Anua Anua Erseongcho
Anua Erseongcho (heartleaf) is a focused sub-line from the Korean brand Anua, built around Houttuynia cordata (heartleaf, called erseongcho in Korean). The current in-stock selection includes the Heartleaf 87 Low pH Deep Cleansing Water 500g, the Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream SPF50+PA++++ 50ml, and the Heartleaf 77% Soothing Sheet Mask Pack. All three products use high-concentration heartleaf extract for calming and anti-inflammatory skincare.
By Skinsli editorial Updated
Buying guide
Anua Heartleaf (Erseongcho) Buying Guide: Cleansing Water, Sunscreen, and Sheet Masks
Anua's Erseongcho line is built on a single hero ingredient: heartleaf (Houttuynia cordata, called erseongcho in Korean). Heartleaf is one of the most widely used calming ingredients in Korean skincare, valued for its ability to reduce redness, address inflammatory acne, and soothe reactive skin. Anua uses it at high concentrations across three product types in the current in-stock selection: a cleansing water, a sunscreen, and a sheet mask set. This guide explains what each product does and how they fit together.
What heartleaf (erseongcho) is and why Anua uses it
Heartleaf is Houttuynia cordata, a plant with broad use in East Asian traditional medicine and in Korean skincare. Its active compounds - quercetin, decanoyl acetaldehyde, and other polyphenols - give it anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that translate well to skincare for reactive, acne-prone, and redness-prone skin types. The Korean name erseongcho (also romanized as heartleaf) has become associated specifically with calming skincare since Anua popularized high-concentration heartleaf products in the Korean beauty market.
Anua's Erseongcho products use the ingredient at high percentages: the cleansing water is labeled 87% heartleaf, and the sheet masks are labeled 77% heartleaf. These concentrations are significantly higher than most heartleaf skincare products on the market, which typically use 2-5%. The high percentage is Anua's differentiating claim for the line.
Heartleaf 87 Low pH Deep Cleansing Water 500g: a high-volume first cleanser
The Anua Heartleaf 87 Low pH Deep Cleansing Water 500g is an 87% heartleaf extract cleansing water - a micellar-style or water-based cleanser that removes makeup, sunscreen, and surface sebum without water rinsing. The low pH formulation preserves the skin barrier by avoiding the alkaline stripping that can trigger irritation on sensitive or reactive skin. At 500g it is a very large size, intended for daily generous use rather than rationing.
Apply by soaking a cotton pad and pressing against the face, then swiping gently to lift off makeup and sunscreen. It can be used as a first cleanse step before a foam wash, or as a standalone one-step cleanse for minimal-makeup days. The large 500g size is also practical as a one-step body-of-routine refresh. The low pH and high heartleaf concentration make it particularly suited to reactive or post-irritation skin that cannot tolerate standard alkaline cleansers.
Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream SPF50+PA++++ 50ml: high-protection daily SPF
The Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream SPF50+PA++++ is a Korean sunscreen with full broad-spectrum protection (SPF50+ for UVB, PA++++ for UVA - the maximum PA rating in the Korean system). Heartleaf extract integrates into the formula to maintain the calming and anti-inflammatory benefit through the final morning step. The Silky Moisture descriptor points to a smooth, non-greasy, moisturizing finish that suits daily wear without leaving a heavy or white-cast residue.
Apply as the last step in your morning routine, after any serums and moisturizer, before going outdoors. At 50ml it is a standard face sunscreen size providing 6-8 weeks of daily face use. PA++++ is the highest Korean PA category, indicating the highest available UVA protection - relevant for hyperpigmentation-prone skin and Asian UV exposure contexts. This sunscreen completes the Anua Erseongcho morning routine: cleanse (Heartleaf 87 Cleansing Water), then SPF (Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream).
Heartleaf 77% Soothing Sheet Mask Pack: the weekly treatment
The Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Sheet Mask Pack comes in a 10-piece set (25ml per sheet) and individually. At 77% heartleaf, the sheet mask delivers a high-concentration calming and anti-inflammatory treatment in a 15-20 minute leave-on format. This is the most intense heartleaf dose in the Anua Erseongcho line for a single application. Sheet masks are suited to one-to-two times weekly use rather than daily application, as the concentrated dose is a treatment boost, not a daily base product.
Apply to clean, toned skin after cleansing. Leave on for 15-20 minutes, then remove and pat in remaining serum from the mask packet without rinsing. The 10-piece set provides 5 weeks of twice-weekly use. Individual sheets are available for trying once before committing to the set. Consistent weekly use over 4-6 weeks shows the clearest improvement in redness and reactive skin from the heartleaf concentration.
Using all three Heartleaf products in a routine
The three Anua Erseongcho products cover morning cleansing, daily SPF, and weekly treatment in a three-product calming system. Morning: Heartleaf 87 Low pH Deep Cleansing Water to remove overnight products, then Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream SPF50+PA++++ as the final step before going out. Evening: Heartleaf 87 Cleansing Water to remove the day's sunscreen and surface buildup, then your usual routine. Weekly: Heartleaf 77% Soothing Sheet Mask for an intensive heartleaf treatment session.
This three-product combination provides heartleaf at three different application moments - cleansing (remove and prep), protection (daily SPF layer), and treatment (concentrated mask session). For reactive or redness-prone skin, running all three creates consistent heartleaf delivery across the routine without requiring any product from outside the Erseongcho line to complete the calming stack.
