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Heartleaf 80 Moisture Soothing Ampoule

Heartleaf 80 Moisture Soothing Ampoule

Product Description

Product overview

Made in South Korea K-BEAUTY

A lightweight, fast-absorbing soothing ampoule with 80% Heartleaf (Houttuynia Cordata) Extract that calms irritated skin, reduces redness, and delivers deep hydration for a healthy, glass-skin glow. Minimalist 12-ingredient formula designed for sensitive and reactive skin.

Fragrance-Free Vegan Cruelty-Free Paraben-Free Silicone-Free Oil-Free Alcohol-Free Sulfate-Free Fungal Acne Safe Pregnancy Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
Yes
Comedogenic
0/5
Size
30ml / 1.01 fl oz
Type
Ampoule / Serum
Key Active
80% Heartleaf
Ingredients
12 Total
PAO
12 Months
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

80% Heartleaf Extract

Concentrated Houttuynia Cordata soothes irritation, reduces redness, and provides antioxidant protection from environmental stressors.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Lightweight Viscous Serum
Scent
Fragrance-Free
Absorption
Quick (~15 seconds)
Finish
Dewy

80% Heartleaf Extract

Concentrated Houttuynia Cordata soothes irritation, reduces redness, and provides antioxidant protection from environmental stressors.

Triple Hydration Complex

Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Hyaluronic Acid, and Betaine work together to hydrate, lock in moisture, and strengthen the skin barrier.

Minimalist 12-Ingredient Formula

Clean, stripped-back formulation free from common irritants. Every ingredient serves a purpose with no unnecessary fillers.

Glass Skin Prep

Lightweight texture absorbs instantly, creating a smooth, dewy canvas that helps moisturizer and makeup apply evenly for a lit-from-within glow.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor for personalized advice.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

Free from ferments, fatty acids, esters, polysorbates, and oils that can feed Malassezia yeast. Verified by SkinCarisma and Folliculitis Scout (0 FA triggers).

Non-Comedogenic (0/5)

Oil-free, silicone-free formula with zero known comedogenic ingredients. Extremely unlikely to clog pores or trigger breakouts.

Sensitive Skin Friendly

Free from fragrances, essential oils, denatured alcohol, parabens, artificial colors, and sulfates. Clinically tested on 30 participants for soothing irritation (OATC Skin Clinical Trials Center, 2022).

Compatible with Actives

Safe to layer with retinol, vitamin C, AHA, BHA, and niacinamide. Its soothing formula can help buffer irritation from active treatments.

Vegan & Cruelty-Free

No animal-derived ingredients and not tested on animals. Suitable for those following a vegan or ethical skincare routine.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Houttuynia Cordata (Heartleaf) Extract 80%Proven

The star ingredient, Heartleaf is a flowering plant native to Southeast Asia rich in flavonoids (quercetin, apigenin) and polysaccharides that soothe inflammation, provide antioxidant protection, and hydrate the skin. Harvested from Korean farms.

  • Antioxidant: Flavonoids neutralize free radicals that damage skin cells and DNA
  • Anti-inflammatory: Reduces redness and calms irritation from external stressors
  • Antimicrobial: Decanoyl acetaldehyde component shown to have antibacterial properties
  • Clinical: OATC trial (2022, 30 participants) demonstrated visible reduction in redness from external irritation
Gentle enough for daily use on even the most sensitive skin types.

Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) ~2%Proven

A widely-studied humectant and skin-soother that penetrates deep into the skin to attract and retain moisture. Strengthens the skin barrier and promotes wound healing. Rated 0 for both irritancy and comedogenicity.

  • Barrier repair: Stimulates lipid production essential for a healthy skin barrier
  • Anti-inflammatory: Reduces irritation caused by harsh ingredients like fragrances and preservatives
  • Humectant: Attracts water molecules to the skin surface for lasting hydration

Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid) ~0.5-1.3%Proven

The salt form of hyaluronic acid, a natural moisturizing factor found in skin. Can bind up to 1,000 times its weight in water, providing intense hydration to the upper skin layers.

  • Hydration: Pulls moisture from the environment into the skin's surface layers
  • Plumping: Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines through deep hydration
  • Wound healing: Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties support skin repair

Betaine ~3-5%Proven

A sugar beet-derived amino acid derivative that acts as an osmolyte, helping regulate cell-water balance. Provides deep moisturization and protects proteins from environmental stress.

  • Osmoprotectant: Stabilizes cellular proteins and maintains hydration under stress
  • Skin tone: Studies show it can help even out skin tone over time
  • Sensorial: Adds a smooth, silky feel to the product texture

Glycerin ~5-8%Proven

One of the most effective humectants in skincare, naturally present in skin. A 2016 study found glycerin to be more effective than AHAs and hyaluronic acid as a humectant. Its low molecular weight allows deep penetration.

