Anua HEARTLEAF 77 CLEARPAD (70EA)160ML

Values You Can Trust: 100% Authentic Guarantee / Fragrance-Free / FA-Safe / Pregnancy-Safe (no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical UV filters detected; consult your doctor before adding any new active) / Halal-Friendly* / Vegan-Friendly*.

*Self-assessed by Adilsons based on available INCI data. No ethanol from fermentation, no porcine-derived ingredients, and no haram animal-derived ingredients detected in the declared ingredient list. This is NOT a formal Halal certification. Muslims with stricter requirements should consult their own scholars.

*Self-assessed by Adilsons based on available INCI data. No animal-derived ingredients detected. This is NOT a formal vegan certification by The Vegan Society or equivalent body.

If your skin flares easily and every acid product you've tried has stung, the disappointment of "gentle" products that do nothing is real — this one is built specifically to sit at the low-irritation end of the exfoliant spectrum, not to be the strongest thing in your routine.

Pros: generously soaked pads, dual-texture design (buff + press), fragrance-free, works as a single-step toner-plus-light-exfoliant. Caveats: Gluconolactone concentration and pH are not publicly disclosed; the brand's own clinical claim (pore appearance reduction) is a small, brand-commissioned study, not independently published; too gentle for deep blackheads or heavy texture.

Classification: YELLOW (14+ with guidance). Gluconolactone is a chemical exfoliant — even a gentle one, it accelerates cell turnover, a process prepubescent and young teen skin doesn't yet need help with. There is no youth-targeted packaging or marketing on this product, so the concern is purely about the active, not a packaging trap.

For teens under 16 who want help with occasional congestion or redness, a plain Centella-based soothing toner without an acid — see the Mindful Alternatives section below for a verified in-catalog option — is the safer starting point.

Compatibility checklist: bedside-compatible (no sink needed) — yes; requires rinsing — no; requires precise dosage — no, one pad is one pad; usable with unwashed hands — yes, since you're wiping with the pad itself, not fingers; requires wait time — minimal (30-60 seconds before the next step).

Minimum viable routine position: it qualifies as one of a bare-bones 2-3 product routine (cleanser optional if skin isn't sweaty, pad, moisturiser) for nights when a full routine isn't happening.

The essence is watery and non-tacky, so it doesn't create the heavy, unpleasant sensory load some richer products do on low-energy nights.

1. When: AM or PM, either works.
2. How much: One pad per use, face only.
3. How: Wipe with the embossed side on dry or slightly damp skin, then press the smooth side in; wait 30-60 seconds before your next step.

The One Rule: Introduce this as the ONLY new product in your routine. Wait a full 14 days before adding anything else. This isolation window ensures you can identify whether any reaction is caused by this specific product.

1. Gentle low-pH cleanser (optional, if skin feels oily on waking).
2. Anua Heartleaf 77 Clear Pad — one pad, embossed side first.
3. Hydrating serum or antioxidant serum (optional).
4. Moisturiser.
5. SPF50+ PA++++ (non-negotiable).

In Mauritius' humid mornings, the humectants in this pad's essence (Propanediol, Butylene Glycol) pull water from the humid air toward your skin rather than dehydrating it, so the pad can genuinely feel refreshing even before you apply anything else.

1. Double cleanse if you wore sunscreen/makeup.
2. Anua Heartleaf 77 Clear Pad — embossed side for texture/congestion, smooth side to press remaining essence in.
3. Targeted serum (optional, non-conflicting only).
4. Moisturiser.

Skin cycling placement: if you also use a retinoid, this pad occupies the "Exfoliation" night in a 4-night cycle (Night 1 this pad, Night 2 retinoid, Nights 3-4 recovery), never the same night as the retinoid.

Technique: Embossed side wiped across the T-zone and congested areas provides mild physical buffing alongside the chemical action; the smooth side is for patting/pressing remaining essence in — pat, don't rub, since friction on a freshly-exfoliated surface increases irritation risk.

Skin state: apply to a clean, dry or lightly damp face. Wait time: 30-60 seconds before your next step, so the essence has time to settle before layering.

Hands vs pad: the pad itself is the applicator here, so this doesn't apply the usual "hands deliver more than cotton" rule the same way — but for any product you apply after it, use hands (100% delivery) over a cotton pad (roughly 30-40% absorbed by the pad itself).

