‘The $16 exfoliator that didn’t irritate my sensitive skin.'

If you have sensitive skin, you'll know that finding a gentle exfoliating cleanser is basically the beauty equivalent of dating in Australia: confusing and often disappointing. 

While some people can handle BHAs, AHAs and the long list of acids that promise glowy skin, I'm not one of them. My skin throws a tantrum at the mere suggestion of glycolic or salicylic anything. So, when I came across a $16 exfoliating cleanser that actually works for hypersensitive skin, I had to share it with everyone. 

Enter: the Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam.

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What is the Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam?

ICYMI, Anua is one of the most beloved Korean skincare brands right now. Known for natural ingredients and calming formulas, their products are a godsend for sensitive skin types like mine.

Case in point: the Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam.

This cleanser is recognised as a cult favourite. On Olive Young (basically South Korea's version of Mecca, Sephora and Adore Beauty combined into one), it's a bestseller with an average 4.8-star rating. That's not easy in a country with literally hundreds (or even thousands) of skincare launches every month. 

The cleanser also comes in a set with a matching cleansing oil, and together they're currently ranked #17 on the site's top-selling beauty products. That's kind of a big deal. Actually, huge. 

Why is everyone obsessed with it?

The hero ingredient is Houttuynia Cordata Powder, also known as Heartleaf. This traditional Chinese plant is loved for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties, and it's especially good at clearing out clogged pores without irritating the skin.

This cleanser uses the powder that is finely milled to a concentration of 3,000 ppm, so it works like a gentle physical and chemical exfoliator, targeting even the most stubborn pore congestion.

It also contains Quercetin, a plant-based antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation, calm irritation, speed up healing and even manage acne. There's also triple hyaluronic acid in the mix to lock in moisture and prevent that dry, tight feeling some foaming cleansers leave behind.

And if you're dealing with oily skin (hello, @me), you'll be happy to know it also features a patented blend of anti-sebum ingredients to control shine without stripping the skin.

In short: it's deeply cleansing, lightly exfoliating and super gentle.

Here's the product in all its glory. Image: Supplied.

How do you use the Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam?

Use it exactly like your usual cleanser. Wet your face, lather a small amount in your palms, massage it in gentle circles for at least a minute, and rinse with lukewarm water.

It's mild enough for daily use, which means your face can feel squeaky clean and fresh every single night, without any angry redness or dryness.

Where can I buy the Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam in Australia?

There's no shortage of Korean beauty retailers in Australia. Simply hop onto Amazon, Adore Beauty, Myer, YesStyle or Nudie Glow to get your hands on this item. 

However, if you've read any of my Korean beauty reviews, you'll know my go-to online shop is Lila Beauty since their shipping within Australia is super fast and they often have massive sales. 

A 150ml tube (that's A LOT of product, TBH) normally retails for $20, but Lila Beauty stocks it for $15.95 (and they regularly have promotions on top of this discounted price). 

Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam review. 

I've been using this cleanser religiously for the last nine months, and I don't think I can live without it.

I have super reactive combo skinn — a dry T-zone and oily everywhere else — and this is one of the few products that doesn't trigger breakouts or flare-ups. It leaves my skin soft, smooth and visibly clearer, especially around my nose and chin where I'm prone to congestion and hormonal breakouts.

It foams beautifully, smells faintly herbal (in a good way) and somehow never makes my skin feel tight. I've even stopped using a cleansing oil altogether because this cleanser cleans thoroughly enough. 

The best part? Even with daily use (sometimes I end up using it twice a day), one tube lasted me for months. I've only just opened my second tube.

And if you're paying the full price of $20 for the tube, that's only about 13 cents per millilitre of product, making it more affordable than most cleansers found at a drugstore or supermarket. A bargain, if you ask me.

Please, just swipe right and add it to cart.

Have you tried the Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Feature image: Supplied.