If you search for Anua cleansing oil review, you’ll find two completely different stories.
One side of the internet says the Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil is amazing: it melts makeup in seconds, cleans out pores and makes skin feel ridiculously smooth.
The other side says: it broke me out.
I’ve actually used it, and my experience is much closer to the first group – although I do have a couple of complaints.
The short version?
I genuinely think this is a very good cleansing oil.
Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil removes most makeup extremely quickly, it can loosen visible sebum surprisingly well, and with regular use I’ve noticed that areas where I tend to get little plugs of sebum feel much smoother. My makeup also sits better over those areas.
But no skincare product works exactly the same way for everyone.
And there are two things I don’t love about the original Anua cleansing oil: the fragrance and the fact that, strangely enough, it takes more effort than I expected to remove my mascara.
So let’s get into the details.
What Is the Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil?
The Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil is a Korean oil cleanser designed to be used as the first step of double cleansing.
You apply it to dry skin with dry hands, massage it over your face, add a little water to emulsify it, and then rinse.
The whole idea behind oil cleansing is simple: oil-soluble makeup, sunscreen and sebum are easier to lift with an oil-based cleanser than with water alone.
Anua specifically markets this one for removing makeup, sunscreen, impurities and excess sebum. The brand also reports a measured change in sebum levels in its product testing.
But marketing aside, what is it actually like to use?
My Anua Cleansing Oil Review
I’ll start with the biggest positive:
It removes makeup ridiculously fast
For most of my face, this stuff is excellent.
Foundation, concealer, sunscreen and general everyday makeup start dissolving almost immediately when I massage the oil into dry skin.
There’s very little effort involved.
You massage it in, add water, it turns milky, rinse — done.
And that is honestly one of the main reasons I keep using cleansing oils in general. I don’t want to spend five minutes aggressively rubbing my face with cotton pads every evening.
The Anua oil makes that part easy.
Interestingly, this matches one of the most consistent themes in other user reviews too. Makeup and sunscreen removal are probably the least controversial things about this product. Verified reviewers frequently describe it as lightweight while still being very effective at dissolving makeup.
The sebum-removing effect is real – at least for me
This is actually the part I find most impressive.
You’ve probably seen those videos where someone massages cleansing oil into their nose and suddenly dozens of tiny plugs seem to come out of their pores.
I wouldn’t expect anything quite that dramatic.
But I do notice the oil loosening visible sebum.
For me, one of the obvious areas is just underneath the lower lip. I can sometimes get tiny bits of hardened or protruding sebum there that make the texture of the skin feel rough.
If I properly massage the Anua oil over that area, I can genuinely feel that buildup loosening and disappearing.
The same idea applies to areas around the nose and chin.
Technically, not everything people casually call a “blackhead” is actually a blackhead. A lot of what we see around the nose, chin and similar areas can be sebaceous filaments or compacted sebum.
So I’d be a little careful with the viral claim that Anua cleansing oil “dissolves blackheads.”
A better description is:
It can loosen and remove excess sebum and sebaceous buildup.
And in my experience, it does that very well.
Other users report similar experiences, including visible whiteheads or sebum coming away during oil cleansing, although the results vary considerably from person to person.
It Actually Makes My Makeup Sit Better
This is one of the less obvious benefits.
If I use the oil regularly and keep areas with visible sebum buildup smooth, foundation simply looks better over them.
There’s less rough texture for makeup to catch on.
I wouldn’t describe cleansing oil as some magical makeup primer — obviously it isn’t.
But if tiny plugs of sebum are creating texture on the skin, removing that buildup can make the surface look smoother.
And that difference is noticeable once makeup goes on top.
For me, this is actually a better reason to keep using the Anua oil than the dramatic TikTok “look what came out of my pores” videos.
It’s the cumulative effect that I like.
My One Weird Complaint: Mascara
Here’s the strange part.
You’d think that an oil cleanser that dissolves foundation so easily would demolish mascara.
Mine doesn’t.
It does remove it, but I need to spend considerably more time working around the lashes than I do on the rest of my face.
So when people say this removes all makeup instantly, that hasn’t quite been my experience.
Face makeup: incredibly fast.
Mascara: needs more patience.
This can obviously depend on the exact mascara you use, particularly if it is waterproof or designed for very long wear.
