Anua Heartleaf LHA Moisture Peeling Gel

Anua

Heartleaf LHA Moisture Peeling Gel

face exfoliator

Added Last edited

Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
50%
Combination (dry)
50%
Balanced
80%
Combination (oily)
90%
Oily
90%

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23
Ingredients
6
Benefits
2
Actives
Find Dupes

A lightweight, watery peeling gel gently sloughs off dead skin cells. Gentle Exfoliating. Non-Irritation.

Key Insights

Benefits

6
Anti-Acne
Anti-Aging
Blackhead Reducing
Hydration
Oil Control
Soothing

Active Ingredients

2
Hyaluronic acid Retinoids

Risks

1
Synthetic polymer

About Heartleaf LHA Moisture Peeling Gel

Overview

Heartleaf LHA Moisture Peeling Gel is a watery-light exfoliator from Anua, a brand based in Korea. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 23 ingredients, each broken down in full below.

Texture and finish

By its ingredient list the formula reads as very light — essentially a water-and-humectant base with little emollient weight. With almost no emollient load it should absorb quickly and finish close to matte. Hydration is handled by Propanediol, Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.

What the formula does

Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Propanediol, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate and Ethylhexylglycerin.

Who it suits

On richness alone it suits Combination (oily) and Oily skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.

What it does not target

The formula contributes little or nothing on barrier support, antioxidant protection, brightening and tone and firmness signalling. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.

What is not in it

Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free and microplastic-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging.

Where it fits in a routine

Use it in the evening. In a routine it goes after cleansing, before serums. Start at once or twice a week and build up only if skin stays comfortable. Wear sunscreen the next morning — fresh exfoliation raises UV sensitivity.

This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.

Pros and cons

Drawn purely from the ingredient list

Pros

  • No fragrance or declared allergens
  • No essential oils
  • No drying alcohol
  • Silicone-free
  • No microplastics
  • Strong humectant content for hydration
  • No common irritants flagged in the list

Things to know

  • One ingredient could feed malassezia (fungal acne)

Which skin types it suits

Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.

Suitable for

  • Combination (oily) skin
  • Oily skin

May suit

  • Balanced skin

Less suitable for

  • Dry skin
  • Combination (dry) skin

Sensitive skin

No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Skin concerns

Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.

Helps with

  • Hydration 6 ingredients

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

  • Anti-Aging 5 ingredients

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Soothing 4 ingredients

    Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

  • Anti-Acne 1 ingredient

    Targets breakouts by reducing bacteria and unclogging pores

  • Blackhead Reducing 1 ingredient

    Helps unclog pores and reduce blackheads for clearer skin

  • Oil Control 1 ingredient

    Regulates sebum production to reduce shine and greasiness

Does not target

Dark Spot Fading Evens Skin Tone Pore Minimizer Smooths Bumpy Skin

None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.

Key ingredients

The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.

Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water

Hydration

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

L-Arginine

Hydration Anti-Aging

7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

1,3-dihydroxypropane

Hydration

8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Urea, (2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)-

Soothing

10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Dextrin

Oil Control

15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging

16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Houttuynia Cordata Extract is an extract of the herb, Houttuynia cordata, Saururaceae

Anti-Aging Soothing
Sodium Hyaluronate Hyaluronic acid

19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt

Hydration Anti-Aging Soothing

21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Benzoic acid, 2-octanoyloxy-

Anti-Acne Blackhead Reducing Soothing

22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract is an extract of the Broccoli plant, Brassica oleracea L. Italica, Brassicaceae

Anti-Aging

23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)

Hydration

Formula analysis

Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.

Hydration High

Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin

Barrier support None

Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity

Antioxidant support None

Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution

Oil control Low

Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine

Brightening None

Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks

Soothing Low

Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity

Cell renewal Low

Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover

Firmness signalling None

Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support

Active and supporting ingredients

"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.

Active ingredients (2)

Supporting ingredients (21)

Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.

Water Dipropylene Glycol Cellulose 1,2-hexanediol Arginine Acrylates/c10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer Propanediol Allantoin Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract Dextrin Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate Gardenia Jasminoides Fruit Extract Disodium Edta Theobroma Cacao Extract Glycerin Houttuynia Cordata Extract Aloe Ferox Leaf Extract Bioflavonoids Caprylyl Glycol Capryloyl Salicylic Acid Ethylhexylglycerin

What is and is not in it

Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.

Free from

  • Fragrance-free
  • Essential-oil-free
  • No drying alcohol
  • Paraben-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Microplastic-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Dye-free
  • Oil-free
  • No animal-derived ingredients

What to layer it with

Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.

