Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner Versus Missha Cicadin Hydro pH Toner
Updated on December 21, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both fungal acne (malassezia) safe and reef safe toners. They have a total of 11 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, parabens, silicones or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner 21 ingredients
Missha Cicadin Hydro pH Toner 40 ingredients
Free from
Safety & Ethics
Korean Brand
Free from
Safety & Ethics
Korean Brand
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner 21 ingredients
Missha Cicadin Hydro pH Toner 40 ingredients
Ingredients, at a glance
What's in this product, and how it might affect your skin.
Benefits
Ingredients, at a glance
What's in this product, and how it might affect your skin.
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Houttuynia Cordata Extract is more commonly known as Heart Leaf, Fish Mint, or Chameleon plant.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
Betaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.
Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
This ingredient is also called sugarcane extract. It is a moisturizing humectant and has skin soothing properties.
This extract comes from Purslane, a succulent. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hydrating properties.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract comes from the Chamomile flower.
Arctium Lappa Root Extract is from the burdock plant. It is an antioxidant and helps soothe skin. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract is extract from Apples. Apples are rich in Vitamin C, sugars, and antioxidants.
Centella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH and improve the texture of a product. It is synthetically created.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
Houttuynia Cordata Extract 77%, Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Betaine, Panthenol, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Butylene Glycol, Vitex Agnus-Castus Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Isopentyldiol, Methylpropanediol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Disodium EDTA
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
Glycereth-26 is a synthetic ingredient and polyethylene glycol ether of Glycerin. Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin and helps keep your skin moisturized.
Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Centella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Dipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created stabilizer and solvent. It is a part of the glycol class in the alcohol family.
Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
Betaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.
Chondrus Crispus Extract comes from a red algae native to the northern Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America. It helps hydrate the skin and is rich in antioxidants.
1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth.
This ingredient is also called sugarcane extract. It is a moisturizing humectant and has skin soothing properties.
Choleth-24 comes from the cholesterol of lanolins. It is used as an emulsifier, or to help stabilize other ingredients.
Triethylhexanoin is created from glycerin and 2-ethylhexanoic acid. It is a solvent and emollient.
Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products.
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer (let's call it AAVC for short) is a synthetically created polymer. It's used as a film-forming agent and used to thicken the consistency of products.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH and improve the texture of a product. It is synthetically created.
Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil is the oil from the bergamot orange. It is native to Italy.
Oil
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil is more commonly known as lavender essential oil.
Oil2 Concerns
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil is oil expressed from the leaves of the rosemary plant.
Asiaticoside comes from the super popular skin-soothing ingredient, Centella asiatica. It is one of four active compounds found in the extract of Centella Asiatica.
Good for Scar Healing
Asiatic Acid is a major component of Centella Asiatica Extract. It has wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Madecassic Acid is a major component of Centella Asiatica Extract. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
This ingredient is created from dehydrating xylitol in acidic conditions. Xylitol is a famous sugar and humectant.
Raspberry Seed Oil/Tocopheryl Succinate Aminopropanediol Esters is an oil.
Glucose is a simple sugar and is the most important source of energy in all organisms.
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract comes from a green microalga. It is hydrating and contains antioxidants.
Water, Glycereth-26, Propanediol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Dipropylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Betaine, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Chondrus Crispus Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Choleth-24, Triethylhexanoin, Squalane, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Glucoside, Tromethamine, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium EDTA, Panthenol, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Pinus Sylvestris Leaf Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Endomyces Ferment Filtrate, Asiaticoside, Xylitylglucoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Raspberry Seed Oil/Tocopheryl Succinate Aminopropanediol Esters, Glucose, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Diospyros Kaki Calyx Extract
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth.
This ingredient also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.
In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.
Learn more about 1,2-HexanediolGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinBetaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.
This ingredient is best for improving hydration and soothing irritated skin. Studies also show it helps even out skin tone.
Fun fact: Betaine is naturally created in the skin and body. The kind found within cosmetic products can be either plant-derived or synthetic.
Learn more about BetainePanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolThis ingredient is also called sugarcane extract. It is a moisturizing humectant and has skin soothing properties.
Similar to hyaluronic acid, sugarcane can attract moisture to your skin.
Glycolic acid is a derivative of sugarcane. While glycolic acid is an AHA with exfoliating properties, sugarcane is not an AHA.
A study from 2021 found the compounds in sugarcane extract to have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activity. The study also suggests these compounds can inhibit skin ageing enzymes and promote collagen synthesis.
Learn more about Saccharum Officinarum ExtractButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Centella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is also an emulsifier. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH and improve the texture of a product. It is synthetically created.
As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
Learn more about TromethamineDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner 21 ingredients
Missha Cicadin Hydro pH Toner 40 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner 21 ingredients
Laila
Did not live up with the hype I've seen all over TikTok.
I wanted to love it as I heard great things about it for acne prone skin, but it...
Did not live up with the hype I've seen all over TikTok.
I wanted to love it as I heard great things about it for acne prone skin, but it literally did nothing to me even when i used it for four months (2 bottles).
Once I stopped using it, my skin became better.
Yeah, Korean skincare is severely overhyped. That's not to say there aren't products that are effective, but it's just a trend. Based on the ingredients, I don't see how this is...
Yeah, Korean skincare is severely overhyped. That's not to say there aren't products that are effective, but it's just a trend. Based on the ingredients, I don't see how this is supposed to help with acne.
Korean skincare works, just focus on the ingredients next time, what’s written on the packaging might make you have high expectations
Korean skincare works, just focus on the ingredients next time, what’s written on the packaging might make you have high expectations
Lapaki
Very good at targeting redness and irritations. Whenever my skin feels irritated, either from treatments or using products with Tretinoin and...
Very good at targeting redness and irritations. Whenever my skin feels irritated, either from treatments or using products with Tretinoin and Hydroquinone, or is experiencing Rosacea flare-ups, applying one or more layers of this toner noticeably reduces redness - sometimes it even disappears completely, depending on the severity.
I usually am cautios with hyped products, they tend to set you up for disappointment with too high expectations. That's a real possibility here, given all the buzz. Yet, I would say it works for calming and soothing skin or for people with sensitive skin (if you're not sensitive to one of its ingredients). Moreover, it ticks all the boxes for being cruelty-free, vegan, etc., which is a huge plus.
If your skin is generally trouble-free, it will not be a game-changer. For those looking for extra hydration, layering this toner or trying Anua's Birch Moisture Boosting Toner could be an option. Given its specific use for me, I probably won't buy a regular-sized bottle anymore but will keep a small one on hand in case my skin acts up. I'm rating it 5 stars because it lives up to its promise of soothing my sensitive skin effectively.