Safety: avoid the immediate eye and lip area; do not use on broken or actively irritated skin; discontinue if you experience a persistent burning sensation.

This is an encyclopedia map of all product types. You do not use all of these daily. You select modules based on your skin state.

Global rules: viscosity ladder is thinnest to thickest, water-phase before oil-phase, treatments before seals. Default wait times: watery layers 10-20s, serums 30-60s, before sunscreen 10-15 minutes if heading outdoors. Default amounts: toner/essence 5-8 drops or a coin-size puddle, serum 2-3 drops or 1 pump, gel moisturiser 1-1.5 peas, cream 1-2 peas, sunscreen the 2-finger rule. Hydrators go on slightly damp skin; exfoliating acids on dry or lightly damp skin depending on tolerance. Hard cap rule: if the routine pills, stings, or feels heavy, reduce layers, not increase.

AM Maximum Stack: (1) optional gentle cleanse, (2) pH-prep toner, (3) hydrating toner layers, (4) essence, (5) mist, (6) soothing serum, (7) antioxidant lane (choose one), (8) pigment-support lane (choose one), (9) hydration serum lane, (10) oil-control lane (choose one), (11) peptide/repair lane, (12) eye product, (13) moisturiser, (14) optional occlusive seal, (15) SPF50+ PA++++ (non-negotiable), (16) lip SPF. In AM, prioritize comfort and SPF adherence over stacking — in high humidity, fewer layers often perform better. This product occupies the toner/pad slot early in the stack, in place of steps 2-3.

PM Maximum Stack: (1) optional micellar pre-cleanse, (2) oil cleanser if wearing SPF/makeup, (3) water cleanser, (4) pH-prep toner, (5) hydrating toner layers, (6) essence, (7) soothing/barrier serum, (8) [Anchor Product — this pad], apply on dry or lightly damp skin, wait 30-60 seconds, (9) targeted serum if non-conflicting, (10) moisturiser, (11) sleeping mask, (12) occlusive seal, (13) spot treatment, (14) lip sleeping mask. Do not layer retinoids with AHA/BHA (or this PHA pad) in the same night; keep one lane per night.

Lane strictness: Retinoid OR Exfoliation OR Strong Vitamin C (LAA) OR Acne-control active per routine; barrier/hydration can always accompany. If unsure, default to the safest lane — barrier/hydration — and reduce layers.

This is a water-thin, watery essence-soaked pad — the thinnest tier in a skincare stack, applied before any serum or cream.

Layering rule: thinnest to thickest, water-phase before oil-phase — this pad goes on right after cleansing and before any serum or moisturiser.

Phase compatibility: a water-phase formula (humectants and water-soluble extracts). It layers cleanly under both water-based serums and oil/cream moisturisers without pilling on its own.

If this is your only exfoliant, once daily (AM or PM) is generally fine once your skin is accustomed to it; if you run a retinoid or another strong acid, keep them on separate nights as shown above.

Overuse warning: exceeding once-daily use does NOT produce faster results — it produces barrier damage, shown as tightness, flaking, or new sensitivity.

Purging vs. reaction: purging shows up in your usual breakout areas, stays surface-level, and resolves in 4-6 weeks. A reaction shows up in new areas, involves burning, swelling, or hives, and gets worse rather than better — stop immediately if you see the latter.

Prerequisites: before starting this product, your routine should already include a gentle cleanser and a daily moisturiser. Without a baseline moisture routine, any exfoliant — even a gentle PHA one — can tip skin toward dryness.

Barrier index gate: if your skin stings when you apply moisturiser or feels tight within 30 minutes of cleansing, your barrier is below threshold. Start with a plain Centella toner (see Mindful Alternatives below) instead, and reintroduce this pad once that resolves.

• Redness and irritation: Houttuynia Cordata (Heartleaf) has documented anti-inflammatory activity in the research literature; at 77% it's the dominant ingredient by volume in this formula.
• Clogged pores/texture: Gluconolactone (PHA) dissolves the bonds holding dead skin cells together at the surface, without penetrating as deeply as AHAs.
• Mild sebum control: the Anti-Sebum P plant-extract complex is brand-positioned to help regulate oil production, though no independent concentration data is available.

What this product cannot do: it cannot physically shrink pore size (pores don't have muscles to contract), cannot resolve deep cystic acne, and cannot substitute for a stronger BHA/AHA on genuinely stubborn blackheads.