Compatible with

  • Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
  • Retinoids (retinol, retinal)
  • AHAs (glycolic, lactic)
  • BHA (salicylic acid)
  • PHAs (gluconolactone)
  • Benzoyl peroxide
  • Azelaic acid
  • Copper peptides
  • Bakuchiol
  • Niacinamide
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Ceramides
  • Signal peptides
  • Panthenol
  • Sunscreen

Nothing in this formula belongs to a group our rules can put in conflict, so it layers freely. Order still matters — thinnest texture first.

Where it fits in a routine

Evening
  1. Cleanse
  2. Exfoliate
  3. Treat
  4. Moisturise

This product is the "Exfoliate" step.

  • Start at once or twice a week and build up only if skin stays comfortable.
  • Wear sunscreen the next morning — fresh exfoliation raises UV sensitivity.

Safety and suitability

Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not clearance — ask your doctor about anything you use daily.
Fungal acne (malassezia)
1 ingredient could feed malassezia: Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate. That is about the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that you will break out.
Sensitive and reactive skin
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Recorded ingredient risks
Synthetic polymer

Ingredients by function

Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 23 ingredients on the label.

7
Texture agent

Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula

6
Plant extract

Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent

5
Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

3
Occlusive

Forms a film that slows water loss

2
Active

Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels

2
Soothing

Calms visible redness and irritation

2
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

1
Emollient

Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells

1
Chelator

Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula

Ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.

1 Water Solvent
Estimated level
30–80%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.

Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water

Hydration
3 scientific references
  • Skin Research and Technology, May 2015, pages 131-136
  • Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, November-December 1999, pages 344-351
  • Journal of Cosmetic Science, September-October 1993, pages 249-262
2 Dipropylene Glycol Texture agent
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent, Solvent

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

1,1'-Oxydipropan-2-ol; Oxydipropan-2-ol; Hydroxypropyloxypropanol

3 Cellulose Texture agent
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Cellulose

Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

L-Arginine

Hydration Anti-Aging
6 scientific references
  • Biobased Surfactants (Second Edition), 2019, pages 413-445
  • Scientific Reports, February 2016, pages 1-10
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, October 2012, pages 1-35
  • Journal of Advanced Research, July 2010, pages 169–177
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, April 2005, page 139
  • Wound Repair and Regeneration, November-December 2003, pages 419-423
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Occlusive, Texture agent

6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

C10-30 alkyl propenoate, polymer with propenoic acid, butenoic acidand/or alkyl propenoates, product with propenyl sucrose ether or propenyl 2,2-dihydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol

Synthetic polymer
7 Propanediol Texture agent
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent, Solvent

7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

1,3-dihydroxypropane

Hydration
4 scientific references
  • PubChem Compound Summary, April 2021, ePublication
  • SpecialChem, Accessed April 2021, ePublication
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, June 2018, pages 1-73
  • Cosmetics & Toiletries, May 2013, pages 81-86
8 Allantoin Occlusive
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Occlusive, Soothing

8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Urea, (2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)-

Soothing
8 scientific references
  • Chemistry Series, March 2020, pages 7-21
  • Molecules, June 2019, pages 1-33
  • European Journal of Pharmacology, February 2018, pages 68-78
  • Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, June 2017, Volume 76, Issue 2, Supplement 1
  • Pharmacognosy Review, Volume 5, July-December 2011
  • International Journal of Toxicology, May 2010, Supplement, pages 84S-97S
  • Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, October 2008, ePublication
  • https://wwwaccessdatafdagov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearchcfm?CFRPart=347&showFR=1
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract is an extract of the flowers of the Safflower, Carthamus tinctorius L., Compositae

10 Dextrin Texture agent
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent

10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Dextrin

Oil Control
8 scientific references
  • Oil-Absorbing Ingredients
  • Help for Oily Skin
  • Salicylic Acid for Skin
  • How BHA Exfoliants Work
  • Which BHA Exfoliant is Right for Me?
  • Niacinamide Benefits: What Does Niacinamide Do for Skin?
  • The Best Toners for Oily Skin
  • The Best Moisturizers for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line

11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

1,2,3-Propanetriol, homopolymer, dodecanoates (1:1) (10 mol glycerol average molar ratio)

Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Gardenia Jasminoides Fruit Extract is the extract of the fruit of Gardenia jasminoides, Rubiaceae

