Anua Hyaluronic Acid Cream
Anua's hyaluronic acid cream collection brings together 9 moisturizing and sealing products built around hydration. The PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturizing Cream is the primary HA cream, combining polydeoxyribonucleotide with high-concentration HA in a cream-gel texture. The assortment also includes the Birch 70% Boosting Cream Moisture, the Heartleaf 70% Soothing Cream (sold as a 2-piece 100ml pack), and the Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ - all sharing a moisture-focused cream format alongside their main active ingredients.
By Skinsli editorial Updated
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Buying guide
Anua Hydrating Creams: Comparing the PDRN HA, Birch, Heartleaf, and Sun Cream Formats
Anua's cream collection on skinsli includes 9 moisturizing products covering four different cream lines: the PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturizing Cream, the Birch 70% Boosting Cream Moisture, the Heartleaf 70% Cream Soothing, and the Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++. Each uses a different plant-based active alongside hydrating ingredients to serve different skin concerns and routine positions. This guide compares the four cream types, explains their textures and target use cases, and shows how to choose between them.
PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturizing Cream: The HA Focus
The PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturizing Cream is the flagship product in this collection. It combines high-concentration hyaluronic acid (100% HA as the active base) with PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) for barrier repair alongside the HA hydration. The texture is a cream-gel that applies smoothly and absorbs without a heavy or greasy finish. It functions both as a standalone moisturizer for normal skin and as the sealing layer in a layered routine (applied over the PDRN HA Capsule 100 Serum and Booster Toner). The 30ml travel size is available individually and as part of the PDRN Serum and Cream 30ml set.
The Role of Cream in a Korean Skincare Routine
In a multi-step Korean skincare routine, the cream is the final moisture-locking layer applied after toner and serum. Its function is to seal in the hydration delivered by earlier steps and prevent trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) throughout the day or overnight. Creams achieve this through emollient and occlusive ingredients that form a thin barrier on the skin surface. The PDRN HA 100 Moisturizing Cream is lighter than a traditional heavy cream, making it appropriate for both day and night use without the thick residue that some richer creams leave under SPF. Using any cream from this collection as the sealing layer after the PDRN HA Booster Toner and Capsule Serum creates a complete moisture layering sequence.
Birch 70% Boosting Cream vs. PDRN HA 100 Moisturizing Cream
Both the Birch 70% Boosting Cream Moisture and the PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturizing Cream are hydrating final-step creams, but they use different active ingredients. The Birch Cream uses birch water at 70% for xylitol-based moisture delivery and has a slightly lighter, more refreshing texture. The PDRN HA Cream focuses on concentrated HA with PDRN for barrier repair. In terms of use cases: the Birch Cream suits skin that wants moisture without heaviness and is comfortable as a morning cream, while the PDRN HA Cream is more suitable as an evening treatment cream when barrier repair is the priority. Both can be used morning and night, but their texture profiles differ enough to warrant choosing based on skin condition.
Heartleaf 70% Cream Soothing: Daily Calm for Reactive Skin
The Heartleaf 70% Cream Soothing (sold as a 2-piece 100ml pack in this collection) uses heartleaf extract at 70% as its main active, targeting sensitive and reactive skin rather than a specific ingredient like HA. It is formulated as a daily moisturizer that provides ongoing anti-inflammatory and barrier-soothing treatment with each use. For skin that is reactive to environmental changes, prone to redness, or recovering from over-exfoliation, the Heartleaf 70% Cream is the most appropriate cream from this collection. The twin-pack provides approximately 3-4 months of supply at daily morning and evening use, making it economical for committed regular users.
Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream: SPF50+ with a Moisturizing Cream Finish
The Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ fits into this cream collection because its texture and finish position it as a hybrid moisturizer-and-SPF rather than a typical sunscreen. It is applied as the final skincare step in the morning, in the same position as a regular moisturizing cream. The PA++++ rating (highest UVA tier in the Korean system) makes it appropriate for year-round use. For people who want to simplify their morning routine, this sun cream can replace a separate moisturizer step while still providing full-spectrum UV protection. The heartleaf extract in the formula provides mild anti-inflammatory support during wear.
Choosing a Cream Based on Skin Type
Skin type affects which cream from this collection works best as a daily moisturizer. Dry skin benefits most from the PDRN HA 100 Cream (deeper moisture via HA and PDRN) layered generously in the evening, or the Heartleaf 70% Cream Soothing for combined barrier and moisture support. Oily or combination skin typically prefers lighter textures: the Birch 70% Boosting Cream Moisture or the Heartleaf Sun Cream as a single-step morning product work well without adding visible shine. Sensitive skin is best served by the Heartleaf 70% Cream Soothing, which is specifically designed for reactive skin. Normal skin can use any of the four cream types interchangeably, choosing based on the season (lighter creams in summer, richer creams in winter).
PDRN HA Cream in Trial Set and Travel Sizes
The PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturizing Cream is available in a 30ml size, both independently and as part of the PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum 30ml + Moisture Cream 30ml Set. At normal daily use, a 30ml cream jar provides approximately 4-6 weeks of morning-only application or 2-3 weeks of twice-daily use. The set pairing with the Capsule 100 Serum 30ml is the most efficient way to try both core products in the PDRN HA line before committing to full-size bottles. The 30ml cream jar is also carry-on compliant for travel.