Cleanser to pair before it — primary pick: ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleanser 150ml (low-pH, hydrating, won't strip skin before the pad's exfoliation). Alternatives: Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser 100ml, Anua Heartleaf Succinic Cleansing Foam 150ml (same soothing lane), SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam 125ml.

Sunscreen to follow it (AM): primary pick — Beauty of Joseon RELIEF SUN: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++ 50ml, protecting newly-exfoliated skin without a heavy feel. Alternatives: SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum 50ml, Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture SunCream 50ml, TOCOBO Bio Watery Sun Cream SPF50+ 50ml.

Moisturiser to seal it in: primary pick — IUNIK Beta Glucan Daily Moisture Cream 60ml, deeply hydrating and calming for overnight barrier support. Alternatives: SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Moisture Cream 75ml, Anua Birch Moisture Boosting Cream 50ml, Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream 50ml.

Pilling pairs: stacking this pad's watery essence directly under a heavy silicone-primer sunscreen can pill if you don't wait the full 10-15 minutes before makeup — the fix is reducing the layers in between, not pressing harder.

This is a conflict-solver for ACTIVE ingredients. If you run multiple actives, use these rules to avoid irritation, deactivation, and barrier damage.

Universal rules: run only one primary active lane per routine (this PHA pad occupies the Exfoliation lane). If you break a rule, don't push through — reduce frequency, split AM/PM, or alternate nights. If moisturiser stings or skin feels tight within 30 minutes of cleansing, pause all actives and run barrier-only for 3-7 days. Wait-time default for this pad's essence layer: 30-60 seconds.

• × Retinoid (Retinol/Retinal/Tretinoin/Adapalene): never same night. Instead: alternate nights, or Skin Cycling (Night 1 this pad, Night 2 retinoid, Nights 3-4 recovery).
• × Other AHA/BHA products: avoid stacking two separate exfoliants same day — over-exfoliation risk. Instead: alternate days, one exfoliant per night.
• × L-Ascorbic Acid (pure Vitamin C): avoid layering in the same routine if your skin is sensitive — excess acidity can sting. Instead: Vitamin C AM, this pad PM, or vice versa.
• × Chemical exfoliants + physical scrubs/tools: don't combine same day — micro-tears plus chemical exfoliation over-strips skin. Instead: choose one method per day.
• × Direct acids × peptides (especially copper peptides): avoid immediate layering — low pH can destabilise peptide bonds. Instead: peptides in the AM, this pad in the PM, or wait 20 minutes.

Scheduling Template — AM/PM Split (most common): AM: antioxidant lane → moisturiser → SPF. PM: this pad (exfoliation lane) OR retinoid → moisturiser, never both same night.

Scheduling Template — 4-Night Skin Cycling: Night 1 this pad (exfoliation), Night 2 retinoid, Nights 3-4 recovery (no actives).

Do not layer retinoids with AHA/BHA in the same night; keep "one lane" per night. If unsure, default to the safest lane — barrier/hydration — and reduce layers.

Pre-period breakouts happen because progesterone causes the pore lining to physically swell, narrowing the opening and trapping sebum beneath — this is why gentle exfoliation (not aggressive scrubbing) is the useful tool in this window, not a harsher acid.

Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which breaks down collagen, increases transepidermal water loss, triggers inflammatory acne, and compromises barrier function — the exact combination this product's Heartleaf-and-Centella base is positioned to counter.

On genuinely high-stress weeks, dial back to the pad alone (skip any other active) and lean on the soothing side of its formula rather than pushing exfoliation frequency up.

Water-Permeable (wudu-compatible). This is a watery essence with no film-forming silicones or waxes in the declared INCI — it absorbs into skin rather than sitting on top as a barrier.

Adilsons provides this assessment based on the product's physical properties. Rulings on wudu validity vary between scholars. Consult your own trusted Islamic authority.

MYTH: "Harsh physical scrubs (sugar, salt, apricot kernel) are the fastest way to smooth skin." REALITY: Coarse scrubs create micro-tears and can trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially on melanin-rich skin — this pad's PHA works on the surface without abrasive particles.

MYTH: "If a little acid works, more/stronger acid works faster." REALITY: Over-exfoliation strips the acid mantle and triggers the same barrier damage and compensatory oiliness the product was meant to fix — frequency caps exist for a reason, not as a marketing formality.

