Everything to know about Korean skincare brand Anua - and what we're buying
Korean skincare, otherwise known as K-Beauty, is having a moment, though it has been for some time.
There are various K-Beauty brands creeping on our beauty, including Cosrx, Laneige, and now Anua.
Anua is not necessarily a new label, as it was founded in 2019, it is fairly new to the UK as it launched in Boots in October 2024.
Ever since it has been available to shop in the UK, Anua has gone from strength to strength.
Why is Anua so popular? Well, there's a number of reasons. Firstly, the range uses an array of effective ingredients to target numerous skin concerns, but it is also affordable.
The brand prides itself on using natural and clean ingredients, which are also effective to combat your skin concerns, whether it is to achieve glowing glass-like skin, boost hydration, reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation or dark undereye circles, and fine lines.
The website states: 'Our mission is to eliminate skin concerns with gentle yet effective formulations.'
While we can say Anua is the leading K-Beauty brand the proof is really in the pudding. According to Boots, Anua has seen a 330% revenue increase since its launch in the UK – and that was well under one year ago. The double cleansing duo, which is the Oil Cleanser and Quercetinol Cleanser, have sold a combined 16 million units globally – another impressive statistic.
There are numerous ranges to shop with a hero ingredient at the centre. The Heartleaf range, Peach collection, Rice capsule, as well as the Derm range and TXA (Tranexamic) range, as well as the PDRN range (IYKYK). More Trending
Unsure where to start? We have whittled down the best buys you won't want to miss out on. Stay tuned as more stock is coming to Boots, including hotly anticipated face masks.
The leading K-Beauty brand officially launched in Boots in 2024, but now it is available at other retailers too.
Of course you can shop Anua at Boots, both online and in store, but you can also enjoy a beauty spending spree at Lookfantastic, Anua's website and Amazon.
We have been trialling this serum over the last few months and it is a staple in our skincare routine already. The serum is enriched with PDRN, hyaluronic acid and collagen, to plump, hydrate and rejuvenate the skin. It is lightweight, absorbs instantly and the first step in my AM and PM routine. BUY NOW FOR £20
Formulated with 10% niacinamide and 4% tranexamic acid, which are a powerful duo to brighten dull skin, minimise the appearance of enlarged pores, as well as combat breakouts. BUY NOW FOR £22
The Heartleaf range is one of Anua's iconic staples, and this product in particular is one of the brand's bestselling items. It effectively removes stubborn make-up, as well as dirt, grime, sun cream and other impurities sitting on the skin. Yet it doesn't dry out the skin. BUY NOW FOR £16
Another bestselling staple from Anua hat is suitable for all skin types. This design offers a deep pore cleansing solution ideal for those with congested skin. It gently exfoliates the skin, while also working to soothe and hydrate the skin too. It's a 3-in-1 cleanser we never knew we needed. BUY NOW FOR £13
This fuss-free beauty item is an easy to use exfoliating toner pad, which works to exfoliate the skin's surface and help to achieve an even skin tone. The pads have been infused in PHA to remove dead skin, impurities and sebum on the skin, which can contribute to breakouts. BUY NOW FOR £22
Safe to say there are plenty of cleansers in Anua's collection, and each serves a different purpose.Rice powder and extract work to cleanse, gently exfoliate and soothe the skin, while the ceramides nourish the skin for a brighter and youthful complexion. Mix the powder with a few drops of water to create a paste you then apply to the face. BUY NOW FOR £22
We all need a moisturiser and SPF for that matter, which this beauty staple delivers. It delivers a sun protection factor 50, and offers PA++++, which is key to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. The heartleaf extract helps to hydrate and soothe the skin, while panthenol also gives an added boost of hydration. It promises to leave no white cast and is suitable for all skin types. BUY NOW FOR £15
Once you start using these incredible products, you won't look back!
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MORE: This skincare product completely transformed my skin – I get everyone to use it!
