Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil Mild
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil Mild
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, fragrance-free cleansing oil with only 12 minimal ingredients, specially formulated for sensitive skin. Infused with Heartleaf Extract to soothe irritation while effectively dissolving makeup, sunscreen, and sebum without clogging pores.
Minimal Ingredient Formula
Only 12 carefully selected ingredients designed specifically for sensitive and reactive skin types.
Texture & feel
SENSORYMinimal Ingredient Formula
Only 12 carefully selected ingredients designed specifically for sensitive and reactive skin types.
Heartleaf Extract (Houttuynia Cordata)
Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial botanical that soothes irritated skin and calms redness.
Effective Makeup Removal
Dissolves stubborn makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum without harsh rubbing or tugging.
Gentle on Eyes
Eye Irritation Test (HET-CAM) completed. No stinging when used around the delicate eye area.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. EWG Green Grade certified. Always consult your doctor for personalized advice.
Contains Sunflower Seed Oil and some esters that may feed Malassezia yeast. Double cleanse thoroughly and follow with a water-based cleanser.
Clinically tested to not clog pores. Comedogenic rating of 1/5 makes it suitable for acne-prone skin.
Non-irritation test completed on sensitive skin. No added fragrance, essential oils with known irritants removed.
Contains natural Rosemary Leaf Oil for sebum control. Those extremely sensitive to camphor should patch test first.
Not tested on animals. HET-CAM (Hen's Egg Test) alternative method used for eye irritation testing.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSHeartleaf Extract (Houttuynia Cordata) 20,000ppmProven
A traditional medicinal herb from Southeast Asia known as "fish mint" or "chameleon plant." Rich in flavonoids including quercetin, quercitrin, and hyperoside with powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
- Study: Shown to protect against UVB-induced cell damage and reduce inflammatory markers IL-6 and IL-8
- Mechanism: Inhibits NF-κB activity and attenuates MAPK activation, reducing skin inflammation
- Benefits: Calms redness, fights acne-causing bacteria, provides antioxidant protection
Rosemary Leaf Oil (Rosmarinus Officinalis)Proven
Essential oil from rosemary leaves that provides natural antioxidant protection and helps regulate sebum production for balanced, less oily skin.
- Function: Controls and balances excess sebum production
- Antioxidant: Rich in carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid that fight free radicals
- Antimicrobial: Natural antibacterial properties help keep skin clean
Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus)Proven
Light, non-greasy plant oil rich in linoleic acid and vitamin E that provides moisture without leaving a heavy residue.
- Composition: High in linoleic acid (55-77%), beneficial for acne-prone skin
- Vitamin E: Natural antioxidant that protects and nourishes skin
- Barrier Support: Helps maintain skin's moisture barrier
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)Proven
A powerful antioxidant that protects skin from environmental damage while providing conditioning and moisturizing benefits.
- Antioxidant: Neutralizes free radicals from UV and pollution
- Preservation: Helps stabilize the oil formula naturally
- Conditioning: Softens and smooths skin texture
12 ingredients
Ethylhexyl Stearate, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Triethylhexanoin, Isododecane, Water, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as the first step in double cleansing (PM routine). Apply to dry skin before any water-based products. Follow with ANUA Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam for best results.
How to use
HOW TO USEDispense onto Dry Hands
Pump 2-3 pumps of cleansing oil onto completely dry palms. The product works best when both your hands and face are dry.
Massage onto Dry Face
Gently smooth and roll the oil over your dry face for 1-2 minutes, focusing on areas with makeup, sunscreen, or clogged pores.
Add Water to Emulsify
Wet your fingers with lukewarm water and continue massaging. The oil will turn milky white as it emulsifies with water.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water until all oil residue is removed. The formula emulsifies cleanly without leaving film.
Follow with Water-Based Cleanser
Complete your double cleanse with a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining residue and ensure pores are completely clean.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have sensitive or easily irritated skin
- You prefer fragrance-free skincare products
- You want minimal, clean ingredients
- You wear makeup or sunscreen daily
- You're prone to redness or inflammation
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have oily or combination skin with clogged pores
- You want a lightweight oil that doesn't feel heavy
Consider alternatives if:
- You have active fungal acne and need a strictly FA-safe product
- You prefer balm cleansers over oil textures
- You want heavy waterproof makeup removal (may need longer massage)
- You're allergic to rosemary or camphor
- You prefer highly fragranced products
- You're looking for anti-aging actives in your cleanser
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLightweight formula removes excess sebum without stripping. Rosemary oil helps control oil production. Emulsifies cleanly with no greasy residue.
Gentle enough for dry skin but may prefer the original version with more nourishing oils. Follow with hydrating products.
Perfect balance for combination skin. Cleanses oily T-zone without over-drying cheeks. Leaves skin feeling balanced.
Specifically formulated for sensitive skin with only 12 minimal ingredients. Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. Non-irritation tested.
Non-comedogenic tested formula. Heartleaf extract provides antibacterial benefits. Helps remove pore-clogging sunscreen and makeup effectively.
Gentle cleansing without tugging. Contains Vitamin E antioxidants. May prefer original version with additional nourishing oils.
Results timeline
4-8 WEEKSClean, Refreshed Skin
Makeup, sunscreen, and surface impurities effectively removed. Skin feels clean without tightness or dryness. No greasy residue left behind.
95% noticed cleaner skinReduced Sebaceous Filaments
With consistent daily use, visible reduction in blackheads and sebaceous filaments. Pores appear cleaner and less congested.
80% noticed improvementCalmer, Balanced Skin
Heartleaf extract shows cumulative soothing benefits. Reduced redness and irritation for sensitive skin users. More balanced oil production.
75% noticed calmer skinImproved Skin Texture
Overall improvement in skin clarity and texture. Clinical studies show 20% improvement in whiteheads and 18.88% improvement in blackheads.
70% noticed clearer poresRatings by platform
1K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Minimal 12-ingredient formula ideal for sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic
- Emulsifies cleanly without greasy residue
- Gentle on eyes - no stinging
- Effectively removes makeup and sunscreen
- Lightweight texture that feels comfortable
- Non-comedogenic and pore-friendly
- Affordable compared to premium oil cleansers
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe
- Helps reduce blackheads with regular use
Criticized
- May need longer massage for heavy waterproof makeup
- Contains ingredients not strictly fungal acne safe
- Some detect slight herbal scent from rosemary
- Less luxurious feel than premium alternatives
- Original version preferred by dry skin types
- Bottle design could be more user-friendly
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Japan's #1 cleansing oil. Uses mineral oil base instead of plant-derived esters. Emulsifies quickly but less gentle formula. Good for normal skin, may be too stripping for sensitive types.
Features hyaluronic acid and olive oil. More hydrating formula but contains more ingredients. Good for dry to normal skin seeking extra moisture during cleansing.
Plant-derived cleansing oil with apple seed oil. Contains fragrance unlike ANUA Mild. Similar lightweight texture but not formulated specifically for sensitive skin.
Rice bran oil based with brightening focus. Contains fragrance and mineral oil. Better for makeup removal than sensitive skin care. Different ingredient philosophy.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight at 15-25°C. Keep cap tightly sealed after use.
Plastic bottle with pump dispenser. Recyclable container with water separation label for easy plastic discharge.
200ml exceeds carry-on limits. Transfer to smaller container or purchase the 20ml mini version for travel.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, the ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil Mild is considered pregnancy and breastfeeding safe. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. All ANUA products are EWG Green Grade certified. However, hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause new skin sensitivities, so patch testing is recommended. Always consult your healthcare provider before adding new products to your routine during pregnancy.
The ANUA Mild Cleansing Oil should be used with caution if you have fungal acne. It contains Sunflower Seed Oil and certain esters (like Ethylhexyl Stearate and Sorbitan Sesquioleate) that may feed Malassezia yeast. However, since it's a rinse-off product that emulsifies with water, the risk is lower than leave-on products. Always follow with a thorough double cleanse using a fungal acne safe water-based cleanser. If you have active fungal acne, consider a strictly FA-safe oil cleanser like those based on MCT oil.
Yes, you can use this cleansing oil as the first step in your routine before applying actives like retinol, vitamin C, or chemical exfoliants. Since it's a rinse-off cleanser, it won't interact with your treatment products. In fact, proper oil cleansing ensures your actives can penetrate more effectively by removing barriers like sunscreen and makeup. Just make sure to thoroughly rinse and follow with your water-based cleanser before applying actives.
The Mild version is specifically formulated for sensitive skin and is excellent for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. With only 12 minimal ingredients and a fragrance-free formula, it's ideal for those who react to complex formulas. Dry skin types may prefer the original version which contains more nourishing oils like jojoba, olive, macadamia, and grape seed. The Mild version is lighter and better suited for those who prefer a non-greasy finish.
Results vary based on your skin concerns. Immediately after use, you'll notice cleaner, refreshed skin with makeup and sunscreen effectively removed. Within 1-2 weeks of consistent use, you may notice reduced sebaceous filaments and cleaner-looking pores. The calming benefits of Heartleaf extract show cumulative effects over 2-4 weeks. Clinical studies by the brand show 20% improvement in whiteheads and 18.88% improvement in blackheads with continued use over 4-8 weeks.
Use this oil cleanser as the FIRST step in your PM skincare routine, applying to completely dry skin before any water touches your face. Massage for 1-2 minutes, then add water to emulsify and rinse. Follow with a water-based cleanser (second cleanse) to remove any remaining residue. Then continue with toner, serum, moisturizer, and other treatments. This product is primarily for evening use to remove makeup and sunscreen, though it can be used in the AM if your skin feels congested.
No, the ANUA Mild Cleansing Oil has been clinically tested as non-comedogenic. It has a comedogenic rating of 1/5, meaning it has very low pore-clogging potential. The formula was specifically designed to cleanse deep within pores without causing congestion. The key is to properly emulsify with water and thoroughly rinse, followed by a water-based cleanser. Many users report that regular use actually helps reduce blackheads and sebaceous filaments.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for optimal freshness and efficacy. The product contains Tocopherol (Vitamin E) which acts as a natural antioxidant to help preserve the formula. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight at 15-25°C and keep the cap tightly sealed after each use to maintain product integrity.
Verdict: The ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil Mild is an excellent choice for those with sensitive, oily, or acne-prone skin seeking a gentle yet effective oil cleanser. Its minimal 12-ingredient formula, fragrance-free formulation, and non-comedogenic properties make it stand out in the crowded K-beauty cleansing oil market. The Heartleaf extract provides genuine soothing benefits backed by scientific research. While not strictly fungal acne safe, its lightweight texture, clean rinse, and affordable price point make it a top recommendation for anyone prioritizing skin sensitivity. For best results, use as part of a double-cleansing routine and pair with ANUA's Heartleaf water-based cleanser.
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 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 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 |
Ethylhexyl Stearate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate
Surfactant, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 1 |
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Skin Conditioning, Emolient
|
Ache-fighting
|
|
| 1 |
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Perfuming, Emollient
|
|
|
| 1 |
Triethylhexanoin
Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Emollient, Masking, Refatting, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
|
|