You might be tempted to buy Anua Heartleaf Deep Pore Foam Cleanser for its promise of gentle exfoliation and pore clearing, but think twice before adding it to your cart.
This Korean beauty staple uses heartleaf extract and BHA to soothe and purify skin, but my experience and widespread complaints show it often underdelivers.
As someone with combination skin who tested it daily, I’ll share why the hype falls short for many.
From mild cleansing to potential dryness, this review covers my journey, pros, cons, maintenance tips, and comparisons.
Read on to see if it’s worth your skincare budget or if better options await.
My Experience with Anua Heartleaf Deep Pore Foam Cleanser: Soothing but Underwhelming

I started using Anua Heartleaf Deep Pore Foam Cleanser four months ago, drawn by its clean ingredient list and claims for oily, acne-prone skin.
The 150ml tube arrived, and I squeezed a pea-sized amount onto my palm, mixing with water to create a light foam.
The texture was smooth, and it lathered nicely without much product, a plus for efficiency.
On my first wash, my face felt refreshed, with the heartleaf extract providing a calming sensation—no tightness, which is rare for BHA cleansers.
By week two, my pores looked slightly cleaner, and blackheads on my nose reduced, but not dramatically.
The hyaluronic acid kept my skin hydrated, but in humid weather, it felt a bit sticky post-rinse.
My friend with sensitive skin tried it and loved the lack of irritation, but she noticed no deep pore cleansing.
At $15, it’s affordable, but the results were slower than expected.
I used it as a second cleanse after makeup remover, and the 0.5% BHA gently exfoliated without stripping.
My acne scars faded slightly, but breakouts persisted in my T-zone.
You’ll feel the soothing benefits, but expect gradual changes.
Analytically, the triple hyaluronic acid hydrates layers, but the low BHA concentration limits exfoliation for stubborn pores.
My sister used it for her oily skin and saw less shine, but it didn’t clear her blackheads fully.
I double-cleansed with it nightly, and my skin texture improved, but dryness crept in during winter.
During a beach trip, it rinsed sand and sunscreen well, leaving my face calm.
You should temper expectations—it’s gentle, but not a miracle worker for deep pores.
My scalp even benefited when I used it as a clarifying shampoo once.
The fragrance-free formula was a relief for my allergies, but the foam rinsed clean without residue.
You’ll like the balance, but it’s not aggressive enough for severe acne.
My overall take: soothing daily cleanser, but lacks punch for deep cleaning.
I pushed it further.
In a double-cleanse routine with an oil, it removed leftover makeup, but my pores still needed extra exfoliation.
The light foam was great for mornings, refreshing without drying.
You’ll find it versatile, but pair with actives for better results.
My long-term use showed calmer skin, but no major transformation.
Maintenance Tips for Anua Heartleaf Deep Pore Foam Cleanser: Keeping It Fresh

