Anua Heartleaf 77 Toner Pads Daily Exfoliating PHA Pads 70ct product photo
Anua

Heartleaf 77 Toner Pads Daily Exfoliating PHA Pads 70ct

4.5 · 4.8k reviews
$21.99approx.
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Hand-picked and reviewed by our editors. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

What it is

Anua's Heartleaf 77 Toner Pads are pre-soaked exfoliating rounds built around a 77% Houttuynia cordata (heartleaf) extract base — an ingredient well-established in K-beauty for its anti-inflammatory properties. The exfoliant is a polyhydroxy acid (PHA), the gentlest acid class available, which means chemical exfoliation without the sting or photosensitivity risk that comes with AHAs like glycolic acid. Each jar contains 70 dual-textured pads: a slightly ridged side for physical-assist exfoliation and a smooth side for pressing the remaining essence into skin.

Who it's for

These pads are well-suited to sensitive, oily, and combination skin types dealing with congested pores, uneven tone, or persistent low-grade redness. PHA's large molecular size limits how deeply it penetrates the skin barrier, which is a genuine advantage for reactive complexions that can't tolerate glycolic or salicylic acid without irritation. Centella asiatica (cica) reinforces that calming angle, making this a reasonable daily-use option even for compromised barriers.

Consider skipping them — or using them less frequently — if your skin is very dry and relies on a toner step for immediate hydration; a hydrating toner layered underneath may be necessary. Anyone currently using prescription retinoids or a strong AHA/BHA routine should be cautious about layering another exfoliating step without monitoring tolerance first.

How to use it

Use after cleansing and before any serums or moisturizer. Unfold a pad and swipe the ridged side over the face in light outward strokes, avoiding the eye area, then flip to the smooth side and gently press the remaining product into the skin. Because PHA is gentler than most acids, daily use is realistic for most people — start every other day if your skin is reactive, then build to daily once you've confirmed tolerance. These work morning or evening, though applying SPF in the morning is non-negotiable any time you're using an exfoliating acid.

Key ingredients

Heartleaf extract (77%): Houttuynia cordata is the star here and is present at a concentration high enough to meaningfully influence the formula. It has documented anti-inflammatory activity and is commonly used in Korean skincare to address redness and sensitivity at the skin surface.

Polyhydroxy acid (PHA): PHAs exfoliate by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells at the surface, improving texture and promoting a more even tone over time. Unlike AHAs, PHAs also function as humectants, drawing water into the skin as they work — a meaningful bonus in an exfoliating product. The tradeoff is that results build more gradually than with stronger acids.

Centella asiatica (Cica): Centella's active compounds — including madecassoside and asiaticoside — support the skin barrier and help calm post-exfoliation reactivity. Its inclusion here is consistent with the formula's broader sensitivity-first positioning.

Pros & cons

  • PHA is genuinely safe for daily use on sensitive and reactive skin
  • 77% heartleaf concentration is high enough to have a calming effect, not just a label claim
  • Dual-textured pad adds light physical exfoliation without a separate step
  • Centella supports barrier integrity alongside the exfoliation
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars across nearly 4,800 reviews suggests consistent performance across a large sample
  • 70 pads per jar is a generous count for a daily product
  • PHA works more gradually than AHA or BHA — shoppers expecting fast visible results may be disappointed
  • Not a strong enough exfoliant for heavily congested or keratosis pilaris-prone skin
  • The pad format makes it harder to control exactly how much product you're using each session
  • Daily exfoliation, even gentle, can over-exfoliate if layered carelessly with other actives

How it compares

If your primary concern is calming sensitive skin and repairing barrier function rather than exfoliating, COSRX Snail Mucin 92% Face Moisturizer takes a fundamentally different approach — no exfoliation, just dense hydration and repair support via snail secretion filtrate. It complements these pads well as a follow-up moisturizer rather than competing with them. For targeted breakout management alongside your exfoliation routine, COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches address active spots with hydrocolloid technology — a different mechanism that works well alongside rather than instead of an acid pad.

The verdict

The Anua Heartleaf 77 Toner Pads occupy a specific and legitimate niche: daily acid exfoliation for skin that can't handle stronger actives. The high heartleaf concentration and centella support give the formula more of a calming identity than a corrective one, which is exactly right for the sensitivity and redness concerns it targets. If you're looking for dramatic exfoliation results quickly, a stronger AHA will outperform these. But for building a consistent, low-irritation exfoliation habit — especially for sensitive or post-reactive skin — they're a well-formulated, practical choice backed by a strong review record.

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What shoppers say

★ 4.5average from 4.8k ratings on Amazon

Shoppers with sensitive or reactive skin are especially enthusiastic, noting that these pads deliver a visible healthy glow and a smoothed, hydrated texture without triggering redness or irritation. Several long-time skincare enthusiasts say the improvement in skin clarity and luminosity stands out even against stronger actives like retinol or peels, and users appreciate how well the pads layer into existing routines.

