Korean skincare products have gone viral in recent years, offering promises of blemish-free skin from a range of products formed of mostly natural ingredients. From plant extracts to fermented formulas and grain-based oils, cleansers and moisturizers, Korean skincare has a very clear ethos; hydration, protection and longevity. With the winter months in full swing, I found myself hunting for a foam cleanser that was sensitive enough not to damage my skin but with the cleansing power of an exfoliator. I looked for a few weeks before I came across Anua Heartleaf Cleansing foam in Boots. The calming white-to-green gradient packaging and the highlighted star ingredient – Heartleaf extract, made me curious enough to purchase. After using the product over the last few months, here is my honest review.
Now, I’m not one to fall for brand packaging; usually, what helps me purchase a new product is the ingredients or sustainability policy. For this cleanser, the main plant ingredient, heartleaf, caught my attention. Heartleaf, also known as Houttuynia cordata is a plant native to the mountainous regions of Southeast Asia. Their heart-shaped leaves are known for their medicinal properties in traditional Chinese medicine to treat inflammation and colonic inflammatory diseases. For me, adding this ingredient piqued my interest and made me want to investigate further
Review
I tried the cleansing foam during my shower routine, by rubbing the product between my hands with a little water to create a rich, velvety lather before massaging it into my face. The formula includes gentle exfoliating beads that provide a soft friction—just enough to feel like it was working without being abrasive. After a few minutes of massage, I rinsed off the cleanser and immediately noticed how much softer my skin felt. My nose pores appeared significantly clearer, and the oily sheen on my cheeks was gone.
However, there was a downside. After drying my face, my skin quickly started to feel uncomfortably dry. To combat this, I reached for a few drops of grape oil, followed by a light layer of cocoa butter to lock in the moisture. For my skin, especially during winter, oils and butters are an essential part of my routine, and this product definitely required a bit of extra post-cleansing hydration.
A key step I initially missed was checking the product’s “directions for use,” which turned out to be quite important. The brand suggests pairing the foam with a cleansing oil to remove makeup and impurities before using the foam cleanser itself. Their instructions read:
Following these steps may help balance the foam’s cleansing power with added nourishment, especially for those with sensitive or dry skin.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this cleansing foam offers a thorough, refreshing cleanse that left my skin feeling polished and rejuvenated. Its gentle exfoliation is a bonus, making it an excellent choice for days when you want a bit more than a basic cleanse. However, its potential to leave skin feeling dry means it pairs best with a strong moisturizing routine or the brand’s recommended cleansing oil.
Would I recommend it? Yes—but only if you’re prepared to follow up with a solid hydration step, especially during colder months. For those with oily skin or who enjoy a squeaky-clean feel, this product might just be your new best friend.
