Heartleaf Skin Benefits | The No-Frills Quick Guide

We'll tell you all about Heartleaf in skincare - just what you need to know, no fluffy stuff. You'll be worded up in 3 minutes. Let's go!

What is Heartleaf in skincare

In short, Heartleaf is a plant extract. Heartleaf has been used in K-Beauty for eons now. It goes by many names - chameleon plant, fish wort, Chinese lizard tail - but the name you're most likely to see in the ingredients list is Houttuynia Cordata. 

Why is Heartleaf so popular

Honestly, it's hard to say why Heartleaf suddenly went viral after being a beloved K-Beauty ingredient for years, but it seems like more and more people have discovered what it can do for their skin, thanks to social media and brands like Anua going H.A.M. on marketing. But don't try it because it's gone viral. As we always say. Don't buy into the hype if you don't have the right skin type! The whole idea behind skincare is buying the right products for your skin, intsead of forcing your skin to like trending products. See if it fits what your skin needs (below).

The benefits of Heartleaf for skincare

There are 3 main benefits of Heartleaf in skincare you should know about:

1. Anti-inflammatory: Rich in flavenoids, Heartleaf has anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it ideal for soothing irritated skin and reducing redness.
2. Anti-aging: Heartleaf contains the flavenoid Quercitrin, which has been shown to reverse damage from UVB rays. Heartleaf is also rich in the antioxidants effective at fighting free radicals.
3. Anti-acne: Heartleaf has both anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties, which can make it effective in a routine combatting clogged pores. Some brands such as Pyunkang Yul use it for its purported ability to regulate sebum levels.

Research suggests as little as 1-3% Heartleaf extract in skincare can be effective in delivering the above benefits.

The skin types that respond best to Heartleaf

YMMV and of course, it depends on the product. But for products where Heartleaf is the main ingredient, sensitive, redness/rosacea prone skin that has a tendency to breakout mildly or experience irritations fares best with this ingredient. 

The best Heartleaf skincare products

• Anua - Heartleaf Toner: If you've already got fairly good skin, chances are you won't think the Anua Heartleaf Toner is anything special. It does its best work on irritated and red skin.This mildly acidic toner made of 77% Houttuynia Cordata extract (aka Heartleaf) works best on rosacea, redness-prone skin or skin with acne. While it feels quite watery, the high concentration of Heartleaf gets straight to work, and helps improves skin tone in a matter of days! It can even reduce closed comedones in some cases.
• Anua - Heartleaf Ampoule: Err, did someone say underrated product? Honestly, this Anua ampoule was loved by the entire office. It's hydrating, but lightweight, reduces redness, feels soothing, just *chefs kiss*. It has a higher concentration of Heartleaf (80%) than the toner from the same brand, and just felt very nourishing on application.
• AXIS-Y - Heartleaf My-Type Calming Cream: This Heartleaf moisturiser is for sensitive skin, designed to deliver instant calm and lightweight hydration. The formula uses Heartleaf to counter irritation, while hyaluronic acid and allantoin fix dehydration.
• Mary & May - Houttuynia Cordata & Tea Tree Serum: Want to incorporate Heartleaf in an anti-acne routine? Try the Houttuynia Cordata & Tea Tree Serum from Mary & May! It is pretty incredible on congestion, maskne and sensitive skin. The bare-bones formula contains an 85% concentration of Houttuynia Cordata extract and 9.7% tea tree extract. It'll help relieve redness and bacteria build-up.
• Pyunkang Yul - Low pH Scalp Shampoo & Treatment: Because Heartleaf isn't just for your skin! If you have an inflammed and itchy scalp, with mild dandruff that never seems to go away, try this mildly acidic, pH-correcting formula.
• AXIS-Y - Cera-Heart My Type Duo Cream: This is THE Heartleaf product for sebum regulation on combination skin! This moitsturiser is divided into two. Half the jar houses a Heartleaf-packed gel-cream for your oily T-Zone. The other half contains a more hydrating, traditional cream formula for your dryer U-Zone. 

HEARTLEAF: THE FAST FACTS

Q: Is Heartleaf good for acne?
A: Yes, Heartleaf can be effective in reducing redness around angry breakouts, and relieving inflammation. Try a Heartleaf Toner in your anti-acne routine. 

Q: Is Heartleaf good for fungal acne?
A: Heartleaf as an ingredient is indeed fungal acne-safe! It can help reduce redness around acne breakouts, and has anti-microbial properties. Make sure you patch test any skincare product first, as obviously Heartleaf skincare will include other ingredients.

Q: Does Heartleaf cause purging?
A: Heartleaf products may clog pores on some - it's just a function of different skin, different reactions. But Heartleaf as an ingredient is non-comedogenic, and doesn't clog pores in and if itself. 

Q: Does Heartleaf exfoliate?
A: Heartleaf can do many things - reduce UVB damage, reduce redness and inflammatiom, and help regulate sebum - but it is not an exfoliant. Don't count on it to exfoliate your skin, unless the product includes exfoliating ingredients such as acids.

Q: Where to buy Heartleaf skincare? 
A: Now you already know the answer to that! And if you’re still not sure, keep scrolling 😉  

FIND HEARTLEAF SKINCARE AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND AT KANVAS BEAUTY

You can shop Heartleaf skincare including popular brands such as Anua in Australia and New Zealand right here on Kanvas Beauty.

We ship Australia-wide, including all the major cities (Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Darwin, Adelaide and Canberra). Enjoy free standard shipping with any purchase over $50, and free express shipping with any order over $99. If you’re new to Kanvas Beauty, take an additional $20 off your first order with us (use code WELCOME20 at checkout). We also ship to New Zealand!

Happy shopping! If you have further questions drop us a line on: hello@kanvasbeauty.com.au.