Korean sunscreens have become a global sensation for their innovative formulas, skin-friendly ingredients, and elegant textures. Among the new generation of K-beauty sun care, the Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sunscreen stands out for its gentle yet effective approach, especially for those seeking hydration and comfort alongside robust UV protection. Here’s an expert deep dive into what makes this sunscreen special, its ingredients, real-world performance, and what you need to know before adding it to your routine.
About the Brand: Anua
Anua is a Korean skincare brand known for its minimalist philosophy, focusing on calming, balancing, and protecting the skin with simple yet effective natural ingredients. Their products, including the Heartleaf line, are designed to make skin comfortable and healthy, with a strong emphasis on vegan, cruelty-free, and sensitive-skin-friendly formulations.
Brand Promises & Product Overview
- SPF & PA Rating: Broad-spectrum SPF 50+ PA++++, offering high protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Finish: Lightweight, creamy, non-sticky, and semi-dewy with no white cast, suitable for all skin tones, including deeper complexions.
- Skin Benefits: Soothes, hydrates, and calms thanks to a high concentration of Heartleaf (Houttuynia Cordata) extract, panthenol, and green tea.
- Vegan & Cruelty-Free: Certified vegan, cruelty-free, and reef-safe.
- Free From: No harsh alcohols, fragrances, oils, parabens, or sulfates; pregnancy-friendly and suitable for eczema-prone skin.
- Texture & Scent: Lightweight, creamy, and scent-free for a comfortable daily wear.
Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sunscreen Key Ingredients & Breakdown
Water, Houttuynia Cordata Extract (300,000 ppm), Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Caprylyl Methicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Tromethamine, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Polysilicone-15, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Anastatica Hierochuntica Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Flower Extract, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Castanea Crenata (Chestnut) Shell Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Panthenol, Glyceryl Stearate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Methylpropanediol, Carbomer, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Adenosine, Polyether-1, Biosaccharide Gum-1
- Heartleaf (Houttuynia Cordata) Extract: 30% concentration, grown and harvested in Korea, renowned for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties-ideal for sensitive, irritated, or acne-prone skin.
- Panthenol: Locks in moisture and supports skin barrier repair, adding a hydrating and calming effect.
- Niacinamide: Brightening, anti-aging, and helps reduce pores and dark spots.
- Green Tea Extract: Antioxidant-rich, further soothes and protects the skin.
- Chemical (Organic) UV Filters: Provides high, broad-spectrum protection without leaving a white cast.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Present in some versions, for enhanced hydration and moisture retention.
My Thoughts
Application & Texture:
The Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sunscreen glides on with a creamy, lightweight texture that absorbs quickly. There’s no sticky or heavy feeling, and it leaves a semi-dewy, healthy finish-never greasy or oily on my combination skin. It layers beautifully under makeup, acting almost like a hydrating primer and prolonging foundation wear.
Performance:
- No White Cast: Truly invisible on all skin tones, including deeper complexions-making it a standout among Asian sunscreens.
- Hydration: Provides lasting moisture, making it especially comfortable for those with dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin. The formula is gentle and non-irritating for most users.
- Sebum Control: While hydrating, it also helps control excess oil, making it suitable for oily and combination skin types like mine, though some users with very oily skin may find it a bit too moisturizing in hot, humid weather.
- No Fragrance or Irritation: Scent-free and generally well-tolerated, though a minority of users with very sensitive skin have reported mild stinging or a greasy feel.
Drawbacks:
- Not Water-Resistant: Best for daily use rather than sports or swimming or very hot weather when we sweat a lot (though it is a common drawback for almost all the Korean sunscreens, the only one exception is the Abib Airy Sun Stick Smoothing Bar)
- Size: it’s 50 ml which is a common size for Korean sunscreens and is good to take with you to re-application, but, honestly, I need a jumbo size of it!
Aggregate User & Expert Reviews
Positive Highlights:
- Blends instantly with no residue or white cast, even on deeper toned skin.
- Leaves skin feeling hydrated, calm, and comfortable all day.
- Works well under makeup, with a silky, non-pilling finish.