In air-conditioned environments, the humectants in this pad's essence (Propanediol, Butylene Glycol) can pull moisture from your deeper skin layers rather than from the air. Always seal it with a moisturiser when spending extended hours in AC.

Mauritius tap water hardness varies by region; hard water can leave a calcium-stearate film after cleansing that causes tightness — this pad's toner-style essence helps counteract that residue before your next step.

*Gluconolactone concentration is not brand-disclosed; a third-party estimator suggests roughly 8.7-10.7%, but this is an algorithmic estimate, not a confirmed figure, so treat it as directional only.

*Anti-Sebum P is a proprietary named complex with no independently published efficacy data found — evidence tier is emerging/marketing-supported rather than independently verified.

Full INCI List: Houttuynia Cordata Extract (77%), Water, Gluconolactone, Propanediol, Tromethamine, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Betaine, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, [--- Estimated 1% Line ---] Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Madecassoside, Asiatic Acid, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Sodium Phytate.

Preservative system: 1,2-Hexanediol functions as a preservative-booster/humectant here (paired with the antimicrobial contribution of Betaine and the formula's low water activity); no parabens or phenoxyethanol appear in the declared list.

• Fragrance status: Fragrance-Free. No Fragrance/Parfum listed in the declared INCI.
• Scent: Faint, natural, herbal note from the plant extracts — not a masking fragrance.
• Intensity: 0-1 out of 5; dissipates almost instantly.
• EU 26 allergen screen: None of the 26 EU-regulated fragrance allergens (linalool, limonene, citronellol, etc.) appear in the declared INCI.
• Alcohol disclosure: Alcohol-Free — no ethanol/denatured alcohol in the declared list.

Halal: Halal-Friendly*. Self-assessed by Adilsons based on available INCI data. No ethanol from fermentation, no porcine-derived ingredients, and no haram animal-derived ingredients detected in the declared ingredient list. This is NOT a formal Halal certification. Muslims with stricter requirements should consult their own scholars.

Vegan: Vegan-Friendly*. Self-assessed by Adilsons based on available INCI data. No animal-derived ingredients detected. This is NOT a formal vegan certification by The Vegan Society or equivalent body.

Cruelty-Free: Uncertified. Anua has not signed PETA's statement of assurance and is not listed on Leaping Bunny's public database as of this research. Brand-stated policy only, not independently audited. Anua's mainland-China retail status was not conclusively established this round, so the China Retail Caveat is not applied either way — treat cruelty-free status as brand-stated and unaudited.

Microplastic-Free: Yes — Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer is a water-soluble film-forming polymer, not a solid microplastic bead, and no other synthetic polymer of concern appears in the declared INCI.

MFDS classification: General Cosmetic — no evidence found of Korean MFDS Functional Cosmetic registration for this product, which would require additional government testing for a specific efficacy claim.

Clinical evidence: the brand cites an in-house study (Ellead Skin & Bio Research institute, 2020, n=23) reporting a 51.0% reduction in individual pore appearance and 49.8% reduction in overall pore appearance at 2 weeks.

Evidence confidence: Marketing-Only*. This is a brand-commissioned study with a small sample size and no independently published dataset available for verification. It does not mean the result is false — it means the evidence tier is lower than an independently peer-reviewed clinical trial.

Fungal Acne Safety: FA-Safe. The declared INCI contains none of the common Malassezia-feeding fatty-acid esters or polysorbates (unlike some of Anua's richer cream-format products, which do carry a few conditional emulsifiers) — this is a watery, low-lipid formula. A patch test is still worthwhile for anyone with a known sensitive fungal-acne history.

Assessment: Low. As a watery, water-phase essence, this pad rarely pills on its own; pilling risk increases only when it's layered under a heavy silicone-based sunscreen without enough wait time.

Mitigation: apply on dry or lightly damp skin, wait the full 30-60 seconds before your next step, and pat rather than rub.

The essence should stay clear to very lightly tinted from the plant extracts; a marked color darkening or an off/sour smell (beyond the faint natural herbal note) signals oxidation or spoilage — discard if either appears.

Storage: keep the tub's lid tightly closed to prevent evaporation, and store away from direct sunlight and bathroom heat/humidity extremes; refrigeration is optional for a cooling sensory effect, not a formula requirement.

