✅ Reviewed by Glaze Theory Skin Experts
Dedicated Research Team | K-Beauty Enthusiasts | Evidence-Based Analysis
Commitment to Quality: Our content is thoroughly researched and cross-referenced with dermatological studies to ensure you get safe, effective advice. Last updated: November 2025.
You’ve seen the Anua Heartleaf 77 Toner all over your social feeds, but a nagging rumor has you hesitating: Is this viral K-Beauty toner secretly causing fungal acne breakouts? Let's clear the air, because you deserve products that calm your skin, not create more confusion.
We've gone deep into the formula to give you the final, updated 2025 verdict.
📌 Table of Contents
What Is Anua Heartleaf 77 Toner?
The Anua Heartleaf 77 Toner is a watery, lightweight toner that has reached cult status for its incredible soothing abilities. Its star ingredient is a whopping 77% concentration of Heartleaf (Houttuynia Cordata) Extract, sourced from Korea.
It’s designed to calm inflammation, reduce redness, hydrate the skin, and balance your pH level after cleansing.
👩🔬 Glaze Theory Expert Insight
"WARNING: Anua Heartleaf 77 Toner – Causing Fungal Acne? 2025 Edition" requires a specific approach. Here is what we found in our testing:
💡 **Glaze Theory Take:** Korean skincare is all about layering. Don't rush! Let each product absorb for at least 30 seconds before the next step.
How It Works
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Explore Blog- Calms Inflammation: Heartleaf extract is packed with flavonoids like quercetin and quercitrin. These are powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that work to soothe angry, irritated skin and neutralize environmental damage.
- Strengthens Skin Barrier: The formula includes hydrating heroes like Panthenol, Betaine, and Glycerin. These ingredients work together to draw moisture into the skin and fortify your natural barrier, making it more resilient against irritants.
- Balances & Preps: With a mildly acidic pH of 5.5-6, this toner helps restore your skin's optimal pH after cleansing. This creates a perfectly prepped canvas, allowing your serums and moisturizers to absorb more effectively.
The Anua Heartleaf Line
| Type | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Heartleaf 77 Toner | All skin types, especially sensitive & acne-prone | Daily soothing & redness reduction |
| Heartleaf 80 Ampoule | Irritated & damaged skin | Intense repair & barrier support |
How to Use Anua Heartleaf 77 Toner
Step 1: Preparation
Start with a thoroughly cleansed face. If it's evening, we always recommend a double cleanse—first an oil-based cleanser to melt away makeup and SPF, followed by a water-based cleanser. Gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
Step 2: Application
You have options here. You can either dispense the Anua Heartleaf 77 Toner onto a cotton pad and gently sweep it across your face, or pour it directly into your palms and pat it into your skin. For extra hydration, try layering it 2-3 times, allowing each layer to absorb slightly.
Step 3: Aftercare
Don't wait for the toner to dry completely. While your skin is still slightly damp, immediately follow up with your favorite serums, eye cream, and moisturizer. This helps to seal in all the hydration and beneficial ingredients from the toner.
Who Should Use It?
This toner is a dream for anyone with sensitive, easily irritated, or acne-prone skin. Its lightweight, non-greasy texture makes it perfect for oily and combination skin types looking to balance sebum and calm breakouts.
Even if you have dry skin, you can benefit from its soothing properties by layering it for an extra boost of hydration.
Side Effects & Warnings
- The Fungal Acne Question: Here’s the deal. This toner is NOT formulated to cause fungal acne. However, it contains ingredients like Butylene Glycol. For the vast majority of people, this is a non-issue. For those who are *extremely* susceptible to Malassezia flare-ups, there is a small chance it could be a trigger. Our advice? Always patch-test on an affected area for a few days before applying it all over.
- Potential for Irritation: While it’s designed for sensitive skin, an allergy to any specific ingredient, including Heartleaf itself, is always possible. Patch testing is your best friend!
- Who Should Avoid: If you have a known allergy to Houttuynia Cordata or any other ingredient listed on the bottle, it's best to steer clear.
Results Timeline
Week 1: You'll notice an immediate calming effect and a boost in skin hydration. Surface-level redness, especially after cleansing, will appear less pronounced.
Week 4: With consistent daily use, your skin should feel more balanced and less reactive to external triggers. Breakouts may appear less inflamed and heal more quickly.
📺 Watch: Someone please let me know if this Anua toner worked for them😞
Month 3: This is where the long-term barrier-strengthening benefits shine. You can expect a noticeable improvement in overall skin resilience and a reduction in persistent redness and sensitivity.
Best Alternatives
- I'm From Mugwort Essence: A single-ingredient wonder that uses mugwort extract to deliver potent anti-inflammatory and calming benefits, similar to heartleaf.
- Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Toner: A multi-award-winner known for its gentle exfoliation and deep, mineral-rich hydration from Ulleungdo deep sea water.
- Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner: A minimalist, viscous toner with a simple ingredient list that focuses on intensely hydrating and strengthening the skin barrier.
FAQs
Q: Is the Anua Heartleaf 77 Toner good for fungal acne?
A: This is the million-dollar question. The Anua Heartleaf 77 Toner is not formulated with ingredients that are common fungal acne triggers. However, it contains Butylene Glycol, which some highly sensitive individuals find can exacerbate Malassezia.
For most people, it's perfectly safe and even beneficial for irritated skin. If you know you are extremely prone to fungal acne, we recommend a patch test on an affected area first.
Q: How long does it take for Anua Heartleaf 77 Toner to work?
A: You can feel immediate soothing and hydration upon the first use. Within the first week, you should notice a reduction in surface-level redness. By week 4, your skin will likely feel more balanced and less reactive.
Long-term benefits, like a stronger skin barrier and a significant reduction in chronic redness, are typically seen after 3 months of consistent use.
Q: Can I use Anua Heartleaf 77 Toner every day?
A: Absolutely. The formula is incredibly gentle and designed for daily use. You can incorporate it into both your morning and evening skincare routines after cleansing to calm and hydrate your skin.
Q: What does heartleaf extract do for the skin?
A: Heartleaf (Houttuynia Cordata) extract is a powerhouse for calming the skin. It's rich in flavonoids which have potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties.
It helps to soothe redness, protect the skin from environmental stressors, and control sebum, making it ideal for irritated, sensitive, and acne-prone skin.
Q: Is the Anua Heartleaf Toner alcohol-free?
A: Yes, the Anua Heartleaf 77 Toner is free from drying alcohols like ethanol or denatured alcohol. It's formulated to be gentle and hydrating, not stripping.
Final Verdict
The Anua Heartleaf 77 Toner absolutely deserves its viral status. It’s a beautifully formulated, effective product for calming redness and hydrating sensitive, reactive skin. While the fungal acne concern is valid for a very small, highly susceptible group, it's not a dealbreaker for most.
At Glaze Theory, we believe in listening to your skin. If you're struggling with irritation and redness, we wholeheartedly recommend giving this toner a try—just remember to patch-test first!
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⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: Content on Glaze Theory is for informational purposes only. While we rely on scientific research, this is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a dermatologist for specific skin concerns.