The main caveat is patience: a few shoppers report no noticeable change after early use and caution that results can take time. Those expecting dramatic fast-acting exfoliation may find the gentle PHA approach underwhelming compared to stronger acids.

★★★★★ Meghan Verified purchase Nov 12, 2025
Definitely worth the purchase if you have easily irritated skin.

If you have red or easily irritated skin just get them!! My skin absolutely hates me most days. Even washing my face can sometimes cause it to revolt against me. I wear makeup mostly everyday, I regularly use actives in my evening and morning skincare routines, I'm lax on reappling sunscreen throughout the day (yes, I know I need to remember to do that) and many other things, so I put my skin through the ringer on a regular basis. Out of all of the skincare I have (and I have a lot) these have come in handy quite often since I got them. I use them as mini face masks mostly on my cheeks to help cool down and reduce the redness after cleansing in the mornings and evenings. I let them sit for about 10ish minutes and then rub the excess over the rest of my face. In the mornings I do use my hypochlorous acid spray and aha toner before hand and let them both dry down before putting these on and the evenings I use these after my tretinoin/differin dries down. They do have a cooling feeling after they are on for about a minute which to me and my raging skin feels lovely. By the time the serum dries down in the mornings and I apply the rest of my skincare it has not affected my makeup application or the longevity at all. These and the rest of the anua toners (I own 4) are really the only new things I have added into my routines lately and I can definitely tell a difference in my skin. These ones specifically help me with the redness and the "warm" feeling my skin can get from being irritated either from makeup, the sun, actives or just looking at it wrong. They come drenched in the serum so no worries about them ever drying out. You get 110 of them so they will last a good while and they won't slip and slide all over your face. I have cut them in little moon shapes to use as eye masks and cut them up to fit all over my face depending on where I needed them. Lastly they don't have to be used on just your face. If you got some red irritated skin anywhere just slap one of these on the area and they really do help. My son has some spots of dry itchy skin on his arms and I'll put one of these on after he showers and let it sit for a while before he puts lotion on. To me these are serum based and not to be used as a stand alone cleanser or to remove what cleansing didn't get. If that is what you are looking for I don't think you will like these. But if your skin is like mine and rages for absolutely no reason then I think you will really like them.

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★★★★ Celeste Verified purchase Jan 7, 2024
Promising Potential: ANUA Heartleaf 77 Toner Pad

I've used the ANUA Heartleaf 77 Toner Pad in my daily skincare routine. While I haven't noticed a significant difference in my skin yet, I remain hopeful about its potential benefits. Gentle Exfoliation with PHA: Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) for gentle exfoliation is a feature that initially attracted me to these toner pads. They provide a non-abrasive way to slough off dead skin cells, promoting a smoother complexion over time. Although I haven't seen dramatic results yet, I appreciate the low pH formulation that aligns with my commitment to gentle daily exfoliation. Heartleaf Extract: Including heartleaf extract in these toner pads is intriguing, given its reputation for calming and soothing properties. While I haven't observed any immediate mild effects, I remain optimistic about this ingredient's long-term benefits to my skin's overall health. Convenient and Hygienic Packaging: The toner pads are conveniently packaged, ensuring each pad is saturated with the product and ready for use. This makes them easy to incorporate into my routine and maintains their freshness. The hygienic packaging adds to the overall user experience. Hopeful Expectations: Despite not witnessing a noticeable change in my skin, I am hopeful and understand that skincare products often take time to show results. I plan to continue using the ANUA Heartleaf 77 Toner Pads consistently, anticipating positive changes in the texture and appearance of my skin with prolonged use. Potential for Long-Term Benefits: Skincare is a journey, and some products, like the ANUA Heartleaf 77 Toner Pad, require patience to reveal their full potential. I appreciate that skincare results are often cumulative, and I remain optimistic about the long-term benefits this product may bring to my skin. In conclusion, while I haven't seen immediate changes, I remain hopeful about the ANUA Heartleaf 77 Toner Pad and its potential benefits for my skin. Patience is vital in skincare, and I'm eager to continue using these toner pads to see how they contribute to my complexion's overall health and radiance.

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★★★★★ Tori26 Verified purchase May 4, 2026
The Biggest Visible Change I’ve Seen in My Skin in Years