Spoilage signs: discoloration, off smell, or a dried-out pad texture. When in doubt, discard.

1. Apply a small amount of the essence to your inner forearm or behind your ear.
2. Wait 24 hours, checking for redness, itching, or burning.
3. Re-check at 48 and 72 hours for any delayed reaction before using on your face.

72-hour barrier reset: if you experience an adverse reaction, stop all actives immediately. For 72 hours use only a gentle cleanser and plain moisturiser — no acids, retinoids, Vitamin C, or exfoliants. After 72 hours, reintroduce one product per 14 days.

Emergency stop signals: hives, swelling, blistering, persistent burning, or breathing difficulty — seek emergency care immediately if any of these occur.

1. Using it daily from day one instead of building tolerance over 2-3 weeks.
2. Stacking it with another AHA/BHA product on the same night.
3. Rubbing the embossed side hard, thinking harder pressure means better results — friction, not pressure, is what causes irritation.
4. Applying it to broken or actively inflamed skin.
5. Skipping moisturiser after use, especially on drier skin types.

Overuse threshold: more than once daily provides no additional benefit and raises barrier-damage risk — the correct lever for faster results is consistency, not frequency.

70 pads at one per use: used once daily, the tub lasts roughly 10 weeks; used 3x/week (the recommended starting frequency), it lasts closer to 5-6 months.

Using it more than once daily doesn't extend results — it only shortens how long the tub lasts while raising irritation risk.

Reorder timing: reorder roughly 2 weeks before your estimated depletion date to allow for delivery time.

This pad does one job well — gentle surface exfoliation paired with heavy-duty soothing — and sits early in both your AM and PM stack, right after cleansing.

AM: (1) optional cleanse, (2) Anua Heartleaf 77 Clear Pad, wait 30-60s, (3) hydrating serum, (4) moisturiser, (5) SPF50+ PA++++. PM: (1) cleanse, (2) Anua Heartleaf 77 Clear Pad (skip if it's a retinoid night), wait 30-60s, (3) targeted serum if non-conflicting, (4) moisturiser.

If your skin is barrier-compromised right now: pause this pad and run barrier-only for a week before restarting. If you're in AC for long hours: seal with a richer moisturiser than usual afterward. If you're in your luteal phase and breaking out more: keep the pad but skip any other active that week.

Starter Bundle (AM, Mauritius-friendly): Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleanser → Anua Heartleaf 77 Clear Pad → Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice+Probiotics.

Calm & Clear Bundle (PM focus): Anua Heartleaf Succinic Cleansing Foam → Anua Heartleaf 77 Clear Pad → IUNIK Beta Glucan Daily Moisture Cream.

After purchasing, you will receive our skincare education email series covering this product in depth.

The recommendations above are based on formulation synergy with Anua Heartleaf 77 Clear Pad, not on margin or stock levels. If a pairing does not exist in our catalog, we say so. If you already own a product that fills the same role, use what you have first.

For stronger exfoliation (resilient, non-sensitive skin with significant texture): Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Toner: AHA+BHA 150ml (primary), or AXIS-Y Daily Purifying Treatment Toner 200ml, or SKIN1004 Tea-Trica BHA Foam 125ml.

For maximum soothing with no exfoliation (severe sensitivity, calming is the sole priority): Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner 250ml (primary — the acid-free sibling of this exact formula), or MIXSOON Centella Asiatica Toner 150ml, or COSRX One Step Green Calming Pad 135ml, or Beauty of Joseon Calming Serum: Green Tea + Panthenol.

For dark spots/brightening instead of texture: NUMBUZIN No.5 Vitamin-Niacinamide Concentrated Pad (primary), or Anua Niacinamide 10%+TXA 4% Serum, or AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Toner.

If you already have a gentle exfoliating toner or pad open, finish it first — this reduces waste and gives you a fair read on each product's results.

Choose the Heartleaf 77 Clear Pad over Beauty of Joseon Green Plum AHA+BHA Toner if you need lower irritation risk with genuine soothing built in, not just an acid product that's also marketed as gentle.

Upgrade triggers (choose the AHA+BHA toner instead if 2+ apply): your skin tolerates acids well and shows no reactivity; you have visible, stubborn blackheads this gentle pad hasn't touched after 8 weeks; you want faster resurfacing and aren't currently barrier-compromised; you're not purging or reactive right now.

