And next on deck? A hush-hush facial mist designed to soothe skin anytime, whether under makeup, post-workout, or mid-flight.
Dr. Althea
In a world where trends move at viral speed, Dr. Althea’s vision remains refreshingly steady. “We want to earn trust, not just attention,” Lee says. “Our next chapter is about dermatologist-tested, science-backed products that strengthen the skin barrier and support true skin health over time.”
It’s a mindful approach, rooted in authenticity, quiet confidence, and a genuine respect for the people who choose their skincare carefully.