✨If I could only keep one skincare product, it would honestly be these pads.✨ Even after trying peels, tools, clay masks, exfoliants, and retinol, this is the most noticeable improvement I’ve seen in my skin. I’m in my 50s and have tried a lot of skincare over the years — pore strips, clay masks, exfoliants, retinol, you name it. Very few products have made a noticeable difference in my skin, but these absolutely have. My biggest concern has always been the pores on my nose. They’ve looked enlarged for years and it’s something I’ve been self-conscious about. After using these pads, the difference was surprisingly visible — my pores looked tighter, my skin texture smoother, and my nose looked noticeably clearer. I added a close-up photo because this is where I’ve seen the biggest difference — my pores look visibly tighter and clearer What impressed me most is that I saw improvement right away, but the results actually kept getting better with consistent use. After about a month, my skin looks more refined overall and my nose pores appear much smaller than they used to. I also have sensitive, combination skin, so I’m careful with exfoliating products. These have been very gentle for me. The pads are thin but well saturated (not dripping), and I like using the textured side first to exfoliate, then flipping to the smooth side to finish. There’s no strong fragrance and they haven’t irritated my skin. Another unexpected benefit is how much better my makeup applies now. Foundation sits more smoothly and doesn’t settle into my pores the way it used to. After years of trying different skincare products, this may honestly be the one that has made the most noticeable change in my skin. If enlarged pores on your nose bother you like they did me, this product is absolutely worth trying. I will definitely always keep these in my routine. ✨This is one of the few products that has genuinely shocked me with how well it works! I’ve been telling everyone I know and I’m not a spokesperson! I’m just impressed and happy to find something that works so well!

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★★★★★ Rachel Verified purchase Jan 1, 2026
Hydration

When I first used this I was worried it was going to cause skin irritation or redness because I have such sensitive skin, but I red this particular line would be great for sensitive skin. The first time I used it, I put it all over my face, and then patted in the remaining liquid into my skin and then when it was drying it started to feel some tinge of irritation in some spots but it may have been just my skin getting used to it and drying. I think the pads themselves are super soft and soak up so much of the liquid so it does hydrate the skin for sure. The second time I used it I used two and I then let them rest on my cheeks a few minutes before removing them and tapping it into my skin. My skin looks more even and seems to look healthier. I love these and think they are great quality.

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★★★★★ Amazon Customer Verified purchase Apr 19, 2026
Gives the prettiest glow

I wasn’t sure what to expect from these, but I actually really like them. They give your skin such a pretty, healthy glow—like that glass skin look without feeling heavy or greasy. I like using these after a mist, and they layer really nicely on top. It just locks in that hydration and makes your skin look fresh, dewy, and smooth almost instantly. The pads are easy to use and feel gentle on the skin, so it’s a nice quick step when you don’t want to do a full routine. If you’re looking for something simple that gives you that glowy, hydrated look, these are definitely worth trying.

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Reviews are from verified Amazon customers, shown for reference. We don't edit or endorse individual reviews.

Heartleaf 77 Toner Pads Daily Exfoliating PHA Pads 70ct: frequently asked questions

What do the Anua Heartleaf toner pads do?

These pre-soaked pads combine gentle PHA exfoliation with 77% heartleaf extract to sweep away dead skin cells, debris, and excess oil in one swipe. The embossed side exfoliates while the softer side tones and soothes.

Centella (cica) calms redness as you go, so you get mild resurfacing and soothing in a single step — without the irritation risk that stronger AHAs or BHAs can carry. The result over time is smoother texture and a more even, less congested complexion.

Can I use Anua Heartleaf toner pads every day?

Yes — PHA is the mildest class of chemical exfoliant, which makes daily use reasonable for most skin types. Start once a day (evenings are popular) and watch how your skin responds before adding a morning pass.

If you notice dryness or tightness, pull back to every other day. Consistency over a few weeks is where you'll see the real payoff in texture and tone — more isn't always better with any exfoliant.

Can I use Anua toner morning and night?

Some users do use them AM and PM, and the gentle PHA formula is more tolerable for twice-daily use than an AHA would be. That said, twice-daily exfoliation isn't necessary for everyone, and skin can dehydrate or sensitize if over-exfoliated.

A practical approach is once daily at night to start; add a morning swipe only if your skin handles it comfortably. If you use them in the morning, always follow with SPF — exfoliation increases UV sensitivity.

Is Anua Heartleaf toner for dry skin?

It can work for dry and combination skin because PHA acts as a humectant — it attracts moisture while gently exfoliating, so you're less likely to feel stripped than with a traditional AHA pad. The heartleaf and cica extracts add a calming, soothing layer.

If your skin is very dry or compromised, follow with a hydrating moisturizer straight after — exfoliation of any kind increases the need for barrier support. This pad is genuinely better tolerated by sensitive skin than most exfoliating formats.

Is Anua Heartleaf toner acne safe?

Generally yes. PHA exfoliates the surface to prevent pore-clogging buildup, and heartleaf's calming properties can help ease post-breakout redness. These pads are not a spot treatment, but consistent use can discourage congestion and smooth post-acne texture over time.

For active blemishes you may want a targeted add-on alongside — a hydrocolloid option like the COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch works overnight on individual spots without conflicting with a pad routine.

Does toner reduce sebum?

These pads won't switch off oil production, but the PHA helps clear the excess sebum and dead skin that collect in pores, so skin looks less congested and pores appear smaller with regular use.

Think of it as maintenance rather than a cure — consistent use keeps the surface cleaner so oil doesn't build up as visibly between washes. Pairing with a balanced cleanser and a non-comedogenic moisturizer gives the best long-term result for oily or combination skin.

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