Versus

Anua Heartleaf LHA Moisture Peeling Gel Versus Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel

Exfoliator
Exfoliator
Korean Brand South Korea
Korean Brand South Korea

Updated on December 19, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe exfoliators. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, 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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Benefits

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 Water
Absorbent

Cellulose is the main component of plant cell walls. It is used as an emulsifier, absorbent, and texture enhancer.

This ingredient has many functions:

Fun fact: Cellulose is the most abundant form of organic polymer on Earth.

Learn more about Cellulose
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse. 

It is a:

  • Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
  • Emollient, helping to soften skin
  • Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
  • Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives 
Skin Conditioning

Houttuynia Cordata Extract is more commonly known as Heart Leaf, Fish Mint, or Chameleon plant.

The components found in Heart Leaf give it antioxidant, hydrating, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Heart Leaf is rich in flavonoids such as quercetin, apigenin, and more. It also contains polysaccharides, the most common type of carbs in food.

Flavonoids have been shown to be effective antioxidants. They help neutralize free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are unstable molecules that may damage our skin cells and DNA. The flavonoids in Heart Leaf also help soothe the skin.

Polysaccharides are naturally found in our skin. They play a role in hydrating and repairing the top layer of skin. The polysaccharides in Heart Leaf help moisturize our skin.

Studies show decanoyl acetaldehyde, a component of Heart Leaf oil, is effective at killing bacteria.

The name 'Fish Mint' comes from the herb's natural fishy smell. Is is native to southeast Asia and used throughout the continent for traditional cooking and medicine.

Learn more about Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Masking, Skin Conditioning

Arginine is an amino acid that is important for human development. Your body uses is it to produce hair keratin and skin collagen.

As a cosmetic ingredient, Arginine has antioxidant properties and can also help repair damaged skin. This ingredient is derived either synthetically or from animals.

Arginine isn't fungal acne safe when used in the presence of other lipids (fats, fatty acids, oils, esters, etc). Oils and fats occur naturally within the skin, so take caution when using Arginine if you're prone to fungal acne.

Learn more about Arginine
Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing

Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.

Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.

Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.

Learn more about Allantoin

Disodium 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 EDTA
Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.

When to use

50 Routines
14% use in am
86% use in pm
34% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
406 Routines
18% use in am
82% use in pm
36% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Anua Heartleaf LHA Moisture Peeling Gel 23 ingredients

4.7 /5
from 3 ratings
Great Value (2) Works Well (2) Light (1)
aimi's avatar

Aimi R

8 months ago
Review

I use this as part of my pore declogging routine (Hada Labo Cleansing Oil, Axis Y PHA solution, then Anua LHA Peeling Gel)
Love it! My pores feel so clean after. So gentle & doesn’t cause irritation

#great value
#pilling
#works well
mum.of.routine's avatar

A A

1 month ago
Review

I would give this product 10 out of 5 if I could. If you are in doubt, I recommend choosing this one and JUST TRYING. In the past, like many others, I was a huge fan of SECRETKEY Lemon Sparkling Peeling Gel. But for me, it was always too harsh (although my skin is normal, not dry and used to acids). So this peeling from Anua works GREAT, is effective and gentle. It is not sticky, you need to apply Show more

#great value
#light
#no scent
#works well

Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel 19 ingredients

4.2 /5
from 23 ratings
Works Well (16) Great Value (11) No Scent (9)
kayvon's avatar

Kayvon 🪐

8 months ago
Review

🙀 the results of this exfoliator are incredible! it works so well, after only one use, my skin looks & feels so soft & so healthy.

🚿 the previous night, i had showered in hot water, and then at the end, turned the water cold for washing my face

🧖 after the shower, i did my nightly skincare, and then once my face was dry, i put hydrocolloid bandages on practically my whole face

🚰 in Show more

#great value
#no scent
#works well
grakky's avatar

grakky

6 months ago
Review

for me, the secret to glassy, smooth skin is proper exfoliation. i initially stopped using this product because i thought that my face would be fine without exfoliation and my other products would suffice. however, during the months i was not using this product, my skin was dull and started getting dry and occasionally flaked in places. i recently put this product back into my routine and now i Show more

#great value
#works well