Anua Heartleaf Succinic Moisture Cleansing Foam

Anua Heartleaf Succinic Moisture Cleansing Foam is a next-generation, multi-active gel-type foaming cleanser from Anua — a South Korean skincare brand dedicated to simple, purposeful, ingredient-led formulations that genuinely respect the skin. Specifically designed for sensitive and acne-prone skin, this daily cleanser strikes one of the most carefully considered balances in K-beauty cleansing: it combines meaningful exfoliating and pore-clearing actives (BHA, Succinic Acid, Protease) with an equally strong moisture-protection system (Ceramide NP, Panthenol, Cholesterol, Hydrogenated Lecithin) — so the skin is thoroughly purified without being stripped, sensitised, or left feeling tight. The formula maintains a skin-friendly pH of 5–6 to preserve the acid mantle, lathers into a dense, creamy foam from a gel-like base, and rinses cleanly without leaving residue. Hypoallergenic, suitable for daily use morning and evening, and appropriate for all skin types. Made in South Korea.

The formula is built around Anua’s proprietary HEARTEASE™ complex — a combination of Houttuynia Cordata Extract (Heartleaf, 10,000ppm) and Protease enzyme that together form the cleanser’s signature dual-action purification and exfoliation system. Houttuynia Cordata Extract at 10,000ppm delivers the same high-concentration anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and sebum-regulating benefits that define the entire Anua Heartleaf range: it calms skin irritation and redness triggered by cleansing, suppresses acne-causing Cutibacterium acnes bacteria, and helps regulate overactive sebum production that leads to pore congestion. Protease is a keratolytic enzyme that selectively dissolves the protein bonds holding dead corneocytes (dead skin cells) to the skin surface — providing gentle, non-abrasive enzymatic exfoliation that removes dull skin cell build-up and supports smoother texture without the irritation risk of physical scrubs or strong chemical acids. Together these two actives define the HEARTEASE™ approach: soothe and purify simultaneously, without compromising skin sensitivity. Succinic Acid (5,000ppm) is a dicarboxylic acid naturally produced by skin cells and present in fermented ingredients; it functions as a mild exfoliating acid with anti-inflammatory properties, directly targeting sebum overproduction, unclogging pores, and gently promoting cell turnover — making it particularly effective for congested, acne-prone, and dehydrated oily skin without the potential irritation of stronger AHA acids. Salicylic Acid (BHA) is a lipophilic beta-hydroxy acid that penetrates into the pore lining, dissolving the sebum plugs, dead skin cells, and debris responsible for blackheads, whiteheads, and comedones — the only acid class capable of this oil-soluble, within-pore cleansing action. Together, Succinic Acid and Salicylic Acid deliver a gentle but meaningfully effective chemical exfoliation system calibrated specifically for acne-prone and sensitive skin at a cleanser-appropriate concentration. The surfactant base is a carefully selected blend of mild, skin-compatible cleansing agents: Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate (an amphoteric coconut-derived surfactant renowned for its exceptionally low irritation profile and compatibility with sensitive and eczema-prone skin), Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate (an amino acid-derived anionic surfactant that is gentle enough for daily facial use and conditions while cleansing), Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate (another coconut-derived taurate surfactant that produces dense, stable foam while maintaining skin mildness), Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Coco-Glucoside, and Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate — each contributing to the rich, cushioned foam texture while keeping the cleansing action non-stripping. The skin barrier repair and hydration system is built on Ceramide NP, which directly replenishes and reinforces the intercellular lipid matrix of the stratum corneum — the key structural element of a healthy skin barrier — to prevent transepidermal water loss and protect skin integrity during and after cleansing. Cholesterol and Hydrogenated Lecithin complete the ceramide-lipid trio that closely mirrors the skin’s own natural barrier lipids, providing synergistic barrier repair. Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) soothes, heals, and retains moisture in the skin, actively working to counteract any dryness or tightness that might otherwise follow cleansing. Glycerin and Methylpropanediol provide additional humectant hydration throughout the formula. Chitosan — a naturally derived polysaccharide from shellfish — forms a lightweight, breathable film on the skin surface that helps lock in moisture, has mild antimicrobial properties, and contributes to the smooth, non-tight skin feel after rinsing. Althaea Rosea (Hollyhock) Flower Extract provides further soothing, anti-inflammatory support. Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract contributes natural saponin-based cleansing and mild antimicrobial properties. Sodium Phytate is an antioxidant chelating agent that prevents heavy metal ions in water from destabilising the formula and irritating the skin. Sodium Citrate and Citric Acid serve as pH buffering agents to maintain the formula at its target pH 5–6 throughout the product’s shelf life.

• HEARTEASE™ complex — Houttuynia Cordata Extract (10,000ppm) + Protease enzyme for simultaneous soothing, antibacterial, sebum-regulating, and gentle enzymatic exfoliation
• Succinic Acid (5,000ppm) — mild anti-inflammatory exfoliating acid that controls sebum, unclogs pores, and promotes cell turnover without irritation
• Salicylic Acid (BHA) — oil-soluble acid that penetrates into pore lining to dissolve blackheads, whiteheads, and sebum plugs at the source
• Ceramide NP + Cholesterol + Hydrogenated Lecithin — barrier-mimicking lipid trio that reinforces and repairs the skin barrier during every wash
• Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) + Glycerin + Chitosan — humectant and moisture-locking system for a comfortable, hydrated post-cleanse feel
• Multi-surfactant mild cleansing base (coconut-derived, amino acid, taurate actives) — dense, rich foam that cleanses thoroughly without stripping
• pH 5–6 balanced formula — preserves the skin’s natural acid mantle and microbiome for daily use without barrier disruption
• Dense, creamy foam from a gel-like base | Moist, non-tight finish after rinsing
• Suitable for all skin types including sensitive and acne-prone | Made in South Korea | 150ml

How To Use: Squeeze an appropriate amount of cleanser onto wet hands and lather into a rich foam. Apply gently to the face using soft circular motions, avoiding the eye and mouth areas. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat skin dry. Can be used morning and evening as part of a single-cleanse routine, or as the second (water-based) step following an oil cleanser in a double-cleanse routine. Follow with toner and moisturiser. For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes. Keep out of reach of children.