If you have clogged pores, hormonal acne, and combination-to-oily skin, you probably know how tricky it is to find a cleanser that actually does something, without damaging your skin barrier.
Most cleansers are either:
- too gentle (don’t really clean pores), or
- too harsh (leave your skin tight, irritated, and worse than before)
After using the Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam for a few months, I feel like I’ve finally found something that sits right in the middle, and actually works.
*This post contains affiliate links.
My Skin Type (So You Know If This Review Applies to You)
I always think this is the most important part of any review.
My skin is:
- combination (recently more oily)
- acne-prone (mostly hormonal)
- prone to clogged pores and congestion
- slightly sensitive, especially with actives
My current focus has been:
- calming inflammation
- keeping pores clear
- avoiding anything that strips my skin
What Makes This Cleanser Different?
At first glance, this looks like a typical foam cleanser, but it’s actually more of a hybrid between a cleanser and a gentle exfoliator.
The biggest difference?
👉 It has a grainy texture.
This comes from houttuynia cordata powder (heartleaf), which gives a very light physical exfoliation while you cleanse.
And combined with salicylic acid (BHA), you’re basically getting:
- surface exfoliation (from the particles)
- pore-deep exfoliation (from BHA)
That’s what makes it especially interesting for clogged pores.
Texture & Application (What It Actually Feels Like)
The texture is something I think people will either love or be unsure about.
It’s:
- creamy when you first apply it
- with tiny, soft particles
Once you start massaging it into your skin:
- it foams lightly
- the particles help give that “deep clean” feeling
What I personally liked:
- it doesn’t feel scratchy or harsh
- the grains are very fine and controlled
- it feels more like a polishing cleanse, not a scrub
If you’ve ever used harsh physical exfoliants, this is nothing like that.
Key Ingredients (Why It Works)
Let’s break it down in a simple, non-overwhelming way:
🌿 Heartleaf (Houttuynia Cordata)
- calming and soothing
- helps reduce redness and irritation
- great for acne-prone skin
🧪 Quercetin
- anti-inflammatory
- helps soothe skin after cleansing
🧼 Salicylic Acid (BHA)
- unclogs pores
- helps reduce blackheads and breakouts
- gently exfoliates inside the pores
💧 Glycerin
- prevents dryness
- keeps skin feeling comfortable after cleansing
🌱 Anti-Sebum P Complex
(a blend of plant extracts)
- helps control excess oil
- supports clearer-looking pores
👉 Overall, the formula is very balanced:cleansing + exfoliating + soothing, all in one.
How I Use It (Important If You Have Sensitive Skin)
Because this cleanser contains BHA + physical exfoliation, I don’t use it every day.
My routine:
- 2–3 times a week
- mostly in the evening
This is key, especially if:
- your skin is sensitive
- you’re already using actives (like retinol, acids, etc.)
Using it daily could be too much for some people.
My Results After a Few Months
This is where it really impressed me.
What actually changed:
✔️ My pores felt less congested
✔️ My skin looked cleaner and smoother
✔️ It helped maintain clearer skin between breakouts
✔️ It provided gentle exfoliation without irritation
And most importantly:
👉 My skin never felt:
- tight
- stripped
- dry
- irritated
After cleansing, my skin feels:
- clean
- fresh
- balanced
Which is exactly what I want from a cleanser.
What I Love About It
- It actually helps with clogged pores
- Gentle exfoliation without damaging the skin
- Doesn’t strip or dry out the skin
- Great balance of active + soothing ingredients
- Feels effective but still comfortable
What Could Be Better
To keep this honest:
- Not ideal for daily use (for most people)
- Might be too much for very sensitive skin
- If you don’t like any grainy texture, you might not enjoy it
Who I Recommend This To
This cleanser is perfect if you:
- struggle with clogged pores or blackheads
- have combination or oily skin
- are acne-prone
- want a cleanser that does more than just cleanse
Who Should Be Careful
I’d recommend caution if you:
- have very sensitive or reactive skin
- are using multiple strong actives
If that’s you:👉 start with once a week and build up slowly
Final Thoughts: Would I Repurchase?
Yes, I would.
It’s one of those products that doesn’t feel overly “aggressive,” but over time, you notice your skin just looks clearer and more balanced.
For me, it fits perfectly as a maintenance cleanser for clogged pores, not something I use daily, but something I rely on regularly.
Where to Buy
You can check it out here:
YesStyle : discount code SWEET07
Stylevana: use code INF10SWEET for a discount
Final Rating
⭐ 4.5 / 5
Effectiveness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gentleness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Texture: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you’ve tried this cleanser, I’d love to hear your experience 🤍
.png)
Post a Comment