Anua Heartleaf 77 Toner vs. Pads: Split-screen comparison image. On the left, a person with facial redness holds a bottle of Anua Heartleaf 77 Soothing Toner. On the right, a person with clear skin uses an Anua Clear Pad on their nose. Text overlay reads "REDNESS VS. TEXTURE".

Anua Heartleaf 77 Toner vs. Pads: Which One Actually Clears Acne?

작성자:

Anua Heartleaf 77 Toner vs. Pads: The Definitive “Redness vs. Texture”

Let’s be real for a second.

Everyone on TikTok is using Anua. You’ve seen the viral videos of glass skin transformations. But here is the dirty little secret no one tells you: 50% of people are using the wrong version for their skin type.

If you buy the wrong one, you aren’t just wasting money—you could be risking over-exfoliation, a damaged barrier, or worse, more clogged pores.

You are here because you are confused. Do you need the viral liquid toner to slap on 7 times? Or do you need the pads to wipe away the bumps?

As a K-Beauty expert, I’m breaking down exactly how to choose. By the end of this guide, you will know exactly which bottle deserves a spot on your shelf (and how to avoid the “purge”).

QUICK ANSWER: What is the difference between Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner and the Clear Pad?

The main difference is their function. The Soothing Toner uses Panthenol and Centella to hydrate and calm active redness, making it ideal for the “7-Skin Method.” The Clear Pad contains PHA (Gluconolactone) to gently chemically exfoliate dead skin and tighten pores, making it better for textured skin and whiteheads.

The “Cheat Sheet” Comparison Table

If you are standing in Olive Young or staring at your Amazon cart right now, this table is for you.

FeatureSoothing Toner (Liquid)Clear Pad (The Tub)
Primary GoalDeep Hydration & Calming RednessTexturizing & Pore Care
Key ActivePanthenol (B5) + CentellaPHA (Gluconolactone) + Anti-Sebum P
Best ForAngry Redness, Sensitivity, DehydrationWhiteheads, Sebaceous Filaments, Flaky Makeup
Fungal Acne Safe?YesYes
Exfoliation LevelZero (Pure Hydration)Mild Chemical & Physical
ScentNoneNone

A 2x2 matrix chart showing which Anua product to use for different skin issues. Top row: Anua Toner for Active Red Acne and Sensitive/Burning skin. Bottom row: Anua Clear Pads for Tiny Bumps/Texture and Flaky Makeup.

Deep Dive: Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner (The “Fire Extinguisher”)

Think of the liquid toner as a fire extinguisher for your face.

The star ingredient here is Houttuynia Cordata Extract (77%), a traditional Korean herb known for its ability to cool down heat in the skin. If your face feels hot to the touch, looks flushed, or is throbbing from a breakout, this is your holy grail.

The “7-Skin Method” Secret

Because this toner is watery and non-sticky, it is perfect for the Korean “7-Skin Method.” This involves layering the toner on your face 3 to 7 times in a row. It forces hydration deep into the skin layers without the heaviness of a cream.

Pros:

  • DIY Sheet Mask: Soak simple cotton pads in this liquid and stick them on your cheeks for 5 minutes. It creates an instant cooling pack.

  • Zero Irritation: It is safe to use with Retinol, Vitamin C, or any harsh active. It balances them out.

  • Non-Comedogenic: It feels like water, so it will never clog a pore.

Cons:

  • Too Light? If you have extremely dry skin, this might feel “too thin” if you don’t seal it with a serum immediately.

Deep Dive: Anua Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad (The “Texture Eraser”)

A macro photograph of the embossed side of an Anua Clear Pad, showing its bumpy texture. A clear drop of liquid essence glistens on top of the pad. The background is blurred green heartleaf plants.

While the toner is for calming, the Clear Pad is for smoothing.

These pads are soaked in Heartleaf extract, but they have a secret weapon: PHA (Gluconolactone).

PHA is a “cousin” to AHA and BHA, but its molecule size is larger. This means it exfoliates the surface of your skin gently without penetrating deep enough to cause irritation. It melts away dead skin cells that cause flaky makeup and those tiny, annoying bumps on your forehead.

The “Double-Sided” Technique

The pad isn’t just a wet wipe. It has two distinct sides:

  1. The Embossed Side: Use this first on your T-Zone, nose, and chin to physically scrub away grime and blackheads.

  2. The Smooth Side: Flip it over and wipe your cheeks to hydrate and prep for serum.

CRITICAL WARNING:

Because these pads contain PHA, they are an exfoliant. If you are using high-strength Retinol (Tretinoin) or strong BHAs, be careful. Using them all at once can strip your barrier.

Pros:

  • Sebum Control: Contains “Anti-Sebum P,” a patented ingredient that actually regulates oil production.

  • Lazy Girl Approved: It combines cleansing, toning, and exfoliating into one swipe.

  • Makeup Prep: Using this before foundation ensures your makeup won’t look “cakey” or cling to dry patches.

Cons:

  • Price: It is more expensive per use than the liquid bottle.

  • Acid sensitivity: If you have an open wound or popped pimple, the PHA might sting slightly.

A botanical illustration of the Heartleaf (Houttuynia Cordata) plant. Arrows point to text boxes highlighting its benefits: "Cools Skin Temp.", "Anti-Inflammatory", and "Sourced from Korea".

The “Routine Slot”: How to Use Them Together

Do you need both? Technically, no. But if you want that “Glass Skin” finish, they work best as a team. This is the Double-Dip Strategy that maximizes results without irritation.

The “Glass Skin” Schedule

Morning: The Hydration Layer (Liquid Toner)

  • Your skin is clean from the night before. You don’t need to exfoliate.

  • Use the Soothing Toner to layer hydration under your sunscreen and makeup. It keeps you glowing, not greasy.

Evening: The Texture Clean-Up (Clear Pad)

  • You’ve been wearing sunscreen and sweating all day. Your pores are congested.

  • After double cleansing, use the Clear Pad. The Embossed side will remove any leftover dirt and dead skin, creating a perfectly clean canvas for your night repair serum.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

If you can only buy one, here is how to make the final decision based on your specific skin crisis.

Scenario A: “My face hurts.”

You have active, painful cystic acne. Your skin is red, inflamed, or hot. You might have damaged your barrier from over-using acids in the past.

  • Winner: Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner. You need to put out the fire, not scrub it. The Clear Pad might be too much friction for you right now.

Scenario B: “My skin looks bumpy.”

You don’t have painful acne, but you have tiny whiteheads (closed comedones), sebaceous filaments on your nose, or your skin feels rough like sandpaper.

  • Winner: Anua Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad. You need the PHA to gently dissolve the “glue” holding those dead skin cells together. The liquid toner won’t be strong enough to smooth your texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use Anua Toner Pads every day?

Yes! PHA is a very gentle exfoliant (unlike Glycolic acid). Most skin types can use these pads once a day, preferably in the evening. However, if you have extremely dry skin, stick to 3-4 times a week or watch for signs of dryness.

Is Anua Heartleaf good for fungal acne?

Yes. Both the Toner and the Pads are generally considered fungal acne (Malassezia) safe based on their current ingredient lists. They do not contain oils or esters that feed the yeast. Always check the most recent ingredient list on the box, as formulations can change.

Do the Anua Pads replace face wash?

No. This is a common mistake. You must cleanse your face (with an oil cleanser or foam cleanser) before using the pad. The pad is a toner step, not a cleanser. If you use it on a dirty face, you are just smearing bacteria around.