🇬🇧United Kingdom

Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam for acne-prone skin

High

  • HighCombination Skin Fit
  • HighEffectiveness
  • ExcellentSafety

A great choice for acne-prone skin; a few cleansers fit it even 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 excellent cleansing for your combination skin and acne concerns, as salicylic acid and capryloyl salicylic acid effectively clear pores and provide mild exfoliation. Multiple forms of sodium hyaluronate ensure adequate hydration, balancing the cleansing action.
  • The inclusion of Houttuynia Cordata Extract and Quercetin further supports your skin by offering soothing benefits and reducing inflammation associated with breakouts.
  • This formula is safe for your skin, with no risk of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the presence of calming components.

How to apply

  • Could be used as part of your AM and PM routine. Start using it 3 times a week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it.
  • This cleanser is the first step in your morning routine and the second step after your pre-cleanser in the evening. Always follow up with a toner and moisturizer .
  • Gently massage a small amount of the cleanser onto your face in circular motions. Avoid harsh rubbing to keep your skin calm.
  • Apply the cleanser on slightly damp skin to help it work effectively against breakouts. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water .
  • Avoid the immediate eye area and do a patch test before your first use to check for any sensitivity.

People Say

★4.6Overall rating based on 3.5k+ reviews

Based on a very large amount of data, this cleanser is highly recommended by users with oily and acne-prone skin for its exceptional ability to deeply cleanse pores, effectively remove sebaceous filaments, and control oiliness, leaving the skin feeling thoroughly clean. However, a significant number of users with dry or sensitive skin report that it can be overly drying and stripping, potentially causing tightness, irritation, or compromising the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Highlights

  • Deep pore cleansing Mostly Mentioned
    • “cleared the large pores”
    • “eliminated blackheads on nose”
    • “removes sebaceous filaments”
    • “skin feels squeaky clean”
  • Rich creamy lather Often Mentioned
    • “lathers quickly”
    • “dense and creamy”
    • “soft and rich bubbles”
    • “a little goes a long way”
  • Drying and stripping Often Mentioned
    • “leaves my skin tight”
    • “too drying for dry skin”
    • “stripped my moisture barrier”
    • “felt squeaky but dry”
  • Acne & oil control Sometimes Noted
    • “helped clear acne on chin”
    • “reduced oil on my face”
    • “calming down acne”
    • “less congestion”
  • Gentle exfoliation Sometimes Noted
    • “grainy formula exfoliates”
    • “heartleaf powder to remove dead skin”
    • “skin feels smooth after”
  • Breakouts or purging Sometimes Noted
    • “caused peeling and irritation”
    • “broke me out with small pustules”
    • “awful purging”
    • “whiteheads popped up”
  • Skin irritation Rarely Noted
    • “stung immediately”
    • “face was red and warm”
    • “irritated my skin like crazy”
    • “caused peeling around nose”
  • Strong scent Rarely Noted
    • “smell is too much”
    • “strong minty/eucalyptus scent”
    • “smelled like cardboard”

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

Questions and answers

What makes Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam a great fit for acne-prone skin?

This cleanser is a great fit because salicylic acid clears out pores with mild exfoliation while soothing ingredients help calm your breakouts. Multiple forms of hydration keep your skin balanced, and the formula is safe without harsh ingredients that might cause irritation.

International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2022Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024

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

Salicylic acid and capryloyl salicylic acid make this cleanser a great fit by clearing pores and providing mild exfoliation for acne-prone skin. Additionally, houttuynia cordata extract and quercetin help soothe the skin and reduce inflammation from breakouts.

International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2022Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024

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

What does Salicylic Acid do for acne-prone skin?

Salicylic acid helps clear acne-prone skin by reducing pimples and calming redness without causing many side effects. It works by dipping deep into pores to clear out blockages and control oil, making it a reliable choice for keeping skin smooth and clear.

BioMed Research International, 2020Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024

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

This cleanser fits into your morning and evening routine as the first cleansing step or the second step after a makeup remover at night. Salicylic acid helps clear pores while Houttuynia Cordata Extract and sodium hyaluronate soothe and keep skin balanced and hydrated.

The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024

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

You can use this cleanser in the same routine as retinol, but it is best to use them at different times of day to keep your skin calm. Use this cleanser in the morning or on nights when you are giving your skin a break from retinol, and follow it with a gentle moisturizer.

How often should I use this cleanser?

You can use this cleanser twice a day as part of your morning and evening routine. Salicylic acid and soothing plant extracts help clear pores and calm breakouts safely without causing irritation.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023

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

This cleanser is a great fit for acne-prone skin because salicylic acid clears out pores and helps prevent breakouts, while soothing ingredients calm inflammation. It is unlikely to cause irritation, though some shoppers do experience mild purging as it clears the skin.

International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2022Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024

Can I use this cleanser around the eyes or on my body?

This cleanser is a great fit for acne-prone skin, but you should avoid using it around the eyes because the skin there is very thin and sensitive. It is safe to use on your body where the skin is thicker.

Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002

Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

What the research says

  • Twice daily application of a multitargeted dermocosmetic cream provided comparable efficacy to benzoyl peroxide 5% gel in reducing inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and total lesions in 150 Caucasian subjects with mild-to-moderate acne over 56 days, while demonstrating superior skin tolerability.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
  • The use of a salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic significantly reduces the needed quantity of benzoyl peroxide without impacting efficacy in mild to moderate acne, and as maintenance post-benzoyl peroxide allows a significant reduction of acne relapse compared to vehicle.

    Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023
  • A moisturizer containing licochalcone A, 1,2-decanediol, L-carnitine, and salicylic acid significantly reduced noninflammatory, inflammatory, and total acne lesion counts compared to a vehicle control in Thai patients during a 12-week maintenance phase.

    BioMed Research International, 2020
  • Quercetin loaded composite nanofibers achieved a skin deposition of 28.24%, higher antibacterial efficacy against Propionibacterium acne compared to quercetin alone, safety on skin fibroblastic cells, and a reduction of 61.2% in inflammatory, 14.7% in comedonal, and 52.9% in total acne lesions in acne patients.

    International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2022
  • A novel composition containing salicylic acid, capryloyl salicylic acid, HEPES, glycolic acid, citric acid, and dioic acid showed similar tolerance and efficacy compared with clindamycin 1% and benzoyl peroxide 5% gel in subjects with acne vulgaris.

    Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2013
  • 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
  • Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen achieved a higher cure rate (39%) than salicylic acid (24%) and a wait-and-see approach (16%) for cutaneous warts at 13 weeks in primary care patients.

    CMAJ, 2010
  • Treatment with 2% supramolecular salicylic acid hydrogel resulted in a regression and markedly improvement rate of 51.01% compared to 43.10% for Adapaline gel in patients with mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris, showing no significant difference in efficacy.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
  • Topical 5% benzoyl peroxide plus salicylic acid achieved the greatest lesion reduction at early 2 to 4 week time points compared to benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, and combination benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin, while 5% benzoyl peroxide plus salicylic acid and combination benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin showed similar efficacy at 10 to 12 weeks in acne patients.

    Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2010
  • 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
  • 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
  • The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020
  • Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001

Ingredients

Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Water, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Coco-Glucoside, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Sodium Chloride, 1,2-Hexanediol, Salicylic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Lecithin, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Hydroxypropyl Phosphate Starch, Potassium Benzoate, Polyquaternium-67, Houttuynia Cordata Powder, Quercetin, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Tocopherol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Dextrin, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium Edta

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.

How does it fit your skin?

Scan your face, then any product.

Buy online

Prices checked 10 Oct – 6 Nov 2026

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

How does it fit your skin?

Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.