Anua skicnare review: My all-time favorite products

After five-plus years of professionally testing skincare — everything from the gentlest hyaluronic acids to the most temperamental vitamin C serums — I can usually tell within a few uses whether a brand is serious about skin health or just riding a trend. And yet, every so often, a line comes along that makes me pause, squint at the ingredient list, and think, OK, this one might actually be special.

For me, Anua is firmly in that category.

Before I get into the nitty-gritty of this review, it’s worth noting that I’m not exactly easy to impress. I’ve slathered, layered, emulsified, misted and patted my way through more formulations than I can count, especially Korean skincare. Through all that testing, Anua is one of the few brands I consistently circle back to — not because it’s trendy, but because it’s consistently effective.

What makes Anua different?

The brand has a way of balancing simple ingredients in a complex way, resulting in reliable formulations backed by innovative science.

Ahead, I’m breaking down exactly what makes Anua stand out — the textures, the star ingredients and results. Consider this your friendly but brutally honest guide to a brand I’ve tested, loved and returned to time and again, even with a world of K-beauty at my fingertips.

This is *the* most amazing cleanser I’ve used this year. That’s saying something (especially if you’ve seen my bathroom, aka my testing lab). The moment the gel touches my skin, it melts away the day’s dirt with this cloud-soft texture that feels almost therapeutic. Unlike other cleansers that strip or sting, this one leaves my skin dewy, balanced and content.

The blend of eight types of hyaluronic acid reaches into all the little crevices of my skin, delivering layers of hydration instead of just a superficial “clean” feeling. And the addition of squalane? That’s a game-changer, mimicking skin’s natural oils so perfectly that when it rinses off, you’re left with a soft, supple finish. It’s a far cry from that tight, just-washed dryness many cleansers leave behind.

Beyond the ingredients, what really sold me is how gentle and thoughtfully formulated it is. No fragrance that irritates, no harsh stripping surfactants. It supports the skin barrier with ceramide NP and calming ectoin, so I wake up without the usual redness or flakiness. Since switching to this one, my face feels both clean and cared for.

Size: 5.07 ounces | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, Ceramides

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The ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil is a lightweight, hydrophilic cleansing oil designed to effectively remove makeup, sunscreen and impurities without stripping the skin’s natural moisture. Infused with heartleaf extract, known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, this cleanser is particularly beneficial for those with sensitive skin.

The inclusion of plant-based oils such as jojoba, olive, and grape seed oils further supports skin hydration and balances sebum production. Its gentle yet thorough cleansing action makes it suitable for daily use, even for individuals with rosacea or who are eczema-prone.

As soon as I tried this cleanser, I was floored at its ability to clear clogged pores and reduce the appearance of pesky blemishes. What was extremely revolutionary is how I felt the impurities on my fingertips as they were ridded off my skin. Amazing!

This Korean skincare staple offers a cost-effective solution for those seeking a gentle yet effective cleansing oil. Its non-comedogenic formula ensures it won’t clog pores (its key factor), making it a reliable choice for individuals concerned about breakouts. So, whether you’d like to integrate this formula as part of a double cleansing routine or as a standalone cleanser, this product delivers on its promise to cleanse, soothe and balance.

Size: 6.76 ounces | Key ingredients: Jojoba Oil, Heartleaf Extract

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Glass skin, unlocked. The working power of the ANUA Niacinamide 10 + TXA 4 Serum is unparalleled for redness. When trying to reverse the look of an unwanted flush, ceramides are great to look for. Niacinamide aside, this serum contains ceramides — as well as hyaluronic acid — to help cancel out redness and nourish the skin at the same time.

I love how this serum feels on the skin. It’s fast-absorbing, doesn’t feel greasy and is wholly elegant once dispensed onto my skin. It’s fairly priced as well and helps achieve that “glass skin” look that Korean beauty brands are best known for.

I feel replenished each time I reach for this serum. Pretty pink bottle aside, it’s excellent for a myriad of concerns: redness, brightening, dull skin and excess sebum.

Size: 1.01 ounces | Key ingredients: Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Arbutin

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When I first picked up the Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner, I wasn’t expecting much beyond a basic hydrating step — but the lightweight, watery texture immediately impressed me. It sinks in almost instantly, and there’s zero stickiness, which made it really easy to use both morning and night. I loved that it felt refreshing without overwhelming my skin, especially on days when my face felt a little stressed or warm.

After about a week of consistent use, I noticed a real difference in how calm my skin looked. My usual redness around the nose and cheeks softened, and my skin felt less tight after cleansing. It didn’t give me a dramatic glow or anything overnight, but the steady, soothing effect made my skin look more “even-tempered,” which I really appreciated. It also played nicely with everything else in my routine: serums, moisturizers, even actives with no issues.

One thing I did notice, though, is that it’s definitely more of a calming toner than a deeply hydrating one. On days when my skin was extra dry, this alone wasn’t enough, so I always followed up with a thicker moisturizer. I also paid attention when using exfoliants, since layering too many actives could make my skin feel a bit sensitive (patch-testing is your friend here).

Overall, I ended up liking this toner a lot more than expected. It won’t fix dark spots or overhaul your skin, but if you’re looking for something gentle, soothing and easy to slot into any routine, it really shines. It’s the kind of product that quietly makes your skin happier day by day, and for anyone dealing with sensitivity or redness, it’s definitely worth a try.

Size: 8.45 ounces | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Heartleaf Extract

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I tried the Anua Rice 7 + Ceramide Hydrating Barrier Serum, hoping to give my moisture barrier a little extra love, especially since my skin had been feeling tight and dull. The first thing I noticed was how lightweight and milky the texture is; it absorbs quickly without leaving any tackiness or heaviness behind. After the very first use, my skin felt softer and looked a bit more refreshed, with that subtle, healthy glow you get from a good hydrating product.

After using it consistently for about a week, I started to see more meaningful changes. Areas that were previously dry or slightly flaky looked smoother and more balanced, and the hydration seemed to last throughout the day. The serum layers beautifully under moisturizer and makeup, and I appreciated that it never caused redness or tingling, even on days when my skin was more sensitive than usual. My fine dehydration lines also looked softer, which made my skin appear a touch more plump.

One thing I really appreciated was how “forgiving” the formula felt. It’s soothing, barrier-supportive, and gentle enough to use alongside stronger actives — almost like a buffer that keeps the skin calm while still delivering moisture. Over time, my skin tone looked a little brighter and my overall texture felt smoother. It didn’t clog my pores or cause breakouts, which can sometimes happen with richer or overly occlusive barrier serums.

If you have extremely dry skin, you’ll likely still need a heavier cream on top. But as an everyday hydration and barrier-strengthening step, it genuinely impressed me. Overall, I’d say the Anua Rice 7 + Ceramide Serum is a great choice if your skin needs gentle nourishment, improved softness, and a healthier barrier without feeling greasy or heavy.

Size: 1.69 ounces | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide

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How I tested

After years of testing Anua, here’s the criteria I followed with each formula that made the cut of my most-reached-for favorites:

• Consistency of use: I applied the products twice daily (morning and night) for a set testing period to see both immediate effects and gradual changes.
• Routine integration: I tested the products alone and then layered them with my usual cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen to see how well they played with the rest of my routine.
• Skin condition tracking: I monitored hydration levels, texture, sensitivity, and barrier health by noting changes in dryness, redness and overall smoothness each week.
• Environment variation: I tested the products in different conditions — after showering, in dry indoor air and before makeup — to evaluate performance throughout real-life scenarios.

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This article was written by Victoria McDonnell, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.

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