Which skin types benefit most from Anua Erseongcho
The Anua Erseongcho line performs best for reactive, redness-prone, acne-prone, or post-irritation skin. The high heartleaf concentrations (77-87%) provide anti-inflammatory support throughout the routine that benefits skin that is easily triggered by environmental changes, hormonal breakouts, or sensitivities to common skincare actives. The low pH cleansing water and the non-irritating sunscreen format are specifically designed to avoid barrier disruption, making the line appropriate for skin rebuilding after over-exfoliation or after a reaction to other products.
Normal or combination skin without specific sensitivity concerns can also use the Erseongcho line, particularly if you want the calming benefit without a treatment-heavy routine. The sunscreen and cleansing water work well for all skin types regardless of sensitivity - the cleansing water's large 500g size makes it a practical daily staple, and the SPF50+PA++++ sunscreen is a high-protection option for anyone who prioritizes UV protection.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is erseongcho and what does it do in skincare?
Erseongcho is the Korean name for heartleaf, Houttuynia cordata. It is a plant with strong anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. In skincare, heartleaf extract reduces redness, calms reactive skin, and addresses inflammatory acne. Anua uses it at very high concentrations in the Erseongcho line - 87% in the cleansing water and 77% in the sheet masks - which is significantly higher than most heartleaf products that use 2-5%. This concentration is Anua's defining claim for the line.
Why does the Heartleaf 87 Cleansing Water use a low pH formula?
Healthy skin surface sits at a slightly acidic pH (around 4.5-5.5). High pH (alkaline) cleansers disrupt this by temporarily raising the skin's pH, which can weaken the barrier, increase sensitivity, and trigger reactions in reactive skin. The Anua Heartleaf 87 Low pH Deep Cleansing Water is formulated to stay close to skin's natural pH, so it removes makeup and sebum without causing the barrier disruption that standard alkaline cleansers can. This makes it well suited to sensitive, reactive, or acne-prone skin where barrier disruption is an active concern.
What does PA++++ mean on the Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream?
PA++++ is the highest UVA protection rating in the Korean sunscreen classification system. PA stands for Protection Grade of UVA - it ranges from PA+ (some UVA protection) to PA++++ (extremely high UVA protection). Combined with SPF50+ for UVB protection, the Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream offers full broad-spectrum protection at the highest available Korean PA rating. UVA protection is particularly important for preventing hyperpigmentation, premature aging, and worsening of existing dark spots - concerns common in Korean skincare priorities.
How often should I use the Heartleaf 77% Soothing Sheet Mask?
Use the Heartleaf 77% Soothing Sheet Mask 1-2 times per week. Apply to clean, toned skin for 15-20 minutes, then remove the sheet and pat in remaining serum from the pack. Weekly consistent use over 4-6 weeks shows the strongest improvement in redness and reactivity. The 10-piece set provides 5 weeks of twice-weekly use. Using the mask more than 2-3 times per week is generally unnecessary - the concentrated heartleaf dose works as a weekly treatment boost, not a daily product.
Can I use the Heartleaf 87 Cleansing Water as my only cleanser?
Yes, on minimal-makeup or no-makeup days. The 500g Heartleaf 87 Low pH Deep Cleansing Water functions as a thorough one-step cleanser that removes surface buildup, sebum, and light makeup without water rinsing. For days with waterproof makeup or heavy sunscreen, using it as a first cleanse step followed by a foam wash ensures complete removal. The large 500g size makes generous daily use practical without running out quickly. The low pH means it is suitable as a stand-alone cleanser for reactive skin that cannot tolerate twice-daily foam washing.
Does the Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream SPF50+PA++++ feel greasy?
No - the Silky Moisture description signals a smooth, non-greasy finish. Korean SPF50+ sunscreens in this formulation category are designed for daily wear without the heavy or occlusive feel of older-style sunscreens. The 'Silky' descriptor specifically points to a dry-touch, non-tacky application. The heartleaf extract also helps maintain a calm, non-reactive skin surface after application. At 50ml it is sized for full daily face coverage; apply a generous even layer for accurate SPF50+ protection.
Does the Anua Erseongcho line help with acne?
The Anua Erseongcho line is well suited to acne-prone skin because heartleaf has both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The Heartleaf 87 Low pH Cleansing Water removes surface buildup at a barrier-safe pH, which reduces pore congestion. The sheet masks deliver concentrated anti-inflammatory heartleaf that calms the redness and swelling around active spots. The sunscreen provides daily UV protection without clogging pores. None of these products are active acne treatments like BHA or benzoyl peroxide, but they support acne-prone skin by reducing inflammation and barrier disruption, which are two factors that worsen breakouts.
How many Anua Erseongcho products does Skinsli carry?
Skinsli carries 3+ Anua Erseongcho products in the current in-stock selection: the Heartleaf 87 Low pH Deep Cleansing Water 500g, the Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream SPF50+PA++++ 50ml, and the Heartleaf 77% Soothing Sheet Mask Pack 10 pieces. All are authentic Korean Anua products shipped from Korean stock. The broader Anua brand catalog on Skinsli covers additional lines beyond the Erseongcho sub-line.