MORE: Bella Hadid reveals 'secret' beauty travel hack – it's none other than this £9.50 skin cream
MORE: The must-shop K-beauty products, according to people who know skin
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3 hours ago
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Unclench your jaw: Why everyone is grinding their teeth right now — including you
'You've worn your molars right down,' said my dentist, matter-of-factly, as she snapped the latex gloves from her hands. 'I can practically hear your jaw clicking.' I did my best not to feel offended. 'Sorry,' I mumbled, rubbing my aching massester muscles. I'm one of the 8 to 10% of the UK population that grinds their teeth in some way — and I'm betting, you are too. I'm not entirely sure when it started, but these days, I'm all-too-aware that I do it pretty much every night. I've woken myself up one-too-many times by accidentally biting down on my tongue (yes, it really hurts) and when my alarm goes off, I open my eyes with an aching jaw. The habit seeps into my waking hours too. I'll suddenly become aware that my jaw is clenched, as though that's its default position. I once heard (e.g. watched a TikTok video) that the three-finger test is a quick way to asses your jaw mobility. If you can fit three stacked fingers between your upper and lower reeth, you're in the normal range. I can only just about do it. But bruxism, the umbrella term for teeth-grinding or jaw clenching, does more than just make your jaw ache. In fact, it can cause a whole host of issues, from dental problems and headaches, to pain in the face, neck or shoulders, and TMJ disorders. To put it mildly, teeth grinding is no picnic — and it's even more annoying when you consider that you're most likely doing it subconciously. And while the current estimates would suggest that around 6.7 million Brits deal with condition, it seems to be on the rise. Post-pandemic, a USA-based 2021 survey among dentists found that 70% reported an increase in patients grinding and clenching their teeth. More recently, the hashtag #teethgrinding on TikTok has a staggering 262.9 million views, while #unclencyourjaw has 37.7 million. You can even buy tshirts and artwork on Etsy emblazoned with the phrase 'unclench your jaw'. And dentist Dr Sahil Patel, of London's Marylebone Smile Clinic, tells Metro that he's seeing an increasing number of patients displaying signs of bruxism. 'Well developed jaw muscles show as a squarer facial appearance or stronger jawline,' he explains. 'And, on the teeth themselves, bruxism causes accelerated tooth wear and breakage, making teeth look shorter, squarer and yellower. Tooth sensitivity and gum recession can also be a sign.' Why have we become a nation unable to relax our faces? While it's not always clear why people do it, stress and anxiety is a well-observed cause. 'Our patients are absoloutely more stressed than ever,' Dr Sahil says. 'They may not always disclose it to us, but we can sense when someone is stressed. We're seeing it more with younger people.' Mental Health UK's annual Burnout Report, released in January 2025, found that one in three adults either 'always or often' experience high or extreme levels of pressure or stress, while nine in 10 say they've experienced it at some point over the last year. Mind also found that women are more likely than men to experience common mental health problems (20.7% of women compared to 13.2% of men affected), with young women aged 16 to 24 at the highest risk. It's worth nothing that women are also more likely to experience bruxism, particularly when they're awake. Experts are pretty much in agreement that society is increasinly stressful. Chartered psychologist, Dr Manpreet Dhuffar-Pottiwal says we live an era of 'uncertainty and instability'. She tells Metro: 'Political unrest, economic fluctuations, and environmental crises result in an unpredictability which leaves people feeling out of control regarding their futures.' Our 'always-online' culture, particularly experienced by younger generations also doesn't help, as Dr Manpreet says we face 'technological overload.' 'Social media platforms promote curated representations of life, leading us to measure their worth against others. Additionally, urbanisation has contributed to a disconnection from nature. People confined to busy city lives miss out on the calming effects of the natural world.' Workplace pressures have changed too. 'The rise of remote work and gig economies has introduced ambiguity about job security and increased workloads,' says Dr Manpreet. 'Many young employees, striving for stability in uncertain times, experience burnout and chronic stress as they juggle multiple responsibilities. 'Rigid schedules and the lack of work-life balance lead many to neglect self-care practices.' And finally, as ever, the global pandemic plays a part. Dr Manpreet says: 'It heightened health-related anxieties, with individuals increasingly focused on personal safety. 'This ongoing concern can create a cycle of stress that affects various facets of life. 'It's no surprise that there's a growing prevalence of conditions like bruxism.' What are the options for treating jaw clenching? So, aside from taking an indefinite holiday to escape the stressors of daily life, what can we do to relieve all this tension? According to Dr Sahil, your dentist can help. 'We can't manage your stress, but we can do a few things to manage the symptoms,' he says. 'Night guards can cushion the contact between the teeth during the night, or reainers, which are thinner, are designed to keep the teeth in their position and protect from night grinding. 'They come in many different forms and materials, but the ballpark cost for these is between £250 and £500.' Alternatively, nurse prescriber and aesthetic trainer, Natalja Andrejeva, says that Botox is an 'emerging go-to solution' for teeth-grinding. 'Over the past few years, I've seen a noticeable rise in clicents seeking relief from bruxism using Botox, especially post-pandemic,' she tells Metro. 'Botox is injected into the masseter muscles to relax them. This reduces the intensity of clenching and grinding without affecting your ability to chew or speak.' The result? 'Less jaw tension, fewer headaches, and better sleep and quality of life. You'll also get a slightly slimmer jawline,' adds Natalja, founder of Face Code Aesthetic, where she offers the treatment, starting at £290. 'Typically, treatment would be required every three to six months, depending on muscle strength and individual response. 'But over time, some clients find they can space out treatments more as the habit and symptoms lessen.' Of course, the ultimate — and almost impossible solution — is to live a stress-free life. But until then, be safe in the knowledge that you're far from the only one — and don't forget to unclench your jaw. Do you have a story to share?
