Anua Heartleaf 77 vs. SKIN1004 Centella: Which Is Better for Sensitive Skin?

If you are looking for the best Korean skincare products for sensitive skin, you have probably come across Anua and SKIN1004, especially with the growing popularity of ingredients such as Heartleaf (Houttuynia Cordata) and Centella Asiatica in skincare routines.

One of the most common comparisons is: Anua Heartleaf 77 vs. SKIN1004 Centella — which one is better?

Both products are associated with soothing, hydrating, and caring for skin that appears sensitive or irritated. However, the main difference lies in the key ingredient, product formulation, and your skin's specific needs.

In this guide, we will compare the Anua Heartleaf 77 Soothing Toner and SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule, and explain which one may be more suitable for sensitive, oily, dry, and acne-prone skin.

Anua Heartleaf 77 vs. SKIN1004 Centella: What Is the Difference?

Before choosing between the two products, it is important to understand that this is not a comparison between identical ingredients or product types.

Anua Heartleaf 77 is primarily based on Heartleaf or Houttuynia Cordata extract. The toner contains 77% Heartleaf extract, along with several hydrating ingredients such as glycerin, panthenol, and multiple forms of hyaluronic acid.

Meanwhile, SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule is primarily based on Centella Asiatica Extract. The brand describes it as a soothing and hydrating ampoule that is particularly suitable for dry and sensitive skin.

The main difference can therefore be summarized as follows:

What Is Anua Heartleaf 77 Soothing Toner?

Heartleaf 77 Soothing Toner is one of Anua's most popular products. It is a lightweight, watery toner formulated with 77% Houttuynia Cordata (Heartleaf) extract.

Anua describes the toner as being designed to soothe and hydrate skin that appears sensitive while providing a fresh and lightweight feel.

Some of the notable ingredients in its formulation include:

• Heartleaf extract
• Glycerin
• Betaine
• Panthenol
• Centella Asiatica extract
• Sodium Hyaluronate
• Multiple forms of hyaluronic acid

The product is also fragrance-free, according to Anua's official product information. It is described as non-comedogenic and has undergone an initial irritation test.

What Makes It Stand Out?

The main advantage of Anua Heartleaf 77 is the combination of Heartleaf + lightweight hydration in a single step.

It can therefore be a good option for those who want to add a soothing toner to their skincare routine without making the skin feel heavy.

What Is SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule?

Madagascar Centella Ampoule is one of SKIN1004's best-known products and is primarily formulated around Centella Asiatica Extract.

SKIN1004 describes the ampoule as a soothing and hydrating product that helps support the skin barrier. It has a lightweight, watery texture that glides smoothly over the skin and absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy or overly sticky feeling.

Its formulation is relatively simple, containing ingredients such as water, glycerin, butylene glycol, Centella Asiatica extract, and other supporting ingredients.

SKIN1004 states that the ampoule is suitable for all skin types, with particular suitability for dry and sensitive skin.

What Makes It Stand Out?

Its main strength is Centella combined with a relatively simple formulation, making it an appealing choice for those who want a skincare routine focused on:

• Soothing the skin
• Hydration
• Reducing feelings of discomfort
• Supporting the skin barrier
• Caring for sensitive skin

Anua Heartleaf 77 vs. SKIN1004 Centella for Sensitive Skin

This is where the comparison becomes particularly important.

If you have sensitive skin, you do not necessarily need the largest number of active ingredients. In many cases, a simple routine and well-tolerated formulations are more important.

Anua Heartleaf 77

It may be a good choice if you are looking for a lightweight toner that provides soothing and hydration after cleansing.

Anua describes the product as being designed for daily care of skin that appears sensitive. The brand also states that it is fragrance-free and has been tested for initial skin irritation.

SKIN1004 Centella

It may be a better option if your main focus is soothing, hydration, and supporting the skin barrier with Centella.

SKIN1004 describes the ampoule as being particularly suitable for dry and sensitive skin, with a focus on soothing and hydration.

? Which One Is Better?

There is no universal winner. Instead, choose based on your skincare needs:

For a lightweight toner with soothing and hydrating benefits: Anua Heartleaf 77

For soothing, hydration, and skin barrier support: SKIN1004 Centella Ampoule

Anua Heartleaf 77 vs. SKIN1004 Centella for Oily Skin

Oily skin still needs hydration, but lightweight textures are often preferable.

Both products have lightweight textures.

Anua Heartleaf 77 is a watery toner, and Anua states that it is suitable for acne-prone skin and is non-comedogenic.

Meanwhile, SKIN1004 Centella Ampoule has a lightweight, watery texture that absorbs quickly without excessive stickiness and is classified as suitable for all skin types.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you have oily and sensitive skin and want a lightweight toner → Anua Heartleaf 77

If your oily skin also experiences dryness or a weakened skin barrier → SKIN1004 Centella may be a suitable choice.

Which One Is Better for Dry Skin?

If you have dry skin, hydration alone may not always be enough. It is also important to use a suitable moisturizer that helps maintain the skin's moisture.