Interestingly, Anua’s newer Mild version has specifically undergone eye-irritation testing and is marketed as gentle around the eyes. Some verified reviewers also report good waterproof-mascara removal with that version.
So if eye makeup is your main concern, the Mild formula may be worth considering.
The Other Downside: Yes, It Has Fragrance
This is probably my main criticism of the original formula.
It is fragranced.
And I don’t particularly understand why a cleansing oil needs fragrance in the first place.
The current ingredient list published by Anua for the original Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil includes fragrance.
For me, this is a downside.
For somebody else, it may be completely irrelevant — or they may actually enjoy a fragranced cleansing product.
This is one of those skincare preferences that is extremely personal.
If your skin happily tolerates fragrance, I wouldn’t reject an otherwise good cleanser solely because it smells nice.
If you know your skin reacts to fragranced products, however, there is now a better Anua option.
Anua Cleansing Oil for Sensitive Skin: The Mild Version
Anua also makes the Heartleaf Pore Cleansing Oil Mild.
And this is the version I would look at first if you have particularly sensitive or reactive skin.
The Mild cleansing oil is specifically formulated and marketed by Anua for sensitive skin. The brand labels it as:
- fragrance-free;
- low-irritation;
- non-comedogenic;
- suitable for sensitive skin;
- tested for eye irritation.
It still has the same basic job: dissolve makeup, sunscreen, impurities and excess sebum before you follow with your water-based cleanser.
There is one nuance worth knowing.
Although Anua calls the Mild formula fragrance-free, its ingredient list contains rosemary leaf oil.
So there is no added “Fragrance/Parfum” ingredient like there is in the original formula, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the product is completely scentless or that absolutely every extremely reactive skin type will tolerate it.
Some reviewers describe a very faint herbal smell, which is consistent with the presence of rosemary leaf oil.
Still, if fragrance is specifically what bothers you about the original Anua cleansing oil, the Mild version makes much more sense.
Verified reviews of the Mild formula are also generally positive about its lightweight texture and performance on sensitive or acne-prone skin, although — again — individual experiences vary.
Which Anua cleansing oil should you choose?
If your skin is very sensitive, reactive, or you deliberately avoid added fragrance, I’d choose the Mild version.
If your skin generally tolerates skincare well and you don’t mind fragrance, I don’t think you necessarily need to avoid the original.
Moreover, the original version gets awards and now it’s #3 best seller on YesStyle – and I really get it.
What Other Anua Cleansing Oil Reviews Say
This is where things get interesting.
On Anua’s own website, the original cleansing oil currently has a 4.7/5 rating from more than 680 reviews. The positive comments tend to sound familiar:
- makeup dissolves quickly;
- the texture is thin and lightweight;
- it rinses away well;
- skin feels clean rather than coated in oil;
- some users notice less visible sebum or congestion.
Independent retailer reviews show similar positives. That doesn’t mean it will behave identically on your skin. Skincare is annoyingly personal like that.
Some People Say Heartleaf Anua Cleansing Oil Breaks Them Out
Yes.
There are people who love this cleanser.
And there are people who say they developed bumps, pimples or closed comedones while using it.
That doesn’t automatically mean the product is “comedogenic” for everybody.
Anua says both the original and Mild versions have undergone non-comedogenic testing.
But no test can tell you exactly how your individual skin will react.
That applies to almost everything in skincare.
A product can work beautifully for thousands of people and still make your skin unhappy.
That’s why I wouldn’t say:
“This oil cannot clog your pores because it is non-comedogenic.”
That’s far too absolute.
I’d say:
It works extremely well for me, but you still need to watch your own skin.
If you introduce it and suddenly start getting lots of new closed comedones or unusual breakouts, don’t force yourself to keep using it simply because the internet says it’s a holy-grail product.
How I Think You Should Use The Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
The biggest thing is: actually massage it.
I wouldn’t just spread the oil over my face and immediately rinse it away.
Put it onto dry hands and dry skin and spend a little time working it around areas where makeup, sunscreen and sebum tend to accumulate.
For me, those are areas like the nose, chin and underneath the lower lip.
But there’s a difference between a proper massage and aggressively rubbing your face for ten minutes. 1-2 minutes are enough.
