Heartleaf Pore Clay Pack
Heartleaf Pore Clay Pack
Product Description
Product overview
Anua Heartleaf Pore Clay Pack is a gentle wash-off clay mask powered by 20% Kaolin and 10.1% Houttuynia Cordata (Heartleaf) Extract that deeply cleanses pores, absorbs excess sebum, and softens dead skin cells in just 3-5 minutes — without stripping or drying out the skin barrier.
10.1% Heartleaf Extract
Houttuynia Cordata calms redness, controls sebum, and delivers quercetin antioxidants for irritated, breakout-prone skin.
Texture & feel
SENSORY10.1% Heartleaf Extract
Houttuynia Cordata calms redness, controls sebum, and delivers quercetin antioxidants for irritated, breakout-prone skin.
20% Kaolin + Bentonite Duo
A gentle dual-clay system that absorbs excess oil and detoxifies pores without leaving skin tight or stripped.
Protease Enzyme Exfoliation
Softens and dissolves dead skin cells gently — a non-acid alternative for sensitive, reactive skin.
Hydration Support Complex
Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Ceramide NP, and Soluble Collagen replenish moisture so skin never feels parched.
Vegan & Cruelty-Free
Formulated without animal-derived ingredients and never tested on animals.
3-Minute Pore Refresh
Designed for quick, low-irritation pore care — apply, wait 3-5 minutes, rinse off.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Generally considered safe for pregnancy and nursing.
Contains Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sorbitan Oleate, and a few fatty-acid derivatives that may not be ideal for malassezia-prone skin.
Brand-tested and rated low on the comedogenic scale (1/5). Suitable for acne-prone and clogged-pore skin.
Patch-tested for sensitive skin. Soothing actives like Centella, Allantoin, and Panthenol reduce irritation risk.
Light eucalyptus scent. Those with extreme fragrance sensitivity should patch test before full-face use.
Use as a weekly treatment. Pair with hydrating toners and barrier serums after rinsing. Avoid same-day use with strong acids/retinoids.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSKaolin 20%Proven
A naturally fine, white cosmetic clay that gently absorbs excess sebum and surface impurities without aggressive stripping. Considered the mildest of the cosmetic clays.
- Source: Mineral kaolinite — widely studied as a sebum-absorbing and mattifying agent in dermatologic literature.
- Function: Helps refine the look of pores and reduces visible shine on combination/oily skin.
Houttuynia Cordata Extract 10.1%Promising
Also called Heartleaf or Eoseongcho — the K-beauty hero ingredient prized for soothing redness, supporting the skin barrier, and providing quercetin antioxidants.
- Source: Korean traditional medicine herb; in-vitro studies show anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.
- Function: Calms reactive skin, helps balance sebum, and protects against environmental oxidative stress.
Bentonite ~3.5%Proven
A volcanic-ash clay with a strong negative charge that binds to positively-charged toxins, bacteria, and excess oil — pulling them out of pores.
- Source: Naturally occurring smectite clay; documented for adsorbing sebum and bacterial debris.
- Function: Deep-pore detox; works synergistically with kaolin for a more thorough yet balanced cleanse.
Protease Enzyme ~0.2%Promising
A keratin-softening enzyme that gently dissolves dead surface cells without the irritation of acid exfoliation — ideal for sensitive, barrier-compromised skin.
- Source: Enzyme-based exfoliation has been shown to improve skin texture without disrupting pH.
- Function: Smooths rough texture, supports a more even tone, and complements clay's pore-clearing action.
Hydration Trio: HA + Panthenol + Ceramide NP MultiProven
Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), and Ceramide NP work together to attract moisture and reinforce the lipid barrier — preventing the post-clay tightness that's typical of mask treatments.
- Source: Each is extensively documented in dermatology for hydration and barrier repair.
- Function: Locks in moisture during and after the mask, leaving skin plump rather than parched.
Centella Asiatica + Allantoin SoothingProven
Centella (Cica) and Allantoin are two of the most-studied calming actives in skincare, helping reduce visible redness and support post-treatment recovery.
