Anua

Anua built its reputation on one serum — Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% — before expanding into a full range built around calming, hydrating, and brightening actives rather than aggressive treatments. The Heartleaf line is what most people know it for, but the range now covers cleansing, toning, and moisturizing in nearly every texture.

Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4%: the serum that built the brand

The Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum pairs niacinamide with tranexamic acid (TXA) specifically for stubborn dark spots and post-acne marks — TXA targets pigmentation that niacinamide alone moves on more slowly. It's also available as a brightening pad for a lighter, more gradual version of the same combination, and layers well under the Niacinamide + TXA Brightening Booster Toner for anyone building a full dark spot routine.

Heartleaf: cleansing, toning, and calming in one line

Heartleaf (also called Houttuynia Cordata) is Anua's calming ingredient, and it runs through nearly every step of a routine. Start with the Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil (or the Mild version for sensitive skin), follow with the Heartleaf Quercetinol Deep Cleansing Foam as the water-based second cleanse, then the Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner to calm and rebalance. The Heartleaf 70 Intense Calming Cream and lighter Heartleaf 70 Daily Lotion cover the moisturizing step, and the Heartleaf Centella Red Spot Cream handles individual flare-ups.

PDRN: the recovery and hydration line

PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) is Anua's newer recovery-focused ingredient. The PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum and matching PDRN Hyaluronic Moisturizing Cream pair hydration with skin recovery, while the PDRN Hydrating Capsule Mist works as a lighter, reapply-anytime option. There's also a dedicated PDRN Lip Serum and PDRN Collagen Neck Patch for more targeted use.

Rice + Ceramide: barrier support for dry, dull skin

The Rice 70+ Ceramide Glow Milky Toner and Rice 7+ Ceramide Hydrating Barrier Serum combine rice extract for glow with ceramides for barrier repair — the line to reach for over Heartleaf if dullness and dryness are the bigger concern than sensitivity.

Actives: retinol, azelaic acid, and vitamin C

For more targeted concerns, the Retinol 0.3% + Niacin Renewing Serum and Retinol 0.1% + Caffeine Eye Cream cover fine lines and texture, the Azelaic Acid 10 + Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum targets redness and post-acne marks specifically, and the Vitamin C 20 + Vitamin E Serum handles dullness and overall brightening.

Sun protection

The Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ and Zero Cast Moisturizing Finish Sunscreen SPF50+ both finish without a white cast, with the Zero Cast formula built specifically to layer well under makeup.

Frequently asked questions

What is Anua's best-known product?

The Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum is the product that built the brand's reputation, specifically for dark spots and post-acne marks that respond slowly to niacinamide alone.

What does "Heartleaf" mean on Anua products?

Heartleaf (Houttuynia Cordata) is a calming, anti-inflammatory plant extract — Anua's core ingredient for sensitive, reactive, or acne-prone skin, used across cleansers, toners, and moisturizers.

Should I choose Heartleaf or Rice + Ceramide?

Heartleaf if sensitivity, redness, or breakouts are the main concern. Rice + Ceramide if the priority is glow and barrier repair for dry or dull skin without significant irritation.

Can I use the Niacinamide TXA serum with retinol?

Yes, though most people apply them at different times — niacinamide serum in the morning under sunscreen, retinol at night, since retinol increases sun sensitivity.

Want to build a full routine? Browse Korean Skincare (K-Beauty), or shop Niacinamide across every brand we carry.