Introduction
Anua may not yet be a household name on every vanity, but in Korean skincare circles it enjoys a quiet cult status for formulas that manage to be both gentle and results driven. I have admired the brand’s balanced approach to actives and soothing botanicals, so when its latest launch arrived with the rather whimsical title “Heartleaf Pore Clay Pack,” curiosity got the better of me.
The brand positions this wash off mask as a multi tasking pore whisperer powered by bentonite and kaolin clays, bolstered by the calming duo of heartleaf and cica. Anua promises a deep cleanse that reins in excess oil, keeps breakouts at bay and somehow leaves skin hydrated thanks to panthenol, hyaluronic acid and ceramide NP. Add a cream like texture plus a hint of eucalyptus and the product reads like the skincare equivalent of a spa day compressed into five minutes.
Marketing claims aside, I spent two weeks putting the Heartleaf Pore Clay Pack through its paces, applying it three times a week to see if it could deliver clearer calmer skin without tipping my combination complexion into desert territory. The following sections break down exactly what it is, how it performed and whether it deserves a spot in your routine or your wallet’s reprieve.
What is Heartleaf Pore Clay Pack?
This product sits in the wash off mask category, meaning it is applied after cleansing, left on for a short window then removed with water. Masks like these work as a concentrated treatment that can reach deeper into pores than a regular cleanser while limiting the contact time of stronger ingredients so the skin barrier is less likely to feel stressed.
The formula relies on two mineral clays, bentonite and kaolin, to bind to surface oil and debris. In practical terms that translates to a mild exfoliating action and a temporary reduction in the look of enlarged pores. Heartleaf extract and centella asiatica, both known for soothing properties, are included to offset the potential dryness or tightness clay can cause. Additional humectants such as panthenol, glycerin and several weights of hyaluronic acid bring water back into the skin so the finish feels balanced rather than stripped. Ceramide NP and hydrogenated lecithin round out the barrier support by plugging gaps between skin cells, a useful touch for anyone who already leans dry or sensitive.
The eucalyptus scent is a by-product of the added fragrance and is noticeable during the three to five minute wear time but does not linger once rinsed. The mask is positioned for all skin types yet the ingredient mix targets two specific concerns: excess oil and reactive redness. In theory this makes it suitable for combination skin that needs decongestion without forfeiting comfort.
Did it work?
In the name of very serious science I benched my usual wash off mask for a few days before starting this trial so the Heartleaf Pore Clay Pack could perform without interference. Fourteen days felt like a fair window to judge consistency and any cumulative payoff, so I slotted it into my routine every other evening right after cleansing and before my hydrating toner.
The first application was pleasant enough. The cream texture spread smoothly, set without that parched chalky feel and rinsed off cleanly at the three minute mark. Immediate results were classic clay mask fare: my T zone looked a touch less shiny and felt smoother to the touch while my cheeks escaped the tight squeak I usually brace for. By the third use I noticed a modest reduction in those tiny congestion bumps that like to gather around my nose, though the effect faded by the next morning if I skipped my usual BHA toner.
Week two brought more reliable improvements. Post mask, midday oil breakthrough on my forehead slowed and the halo of redness around a healing pimple calmed down faster than usual. Still, the mask did not deliver the dramatic pore refinement the marketing hinted at. Pores appeared slightly blurred for a few hours but returned to their baseline size by nightfall. Hydration claims held up respectably; I never experienced flaking or that papery finish clay formulas can trigger on my combination skin even when humidity dipped.
So did it live up to its promises? Partially. It soothed, tamped down oil and kept my barrier content yet it stopped short of the deeper detox my skin occasionally craves. I appreciate the short wear time and the gentle after feel, but I will probably reach for stronger actives when I need a heavy duty purge. I am glad I tried it and would recommend it to anyone seeking a mild reset before makeup or after a sweaty workout, though it will not earn a permanent slot in my own lineup.
Heartleaf pore clay pack’s main ingredients explained
The heavy lifters here are the twin clays kaolin and bentonite. Kaolin is the gentler of the two, soaking up surface oil without sapping every drop of moisture, while bentonite swells in water to pull debris from deeper in the pore lining. Their pairing explains the instant matte finish yet also why the mask never sets into a brittle crust.