13 Disodium Edta Texture agent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent, Chelator

13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Disodium dihydrogen ethylenediaminetetraacetate

14 Theobroma Cacao Extract Plant extract
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Theobroma Cacao Extract is the extract of Theobroma cacao., Sterculiaceae

15 Glycerin Humectant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Occlusive, Texture agent, Solvent

15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane

Hydration Anti-Aging
6 scientific references
  • Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation, March 2021, pages 223-231
  • International Journal of Toxicology, November/December 2019, Volume 38, Supplement 3, pages 6S-22S
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2016, ePublication
  • British Journal of Dermatology, July 2008, pages 23-34
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, June 2007, pages 75-82
  • Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, June 2003, pages 7, 360-7, 365
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Houttuynia Cordata Extract is an extract of the herb, Houttuynia cordata, Saururaceae

Anti-Aging Soothing
17 Aloe Ferox Leaf Extract Plant extract
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Aloe Ferox Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of Aloe ferox, Liliaceae

18 Bioflavonoids Soothing
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Soothing

18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Flavonoids, lemon oil

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Active

19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt

Hydration Anti-Aging Soothing
5 scientific references
  • Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und Verwandte Gebiete, December 2017, pages 987-993
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, July 2014, pages 277-287
  • Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, October 2012, pages 20-23
  • DermatoEndocrinology, July-December 2012, pages 253-258
  • Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, September 2011, pages 990-1000
20 Caprylyl Glycol Emollient
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Octane-1,2-diol

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Benzoic acid, 2-octanoyloxy-

Anti-Acne Blackhead Reducing Soothing
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Active, Plant extract

22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract is an extract of the Broccoli plant, Brassica oleracea L. Italica, Brassicaceae

Anti-Aging
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • PLoS One, October 2016, ePublication
  • Contact Dermatitis, May 2016, pages 281-288
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2013, pages 5S-21S
  • Personal Care, 2008, pages 1-4
  • Cosmetic Science Technology, 2006, pages 1-11

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Frequently asked questions

What ingredients are in Heartleaf LHA Moisture Peeling Gel?

WATER, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, CELLULOSE, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, ARGININE, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, PROPANEDIOL, ALLANTOIN, CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS FLOWER EXTRACT, DEXTRIN, POLYGLYCERYL-10 LAURATE, GARDENIA JASMINOIDES FRUIT EXTRACT, DISODIUM EDTA, THEOBROMA CACAO EXTRACT, GLYCERIN, HOUTTUYNIA CORDATA EXTRACT, ALOE FEROX LEAF EXTRACT, BIOFLAVONOIDS, SODIUM HYALURONATE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, CAPRYLOYL SALICYLIC ACID, BRASSICA OLERACEA ITALICA EXTRACT, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN.

What are the active ingredients in Heartleaf LHA Moisture Peeling Gel?

SODIUM HYALURONATE, BRASSICA OLERACEA ITALICA EXTRACT.

How do I use Heartleaf LHA Moisture Peeling Gel?

Thoroughly cleanse the face. Apply an adequate amount of peeling gel to a wet hand for dry & sensitive skin or a dry hand for oily & combination skin, then gently massage onto the face for less than 1 minute. Rinse off with water.

What skin types is Heartleaf LHA Moisture Peeling Gel good for?

Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Combination (oily), Oily skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.

Is Heartleaf LHA Moisture Peeling Gel good for sensitive skin?

No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Is Heartleaf LHA Moisture Peeling Gel fungal acne safe?

One ingredient could feed malassezia: Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that it will cause a breakout.

Can I use Heartleaf LHA Moisture Peeling Gel while pregnant?

Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.

Is Heartleaf LHA Moisture Peeling Gel fragrance free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.

Does Heartleaf LHA Moisture Peeling Gel contain alcohol?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.

Is Heartleaf LHA Moisture Peeling Gel silicone free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.

Does Heartleaf LHA Moisture Peeling Gel contain essential oils?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.

Is Heartleaf LHA Moisture Peeling Gel paraben free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.

What can I layer with Heartleaf LHA Moisture Peeling Gel?

It layers well with Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Retinoids (retinol, retinal), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide.

When should I apply Heartleaf LHA Moisture Peeling Gel?

Use it in the evening, after cleansing, before serums.

How many ingredients does Heartleaf LHA Moisture Peeling Gel have?

It lists 23 ingredients, of which 2 are recorded as actives.

Who makes Heartleaf LHA Moisture Peeling Gel?

Anua, a brand based in Korea.

Brand
Anua
Country
Korea

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