- Highly rated for sensitive and acne-prone skin, with many users reporting no breakouts or irritation.
Negative/Neutral Feedback:
- Not water- or sweat-resistant, so not ideal for outdoor sports or heavy activity.
Representative Quotes:
“It spreads easily and melts into the skin within seconds, leaving zero white cast. The finish is nice, it feels silky smooth, very lightweight, and works really well under my makeup.”
“I love it, it made my skin so soft.”
Where to Buy
You can purchase Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sunscreen from several reputable retailers:
- Major K-Beauty Retailers like YesStyle (±11,85 €)
- Amazon (±18$)
- Price Range: Typically $13–$21 USD for 50ml, depending on the retailer and current promotions
Conclusion
The Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sunscreen is a standout for those seeking a gentle, hydrating, and truly invisible sunscreen for daily use. Its skin-soothing formula, high protection, and compatibility with makeup make it an excellent choice for sensitive, dry, and combination skin types. While not water-resistant and possibly too moisturizing for very oily skin in hot climates, its strengths in comfort, finish, and skin compatibility have earned it a loyal following in the K-beauty community.
If you’re looking for a vegan, cruelty-free sunscreen that feels like skincare and looks invisible on every skin tone, Anua’s Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sunscreen is well worth considering.
Pro Tip: Always patch test new sunscreens, especially if you have sensitive skin, and reapply every two hours for optimal protection.
Anua Heartleaf Sunscreen Q&A
Is Anua Heartleaf Sunscreen physical or chemical?
Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sunscreen is a chemical sunscreen. It uses chemical (organic) UV filters to provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, rather than mineral (physical) filters like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
What is the SPF and PA rating of Anua Heartleaf Sunscreen?
It offers SPF 50+ and PA++++, ensuring high protection from both UVB and UVA rays for daily sun care.
Is Anua Heartleaf Sunscreen suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes, it is formulated with 30% Heartleaf (Houttuynia Cordata) extract, known for its soothing and calming properties, making it ideal for sensitive and irritated skin. It is also fragrance-free, vegan, and contains hydrating ingredients like panthenol and hyaluronic acid.
Does Anua Heartleaf Sunscreen leave a white cast?
No, the sunscreen is designed to blend seamlessly into the skin with no white cast, making it suitable for all skin tones, including deeper complexions.
Can I use Anua Heartleaf Sunscreen on acne-prone skin?
Yes, the soothing and non-comedogenic ingredients, including heartleaf extract and panthenol, make it suitable for acne-prone and sensitive skin types.
Is Anua Heartleaf Sunscreen non-comedogenic?
Yes, the formulation is non-comedogenic, meaning it is designed not to clog pores or exacerbate acne or breakouts. This makes it suitable for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types.
Is Anua Heartleaf Sunscreen good for oily skin?
The sunscreen is marketed as suitable for oily skin due to its non-comedogenic formula and sebum-control effect, which helps prevent clogged pores and balances oil throughout the day. However, some users with oily skin have reported that it can feel greasy in humid conditions, so it may be better suited for oily skin in cooler or drier climates, or for those who prefer a dewy finish.
Is Anua Heartleaf Sunscreen good for dry skin?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for dry skin. The formula is hydrating and contains soothing ingredients like heartleaf extract and panthenol, which help lock in moisture and calm irritation. Many reviewers highlight its ability to keep dry skin comfortable and nourished throughout the day.
Is Anua Heartleaf Sunscreen fungal acne safe?
Based on ingredient analysis, Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sunscreen is generally considered non-comedogenic and suitable for acne-prone skin. However, it is not specifically listed as fungal acne safe by major community resources, and some ingredients (such as certain esters and fatty alcohols) may not be ideal for those highly sensitive to malassezia (fungal acne). If you are prone to fungal acne, it is advisable to patch test or consult a detailed ingredient checker for your specific triggers.
How does Anua Heartleaf Sunscreen perform under makeup?
The sunscreen is lightweight, absorbs quickly, and provides a smooth, non-sticky base, making it suitable for use under makeup. Its hydrating and oil controlling formula can also act as a primer, helping makeup last longer.