🇫🇷France

Anua Heartleaf LHA Moisture Peeling Gel for acne-prone skin

Average

  • SuperiorCombination Skin Fit
  • AverageEffectiveness
  • HighSafety

Works for acne-prone skin; other products fit it better.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with acne-prone skin: breakouts, blackheads, and post-acne marks. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.

Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works

Lovi Assistant explains

  • Offers moderate exfoliation for your combination skin due to capryloyl salicylic acid and 2-hexanediol, which help smooth texture and balance oily and dry areas.
  • While glycerin and Houttuynia Cordata extract provide hydration and soothing benefits, the exfoliation level is not targeted enough to significantly address your acne, blemishes, and breakouts.
  • The product is safe for your combination skin, with no risks of irritation from harsh ingredients.

How to apply

  • Use this exfoliant PM once a week to start, and gradually increase if your combination skin tolerates it well. Always apply SPF the next morning to protect your clear skin.
  • Apply the exfoliant after cleansing and toning, but right before your moisturizer step. This ensures the treatment targets blemishes effectively.
  • Gently press 2-3 drops of the exfoliant into your skin without rubbing. Let it absorb for a minute before moving to the next step.
  • Apply the exfoliant on clean, dry skin to help control breakouts safely. Since your skin is not sensitive, this dry application method ensures good product absorption.
  • Avoid the sensitive eye area and do a patch test before your first use. Do not mix this exfoliant with other strong acids in the same routine.

People Say

★4.6Overall rating based on 400+ reviews

Users with sensitive and acne-prone skin frequently praise this peeling gel for its extremely gentle, non-irritating exfoliation that effectively removes dead skin cells and smooths texture without stripping moisture. While the majority report a "glass skin" finish and improved makeup application, a minority find the LHA formula too mild to address stubborn congestion or rough patches compared to stronger acids.

Highlights

  • Gentle & Non-Irritating Mostly Mentioned
    • “zero irritation even on sensitive skin”
    • “doesn't sting or burn”
    • “gentlest exfoliator I've used”
    • “great for daily use”
  • Smooths Skin Texture Mostly Mentioned
    • “skin feels like a baby's”
    • “removed all my dry flakes”
    • “makeup sits perfectly after”
    • “smooth glass skin finish”
  • Hydrating Finish Often Mentioned
    • “no tight feeling after rinsing”
    • “feels hydrating while peeling”
    • “leaves a moisture film”
    • “skin feels supple”
  • Pore & Blackhead Care Sometimes Noted
    • “helped with nose blackheads”
    • “pores look cleaner”
    • “cleared up sebaceous filaments”
    • “good for clogged pores”
  • Too gentle / Ineffective Sometimes Noted
    • “didn't notice a difference”
    • “too mild for my rough skin”
    • “wanted a deeper scrub”
    • “felt like it did nothing”
  • Breakouts Rarely Noted
    • “caused tiny white bumps”
    • “broke me out in T-zone”
    • “triggered fungal acne”
    • “clogged my pores”
  • Scent Rarely Noted
    • “smells like medicine”
    • “weird herbal scent”
    • “scent is a bit strong”
    • “didn't like the fragrance”
  • Texture & Pilling Confusion Rarely Noted
    • “clumps got stuck in peach fuzz”
    • “hard to wash off residue”
    • “weird chunky texture”
    • “messy to use”

Sources: lovi.care, stylekorean.com, yesstyle.com, oliveyoung.com, iherb.com, stylevana.com, and more

Questions and answers

How well does ANUA Heartleaf LHA Moisture Peeling Gel work for acne-prone skin?

This product works moderately well for acne-prone skin, helping smooth texture and balance oily and dry areas, though other products fit this skin better. It is safe and unlikely to cause irritation, but its exfoliation level is not targeted enough to significantly address breakouts. An exfoliant treatment for acne-prone skin needs effective ingredients like niacinamide, propolis, or zinc PCA that target breakouts and control oiliness while providing hydration without irritation.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021

Which ingredients make this exfoliant a good fit for acne-prone skin?

Capryloyl salicylic acid and 2-hexanediol make this exfoliant a fit by providing moderate exfoliation that helps smooth texture and balance oily and dry areas. To better fit acne-prone skin, a product of this type needs effective ingredients like niacinamide, propolis, or zinc PCA that target blemishes while keeping skin balanced and hydrated without irritation.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021

What does Capryloyl Salicylic Acid do for acne-prone skin?

Capryloyl salicylic acid helps clear acne and calm oily skin by working gently on the surface to clear out pores. It may reduce both red spots and clogged pores as effectively as standard acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide, making it a good choice for keeping skin smooth.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2009Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2013

What does Houttuynia Cordata Extract do for acne-prone skin?

Houttuynia cordata extract helps acne-prone skin by fighting bacteria and calming redness and swelling. It reduces cell damage from inflammation and supports skin repair, making it a soothing addition to your routine.

Antioxidants, 2022Heliyon, 2024

Where does this exfoliant go in a skincare routine for acne-prone skin?

This exfoliant treatment fits into an evening routine, starting at once a week and slowly increasing if your skin tolerates it well. Because it offers only moderate exfoliation, acne-prone skin needs a product with stronger targeted acids or blemish-fighting ingredients to significantly address breakouts.

