FULL PRODUCT NAME: Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
BEST FOR: Sensitive, dry, irritated, acne-prone skin
USES: Hydrating, calming, balancing pH, reducing redness, soothing irritation, gentle exfoliation
PERSONAL RATING: 3/5 stars (Great for calming and hydrating, but not enough for dry skin)
KEY INGREDIENTS: Houttuynia Cordata Extract (77%), Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract
PRICE: Varies depending on the retailer, but typically around Ksh 2,900-3,600.
ABOUT THE BRAND: Anua is a Korean skincare brand known for its gentle, minimalist formulations and focus on natural ingredients.
FEEL/TEXTURE: Lightweight, watery, absorbs quickly
Table of Contents
Benefits
Houttuynia Cordata Extract (77%)
Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Great anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent and also has wound healing abilities
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Has great anti-inflammatory and some antioxidant properties
Arctium Lappa Root Extract
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant plant extract. Also has some anti-fungal and seborrhea regulation properties
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract
Less potent antioxidant than the seed extract, but it’s also a soothing and moisturizing agent
Centella Asiatica Extract
Calms and strengthens the skin barrier
How to use
- Apply to cleansed face and neck using a cotton pad or your hands.
- Pat gently into the skin until absorbed.
- Can be used morning and night.
- Follow up with another toner, essence or serum of your choice.
Results
When I first bought the Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner, it was frankly because I was influenced. If you haven’t heard of this toner yet, it has a raving cult following online and apparently it is a people’s favourite in South Korea.
So obviously, I had to try it. I used this toner for a month. My first impression was that the consistency of the toner is too watery. If you prefer a toner that is a bit viscous, this is not it. It absorbs pretty fast and leaves you feeling mildly hydrated.
The Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner was not at all what I expected. As someone with sensitive combination skin, I thought the product would bring some much-needed relief but it did not. Instead, my skin got more sensitive, itchy and bumpy in the course of one week (which was the period of time I tested it out). I also have acne-prone skin and I wanted to try it because of its claims to soothe the skin and alleviate acne. On the contrary, it made me more irritated (I don’t know which ingredient my skin reacted to).
That was my experience with this toner. It does not apply to everyone. If it worked well on your skin or if you have tried it before, feel free to leave a comment.
Alternatives
I personally believe that there are much better toners than this one. If you are looking for a soothing, hydrating toner, here are a few that will do a lot more for your skin.
COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner
Propolis has calming and healing properties. This hydrating toner boosts radiance and soothes irritation for healthy, glowy skin.
Where to buy
GlowSkin Cosmetics Kenya
Ksh 2,500
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner
Fragrance-free, minimalist toner with hydrating and calming properties.
Where to buy
Beauty Square Ke
Ksh 2,100
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Toner
Contains 5 types of hyaluronic acid to give your skin the hydration boost it needs.
Where to buy
Face and Figure Beauty Solutions
Ksh 2,650
Madagascar Centella Toning Toner
It has a mild exfoliation level which ensures it is suitable for sensitive skin. In addition, it contains a high amount of Centella Asiatica – the staple ingredient with this brand’s healing and calming properties.
Where to buy
Beauty Hub
Ksh 2,870
