My Skin After Using The Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner for 3 Months

K-beauty trends have a way of pulling us in with promises of “glass skin” and serene, spa-like hydration. But when you live in hot, humid weather with oily, breakout-prone skin, most toners either strip you bare or make you shinier than you started.

So, when we asked our reviewer (pictured) to test the Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner, it wasn’t about chasing another skincare trend. It was about finding something that works, especially for oily, breakout-prone skin under the Nigerian sun.

Three months later, here’s what she learned about the toner, about her skin, and about how patience plays a role in real skincare results.

Anua’s toner isn’t just a pretty bottle. It’s built around Heartleaf Extract (Houttuynia Cordata), known for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties. The product also features Panthenol (a form of Vitamin B5) and Centella Asiatica, the soothing ingredient that’s been healing Korean skin for centuries.

According to the brand, this toner:

• Soothes irritated skin

• Minimises excess sebum

• Helps fade hyperpigmentation

• Prep skin for other skincare steps

The Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner is lightweight and watery and has no smell. It also comes in a 250ml transparent bottle with a white cock. She didn’t patch test because she watched videos on TikTok that said it is soothing to the skin. She tried it directly on her face, and she didn’t react to it. 

So, does this toner live up to the hype? Here’s how her skin responded, week by week.

Because we know oily-skinned readers want the tea, here’s exactly how she incorporated the Anua Toner:

AM Routine

• COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser

• Anua Toner (applied with palms, no cotton pads)

• Estelin Salicylic Acid Serum

• Junix Gluta Glow Facial Whitening Cream

• KAO Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50 Sunscreen

PM Routine

• COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser

• Anua Toner

• Estelin Niacinamide or AHA serum (2–3x/week)

• Dr Rashel Face Moisturiser

That’s it. No 10-step routine. No complications.

She started using the Anua toner consistently, twice daily, morning and night, right after cleansing. It has a watery texture that sinks in fast without any stickiness, making it ideal for layering. In the first week, no major changes happened. Her skin felt pretty much the same, just that it felt a bit calmer post-application.

By week 2, however, things started shifting. oil production began to decline. As someone who used to constantly wipe down her T-zone with a tissue at work, this was huge. Her skin felt more balanced, as if it had finally found its footing. Between weeks 3 and 4, she started noticing subtle improvements to her complexion. A subtle brightness in her face and neck, and she describes this as feeling "fresh", which felt like a win.

READ ALSO: Add These 5 Retinol-Rich Foods to Your Plate for Healthier, Firmer Skin

This was the turning point. Hyperpigmentation is notoriously slow to treat as melanin takes time to shift. But around the sixth week, she saw a noticeable improvement.

The likely heroes? Panthenol, which strengthens the barrier so skin can heal, and Centella Asiatica, which boosts collagen production and helps repair post-acne marks. This wasn’t overnight magic, but consistent daily application was clearly paying off.

She looked in the mirror and realised that those stubborn black spots had started to fade. The hyperpigmentation around her cheeks and forehead was visibly lighter. The skin texture also started to smooth out, especially around her jawline and temple.

It wasn’t an overnight fix, but it was noticeable.

Month 3

Here’s where the real magic happened.

By the third month, the texture transformation was undeniable. The oiliness that once dominated her daily look was gone, not stripped away, but controlled. Her skin still had a natural, dewy finish, but it didn’t slide off by 3 p.m.

Even better? The refreshed feeling. She could feel our skin breathing after each use, like it was finally getting the hydration it deserved.

Bonus Win: No Breakouts

We need to add that there are no breakouts since month 2. None. Nada. Not even during her period. For skin that typically throws tantrums once a month, that’s nothing short of revolutionary.

She didn’t even switch the rest of her routine; just cleanser, the Anua toner, light serum, and sunscreen. Yet her skin stayed calm and clear.

Ingredients That Earned Our Trust

These are the ingredients that made this toner worth it:

• Heartleaf Extract (77%): Anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, reduces redness and irritation.

• Panthenol (Vitamin B5): Deeply hydrates and heals skin.

• Centella Asiatica Extract: Strengthens skin barrier, promotes collagen.

• Allantoin: Another gentle soother that reduces skin sensitivity.

There are no alcohols and artificial fragrances. Just calming hydration in a bottle.

READ ALSO: Still Breaking Out? These 5 Everyday Habits Might Be Making Your Pimples Worse

Is It Worth It?

Yes, it is, especially if you:

• Have oily or combination skin

• Struggle with black spots or post-acne marks

• Need lightweight hydration without heaviness

Price: ₦16,800. Where to Buy: Shop Teeka4

At around ₦17,000, depending on the vendor, it’s not the cheapest, but it lasts long. A little goes a long way, and the bottle lasted her the full 3 months, and it isn’t finished yet.

If you’ve been side-eyeing Anua Toner, wondering if it’s just another TikTok hype or skincare gimmick, it’s not. It’s the real deal, especially for our hot, humid weather and oily skin types.

We tried it so you don’t have to guess. Now the only question is: when are you adding it to cart?