Anua Heartleaf 77

The toner contains glycerin, betaine, panthenol, and multiple forms of hyaluronic acid. These ingredients can help hydrate the skin and maintain a comfortable feeling.

SKIN1004 Centella

SKIN1004 states that the ampoule provides hydration and soothing benefits while helping support the skin's natural barrier. It is also particularly recommended for dry and sensitive skin.

If your skin is very dry and sensitive, SKIN1004 Centella may have a slight advantage because of its focus on soothing and barrier support, while Anua can be an excellent choice as a lightweight and hydrating toner.

Anua Heartleaf 77 vs. SKIN1004 Centella for Acne-Prone Skin

It is important to clarify one key point: neither product is a direct acne treatment.

However, either product can be incorporated into an acne-prone skincare routine when the goal is to soothe and hydrate the skin without overloading it with too many products.

Anua describes Heartleaf 77 as being designed for acne-prone skin and states that the product is non-comedogenic.

Meanwhile, SKIN1004 Centella Ampoule focuses on soothing, hydration, and skin barrier support, which may be particularly useful when acne-prone skin is also sensitive or dry.

Therefore:

Oily + acne-prone + sensitive skin: Anua Heartleaf 77 may be a suitable option.

Acne-prone skin + dryness or irritation: SKIN1004 Centella may be a better fit.

Which One Is Better for Redness and Soothing?

If your main concern is skin that appears red, warm, or uncomfortable, both products focus on soothing.

Anua states that Heartleaf 77 is designed for daily care of skin that appears red or reactive and presents test results related to a reduction in surface skin temperature after use.

SKIN1004 describes Centella Asiatica as having soothing properties and explains that the ampoule is designed to provide gentle and calming care for sensitive skin.

The result: Both can be suitable for a soothing-focused routine, but your choice depends on whether you prefer a Heartleaf toner or a Centella ampoule.

What Is the Difference Between Heartleaf and Centella?

You may often hear about these two ingredients in K-Beauty products, but they are not the same thing.

? Heartleaf

Its scientific name is Houttuynia Cordata, and it is the key ingredient used in Anua Heartleaf 77.

In this product, it makes up 77% of the formulation, alongside hydrating ingredients and multiple forms of hyaluronic acid.

? Centella Asiatica

Also known as Cica, Centella Asiatica is the key ingredient in SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule.

SKIN1004 uses Centella Asiatica extract as the main ingredient in the ampoule for soothing, hydration, and skin barrier care.

So, it is not accurate to say that Heartleaf is universally better than Centella, or vice versa. They are different ingredients, and your skin may respond better to one than the other.

Can You Use Anua Heartleaf 77 and SKIN1004 Centella Together?

Yes, you can use both products in the same skincare routine if your skin tolerates them well.

Since Anua Heartleaf 77 is a toner and SKIN1004 Centella is an ampoule, you can layer them in the following order:

Cleanser → Anua Heartleaf 77 → SKIN1004 Centella → Moisturizer → Sunscreen in the morning

At night:

Cleanser → Anua Heartleaf 77 → SKIN1004 Centella → Moisturizer

However, there is no need to use both products together.

If your skin is very sensitive, it is better to introduce one new product at a time and monitor how your skin responds rather than introducing several new products at once.

Which One Is Better as Part of Your Skincare Routine?

Choose Anua Heartleaf 77 if you want:

? A lightweight and hydrating toner

? A product centered around Heartleaf

✨ Refreshing hydration without heaviness

? A product suitable for oily and acne-prone skin

? A simple step for sensitive skin

Choose SKIN1004 Centella if you want:

? A product centered around Centella Asiatica

?️ Skin barrier support

? Hydration combined with soothing benefits

? A routine suitable for sensitive or dry skin

✨ A lightweight ampoule that can be used after toner

Quick Comparison: Anua Heartleaf 77 vs. SKIN1004 Centella

This comparison is for general guidance only. Product suitability varies from person to person, and the ratings do not mean that one product is medically superior to the other.

Final Verdict: Anua Heartleaf 77 vs. SKIN1004 Centella

If you are looking for a lightweight Korean toner for soothing and hydration, Anua Heartleaf 77 is a strong option, particularly because of its Heartleaf-focused formula and combination of hydrating ingredients.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a simple ampoule focused on Centella, soothing, hydration, and skin barrier support, SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule may be the better choice, especially for dry and sensitive skin.

? The Best Choice Based on Your Skin's Needs:

For oily and acne-prone skin: Anua Heartleaf 77

For dry and sensitive skin: SKIN1004 Centella

For a lightweight toner: Anua Heartleaf 77

For soothing and skin barrier support: SKIN1004 Centella

For lightweight and refreshing hydration: Both are good options

Ultimately, you do not need to choose the most popular brand. Choose the product that matches your current skin needs and has a formulation you can use consistently without causing irritation.

If you want to expand your K-Beauty routine with more products, you can also explore other comparison articles in this content cluster, such as Round Lab vs. SKIN1004, Torriden vs. Anua, and COSRX vs. Beauty of Joseon to find the products that best match your skin's needs.