A year or two ago, during my visits to Korea and Olive Young stores, Anua Heartleaf Toners caught my attention everywhere! I’ve harbored curiosity about trying it out for quite some time, and I finally took the plunge about a month ago.
The Anua Heartleaf Toner has not only made its mark on the shelves but has also been a consistent winner at the Olive Young Awards since 2021, clinching the same award for three consecutive years. In the realm of K-Beauty, achieving this recognition for three years is a significant accomplishment. That’s precisely why I decided to give this product a try.
I was also looking for a product that is budget friendly, and Anua Heartleaf Toner (250 ml / 8.5 oz) is around $20 across the platforms: Amazon / YesStyle / StyleVana / StyleKorean
How I used Anua Heartleaf Toner
I used Anua Heartleaf Toner daily. Mostly every morning and night. I soaked a cotton pad with the toner and wiped out my face gently.
What I liked about Anua Heartleaf Toner
I am really impressed with the texture of this toner – it’s watery yet slightly milky and remarkably soft. I tend to avoid toners that are 100% watery, especially in the winter or dry seasons, as they can feel a bit harsh on my skin. The Anua Heartleaf Toner, however, glides on my skin so smoothly without any harsh rubbing, making it perfect for daily use without any concerns.
I’ve also noticed a reduction in the whiteheads on my nose. Previously, they were quite prominent every day, but since incorporating this toner into my routine, I’ve found them noticeable and bothersome only every three days or so. This positive effect reminds me of my experience with the Dokdo toner.
Another feature I appreciate is that it’s fragrance-free and colorless.
What I did not like about Anua Heartleaf Toner
While researching for this blog post, I uncovered two concerning issues or scandals related to Anua, which have cast a shadow on the brand’s reputation.
Scandal around the Ingredient
Anua faced a significant scandal on TikTok in 2023, with many users alleging that it was an industry plant. The TikTok community seemed divided, with some expressing their enjoyment of Anua products, while others disposed of them without giving them a chance. In response, Anua issued a statement asserting the ethical sourcing of their products and clarified that their brand had been erroneously associated with another brand’s controversy.
Source: itslisabelle.com
Banned on the Reddit AsianBeauty Sub
Anua and several other brands encountered issues related to incentivized reviews. The problem wasn’t merely the incentivization itself, but that it occurred directly on the AsianBeauty subreddit. Additionally, there were instances where brands posed as regular users, posting reviews of their own products. This led to their banning from the subreddit.
Source: reddit
These scandals have undeniably left a negative impression and raised questions about the brand’s reliability. However, in terms of the product’s performance, I must acknowledge my satisfaction with its texture and mildness. It’s essential to navigate these complexities and make informed decisions as consumers.
Anua Heartleaf Toner Ingredients
- All ingredients’ EWG hazard score is either 1 or 2 – Low Hazard
- Most ingredients for skin soothing and hydration
Houttuynia Cordata Extract (77%), Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Betaine, Panthenol, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Butylene Glycol, Vitex Agnus Castus Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Isopentyldiol, Methylpropanediol, Acrylates/​C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Disodium EDTA
FAQ
What does Anua Heartleaf Toner do?
The Anua Heartleaf Toner offers a range of benefits, including:
Sebum Reduction:
It aids in reducing sebum production, contributing to a balanced complexion.
Soothing Sensitive, Irritated Skin:
The toner provides soothing relief for sensitive and irritated skin, promoting a calm and comfortable feeling.
Cooling Effect on Skin Temperature:
It has a cooling effect that helps regulate skin temperature, adding a refreshing touch to your skincare routine.
Hydration for the Skin:
With its hydrating properties, the toner ensures your skin stays moisturized and supple.
Is Anua Heartleaf Toner an Exfoliator?
Anua Heartleaf Toner is a toner rather than an exfoliator, but it can help exfoliate your skin by reducing the sebum. Continue reading below Q&A.
Is Anua Toner good for Acne?
Anua asserts that their toner is designed to reduce sebum, and to validate this claim, they conducted a clinical test using the Sebumeter over the span of approximately a month (4/25/2022 – 2/23/2022). The study involved 31 subjects ranging from 14 to 38 years old. According to the results, the participants observed a reduction in sebum levels, measuring a decrease of 26.18%.
As mentioned earlier, I personally observed that the Anua Heartleaf Toner contributed to the reduction of whiteheads on my nose.
How do you use Anua Heartleaf Toner?
The Anua Heartleaf Toner offers versatility in application, allowing you to use it with or without a cotton pad.
With a Cotton Pad:
When using a cotton pad, saturate it with the toner and gently wipe it across your face. Alternatively, you can soak the cotton pad a bit more and place it on areas where you notice excessive sebum or oil, akin to a sheet mask. Ensure you remove it before the pad begins to dry out.
Without a Cotton Pad:
For application without a cotton pad, dispense a few drops onto your palm, applying them to your face. Gently pat your face to enhance absorption. This method provides a different but equally effective way of incorporating the toner into your skincare routine.
Can I use Anua Heartleaf Toner everyday?
The effectiveness of a product can vary from person to person, and in my case, I had no issues using it daily, both morning and night.
However, it’s crucial to note that I came across reviews where some individuals experienced breakouts after using this product. Therefore, I strongly recommend starting with a few uses before fully integrating it into your skincare routine. Taking this cautious approach can help assess how your skin reacts and avoid any potential adverse effects. Remember, everyone’s skin is unique, so it’s always wise to proceed with care when introducing new products!
Conclusion
I am overall satisfied with Anua Heartleaf Toner as it not only met my expectations for being soothing and mild enough for daily use but also delivered an unexpected benefit in reducing whiteheads.
So if you’re like me and are looking for a daily toner that is soothing, mild, and helps exfoliation, Anua Heartleaf Toner would worth give a try. It comes with two sizes, 250 ml (8.5 oz) and 500ml (17 oz), and I recommend you to try a smaller bottle first to test if it’s right for you. Find the 250 ml bottle at: Amazon / YesStyle / StyleVana / StyleKorean
Happy skincaring! 😃