Heartleaf 80 Moisture Soothing Ampoule
Heartleaf 80 Moisture Soothing Ampoule
Product Description
Product overview
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.
80% Heartleaf Extract
Concentrated Houttuynia Cordata soothes irritation, reduces redness, and provides antioxidant protection from environmental stressors.
Texture & feel
SENSORY80% 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.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor for personalized advice.
Free from ferments, fatty acids, esters, polysorbates, and oils that can feed Malassezia yeast. Verified by SkinCarisma and Folliculitis Scout (0 FA triggers).
Oil-free, silicone-free formula with zero known comedogenic ingredients. Extremely unlikely to clog pores or trigger breakouts.
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).
Safe to layer with retinol, vitamin C, AHA, BHA, and niacinamide. Its soothing formula can help buffer irritation from active treatments.
No animal-derived ingredients and not tested on animals. Suitable for those following a vegan or ethical skincare routine.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSHouttuynia 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
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
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse 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.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & Tone
Start with a clean face. Apply your toner and let it absorb before proceeding.
Apply 2-3 Drops
Dispense 2-3 drops of the ampoule onto your fingertips. A little goes a long way with this concentrated formula.
Gently Pat Into Skin
Smooth the ampoule over your face and neck. Pat gently with your fingertips to encourage absorption. Avoid the eye area.
Follow with Moisturizer
Once absorbed (~15 seconds), seal in the hydration with your moisturizer. In the morning, finish with sunscreen.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect 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
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESSpecifically designed for sensitive skin. Fragrance-free, minimal formula soothes irritation and redness without triggering reactions.
Lightweight texture balances well across oily and dry zones. Hydrates without adding excess shine or heaviness.
Oil-free and non-comedogenic. Absorbs fast and layers well. Some users note slight tackiness if over-applied.
Provides good hydration but not occlusive. Dry skin types will need a richer moisturizer or cream on top to seal in moisture.
Non-comedogenic (0/5), fungal acne safe, oil-free. Won't clog pores. Soothes post-breakout redness and irritation.
Results timeline
MONTH 2+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 soothingReduced 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 rednessStrengthened 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 complexionLong-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 sensitivityRatings by platform
11K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- 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
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESUses 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.
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.
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.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
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.
Frosted glass dropper bottle with pipette dispenser. Elegant and hygienic but fragile.
Yes, 30ml is well under the 100ml carry-on limit. Glass bottle, so pack with care.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. 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.
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
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.
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.
Quick Product Notes
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.
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
Notable Effects & Ingredients
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.
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!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
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.
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.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Houttuynia Cordata Flower/Leaf/Stem Water
Antimicrobial, Skin Conditioning, Antioxidant
|
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
1,2-Hexanediol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning, Humectant
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|





