Smoothing, barrier-supportive retinol serum that pairs retinol 0.11% with niacinamide 5% to refine texture, minimize the look of pores, and soften fine lines. The formula is fragrance-free and buffered with 20+ soothing/moisturizing helpers (ceramides, beta-glucan, panthenol, squalane, HA) to improve tolerability.
At night, apply a small amount to clean, dry skin after toner/essence. Follow with moisturizer. Start every 2–3 days for ~2 weeks, then increase to nightly as tolerated. In the morning, wear SPF. (If new to retinoids, go slowly; avoid during pregnancy/breastfeeding.)
Anua believes healthy skin comes from both effective skincare and a balanced lifestyle. The brand uses pure, organic ingredients to maximize benefits while minimizing harm. Their eco-friendly, sustainable products are 100% made in Korea with simple packaging. Bestsellers include the Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner, Heartleaf 80% Soothing Ampoule, and 5-Zero Mild Sun Cream.
Water, Glycereth-26, Niacinamide (5%), Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Castanea Crenata (Chestnut) Shell Extract, Glyceryl Citrate/Lactate/Linoleate/Oleate, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Potentilla Anserina Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Extract, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Artemisia Capillaris Flower Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower/Leaf Extract, Borago Officinalis Extract, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Carapa Guianensis Seed Oil, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil, Tocopherol, Propanediol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Retinol (0.11%), Ceramide NP, Pentylene Glycol, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Polyquaternium-51, Beta-Glucan, Squalane, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, BHT, Oleic Acid, BHA, Allantoin, Maltodextrin, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Sorbitan Laurate, Glyceryl Stearate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Octyldodecanol, Phytosterols, Madecassoside, Ceramide AS/AP/NS/NG/EOP, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Cholesterol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Guaiazulene, Sucrose Distearate, Nonapeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Hexapeptide-9, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin.
Formulations are subject to change by the manufacturer. Refer to the packaging for the latest and most complete list of ingredients.
Type:
Dry — helps restore moisture + barrier with ceramides and emollients.
Normal / Combination — balances treatment + hydration.
Oily — possible, though retinol + richness of botanicals may require careful trial (use sparingly / in PM).
Sensitive — caution advised; low-strength retinol, many soothing agents help, but still potential for irritation.
Concerns:
Rough Texture / Uneven Skin Surface — retinol + exfoliating / renewing action.
Fine Lines / Aging — cell turnover, peptides, barrier repair help smooth fine lines.
Enlarged Pores — niacinamide & retinol combination tends to help reduce pore appearance.
Dullness / Dark Spots / Pigmentation — brighteners + retinol act together to even skin tone.
Barrier Weakness / Irritation — ceramides + soothing botanicals mitigate irritation from retinol.