Don't upgrade if: your barrier is currently compromised (repair first); you're new to chemical exfoliants; you already run a retinoid and don't want to manage two exfoliation-adjacent actives; you're breakout-prone and reactive to stronger acids.

If you match 2 or more upgrade triggers above, the AHA+BHA toner is worth choosing. If not, this gentler pad is sufficient and safer. Consistency beats complexity.

This pad sits at the gentle end of a real exfoliation strength ladder: PHA (this product) → BHA (e.g. SKIN1004 Tea-Trica BHA Foam, for pore-clogging oil) → AHA/combined acid toners (e.g. Beauty of Joseon Green Plum AHA+BHA) for more resilient, texture-focused skin.

Move up the ladder only after several weeks of tolerance at the current step, not before — and only if your barrier stays intact throughout.

This product's PRIMARY function is: gentle chemical exfoliation plus intensive soothing. You do NOT need this if you already own another PHA or gentle AHA toner/pad you haven't finished. Finish your current product before purchasing.

Check your shelf for an open exfoliating toner or pad with a similar active; with a roughly 6-month PAO once opened, buying a second one while the first sits unused is genuine waste.

Stacking assessment: No Benefit if you already run another PHA/gentle acid pad (same mechanism); Significant Benefit if your current routine has no exfoliation step at all and no soothing-focused toner.

This product is sourced through authorized Korean distributors — primarily Craver Co., Ltd (South Korea), alongside other verified distribution partners. Craver is a major Korean beauty distributor and the parent company of SKIN1004, handling authorized distribution for multiple K-beauty brands. All products are shipped directly to Mauritius via verified channels.

For comprehensive information about how we verify authenticity, our layered verification system, and how to check your product at home, visit our dedicated Authenticity and Trust page.

Quick checks for this SKU: genuine tubs carry a printed batch code and expiry date on the base, Korean-and-English dual-language labeling, and a sealed inner lid with the tweezer applicator included. If anything looks off, contact us on WhatsApp before use.

Anua is built around the Heartleaf line — first the 77% Soothing Toner, then extended into pads, creams, and cleansers using the same base extract. The brand's stated philosophy centers on high concentrations of a small number of natural, dermatologically-framed ingredients rather than long, complex formulas, and it has grown into a genuinely large global presence (reported 40M+ units sold, wide US retail distribution) on the strength of that single hero ingredient rather than a broad catalog of unrelated actives.

Live web research for this specific product found reviews on iHerb's product page and two independent skincare review blogs (Mirai Skin, and a Substack first-impressions post); no dedicated Reddit r/AsianBeauty or r/SkincareAddiction thread for this exact SKU was located at the time of writing.

"The pads are properly saturated, not just damp — my sensitive, acne-prone skin tolerates them without stinging, and I've noticed less redness with regular use." — paraphrased from an iHerb customer review.

"Gentle enough to be a good starting point for someone who normally reacts to acid pads, though it's clearly positioned as calming-first rather than a strong resurfacing product." — paraphrased from an independent review blog (Mirai Skin).

Common praise theme: the pads are generously soaked and genuinely calming on reactive skin. Common caveat theme: reviewers consistently frame it as too gentle for deep blackheads or significant texture — a limitation this description also states plainly above.

Sustainability: the PP tub is recyclable in Mauritius where PP recycling streams exist — rinse before disposal. The product is not currently offered in a refill format.

Can I use these pads every day?
For most oily/combination skin, yes, once your skin has built tolerance over 2-3 weeks. Sensitive or dry skin should stay at 2-3x/week.

Can I cut a pad in half to make it last longer?
Yes — many users do this, especially if only treating the T-zone rather than the full face.

How is this different from the Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner?
The toner is purely soothing/hydrating with no exfoliant; this pad adds Gluconolactone (PHA) for gentle exfoliation on top of the same Heartleaf base.

Will this clear deep blackheads or cystic acne?
No — it's a gentle, surface-level exfoliant. For deep blackheads or persistent cystic acne, a stronger BHA product or a dermatologist consult is more appropriate.

What is the exact pH or acid percentage?
Not publicly disclosed by the brand. Any specific number you may see elsewhere (including in a prior version of this listing) should be treated as unverified rather than brand-confirmed.