- Source: Centella asiatica has decades of clinical research showing wound-healing and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Function: Soothes skin during clay treatment, reducing the chance of post-mask irritation.
46 ingredients
Water, Kaolin (20%), Houttuynia Cordata Extract (10.1%), Glycerin, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Bentonite, Hexylene Glycol, Zea Mays Starch, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glyceryl Glucoside, Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Soluble Collagen, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Calamine, Houttuynia Cordata Powder, Xanthan Gum, Dipropylene Glycol, Chlorella Vulgaris Powder, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyisobutene, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Allantoin, Sorbitan Oleate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Fructooligosaccharides, Protease, Beta-Glucan, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramide NP, Quercetin, Palmitoyl Proline, Tripeptide-5, Parfum, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pentylene Glycol, CI 77492.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse 1–2× weekly as a treatment step right after cleansing, then resume your full routine. Apply heavier hydration (essence + cream) afterward to lock in moisture.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse and dry your face
Start with clean skin. Pat dry — apply only to a dry face, avoiding the eye and lip areas.
Apply a thin, even layer
Use clean fingers or a brush. Focus on oilier zones like the T-zone, or apply all over for a full pore reset.
Leave on for 3–5 minutes
Don't let it dry out completely — once it just begins to set, it's time to rinse. Over-drying defeats the purpose.
Rinse with lukewarm water
Use gentle rolling motions to lift away dead skin and clay. Pat dry — your skin should feel soft, not tight.
Follow with hydration
Immediately apply your favorite hydrating toner, essence, and a moisturizer to seal in the freshness.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin
- You see clogged pores, blackheads, or visible shine
- You want a gentle clay mask that won't strip the barrier
- You prefer enzyme over acid exfoliation
- You like K-beauty soothing-plus-detox formulations
- You want a pregnancy-safe weekly treatment
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry, dehydrated, or eczema-prone skin
- You have an active malassezia (fungal acne) flare-up
- You're highly fragrance-sensitive
- You're already using strong actives (high % retinoids, AHA/BHA peels)
- You want a quick daily clay product (this is weekly use)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESKaolin and bentonite absorb excess sebum, while heartleaf controls oil long-term — a near-ideal match.
Built-in hydrators help, but limit to once-weekly and apply only to T-zone. Always follow with rich moisturizer.
Targets oily T-zone without dehydrating drier cheeks — multi-masking-friendly formula.
Heartleaf, Centella, and Allantoin keep things calm, but the parfum and clay strength means a patch test is wise.
Non-comedogenic, anti-inflammatory, and pore-clearing — designed for breakout-prone routines.
Tripeptide-5 and soluble collagen support firmness, but if skin is dehydrated, use sparingly.
Results timeline
AFTER 8+ WEEKSSmoother, fresher feel
Skin feels softer, looks instantly cleaner, and has a subtle dewy finish thanks to the hydration boost.
85% noticedReduced shine and visibly clearer pores
T-zone shine reduces, blackheads soften and become easier to manage, makeup applies more smoothly.
72% noticedCalmer, more balanced complexion
Less visible redness, fewer congestion bumps, more even surface texture from regular weekly use.
64% noticedRefined pore appearance
With consistent 1–2× weekly use, pores look tighter and the overall skin texture is markedly smoother.
58% noticedRatings by platform
21K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Genuinely gentler than most clay masks — no over-drying
- 20% Kaolin and 10.1% Heartleaf are meaningful, disclosed concentrations
- Built-in hydrators (HA, Panthenol, Ceramide NP) prevent post-mask tightness
- Quick 3-minute treatment fits any busy routine
- Vegan, cruelty-free, hypoallergenic-tested
- Great value vs. premium Western clay masks
Criticized
- Contains parfum (light eucalyptus) — not ideal for fragrance-sensitive users
- Not strictly fungal-acne-safe (contains lecithin and fatty-acid esters)
- 100ml tube goes quickly with regular full-face use
- Effects on deep blackheads are gradual, not instant
- Can feel mildly tight if left on past 5 minutes
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Kaolin-based but designed as a daily cleanser rather than a treatment mask. Less heartleaf-driven; lacks the soothing K-beauty botanicals and added hydration complex.
