Who Is Anua?

Anua is a South Korean skincare brand founded in 2019 and part of the company The Founders. Within just a few years it has become one of the best known K-Beauty brands worldwide, mainly thanks to one single product: the Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner.

The brand describes its approach in two words: effective and gentle. The idea is that you should not have to choose between results and calm, comfortable skin. That is why many Anua products are designed to target a specific skin concern while respecting the skin barrier.

At VELVET GLOW you will find a wide selection of Anua products, from cleansers to toners, serums and creams. This guide helps you find your way around them.

What Anua Is Known For: Heartleaf, Peach and PDRN

Anua's best known theme is heartleaf, also called houttuynia cordata. The plant has long been valued in Korean skincare and is considered soothing. Anua uses it in high proportions, for example with 77% heartleaf extract in the toner. If you want to learn more about soothing plant ingredients, read our article on cica and heartleaf.

The second big line is Peach. Here Anua combines peach extract with niacinamide for hydration and a brighter, more even complexion. On top of that there are targeted serums with niacinamide and tranexamic acid, azelaic acid or retinol.

Newer to the range is the PDRN line with hyaluronic acid. Good to know: according to the product description, the PDRN in the Anua cream comes from salmon DNA. If vegan skincare matters to you, this is a point you should be aware of.

The Most Important Anua Lines Explained

Heartleaf: The soothing line for sensitive and blemish prone skin. It includes the Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner, the Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil Mild, the Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam with 0.5% BHA, the Heartleaf LHA Moisture Peeling Gel and the Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream with ceramides and panthenol.

Peach: The glow line with peach extract and niacinamide. The Peach 77 Niacin Essence Toner hydrates and preps the skin, the Peach 70% Niacinamide Serum contains 5% niacinamide and vitamin B12, which gives the serum its pink colour. The Peach 77 Niacin Enriched Cream has a pudding like texture and rounds off the line.

Targeted serums: The Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum with 2% arbutin targets dark spots. The Azelaic Acid 10% Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum is meant for redness and blemishes, and the Nano Retinol 0,3% + Niacin Renewing Serum for fine lines and skin texture.

PDRN: The PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisture Cream combines PDRN with ten forms of hyaluronic acid, and the PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Capsule Mist is a spray essence with fine oil capsules that you can also use over make-up.

Which Anua Product Suits Which Skin Type?

Sensitive skin: Start with the Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner and the Heartleaf 70% Intense Calming Cream. For redness, the Azelaic Acid 10% Serum can make sense, but introduce it slowly.

Oily and combination skin: According to its description, the Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam is especially suited to oily and combination skin. The LHA Moisture Peeling Gel once or twice a week is a good match.

Dry skin: The Peach line and the PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisture Cream provide plenty of hydration. The Peach 77 Niacin Essence Toner is great for layering.

Blemish prone skin: The Heartleaf Cleansing Oil Mild for the first cleanse, then the foam and the Azelaic Acid 10% Serum. According to its description, it is non comedogenic.

Mature skin and dark spots: The Nano Retinol Serum in the evening and the Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum for a more even tone. You will find more about tranexamic acid in our article on tranexamic acid.

A Routine with Anua Only

Morning: Cleanse with the Heartleaf Quercetinol Foam or just with water if your skin is dry. Then apply the Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner, followed by the Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum and a cream from the Heartleaf or Peach line. Always finish with sun protection.

Evening: Start with the Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil Mild and follow with the foam. That is how double cleansing works properly. Then toner, a serum for your skin concern and a cream.

To get to know the brand, there is also the KPop Demon Hunters Glow Skin Discovery Set with five Anua products in travel sizes, including the cleansing oil, the foam and a milky toner. Handy if you want to test first.

Combining Anua with Other Brands

Anua is very easy to combine. The Heartleaf products work as a soothing base in almost any routine, even if you use serums from other brands.

Be careful with several actives at once. Do not use the retinol serum on the same evening as strong acids or other retinoids. The LHA peeling gel also does not need an extra exfoliating toner on the same day.

Anua pairs well with a sunscreen of your choice and, if your skin is very dry, with a richer cream for winter.

Common Mistakes with Anua Products

First mistake: too many serums at once. Anua has several targeted serums, and it is tempting to use them all at the same time. Choose one for your most important skin concern and give it a few weeks.

Second mistake: increasing the retinol serum too fast. According to the instructions, you should only use it every other evening for the first two weeks and wear sunscreen consistently during the day.

Third mistake: using the peeling gel too often. Once or twice a week is enough, and for sensitive skin once a week on damp skin.

Who Anua Suits Less

If you are looking exclusively for vegan skincare, take a close look at the PDRN line, because according to the description the PDRN in the cream comes from salmon DNA.

And if your skin is very dry and mature and you love rich, heavy textures, some Anua products may feel too light. The brand tends to focus on light, fast absorbing textures. In that case, you can combine Anua with a richer cream.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anua

Where can I buy Anua in Switzerland?

At VELVET GLOW you will find all Anua products in our online shop with shipping within Switzerland. Shipping is free from CHF 59.95, and orders go out on the next working day.

What is the best known Anua product?

The Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner. It contains 77% heartleaf extract and is meant for morning and evening.

Is Anua suitable for sensitive skin?

Many products are, especially the Heartleaf line. With serums containing retinol, azelaic acid or acids, start slowly and watch how your skin reacts.

Can I use the Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum in the morning?

Yes, it can be used morning and evening. In the morning, always follow with sunscreen, especially if you are working on dark spots.

Is Anua vegan?

Not all products. According to the description, the PDRN in the PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisture Cream comes from salmon DNA. So check the details for each product.

Our Anua Recommendations

Three Anua products to get to know the brand well: the famous toner, the cleansing oil and a targeted serum. You will find more among all Anua products.