Can I use this exfoliant with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this exfoliant in your routine, but you should avoid applying it on the same nights you use retinol to lower the likelihood of irritation. Use this gentle gel on your non-retinol nights after cleansing and before your moisturizer to keep your skin smooth and calm.

How often should I use this exfoliant?

Start by using this exfoliant once a week, and if your skin feels comfortable and you see good results, you can carefully use it more often. This product type works well for acne-prone skin when it features targeted blemish-fighting ingredients and stronger exfoliating acids.

Can this exfoliant clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for acne-prone skin?

This exfoliant is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for your acne-prone skin, as it has a very low risk of causing new blemishes. However, because its gentle exfoliation is not targeted enough to significantly address existing acne, an acne-prone skin needs a product with stronger exfoliating acids and soothing plant extracts to truly clear pores and breakouts.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021

Is this exfoliant fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

What the research says

  • Daily treatment with a facial serum containing multiple acids reduced post-inflammatory hyperchromia lesion grade and number by 29.4% at 56 days, and decreased skin oiliness by 30.7% at 7 days in Brazilian patients with acne vulgaris.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
  • Capryloyl salicylic acid peel reduced fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation comparably to glycolic acid peel in 44 female volunteers, with no statistically significant differences between the two treatments.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2008
  • A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women.

    Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
  • Combining a salicylic acid and lipohydroxy acid facial serum and mask improved closed comedones and acne severity significantly more than serum alone in adults with acne over 8 weeks, with no adverse reactions reported.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023
  • Parity was demonstrated between an OTC BPO 5.5% formulation with lipohydroxy acid and tretinoin cream 0.025% versus prescription clindamycin 1%-BPO 5% gel and tretinoin cream 0.025% in participants with mild to moderate acne vulgaris at 12 weeks.

    Cutis, 2012
  • Daily use of a deep cleansing gel containing salicylic acid 2%, zinc gluconate 0.2% and lipohydroxy acid 0.05% significantly reduced total lesion count by 56.3% after 84 days in 35 subjects with mild to moderate truncal acne.

    Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2023
  • Quercetin phospholipids 1% cream significantly reduced UV-, histamine-, and chemical-induced skin erythema (-10.05%) and mean wheal diameter in 30 healthy human volunteers, showing comparable efficacy to 1% dexchlorpheniramine cream.

    Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2016
  • Quercetin-loaded niosomes formulated with Span60-RH40 at a 9:11 mass ratio improved quercetin solubility, photostability, sustained release, and transdermal penetration, yielding a skin retention 2.95 times higher than quercetin solution.

    Molecules, 2019
  • Optimized rutin-loaded glycerosomes formulated into a nanosunscreen gel demonstrated sustained drug release, greater skin permeation, good antioxidant activity, and better epidermal retention compared to the dermis, indicating high safety, stability, and sun protection factor values for topical administration.

    Gels, 2023
  • Aloe vera and Aloe marlothii hydrate skin after single application while Aloe ferox dehydrates it, all aloe materials dehydrate skin after multiple applications, and Aloe vera and Aloe ferox reduce erythema similarly to hydrocortisone gel in healthy female volunteers.

    Pharmacognosy Magazine, 2014
  • Aloesin treatment suppressed UV-induced skin pigmentation by 34%, arbutin by 43.5%, and their cotreatment by 63.3% compared to the vehicle control in human subjects.

    Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2002
  • Finasteride-oregano oil nanocubosomes loaded into aloe ferox gel enhanced drug release and ex vivo skin permeation compared to finasteride aqueous suspension and pure finasteride gel.

    Drug Delivery, 2022
  • Topical application of a plant body oil blend for 8 weeks reduced the Observer Scar Assessment Scale score by approximately 5% and the Patient Scar Assessment Scale score by approximately 20% in volunteers with non-hypertrophic scars or striae compared to an untreated control region.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2018
  • Plant extracts from Gomphrena globasa L., Clitoria ternatea L., Carthamus tinctorius L., Punica granatum L., and Papaver rhoeas L. demonstrated no cytotoxicity, high antioxidant potential, strong collagenase inhibition, moderate elastase inhibition, effective skin hydration, and varying suitability as stable cosmetic dyes when tested on keratinocyte and fibroblast cell lines and incorporated into face cream formulations.

    Molecules, 2021
  • Water extracts of Papaver rhoeas L., Punica granatum L., Clitoria ternatea L., Carthamus tinctorius L., and Gomphrena globosa L. showed no cytotoxicity on skin cells while exhibiting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and enzyme-inhibiting properties, with P. rhoeas, C. ternatea, and C. tinctorius demonstrating strong permanent coloring ability in cosmetic products.

    Molecules, 2022
  • Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control.

    Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011
  • Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction.

    Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022
  • Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days.

    BMC Oral Health, 2019

Why other products fit acne-prone skin better

Ingredients

Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Cellulose, 2-Hexanedio, Arginine, Acrylates C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Propanediol, Allantoin, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Dextrin, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Gardenia Florida 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

Behind this fit score

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.

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Prices checked 10 Oct – 5 Nov 2026

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for France.

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