Heartleaf Pore Clay Pack
K-Beauty Pore Reset Mask
Verified reviewer
Pros & cons.
- +Dual-clay system with kaolin and bentonite provides thorough but graduated pore clearing
- +Heartleaf and centella asiatica create built-in soothing during the masking process
- +Ceramide NP protects the barrier during clay absorption — rare and thoughtful in this category
- +Creamy texture is easier to apply and rinse than traditional clay masks
- +Protease enzyme adds gentle enzymatic exfoliation alongside clay absorption
- +Palmitoyl tripeptide-5 adds anti-aging peptide benefit beyond basic pore clearing
- −Contains added fragrance — a disappointing departure from Anua's fragrance-free standard
- −Not suitable for sensitive skin types who react to fragrance compounds
- −Too drying for dry skin types even with barrier-protective ingredients
- −100 mL size feels modest compared to the generous sizing of other Anua products
- −Contains silicone-adjacent polymers that some ingredient-conscious users prefer to avoid
The full review.
Clay masks face a core tension: the oily, acne-prone, congested skin that needs pore-clearing most often has reactive, easily irritated skin underneath the sebum. Traditional clay masks target oil but ignore irritation. Anua’s Heartleaf Pore Clay Pack targets both, though one specific issue requires immediate mention.
This mask contains added fragrance. Anua builds its identity on fragrance-free, sensitive-skin-friendly formulations, making this a puzzling choice that undermines the trust Anua has built across the heartleaf line. The eucalyptus-adjacent scent is pleasant and gives the mask a mild spa-like quality, but fragrance is a documented skin sensitizer. Including it in a product for congested, potentially reactive skin lacks scientific justification. If you have fragrance sensitivities, do not use this mask.
The dual-clay system is the foundation. Kaolin at 20% and bentonite at 3.5% create a graduated absorption approach that avoids the aggression of single-clay masks. Kaolin is the gentler partner; it absorbs oil steadily without aggressive stripping, providing a matte effect without a papery, over-dried sensation. Bentonite is the deeper worker. Its layered crystal structure swells to trap lipids and impurities deeper within the pores. Together, they clear pores without the dry, tight, cracking sensation bentonite-dominant masks often cause.
The ingredients surrounding the clays distinguish this mask. Houttuynia cordata extract at 10.1% delivers anti-inflammatory soothing during the masking process. It is embedded in the clay formula so the skin calms while it deep-cleans. Centella asiatica extract adds a well-documented calming pathway, creating a dual-botanical soothing system that works alongside clay absorption. This differs from the typical routine of using a clay mask and then rushing to apply moisturizer.
The formula goes further. Ceramide NP is an unusual, thoughtful inclusion in a clay mask; it replenishes the lipids the clays pull from the skin surface, providing real-time barrier protection during a process that usually compromises the barrier. Panthenol adds wound-healing support and humectant hydration to prevent the dehydration rebound common after clay treatments. Sodium hyaluronate and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid provide moisture via two molecular weights, ensuring the skin stays hydrated while the clays absorb oil.
Palmitoyl tripeptide-5, a signal peptide that stimulates collagen production, adds an anti-aging dimension. The concentration is modest, but it shows Anua considers skin quality holistically rather than just sebum removal. The protease enzyme adds enzymatic keratolysis, gently breaking down the keratin proteins that form pore plugs alongside sebum. This mild exfoliation works selectively on dead protein, tackling pore congestion differently than the clays’ physical oil absorption.
The mask applies as a thick, smooth cream, making it easier to spread than powdery clay masks. It sets to a semi-firm texture within minutes—firm enough to show it is working, but not so rigid that rinsing is difficult. Five to ten minutes is the ideal window; this allows the clays and enzyme to work without causing the excessive dehydration that would negate the barrier-protective ingredients.
