Houttuynia Cordata, commonly known in the skincare world as “Heartleaf,” is a herbaceous plant native to Southeast Asia. The plant gets its name from its heart-shaped green leaves. In recent years, it has gained popularity in skincare due to its benefits for various skin concerns.
Read on to discover what Heartleaf can do for your skin and my recommendations for skincare products with heartleaf in.
Heartleaf / Houttuynia Cordata Benefits
There are many benefits that heartleaf can offer for your skin. Houttuynia Cordata is rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and has been traditionally used for its healing properties.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Houttuynia Cordata helps to reduce inflammation, making it useful for soothing skin conditions like acne and eczema. Heartleaf is a great ingredient for calming and soothing red, irritated and inflamed skin.
Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Fungal
Houttuynia Cordata has demonstrated antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it effective against acne-causing bacteria. A study in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment discovered that applying heartleaf extract to skin for eight weeks significantly reduced mild to moderate inflammatory acne lesions.
Antioxidant Rich
Houttuynia cordata is packed with antioxidants, which helps to combat free radicals. Free radicals can cause premature aging and skin damage, so using antioxidant-rich skincare can help to keep skin looking young and healthy. Antioxidants can help to protect skin from damage and improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Skin Brightening
Houttuynia Cordata can inhibit the production of melanin, making it beneficial for skin brightening and reducing the appearance of dark spots. This can be useful for tackling hyperpigmentation from sun damage and blemish marks.
Moisturising
Heartleaf is a humectant, meaning it attracts water, and thus helps to moisturise skin. Even if you don’t need the other benefits for your skin, it’s still a great ingredient to keep hydrated and moisturised.
What Skincare Products Have Heartleaf / Houttuynia In?
You can find lots of skincare products with Heartleaf / Houttuynia in, but the most common types include:
- Serums
- Toners
- Moisturisers
- Sheet Masks
- Sun cream
Heartleaf Skincare Recommendations
These are my recommendations of skincare where heartleaf is a major ingredient – I have used each of these in my skincare routine.
Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
- 77% houttuynia cordata (Heartleaf) extract to moisturise, soothe and protect sensitive skin.
- Mildly acidic pH to regulate skin’s oil-moisture level.
The toner has a very slightly viscous watery texture that sinks into my skin immediately. It quickly calms redness in my skin, making it look more even in tone. It also makes my skin feel smoother.
Anua Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream
- 70% Heartleaf extract to nourish and soothe sensitive skin.
- Ceramide and Panthenol to strengthen the skin barrier and hydrate skin.
- Adenosine to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Despite being a rich creamy texture, the cream sinks into my skin so easily and leaves my skin feeling very soft. As a slightly heavier cream I would probably use it in the evening, but I could easily use it in the day too. It gives my skin a silky look and feel. It calms my skin and evens my skin tone.
Anua Heartleaf 80% Soothing Ampoule
- 80% Houttuynia Cordata Extract to soothe sensitive skin
A nourishing ampoule with Heartleaf to deeply moisturise skin and soothe sensitive skin. It has a watery gel texture that absorbs into skin quickly without stickiness. It provides soothing, calming benefits that help to reduce redness in my skin.
It gives my skin a nice boost of hydration and works really well alongside the Anua Heartleaf toner and moisturiser.
Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream
- Chemical filter broad spectrum SPF 50+ PA++++ for sun protection.
- Houttuynia Cordata (Heartleaf) Extract to calm skin.
- Panthenol to lock in moisture and calm skin.
It has a lightweight lotion texture that sinks in well and leaves a silky finish. It gives a smooth and glowy appearance. I don’t experience any whitecast with this SPF and find it easy to blend in.
Abib Heartleaf Skincare
- Abib Pore Cleansing Oil – light oil cleanser to calm skin, remove sebum & moisturise.
- Abib Heartleaf Essence – soothes skin, exfoliates and reduces sebum.
- Abib Heartleaf Crème – soothes skin and strengthens skin barrier.
Abib Heartleaf Sun Essence Calming Drop
- SPF 50+ PA++++ sun protection.
- Houttuynia Cordata Extract (heartleaf) to soothe skin.
It has a light liquid essence texture that sinks in very quickly and feels hydrating. There is no stickiness or greasiness. I’m not a big fan of the scent of this sun essence, it has a grassy, slightly smokey smell.
Abib Mild Acidic pH Sheet Mask Heartleaf Fit
- 89% Heartleaf extract, which helps to soothe skin, balance pH and remove excessive sebum for calm and clear skin.
The sheet is a nice thick texture and well saturated for great hydration.