  • Humectant: Draws moisture into deeper skin layers for long-lasting hydration
  • Barrier support: Improves skin barrier function when skin is well-hydrated
  • Antimicrobial: Has antimicrobial and antiviral properties, used in wound care

12 ingredients

Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Betaine, Cassia Obtusifolia Seed Extract, Panthenol, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Arginine, Carbomer, Ethylhexylglycerin

FREE FROM: Fragrances, Essential Oils, Parabens, Denatured Alcohol, Silicones, Sulfates, Mineral Oil, Artificial Colors, Coal Tar Dyes, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Animal Oils, Oils, PEGs, Phthalates
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleanser
2
Toner
3
This Ampoule
4
Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
Sunscreen (AM)

Use AM & PM after toner. Pairs perfectly with the Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner and Heartleaf 70 Intense Calming Cream. Can also be mixed with foundation for a glass skin makeup look.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Cleanse & Tone

Start with a clean face. Apply your toner and let it absorb before proceeding.

2

Apply 2-3 Drops

Dispense 2-3 drops of the ampoule onto your fingertips. A little goes a long way with this concentrated formula.

3

Gently Pat Into Skin

Smooth the ampoule over your face and neck. Pat gently with your fingertips to encourage absorption. Avoid the eye area.

4

Follow with Moisturizer

Once absorbed (~15 seconds), seal in the hydration with your moisturizer. In the morning, finish with sunscreen.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have sensitive, easily irritated, or redness-prone skin
  • You want a lightweight, non-greasy hydration booster
  • You prefer minimalist formulas with few ingredients
  • You need a soothing step after using actives like retinol or AHA/BHA
  • You want a dewy, glass-skin finish under makeup
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe hydrating serum
  • You have fungal acne and need a safe treatment option

Consider alternatives if:

  • You need intensive anti-aging or wrinkle-fighting actives
  • You want a rich, heavy-duty occlusive moisturizer
  • You prefer a matte finish over dewy
  • You want targeted acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide
  • You need brightening actives like vitamin C or niacinamide
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Sensitive Skin
Excellent

Specifically designed for sensitive skin. Fragrance-free, minimal formula soothes irritation and redness without triggering reactions.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Lightweight texture balances well across oily and dry zones. Hydrates without adding excess shine or heaviness.

Oily Skin
Good

Oil-free and non-comedogenic. Absorbs fast and layers well. Some users note slight tackiness if over-applied.

Dry Skin
Good

Provides good hydration but not occlusive. Dry skin types will need a richer moisturizer or cream on top to seal in moisture.

Acne-Prone Skin
Excellent

Non-comedogenic (0/5), fungal acne safe, oil-free. Won't clog pores. Soothes post-breakout redness and irritation.

08

Results timeline

MONTH 2+
Day 1-3

Immediate Hydration & Soothing

Skin feels instantly hydrated, calmed, and more comfortable. Redness from dryness or irritation begins to subside. Noticeable dewy glow after application.

85% noticed immediate soothing
Week 1-2

Reduced Redness & Improved Texture

Consistent use shows visible reduction in redness and inflammation. Skin texture feels smoother and more balanced. Moisture barrier begins to strengthen.

72% noticed reduced redness
Week 3-4

Strengthened Barrier & Lasting Glow

Skin barrier is noticeably stronger and more resilient. Fewer flare-ups from environmental stressors. Complexion appears healthier, more even, and naturally radiant.

68% noticed healthier complexion
Month 2+

Long-Term Skin Comfort

Sustained improvement in skin sensitivity and reactivity. Many users report needing fewer products overall as their barrier health improves.

60% reported less skin sensitivity
09

Ratings by platform

11K+ REVIEWS
Amazon
4.4
Rating
8,200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Small 30ml bottle runs out quickly for the price
Ulta Beauty
4.3
Rating
350+
Reviews
Main complaint: Some users find it too lightweight for very dry skin
iHerb
4.6
Rating
500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Mature skin users report it feels too watery for their needs
Olive Young
4.7
Rating
2,800+
Reviews
Main complaint: Slight tackiness if too many drops are applied
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Visibly reduces redness and calms irritation quickly
  • Lightweight, non-greasy texture absorbs rapidly
  • Truly fragrance-free with no detectable scent
  • Clean, minimalist 12-ingredient formula
  • Beautiful dewy, glass-skin finish
  • Safe for sensitive, fungal acne-prone, and pregnant skin
  • Layers well under moisturizer and makeup
  • Can be mixed with foundation for a glow-from-within effect

Criticized

  • Small 30ml bottle for the price point
  • Not moisturizing enough on its own for very dry skin
  • Slight tackiness when over-applied
  • No strong anti-aging or acne-fighting actives
  • Glass dropper bottle is fragile for travel
  • Effects are subtle rather than dramatic
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
82% Match
Madagascar Centella Ampoule
$18.00
Budget Pick

Uses Centella Asiatica instead of Heartleaf for soothing. Larger 100ml bottle at a lower price. Similarly minimal formula but lacks the triple hydration complex (no panthenol, betaine, or HA). More watery texture.

70% Match
Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
$15.00
Budget Pick

Uses 96% Snail Mucin for hydration and repair instead of Heartleaf. Much larger 100ml bottle. Thicker, more viscous texture. Better for scar healing but not specifically calming. Contains Phenoxyethanol as preservative.