Once you’re done:
- Wet your fingertips – with WARM water.
- Massage the face again.
- The oil should turn milky – this is the emulsification step.
- Add a little more water if necessary and massage again.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Follow with your normal water-based cleanser.
Anua itself recommends this double-cleansing process and specifically advises removing the remaining oil with a water-based cleanser.
I think that last step is particularly sensible if you’re prone to congestion.
Does Anua Cleansing Oil Really Remove Blackheads?
This needs a slightly annoying answer:
Yes-ish.
If by “blackheads” you mean every dark dot you can see on your nose magically disappearing after one use, no.
If you mean that an oil cleanser can loosen oily buildup, excess sebum and some material sitting inside or around the pore, then yes – that is absolutely something I notice when I use it.
And I think this is where some of the confusion around viral Anua videos comes from.
People use blackhead, sebaceous filament, sebum plug and pore gunk almost interchangeably online.
They’re not necessarily the same thing.
What I can say from my own experience is that visible sebum buildup becomes easier to remove when I massage this oil into the skin, and regular use keeps those areas smoother.
That is enough of a result for me.
Is Anua Cleansing Oil Good for Acne-Prone Skin?
Potentially.
But this is where I would pay attention to your own history with oil cleansers rather than relying entirely on reviews.
Both the original and Mild formulas are marketed as non-comedogenic, and the Mild version in particular is positioned for sensitive skin.
There are plenty of acne-prone users who say they love them.
There are also users who say they broke out.
If you already know your skin reacts badly to many cleansing oils, introduce it cautiously.
If you regularly use cleansing oils without any problem, there’s no obvious reason to assume this one will suddenly be disastrous for you.
Your skin gets the final vote.
Who Would I Recommend It To?
I’d recommend trying the Anua cleansing oil if you:
- wear sunscreen or makeup regularly;
- want makeup to come off quickly;
- get visible sebum buildup around your nose, chin or under the lip;
- prefer a lightweight oil rather than a thick one;
- like double cleansing;
- want a smoother skin surface before applying makeup.
I’d lean toward the Mild version if you:
- have very sensitive or reactive skin;
- actively avoid added fragrance;
- find fragranced skincare irritating;
- want Anua’s gentler cleansing-oil option.
And if your skin absolutely hates oil cleansing in general?
You probably don’t need to force yourself into using one just because it’s popular.
My Final Anua Cleansing Oil Review
So, after actually using it, would I recommend the Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil?
Yes.
For me, it’s genuinely a very good product.
It removes most makeup extremely quickly.
It makes double cleansing easy.
And, most importantly, I can actually see and feel a difference in areas where sebum tends to build up. With regular use, those areas stay smoother and my makeup sits better on top.
FAQ
Is Anua cleansing oil worth it?
In my experience, yes. It removes face makeup and sunscreen very quickly and does an excellent job loosening visible sebum buildup. But individual tolerance matters.
Does Anua cleansing oil remove blackheads?
It can help loosen oil and sebum buildup, and I personally notice visible debris coming away from areas such as underneath my lower lip. However, not every visible pore is a true blackhead, and I wouldn’t expect dramatic one-use blackhead removal.
Does Anua cleansing oil remove mascara?
It does for me, but mascara is actually the type of makeup I have to work at the longest. Face makeup dissolves much faster. Your result may depend on the mascara formula, particularly if it is waterproof.
Does Anua cleansing oil contain fragrance?
The original Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil lists fragrance in its current ingredient list. The Heartleaf Pore Cleansing Oil Mild is marketed as fragrance-free and does not list added fragrance/parfum, although it does contain rosemary leaf oil.
Which Anua cleansing oil is better for sensitive skin?
The Heartleaf Pore Cleansing Oil Mild is Anua’s version specifically formulated for sensitive skin. It is marketed as low-irritation and fragrance-free and has undergone eye-irritation testing.
Can Anua cleansing oil break you out?
Some users report breakouts or closed comedones while using cleansing oils, including Anua. Both Anua formulas are marketed as non-comedogenic, but individual skin reactions still vary. If you notice a clear increase in congestion after introducing it, discontinue it and reassess your routine.
Do you need to double cleanse after Anua cleansing oil?
Anua recommends following its cleansing oil with a water-based cleanser to remove remaining oil residue.