- Store Upright: Prevent leaks: My tube stayed tidy.
- Use Pea-Sized Amount: Avoid waste: My cleanser lasted longer.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Clear foam: My skin stayed balanced.
- Pair with Toner: Boost hydration: My dryness avoided.
- Clean Cap: Wipe after use: My residue cleared.
- Check Expiry: Use fresh: My potency held.
- Travel with Small Tube: Portable: My trips easy.
- Avoid Hot Water: Preserve ingredients: My efficacy stayed.
- Use with Hands: Lather gently: My skin stayed calm.
- Store Cool: Away from heat: My formula preserved.
Maintenance is simple.
Store Upright tidies: Leaks prevented.
Use Pea-Sized Amount saves: Cleanser longer.
Rinse Thoroughly balances: Foam cleared.
Pair with Toner hydrates: Dryness gone.
Clean Cap clears: Residue gone.
Check Expiry potent: Formula fresh.
Travel with Small Tube ports: Trips easy.
Avoid Hot Water preserves: Ingredients safe.
Use with Hands calms: Skin gentle.
Store Cool keeps: Heat avoided.
You’ll maintain efficacy easily.
Why Cleansers Like Anua Heartleaf Matter: Gentle Pore Care
Cleansers like Anua Heartleaf provide soothing, effective pore cleaning, crucial for acne-prone skin.
My blackheads reduced with its BHA.
You’ll want a gentle exfoliator without stripping.
The heartleaf calms inflammation.
Analytically, the 3,000ppm heartleaf powder and hyaluronic acid hydrate while cleansing, but low BHA limits deep action.
You need a daily staple—this is gentle.
Anua’s K-beauty approach shines for balance.
Long-Term Use of Anua Heartleaf Deep Pore Foam Cleanser: Steady Improvement
After four months, my pores look refined, and acne scars faded slightly.
The hydration kept my skin balanced, no dryness.
You’ll see cumulative pore clearing with consistency.
My friend’s oily skin saw less shine over time.
Analytically, the BHA builds exfoliation, but results are gradual.
You’ll enjoy sustained calmness.
Integrating Anua Heartleaf Deep Pore Foam Cleanser: Seamless Routine
Using Anua is easy—squeeze, lather, rinse.
I double-cleanse with it nightly.
You’ll integrate it morning and evening for best results.
My makeup removal improved with it as second step.
You need a cleanser that fits your skincare—this does.
The foam rinses clean, no residue.
Your routine will feel refreshed.
Pros and Cons of Anua Heartleaf Deep Pore Foam Cleanser

Pros of Anua Heartleaf Deep Pore Foam Cleanser: Gentle Strengths
- Mild Exfoliation: 0.5% BHA clears pores: My blackheads reduced slightly.
- Soothing Heartleaf: Calms irritation: My sensitive areas stayed red-free.
- Hydrating Formula: Triple hyaluronic acid: My skin felt plump post-wash.
- Light Foam: Easy lather: My cleansing was quick.
- Fragrance-Free: No scents: My allergies avoided issues.
- Affordable Price: $15 tube: My budget loved it.
- Vegan and Clean: No harsh chemicals: My ethics aligned.
- Suitable for Daily Use: Gentle enough: My routine stayed balanced.
- Pore Refining: Smooths texture: My skin looked refined.
- Multi-Use Potential: As makeup remover: My evenings simplified.
Cons of Anua Heartleaf Deep Pore Foam Cleanser: Notable Shortcomings
- Mild BHA: Low concentration: My deep pores needed more.
- No Dramatic Results: Gradual changes: My blackheads lingered.
- Potential Dryness: Winter use: My skin felt tight.
- Sticky Residue: Humid days: My face felt tacky.
- Small Tube: 150ml depletes fast: My monthly buys increased.
- Limited for Acne: Soothes but doesn’t clear: My breakouts persisted.
- Foam Rinse Needed: Thorough wash: My residue built.
- Not for Oily Roots: Weighs down: My T-zone shined more.
- Slow Pore Clearing: Weeks for effects: My patience tested.
- Basic Packaging: Tube leaks: My bag got messy.
The pros offer value.
Mild Exfoliation clears: 0.5% BHA reduces blackheads.
Soothing Heartleaf calms: Irritation gone.
Hydrating Formula plumps: Hyaluronic acid nourishes.
Light Foam lathers: Cleansing quick.
Fragrance-Free suits: Allergies safe.
Affordable Price saves: $15 budget-friendly.
Vegan and Clean aligns: Chemicals absent.
Suitable for Daily Use balances: Routine gentle.
Pore Refining smooths: Texture improved.
Multi-Use Potential simplifies: Remover too.
The cons are real.
Mild BHA limits: Concentration low.
No Dramatic Results disappoints: Changes gradual.
Potential Dryness tightens: Winter issue.
Sticky Residue tackies: Humidity sticky.
Small Tube depletes: Buys frequent.
Limited for Acne persists: Breakouts stay.
Foam Rinse Needed builds: Residue if not.
Not for Oily Roots shines: T-zone oily.
Slow Pore Clearing tests: Weeks needed.
Basic Packaging leaks: Bag messy.
You’ll find it gentle, but results vary.
Comparison with Other Brands: Anua’s Gentle Touch
- Anua Heartleaf Deep Pore Foam Cleanser Vs. COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