85% Match
Heartleaf Hyaluron Soothing Cream
$18.00
Similar

Closest dupe using the same key Heartleaf ingredient plus Hyaluronic Acid. Larger 50ml bottle. More complex formula with additional ingredients. Slightly different soothing profile but very comparable results.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Madagascar Centella Ampoule
Key Ingredient Centella Asiatica
Size 100ml
Ingredient Count 6 (Ultra-Minimalist)
Fragrance-Free Yes
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Best For Soothing & Barrier Repair
Cost per ml ~$0.18/ml
Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Key Ingredient Snail Mucin 96%
Size 100ml
Ingredient Count 11
Fragrance-Free Yes
Fungal Acne Safe No (Snail Mucin)
Best For Hydration & Scar Repair
Cost per ml ~$0.15/ml
Heartleaf Hyaluron Soothing Cream
Key Ingredient Heartleaf + HA
Size 50ml
Ingredient Count 20+
Fragrance-Free Yes
Fungal Acne Safe Check Label
Best For Soothing & Hydration
Cost per ml ~$0.36/ml
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration required, but can be stored in fridge for an extra cooling soothing effect.

Packaging

Frosted glass dropper bottle with pipette dispenser. Elegant and hygienic but fragile.

Travel Friendly

Yes, 30ml is well under the 100ml carry-on limit. Glass bottle, so pack with care.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes. This ampoule contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, or any other ingredients commonly flagged during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The 12-ingredient formula consists of gentle humectants, soothing plant extracts, and basic formulation agents that are all considered safe. However, always consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist for personalized advice.

Yes. This ampoule has been verified as fungal acne safe by both SkinCarisma and Folliculitis Scout (0 FA triggers). It contains no fermented ingredients, fatty acids, oils, esters, or polysorbates that feed Malassezia yeast. The oil-free, silicone-free formula makes it one of the safest options for those dealing with fungal acne.

Yes, absolutely. This ampoule contains no active acids, retinoids, or exfoliating agents, so there are no ingredient conflicts. In fact, its soothing properties make it an excellent companion to strong actives. Apply it after your active treatments to calm potential irritation and boost hydration. For retinol routines, use after retinol to soothe. For vitamin C, use this ampoule on top. For AHA/BHA, apply after exfoliating to replenish moisture.

This ampoule works for all skin types but excels for sensitive, combination, and acne-prone skin. Sensitive skin benefits most from its soothing, fragrance-free formula. Combination skin appreciates the lightweight texture that hydrates without adding oil. Acne-prone skin benefits from the non-comedogenic, fungal-acne safe formula. Dry skin types can use it but should layer a richer moisturizer on top for adequate occlusion. Oily skin types may love its lightweight feel but should use sparingly to avoid tackiness.

Immediate effects include hydration and a dewy glow from the first use. Soothing and redness reduction are typically noticeable within 1-3 days. More significant improvements in skin texture, barrier strength, and overall complexion health usually become apparent after 2-4 weeks of consistent daily use (AM and PM). For maximum results, use consistently for at least one full bottle (about 4-6 weeks).

Apply this ampoule as step 3 in your routine: after cleansing and toning, but before serums, moisturizer, and sunscreen. It goes on clean, toned skin so the concentrated Heartleaf extract can penetrate effectively. Use 2-3 drops for the entire face and neck, both morning and evening. You can also mix 1-2 drops with your foundation for a glass-skin makeup look.

No, this ampoule has a comedogenic rating of 0/5. It is completely oil-free, silicone-free, and contains no known pore-clogging ingredients. All 12 ingredients have low or zero comedogenicity ratings. It is one of the safest options available for acne-prone and congestion-prone skin. Many users report it actually helps reduce breakouts due to its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties.

The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Once opened, use within 12 months for best potency and freshness. The 30ml bottle typically lasts 4-8 weeks with twice-daily use (2-3 drops per application). Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The frosted glass bottle helps protect the formula from light degradation.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.3 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: The Anua Heartleaf 80% Moisture Soothing Ampoule is a standout choice for anyone with sensitive, reactive, or redness-prone skin looking for a gentle yet effective hydration and soothing step. Its minimalist 12-ingredient formula, led by 80% Heartleaf Extract, delivers real calming results backed by clinical testing. It earns top marks for safety (pregnancy safe, fungal acne safe, non-comedogenic) and for its clean, irritant-free formulation. The main drawback is the small 30ml bottle and the lack of targeted anti-aging or acne-fighting actives. If you want a simple, reliable soothing ampoule that plays well with everything in your routine, this is an excellent pick.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.

We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.

Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 2 ingredient(s):
Beta-Glucan Tocopherol
brightening Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Glycerin
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 4 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Sodium Hyaluronate Panthenol Tocopherol
question
lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.

We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.

One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
6
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
72% 27%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 18 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
0 Unknown
Houttuynia Cordata Flower/Leaf/Stem Water
Antimicrobial, Skin Conditioning, Antioxidant
1 A
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
Hydrating
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
1 A
1,2-Hexanediol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
Hydrating
1 A
Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning, Humectant
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS