Heartleaf (Houttuynia Cordata): Is Anua's Hero Ingredient Backed by Evidence?

There is very little human evidence for heartleaf. One small study found a heartleaf toner reduced oiliness and raised moisture compared with the same toner without it [1]. The popular claims — 'calms sensitive skin', 'treats acne', 'soothes eczema' — rest on cell and mouse studies [2][3][4][5]. It is a pleasant toner ingredient, not a proven treatment.

Houttuynia cordata (Korean 'eoseongcho') is a herb rich in plant antioxidants such as quercitrin and hyperoside. On labels look for Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Leaf Extract or Houttuynia Cordata Water. A '77% heartleaf' toner means 77% of the formula is heartleaf water or extract.

In people. After eight weeks, a facial toner with heartleaf extract roughly halved skin oiliness and raised cheek moisture by about 1.4 to 1.5 times compared with the identical toner without the extract [1]. The study summary does not give the number of people or how strong the extract was.

In the lab. Heartleaf extract protected human skin cells against UVB damage and reduced inflammatory signals [2]. It lowered allergy markers in mice with eczema-like skin [3][4], and its essential oil slowed the growth of acne bacteria in a dish [5]. These are reasons to study it further, not proof that it does the same on your face.

Oily and combination skin, on the strength of the one human study [1]. It is generally well tolerated, and we found no case reports of allergy in our search — but absence of reports is not proof of safety, so patch-test as with any plant extract. If acne is your main concern, salicylic acid and azelaic acid have far stronger evidence.

The products below contain heartleaf and are compared daily across UK retailers, delivery included.