Ingredient
Heartleaf
Scientific name: Houttuynia Cordata Extract · Soothing, antibacterial, redness reduction
Heartleaf, or Houttuynia cordata, is the calming botanical behind some of the most popular Korean toners. It soothes redness, comforts blemish-prone skin, and has a light, non-stripping feel that suits oily and sensitive skin at the same time. It is the hero in cult picks like the Anua Heartleaf 77 toner.
Korean herbal extract with quercetin; calms redness and helps acne-prone skin.
Good for
Caution
Generally well tolerated.
Best Korean products with Heartleaf
No published products use this yet.
Good fit for
- • Oily or combination skin that also gets irritated
- • Redness, blemishes, and general reactivity
- • Anyone who wants a lightweight daily soothing layer
Worth skipping if
- • Very dry skin may want a richer hydrator on top
Frequently asked questions
› What does heartleaf do for your skin?
Heartleaf calms visible redness and soothes reactive, blemish-prone skin while feeling light and non-greasy. It is a gentle daily botanical that suits oily and sensitive skin without stripping.
› Is heartleaf good for acne-prone skin?
It will not clear active acne like a BHA, but its calming, comforting profile makes it a popular daily base for blemish-prone routines, especially when skin is also reactive.
› How do I use a heartleaf toner?
Apply after cleansing, before serums and moisturiser. Pat a few layers into damp skin morning and night. It layers safely with niacinamide, BHA, and most other ingredients.
› Is heartleaf the same as Cica?
No, they are different plants. Both are calming, but heartleaf (Houttuynia cordata) tends to feel lighter and is popular in toners, while Cica (Centella) shows up more in creams.
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