COSRX Low pH at $11 balances pH, while Anua’s $15 focuses on heartleaf soothing.
COSRX’s gel is lighter; Anua’s foam lathers more.
COSRX’s for oily; Anua’s combination.
COSRX’s tube squeezes easier; Anua’s compact.
You’ll pick COSRX for acne, Anua for calming.
COSRX’s BHA is stronger; Anua’s milder.
Anua’s hydration wins; COSRX’s basic.
Choose COSRX for oil control, Anua for gentleness.
- Anua Heartleaf Deep Pore Foam Cleanser Vs. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel

La Roche-Posay Effaclar at $16 purifies, while Anua’s $15 soothes with heartleaf.
La Roche-Posay’s gel is clarifying; Anua’s foam gentle.
La Roche-Posay’s for acne; Anua’s pores.
La Roche-Posay’s tube larger; Anua’s travel-friendly.
You’ll pick La Roche-Posay for deep clean, Anua for hydration.
La Roche-Posay’s zinc controls oil; Anua’s BHA exfoliates.
Anua’s vegan; La Roche-Posay’s dermatologist-tested.
Choose La Roche-Posay for acne, Anua for calming.
- Anua Heartleaf Deep Pore Foam Cleanser Vs. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating at $15 hydrates with ceramides, while Anua’s $15 exfoliates with BHA.
CeraVe’s lotion-like; Anua’s foaming.
CeraVe’s for dry; Anua’s combination.
CeraVe’s tube squeezes easy; Anua’s compact.
You’ll pick CeraVe for moisture, Anua for pores.
CeraVe’s hyaluronic matches Anua’s.
Anua’s heartleaf soothes; CeraVe’s basic.
Go CeraVe for hydration, Anua for exfoliation.
- Anua Heartleaf Deep Pore Foam Cleanser Vs. Paula’s Choice Clear Regular Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution
Paula’s Choice Clear at $35 is a leave-on BHA, while Anua’s $15 is a rinse-off foam.
Paula’s liquid; Anua’s foam.
Paula’s for acne; Anua’s pores.
Paula’s bottle drops; Anua’s tube squeezes.
You’ll pick Paula’s for targeted, Anua for daily.
Paula’s 2% BHA stronger; Anua’s 0.5%.
Anua’s soothing; Paula’s exfoliating.
Choose Paula’s for acne, Anua for gentle.
- Anua Heartleaf Deep Pore Foam Cleanser Vs. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
The Ordinary Masque at $12 is a weekly treatment, while Anua’s $15 is daily foam.
Ordinary’s mask; Anua’s cleanser.
Ordinary’s for blackheads; Anua’s pores.
Ordinary’s jar scoops; Anua’s tube squeezes.
You’ll pick Ordinary for deep, Anua for daily.
Ordinary’s 2% SA stronger; Anua’s 0.5% BHA.
Anua’s heartleaf soothes; Ordinary’s charcoal purifies.
Go Ordinary for masks, Anua for cleansing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, it’s gentle for daily use.
My skin stayed balanced.
It reduces slightly with BHA, but not dramatically.
My nose improved gradually.
Soothes, exfoliates, hydrates with heartleaf and hyaluronic.
My pores refined.
It’s mild for acne-prone, but low BHA limits clearing.
My breakouts persisted.
Final Thoughts
Anua Heartleaf Deep Pore Foam Cleanser is a must for gentle, effective cleansing that soothes and refines pores.
Its BHA and hyaluronic acid make it a winner for daily use.
You’ll love the refreshed, hydrated feel.
Buy it now to upgrade your skincare routine!