Skin feels immediately smoother after rinsing. There is a matte finish without papery tightness. Pores look visibly less congested, and the surface texture feels refined and polished for a day or two before sebum production returns to baseline. Weekly use over a month shows cumulative effects: pores look cleaner and more refined, and the skin texture stays smoother.
The limitations are clear. This mask targets oily and combination skin; dry skin types will find it too stripping despite the barrier-protective additions. Sensitive skin that reacts to fragrance should avoid it, which is an unfortunate gap for a brand with fragrance-sensitive consumers in its core audience. The 100 mL tube lasts three to four months with weekly use, but the size is modest compared to Anua’s toners and lotions.
The fragrance is a significant issue because it is out of character. Every other Anua heartleaf product reviewed here is fragrance-free. Consumers who trust the brand’s clean-ingredient philosophy may find this addition confusing. The formula is excellent and one of the more thoughtful clay masks available. If Anua removes the fragrance in a future reformulation, it is an easy recommendation. Until then, it is a very good clay mask with one unnecessary compromise.
Formula
Formula
Ingredient analysis.
Full INCI list
Water, Kaolin, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Glycerin, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Bentonite, Hexylene Glycol, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glyceryl Glucoside, Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Soluble Collagen, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Calamine, Houttuynia Cordata Powder, Xanthan Gum, Dipropylene Glycol, Chlorella Vulgaris Powder, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyisobutene, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Allantoin, Sorbitan Oleate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Fructooligosaccharides, Protease, Beta-Glucan, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramide NP, Quercetin, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Fragrance, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Iron Oxide Yellow
Skin match.
The science.
The Science
Kaolin and bentonite clays absorb oil differently. Kaolin is a phyllosilicate mineral with moderate absorption; research shows it adsorbs sebum via surface interaction without entering the stratum corneum. Bentonite is a smectite clay with higher absorption capacity. Its layered crystal structure swells to trap lipids and impurities between layers. This combination removes sebum from both the surface and deeper levels.
The protease enzyme adds enzymatic keratolysis as a third cleansing mechanism. Proteases break down the keratin proteins that form pore-enlarging plugs alongside sebum. Studies show this method is gentler than chemical exfoliants because it works selectively on dead protein instead of dissolving intercellular bonds indiscriminately.
Houttuynia cordata inhibits the NF-kB pathway to provide soothing during masking, as documented in the 2022 PMC comprehensive review. Ceramide NP provides evidence-based barrier support; research confirms topical ceramides help restore the lipid matrix that clay absorption temporarily disrupts.
References
- Pharmacological Effects of Houttuynia cordata Thunb (H. cordata): A Comprehensive Review — Journal of Ethnopharmacology / PMC (2022)
Dermatologist Perspective
Dermatologists often recommend clay masks for oily and acne-prone skin, noting that kaolin-based formulations usually tolerate better than pure bentonite masks. Board-certified dermatologists value the ceramides and humectants in this formula because they prevent the barrier disruption that leaves post-mask skin vulnerable to irritation. However, dermatologists note that fragrance inclusion concerns patients with contact sensitivities; an ingredient that can trigger allergic contact dermatitis lacks strong justification in a therapeutic skincare product. Dermatologists recommend alternative clay masks without added scent for fragrance-sensitive patients.
Where it fits in your routine.
Apply a thin, even layer to the face after cleansing. Avoid the eye and lip areas. Target the T-zone and areas with visible pores. Leave on for 5-10 minutes; do not let it dry fully. Rinse with lukewarm water using gentle, circular motions. Follow immediately with a hydrating toner and moisturizer. Use 1-2 times per week. Do not use on the same day as chemical exfoliants or retinoids.
At about $22 for 100 mL, this clay mask costs mid-range for K-beauty. One tube lasts three to four months with weekly use. This makes the per-use cost around $1.50—fair for a clay mask with ceramides, peptides, and dual-botanical soothing. The ingredient list justifies the price better than most competitors at similar price points, but the fragrance lowers the value for consumers who chose Anua for its clean-ingredient reputation.
