Does summer heat leave your skin red and irritated? Humidity, sweat, and sunscreen can trigger breakouts or tightness, but a gentle toner can help alleviate the issue. Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner (250ml, approximately $23) is a K-beauty bestseller that soothes sensitive skin while keeping it hydrated.
Packed with 77% heartleaf extract, it’s a summer must-have for a cool, balanced glow. I’ve tested it for two weeks to see if it lives up to the hype. Want calm, radiant skin? Here’s my honest review of why Anua’s toner is perfect for summer!
First Impressions
The Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner comes in a sleek, transparent 250ml bottle with a secure cap—practical and travel-friendly for summer trips. The watery, fragrance-free formula appears to be plain water but feels luxurious upon application. Its minimalist packaging screams K-beauty chic, and the lightweight texture promises quick absorption, ideal for humid days. I was intrigued by its clean, vegan formula with 11 EWG Green Grade ingredients, and excited to test its soothing claims on my combination, acne-prone skin.
Texture & Application

This toner’s watery consistency is a dream—it’s non-sticky and sinks in fast, leaving no residue. I applied it post-cleansing (using Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil) with a cotton pad for gentle exfoliation or patted it in with my hands for extra hydration. Both methods worked well, but patting gave a dewier finish. The pH 5.5 formula feels gentle, with no stinging, even on my sensitive cheeks. It layers beautifully for the K-beauty 7-skin method, adding hydration without greasiness. The lack of fragrance is a win for summer, avoiding irritation in the heat.
Formula Breakdown
Anua’s toner is loaded with skin-loving ingredients, making it ideal for summer calm:
- Heartleaf Extract (77%): Houttuynia Cordata, a traditional Asian medicinal plant, soothes redness and fights inflammation, perfect for acne or heat-induced irritation.
- Panthenol & Betaine: Humectants that hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier, keeping skin plump.
- Centella Asiatica & Purslane Extracts: Calm irritation and boost healing, great for summer acne or sunburn.
- Sugarcane Extract: Gently exfoliates dead skin, reducing blackheads and smoothing texture.
- No Harmful Ingredients: Cruelty-free, vegan, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic, safe for all skin types.
Clinical tests show it reduces skin temperature by 14.52% after one use, making it a cooling relief for hot days.
Performance
Here’s how it performed over two weeks:
- Soothing: 9/10. My redness from maskne and sun exposure faded noticeably after three days. A cotton pad swipe calmed my T-zone irritation post-sweat.
- Hydration: 8/10. It’s more soothing than deeply hydrating, but layering 2–3 times kept my dry cheeks soft all day. Pairing with a moisturiser (e.g., COSRX Snail Mucin Cream, ~$20) boosted moisture.
- Pore Care: Blackheads on my nose reduced slightly after a week, thanks to sugarcane’s exfoliation. Pores appeared smaller.
- Summer Fit: The lightweight, cooling feel is perfect for humid nights, and it prepped my skin for serums, giving a glass-skin glow.
Cons: Not intensely hydrating for very dry skin. Some X users note a grassy scent (I didn’t notice it). It’s pricier (~$23) than budget toners like Isntree (~$15).
How to Use for Summer Calm
- Step 1: After cleansing (double cleanse if wearing SPF), pour a small amount onto a cotton pad or hands.
- Step 2: Swipe with a cotton pad for light exfoliation or pat gently across face and neck, avoiding eyes.
- Step 3: Layer 2–3 times for extra hydration, or try toner masking (soak cotton pads for 5–10 minutes) for intense soothing.
- Step 4: Follow with serum and moisturiser, per Reddit. Use morning and night for best results.
Tip: Store in the fridge for a cooling effect, perfect for summer.
FAQs About Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
1. Is it good for sensitive skin?
→ Yes, it’s non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, calming redness without irritation. Patch-test is very sensitive.
2. Can it help with acne?
→ It reduces inflammation and blackheads, ideal for acne-prone skin. Results vary, but many see calmer breakouts.
3. Is it hydrating enough for dry skin?
→ It’s soothing, over-hydrating, so layer or pair with a rich cream for dry skin.
4. How often should I use it?
→ Twice daily, morning and night, post-cleansing. Layer for extra hydration.
.5. Does it work with retinol?
→ Yes, it soothes retinol-induced redness, making it a great pairing.
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