PHA (Poly-Hydroxy Acid)

A gentle class of chemical exfoliant (Gluconolactone is one example). Its larger molecule size means slower penetration and lower irritation potential than AHAs or BHAs.

Houttuynia Cordata (Heartleaf)

A plant used in traditional East Asian herbal preparations, studied for anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity; Anua's signature ingredient.

Centella Asiatica ("Cica")

A plant extract associated with soothing inflammation and supporting barrier repair, often standardized to specific triterpenes like Madecassoside and Asiaticoside.

Acid mantle

The skin's naturally slightly-acidic surface film (roughly pH 4.5-5.5) that helps block irritants and bacteria; over-cleansing or over-exfoliating strips it.

Purging

A temporary increase in breakouts in your usual problem areas when starting an exfoliant, caused by faster surface turnover bringing existing congestion up sooner.

MFDS

South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, which classifies cosmetics as General or Functional (the latter requiring additional efficacy testing).

Every product sold by Adilsons Beauty is 100% genuine, sourced through authorized Korean distribution channels. Full details on our verification system: Authenticity and Trust.

Our team is available to help you build a routine, troubleshoot reactions, and answer ingredient questions. WhatsApp: +230 5 778 2336.

For in-depth skincare education, visit our blog at adilsons.mu/blogs/k-beauty or subscribe to our email to get our guided education series delivered to your inbox.

Assessment: Consult Oncologist. This formula is fragrance-free and retinoid-free with a minimal preservative system, which are favourable factors — but it does contain an active chemical exfoliant (Gluconolactone/PHA), and treatment-sensitized skin can react unpredictably even to gentle actives.

Consult your oncology care team before introducing any new skincare products during treatment.

Quick version: Week 1-2, use 2-3x/week alone and monitor. Week 3-4, increase to daily if stable. Week 5+, add one supporting product only if genuinely needed. If irritation appears at any point, follow the 72-Hour Barrier Reset above rather than pushing through.

Rule of One: this product must be introduced as the ONLY new product. Wait 14 days before adding anything else.

Antioxidant pollution defense: Camellia Sinensis (green tea) Leaf Extract in the formula contributes polyphenol antioxidant activity, offering some free-radical defense alongside its exfoliation and soothing roles — useful during Mauritius' July-November sugar cane burning season when PM2.5 rises.

Hard water interaction: as a toner-style leave-on essence, this product helps counteract the tight, filmy feeling hard tap water can leave after cleansing, rather than worsening it.

AC/humidity swing interaction: its humectants (Propanediol, Butylene Glycol) perform best when there's ambient humidity to draw from; in long AC exposure, seal with a moisturiser to prevent them reversing and pulling moisture from your own skin.

Best for: oily, combination, sensitive, and acne-prone skin in Mauritius' climate that wants a genuinely gentle daily exfoliation-plus-soothing step, especially anyone who has reacted badly to stronger acid toners before.

Key benefits: generously soaked dual-texture pads, 77% Heartleaf soothing base, fragrance-free and FA-safe formula, low-irritation PHA exfoliation, convenient single-step application.

Keep in mind: Gluconolactone concentration and product pH are not publicly disclosed; the brand's clinical claim is a small in-house study, not independently published; this pad is too gentle for deep blackheads or significant texture concerns.

Coverage: Island-wide delivery (Mauritius).

Processing and Timing: Orders process in 1-2 business days; usually ready by Day 3 for pickup by our delivery partners/regional team. Partner collection can take up to 1 week. After pickup, delivery typically takes 1-5 business days (weekdays only).

Express: May be available by region; request on WhatsApp: +230 5 778 2336.

Liquids/Sensitive Items: Serums, toners, liquid makeup (and kits containing liquids) are pickup or door-to-door only; checkout enforces this.

Scheduling: Deliveries run by region on set schedules; we will contact you the evening before.

Pickup: Citadelle Mall pickup available.

Returns: No change-of-mind exchanges.

Refunds (Summary): For defective/damaged on receipt (report within 48h), wrong item, or manufacturing defect within 6 months. Refunds via bank transfer (7-10 business days); card refunds may incur a 5% processor fee (fee not charged for defects/order errors). Opened skincare/personal-care items are non-returnable (except if damaged on delivery).

Source of Truth: This is a quick snapshot. If anything differs, the policy pages are final.

Store Policies: For the most up-to-date information, please review our Shipping Policy and Refund Policy.