Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner

Who? Başak Ulubilgen
For how long? 6 months

Once again, I am here to praise a product that has done wonders for my super dry and sometimes acne-prone skin. Although this is a facial toner, and I use it on my face, I will also discuss how it resolved my bacne. My body tends to be drier than my face, requiring more frequent moisturization. However, even beauty editors have lazy days, and laziness comes with a price. That was acne on my back from a lack of moisture. Thankfully, it was winter, giving me ample time to address the bacne situation.

When I first purchased this toner from Anua (my first “TikTok made me buy it” moment!), I was pleasantly surprised by its unique formulation. The first ingredient listed was houttuynia cordata extract (a.k.a. Heartleaf), a key ingredient known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. This was a departure from the typical water-based toners, and I was intrigued. The Anua toner includes additional calming ingredients like centella asiatica, vitis vinifera (Grape) fruit, and chamomile flower extracts.

This toner has become an essential part of my skincare routine. It is soothing and has not irritated my skin since I started using it over six months ago. Think of it as the messenger of your skincare routine. After cleansing, pat some drops onto your skin with your hands or a cotton round (I use a reusable one). It will help prime your face for the next step, be it a serum or a moisturizer. This is exactly what I was looking for in a toner: something that enhances my skincare routine while maintaining harmony.

Then, I decided to use it on my back after body brushing and before applying Osea body oil. That is when the real magic happened. This toner’s soothing and anti-inflammatory qualities truly shine when used on an area that needs soothing. The acne on my back is almost gone, and I will continue using it whenever my skin feels irritated.