Next comes the calming duo that gives the mask its name and its soothing reputation. Heartleaf extract (Houttuynia cordata) is rich in quercetin and polyphenols that help dial down inflammatory signals, making it a favorite in Korean formulas aimed at redness or post-acne irritation. Centella asiatica, often shortened to cica, contains madecassoside and asiaticoside which support wound healing and bolster the skin barrier. Together they act like a cool compress against the potential edge of the clays.
Barrier support is further shored up by ceramide NP, hydrogenated lecithin and panthenol. Ceramides act as the intercellular glue that keeps moisture in and irritants out, hydrogenated lecithin helps those lipids slide into the stratum corneum more effectively and panthenol converts to vitamin B5 in the skin, attracting water while calming itch or sting.
The hydration team is rounded out by multi-weight hyaluronic acid, glycerin and betaine, all humectants that draw water into the upper layers so skin feels plush once the mask is rinsed. Sodium hyaluronate, the salt form of hyaluronic acid, is small enough to sit in those freshly cleaned pores and hold on to moisture for a few hours post use.
A dusting of calamine adds a zinc-based anti-inflammatory kick that helps tamp down angry pimples. Protease functions as a gentle enzyme exfoliant to lift dull surface cells, while palmitoyl tripeptide-5 is a signaling peptide that encourages collagen synthesis over time, though brief mask contact limits how far it can really travel.
Fragrance gives the formula its spa-like eucalyptus note. It is pleasant but worth noting for the highly sensitive crowd. The presence of soluble collagen is the one animal-derived ingredient in an otherwise plant-forward lineup, so the product is not suitable for vegans and strict vegetarians.
On the comedogenic front most ingredients score low, but hydrogenated lecithin and iron oxides carry a moderate risk for those extremely prone to clogged pores. A comedogenic ingredient is one that can block follicles and lead to whiteheads or blackheads, though concentration and overall formula balance matter just as much as the raw score.
No retinoids or strong exfoliating acids are present which makes the formula relatively gentle, yet pregnancy safety is never one size fits all. Expectant users should still get a green light from their dermatologist or obstetrician before adding any new topical because hormonal skin can react unpredictably.
Finally the ingredient list is free of drying alcohols and includes only non-nano clays, a small plus for those worried about particle size inhalation during rinse off. All told the recipe aims to clean without compromising comfort, though its benefits lean more toward maintenance than dramatic overhauls.
What I liked/didn’t like
Here is the quick breakdown of why this mask impressed me and where it fell a bit short.
What works well:
- Creamy clay texture spreads evenly and rinses off cleanly without the harsh, tight feel typical of many clay masks
- Consistent, if modest, reduction in oil and post-blemish redness after each three-minute session
- Brief wear time makes it a low-commitment add-on that fits easily between cleansing and toner
What to consider:
- Pore-minimizing effect fades within hours so those seeking a deep detox may find it underwhelming
- Added fragrance could be a sticking point for very reactive skin
- Benefits plateau with regular use, serving more as routine maintenance than a game-changing treatment
My final thoughts
Heartleaf Pore Clay Pack falls into a comfortable middle ground: gentler than the classic “vacuum cleaner” masks yet clearly more effective than a simple hydrating wash off. After two weeks I can say the 7/10 score feels fair. It smooths texture, reins in oil and keeps redness polite, but the pore blurring lasts half a day at best and you will still need your usual acids for a deeper reboot. I would suggest it to anyone with combination, mildly congested or easily irritated skin who wants a quick tidy up without courting dryness. If you are chasing dramatic blackhead extraction or heavy duty exfoliation you will likely look elsewhere. Would I recommend it to a friend? Yes, with the caveat that expectations stay realistic and the fragrance is noted.
For readers weighing their options it never hurts to comparison shop. I have rotated through an embarrassing number of clay masks and a few stand out as strong alternatives. Deascal’s Pink Clay Glow Mask is an excellent all rounder that exfoliates, clarifies and brightens in one go while staying friendly to every skin type and wallet. Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque digs a little deeper into stubborn congestion if you can handle a slight uptick in dryness. Innisfree’s Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask offers impressive oil control with a pleasantly cooling finish and is especially handy in humid weather. The Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid 2% Masque marries clay with a gentle BHA for those who prefer chemical help with their decongestion. Having used each of these I can vouch that they cover a spectrum of needs and budgets.
Before you slather on anything new please patch test first; I apologise for sounding like an over protective parent but your skin will thank you. Remember that any clarity or smoothness you gain is temporary and requires consistent use to maintain so keep the rest of your routine steady and patient.