Anua: The Korean Skincare Brand To Know About
Why we love Anua
The brand might be huge on TikTok and have Kendall Jenner as its brand ambassador, but Anua is more than lip service when it comes to skincare. Committed to creating innovative, high performance products and drawing inspiration from nature, its reputation for efficacy was born out of the brand’s use of the plant extract, Houttuynia Cordata (heartleaf), that’s known for calming red, irritated or acne-prone skin.Anua has also recently launched a trio of formulas co-developed with leading dermatologists to further cement its mission to do more than create everyone’s Korean favourite, ‘glass skin’ and instead is set on producing solution-driven, rather than sensationalist, products.
How is Anua different to other K-beauty brands?
K-beauty brands are famed for their multi-step routines and complex ingredients lists, but Anua takes a different approach by drilling down on high-concentration formulas that require simpler tactics. Using one or two actives and being transparent about percentages, you’ll often see numbers on its labels, for example the Anua 10+ Niacinamide 10 + TXA 4 Serum which refers to 10% niacinamide and 4% tranexamic acid or the Anua Azelaic Acid 3+ Cica Skin Clarifying Toner which includes a 3% concentration of azelaic acid.With every skin concern covered as well as SPF’s, it’s hard to choose favourites but read on to see which Anua products we’d recommend as an entry point into the brand…
Anua
PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum, N/A
Korea’s number one hydrator
A triple whammy, Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum contains encapsulated PDRN, hyaluronic acid and collagen to moisturise and strengthen the skin barrier and is Korea’s best-selling PDRN serum. Side note: the number 100 doesn’t represent percentages for this product but refers to the ‘smart capsule 100 delivery’ which is the technology used to ensure it feels comfortable for all skin types.
Anua
PDRN Hyaluronic ACID Hydrating Capsule Mist, N/A
The instant results spritzer
Anua has been the brand paving the way for PDRN skincare (salmon DNA) and has one of the most expansive portfolio of PDRN products out there. This light, ultra fine spray contains delicate oil capsules that burst on contact and deliver the PDRN and hyaluronic acid quickly into the skin. With no stickiness, it hydrates and gives skin a subtle radiance.
Anua
Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam, N/A
The gentle but efficacious exfoliator
Utilising the famous ‘heartleaf’ plant, this light and bubbly cleansing foam exfoliates dead skin cells without any abrasive effects on the skin and helps to dissolve impurities from blocked pores. Effective on sensitive skin as well as oily or combination, anyone can add it to their skincare routine.
Anua
Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluronic Redness Soothing Serum, N/A
The redness eradicator
Formulated with 10% azelaic acid to soothe inflammation and reduce the redness of spots, this non-comedogenic serum is idea for oily skin but also sensitive complexions thanks to the calming complex that contains K-beauty buzz ingredients, cica along with blue tansy oil. We’re here for its natural green colour too.
Anua
Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Booster Toner, N/A
The fast-working skin illuminator
Following on from the success of the Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum, this non-sticky toner helps to eradicate dullness, reinforce the skin barrier and leave skin smooth, calm and glowy. Pat it on using a cotton pad or press it in with your fingers before your serum or moisturiser.
Anua
Barrier Reboot Water Gel Cream, N/A
The dermatologist designed moisturiser
Welcome the latest addition to Anua’s collection featuring a ceramide complex and squalane to buffer the skin barrier so it stays protected. With a lovely light texture that melts in as you massage it on, it’s been clinically proven to reduce redness within 30 minutes so if you find your skin tends to flush, this will help combat unwanted colour.