Wash-off K-beauty mask with brightening focus rather than pore-cleansing. Similar gentle, hydrating finish; swap if you want glow over decongesting.
Korean wash-off pore-refining mask with a similar gentle approach. Uses red bean and kaolin instead of heartleaf — less anti-inflammatory but comparable texture and intent.
Pure bentonite — much stronger detox but no built-in hydrators or soothing botanicals. Can be drying; not recommended for sensitive skin.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Close cap tightly after each use.
Squeeze tube — hygienic and easy to dispense
Yes, 100ml — TSA carry-on compliant
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, the formula is generally considered pregnancy and breastfeeding safe. It contains no retinoids, no salicylic acid, no hydroquinone, and no chemical sunscreen filters. Hero ingredients like kaolin, bentonite, heartleaf, centella, hyaluronic acid, and ceramide NP are widely accepted as safe during pregnancy. As always, consult your OB/GYN if you have a high-risk pregnancy or specific concerns.
Use with caution. The formula contains Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sorbitan Oleate, and a few other ingredients that aren't ideal for malassezia-prone skin. If you have an active fungal acne flare, this isn't the safest pick — choose a fully fungal-acne-safe alternative. If your fungal acne is well-controlled, occasional use is usually tolerated, especially since it rinses off after 3–5 minutes.
Yes, but separate them. Since this is a wash-off treatment, layering compatibility is less of an issue than with leave-on products. Best practice: don't apply strong actives (high % retinoids, AHA peels, or vitamin C serums) within the same routine — give your skin a buffer. Use the clay pack on its own treatment night and resume actives the next day.
It's best for oily, combination, acne-prone, and normal skin. Sensitive skin can usually tolerate it thanks to the heartleaf and centella, but a patch test is recommended. Very dry or barrier-compromised skin may find it dehydrating with weekly use — limit to T-zone application or once-monthly if your skin runs very dry.
Most users notice smoother, fresher-feeling skin after just one use. Real pore-related improvements — less visible shine, softer blackheads, more even texture — typically appear after 2–4 weeks of consistent weekly use. For visibly refined pore appearance, allow 6–8 weeks. Results vary based on starting skin condition and routine consistency.
It's a treatment mask used right after cleansing on a dry face. Apply, leave for 3–5 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. After rinsing, follow with your normal routine — toner, essence, serum, moisturizer, and (in the morning) sunscreen. Use 1–2 times per week, ideally in the evening.
No. It carries a low comedogenic rating (1/5) and is marketed as non-comedogenic. The formula is specifically designed to clear pores rather than clog them, with kaolin and bentonite acting as oil-absorbers. The brand also conducts non-comedogenic testing on its products.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Look for the small jar icon with "12M" on the packaging. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and always close the cap tightly to prevent the formula from drying out. Discard if the texture, color, or scent changes noticeably.
Verdict: The Anua Heartleaf Pore Clay Pack is one of the best gentle clay treatments in K-beauty. With 20% Kaolin and 10.1% Heartleaf Extract backed by built-in hydration (HA, Panthenol, Ceramide NP), it delivers real pore-clearing results without the dehydration that plagues most clay masks. It's especially strong for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin — and a smart pick for sensitive skin that wants detox without irritation. Minor caveats: parfum, not strictly fungal-acne-safe, and the 100ml tube goes quickly. For the price, it's an easy recommendation.
Product Overview
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.
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.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
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.
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
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 6 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 7 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
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.
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!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
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.
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.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Kaolin
Abrasive, Absorbent, Anticaking Agent, Bulking Agent, Opacifying, Skin Protecting, Slip Modifier, Cosmetic Colorant
|
Ache-fighting
Pores
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|