Layering Strategy: Cream as the Last Skincare Step
All four creams in this collection are intended as final skincare steps applied after any toner, essence, and serum layers have absorbed. Cream applied over wet serum can mix with the serum and reduce the effectiveness of the moisture seal; allow serums to absorb for 20-30 seconds before applying the cream. In a morning routine, the cream (or sun cream) goes on last before any makeup primer. In an evening routine, the cream is the last step with no SPF needed. When using the PDRN HA line products together: toner first, Capsule Serum second, Moisturizing Cream third - this order follows the thin-to-thick texture rule that maximizes absorption at each step.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is there a difference between the full-size and 30ml PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturizing Cream?
The formula is identical in both sizes. The 30ml is a travel or trial size; the full-size contains more product at a lower cost per ml. The 30ml fits carry-on liquid limits for travel and provides about 4-6 weeks of daily morning use. The full-size is the more economical choice for ongoing daily use. Both are available individually; the 30ml is also included in the PDRN Serum + Cream set.
Can the Anua PDRN HA 100 Moisturizing Cream be used under makeup?
Yes, the PDRN HA 100 Moisturizing Cream has a cream-gel texture that absorbs into the skin rather than sitting on the surface. Allow it to absorb for 30-60 seconds before applying any primer or foundation. The cream provides a smooth, hydrated base that improves foundation application and wear. If you are using a separate SPF product on top of the cream, apply that after the cream has absorbed and before makeup.
Are both jars in the Heartleaf 70% Cream Soothing 2-piece pack identical?
Yes. The 2-piece pack contains two identical 100ml jars of the Heartleaf 70% Cream Soothing formula. It is a quantity bundle - the same product, twice. Buying two jars as a pack rather than separately is more economical. Open the second jar only after the first is nearly finished to maintain freshness.
Is the Birch 70% Boosting Cream Moisture light enough for morning use without feeling heavy?
Yes. The Birch 70% Boosting Cream Moisture has a lighter texture compared to richer overnight creams. It absorbs without leaving a heavy layer, making it appropriate for morning use under SPF and makeup. For normal and oily skin, it provides sufficient daily moisture without adding shine. Dry skin may prefer the PDRN HA 100 Cream for mornings when extra moisture is needed.
Should the PDRN HA Booster Toner go before or after the PDRN HA 100 Moisturizing Cream?
The Booster Toner goes before the cream. The layering order for the PDRN HA products is: Booster Toner first (thinnest, applied immediately after cleansing), then the Capsule 100 Serum (treatment layer), then the Moisturizing Cream last (sealing layer). Applying the cream before the toner or serum would block the thinner products from absorbing effectively into the skin. Each step should absorb for 15-30 seconds before the next is applied.
Does the Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream provide enough moisture for dry skin without a separate cream?
For very dry skin, the Heartleaf Sun Cream alone may not provide sufficient moisture. Its moisture content is designed for comfort during SPF wear rather than as a primary moisturizing treatment. Dry skin types typically get better results applying the PDRN HA 100 Moisturizing Cream or the Heartleaf 70% Cream under the sun cream rather than using the sun cream as the sole moisturizing step. For normal or slightly dry skin, the sun cream may be sufficient on its own in the morning.
Is the Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturizing Cream a good overnight treatment?
Yes. The PDRN HA 100 Moisturizing Cream applied in the evening uses the overnight skin repair window to deliver HA and PDRN when the skin is in active recovery mode. Apply a slightly more generous amount than in the morning and allow it to absorb fully before bed. The cream is not occlusive enough to be a night mask, but at a normal moisturizer application thickness it maintains effective hydration through the night without transferring to the pillow. For very dry skin that wants more occlusion overnight, a light oil applied on top of the cream improves overnight moisture retention.
Can products from all four Anua cream lines be used in the same day?
Using all four cream types in one day is unnecessary - the final moisturizing step only needs one cream product. A practical split: use the Heartleaf Sun Cream as the morning final step (provides SPF alongside moisture), and use the PDRN HA 100 Moisturizing Cream or the Heartleaf 70% Cream as the evening final step. The Birch 70% Cream can substitute for either on days when a lighter texture is preferred. Alternating between the Heartleaf 70% Cream and the PDRN HA Cream across morning and evening gives the skin exposure to both heartleaf (calming) and PDRN+HA (barrier repair) in a single day.
How long does the Anua PDRN HA 100 Moisturizing Cream last once opened?
Once opened, the PDRN HA 100 Moisturizing Cream should be used within 12 months, as indicated by the period-after-opening (PAO) symbol on the jar. Store it with the lid closed tightly, away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Using a clean spatula or clean fingertips each time you open the jar prevents introducing bacteria that can shorten the usable life. The 30ml jar at normal use rates will be finished well before 12 months; the shelf-life concern is more relevant for the full-size jar if use frequency is low.