This clay mask works for oily or combination skin with enlarged pores, blackheads, or excess sebum. It does not strip the skin. It suits users who want fragrance and pore-clearing results.
This works for fragrance-sensitive people, those with dry or eczema-prone skin, and anyone who chose Anua for its fragrance-free philosophy. If fragrance is a dealbreaker, look elsewhere in the clay mask category.
Product details.
Thick, smooth, creamy clay paste with a pale green-yellow color. It spreads easier than traditional dry clay masks. It sets to a semi-firm finish without cracking or hardening completely.
It has a noticeable eucalyptus-like herbal fragrance. This is added fragrance, unlike the fragrance-free standard of Anua's other heartleaf products.
Tube format with flip cap. This design prevents contamination. The 100 mL tube allows consistent application thickness.
The thick texture spreads easily without pulling the skin. It feels slightly cool as it sets, likely from the eucalyptus fragrance component. After 5-10 minutes, the mask firms but does not fully harden. Rinsing leaves skin noticeably smoother, slightly matte, and with visibly refined pores. Some temporary tightness is normal but resolves within minutes of applying moisturizer.
3-4 months with 1-2 weekly uses
12 months
spring summer
The backstory.
Anua developed this clay mask to address a common complaint in the K-beauty community: clay masks that work for pores but wreck sensitive skin. By combining their signature heartleaf extract with dual clays and barrier-supportive ingredients, they attempted to make deep cleansing accessible to the skin types that typically can't tolerate it. The fragrance addition, however, is a puzzling departure from the brand's otherwise clean-ingredient philosophy.
About Anua
Emerging Brand (2–5 years)The Founders, a Korean brand incubator, founded Anua in 2019. The brand grew fast globally via viral K-beauty channels. Anua formulations focus on Houttuynia cordata (heartleaf), a traditional East Asian botanical with emerging clinical evidence. Independent validation of Anua's specific products is limited.
Common myths.
Clay masks permanently shrink pores.
Genetics and sebum production largely determine pore size. Clay masks temporarily reduce pore appearance by removing the sebum and debris that stretch them. Weekly use keeps pores looking more refined, but this effect requires ongoing maintenance.
Leave clay masks on until they are completely dry and cracking.
Leaving a clay mask on too long pulls moisture from the skin, causing irritation and barrier damage. Remove this mask after 5-10 minutes while it is still slightly damp to absorb sebum without excessive dehydration.
FAQ.
How often should I use the Anua Heartleaf Pore Clay Pack?
Use 1-2 times per week. Using it more often can strip the skin, despite the ceramides and panthenol in the formula. Start once a week and move to twice if your skin tolerates it.
Can I use this clay mask with retinol?
Don't use them on the same day. Clay masks and retinol both stress the skin barrier. Combining them increases irritation and dehydration risks. Use the clay mask and retinol on alternating days so the skin recovers between treatments.
How long should I leave the Anua Clay Pack on?
Leave the mask on for 5-10 minutes. Remove it while it is still slightly damp; do not wait for it to dry and crack. Over-drying pulls moisture from the skin and causes irritation.
Is the Anua Clay Pack good for blackheads?
Yes — the dual kaolin-bentonite clay system absorbs sebum from pores, and the protease enzyme breaks down keratin plugs that cause blackheads. Weekly use keeps pores cleaner and reduces blackhead appearance over time.
Community
What the community says.
"Skin feels incredibly smooth and soft after use"
"Visibly reduces the appearance of pores"
"Creamy texture is easier to apply than traditional clay masks"
"Eucalyptus scent feels spa-like and refreshing"
"Doesn't dry out excessively compared to other clay masks"
"Contains fragrance, inconsistent with the rest of the heartleaf line"
"Can be too drying for sensitive skin if left on too long"
"Eucalyptus scent is polarizing — some love it, others find it irritating"
"Price is moderate for a 100 mL clay mask"
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