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5 hours ago
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More Trending 'But for me, it wasn't the right solution because when it comes to weight loss – there isn't one size fits all.' In a statement to Metro, Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Saxenda wrote: 'At Novo Nordisk patient safety always comes first. An increased heart rate (tachycardia) is a known uncommon adverse reaction for Saxenda (liraglutide) and is listed in the medicine's official information. If a patient experiences a sustained and clinically relevant rise in their resting heart rate, it is recommended they contact their healthcare professional. Any decision to start, stop, continue or change treatment should be together with a healthcare professional, based on their professional judgment of what's right for that individual. View More » If you are taking any medication and believe you might be experiencing a side effect, please speak to your healthcare provider and report it through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. 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Metro
10 hours ago
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Unclench your jaw: Why everyone is grinding their teeth now — including you
'You've worn your molars right down,' said my dentist, matter-of-factly, as she snapped the latex gloves from her hands. 'I can practically hear your jaw clicking.' I did my best not to feel offended. 'Sorry,' I mumbled, rubbing my aching massester muscles. I'm one of the 8 to 10% of the UK population that grinds their teeth in some way — and I'm betting, you are too. I'm not entirely sure when it started, but these days, I'm all-too-aware that I do it pretty much every night. I've woken myself up one-too-many times by accidentally biting down on my tongue (yes, it really hurts) and when my alarm goes off, I open my eyes with an aching jaw. The habit seeps into my waking hours too. I'll suddenly become aware that my jaw is clenched, as though that's its default position. I once heard (e.g. watched a TikTok video) that the three-finger test is a quick way to asses your jaw mobility. If you can fit three stacked fingers between your upper and lower reeth, you're in the normal range. I can only just about do it. But bruxism, the umbrella term for teeth-grinding or jaw clenching, does more than just make your jaw ache. In fact, it can cause a whole host of issues, from dental problems and headaches, to pain in the face, neck or shoulders, and TMJ disorders. To put it mildly, teeth grinding is no picnic — and it's even more annoying when you consider that you're most likely doing it subconciously. And while the current estimates would suggest that around 6.7 million Brits deal with condition, it seems to be on the rise. Post-pandemic, a USA-based 2021 survey among dentists found that 70% reported an increase in patients grinding and clenching their teeth. More recently, the hashtag #teethgrinding on TikTok has a staggering 262.9 million views, while #unclencyourjaw has 37.7 million. You can even buy tshirts and artwork on Etsy emblazoned with the phrase 'unclench your jaw'. And dentist Dr Sahil Patel, of London's Marylebone Smile Clinic, tells Metro that he's seeing an increasing number of patients displaying signs of bruxism. 'Well developed jaw muscles show as a squarer facial appearance or stronger jawline,' he explains. 'And, on the teeth themselves, bruxism causes accelerated tooth wear and breakage, making teeth look shorter, squarer and yellower. Tooth sensitivity and gum recession can also be a sign.' While it's not always clear why people do it, stress and anxiety is a well-observed cause. 'Our patients are absoloutely more stressed than ever,' Dr Sahil says. 'They may not always disclose it to us, but we can sense when someone is stressed. We're seeing it more with younger people.' Mental Health UK's annual Burnout Report, released in January 2025, found that one in three adults either 'always or often' experience high or extreme levels of pressure or stress, while nine in 10 say they've experienced it at some point over the last year. Mind also found that women are more likely than men to experience common mental health problems (20.7% of women compared to 13.2% of men affected), with young women aged 16 to 24 at the highest risk. It's worth nothing that women are also more likely to experience bruxism, particularly when they're awake. Experts are pretty much in agreement that society is increasinly stressful. Chartered psychologist, Dr Manpreet Dhuffar-Pottiwal says we live an era of 'uncertainty and instability'. She tells Metro: 'Political unrest, economic fluctuations, and environmental crises result in an unpredictability which leaves people feeling out of control regarding their futures.' Our 'always-online' culture, particularly experienced by younger generations also doesn't help, as Dr Manpreet says we face 'technological overload.' 'Social media platforms promote curated representations of life, leading us to measure their worth against others. Additionally, urbanisation has contributed to a disconnection from nature. People confined to busy city lives miss out on the calming effects of the natural world.' Workplace pressures have changed too. 'The rise of remote work and gig economies has introduced ambiguity about job security and increased workloads,' says Dr Manpreet. 'Many young employees, striving for stability in uncertain times, experience burnout and chronic stress as they juggle multiple responsibilities. 'Rigid schedules and the lack of work-life balance lead many to neglect self-care practices.' And finally, as ever, the global pandemic plays a part. Dr Manpreet says: 'It heightened health-related anxieties, with individuals increasingly focused on personal safety. 'This ongoing concern can create a cycle of stress that affects various facets of life. 'It's no surprise that there's a growing prevalence of conditions like bruxism.' So, aside from taking an indefinite holiday to escape the stressors of daily life, what can we do to relieve all this tension? According to Dr Sahil, your dentist can help. 'We can't manage your stress, but we can do a few things to manage the symptoms,' he says. 'Night guards can cushion the contact between the teeth during the night, or reainers, which are thinner, are designed to keep the teeth in their position and protect from night grinding. 'They come in many different forms and materials, but the ballpark cost for these is between £250 and £500.' Alternatively, nurse prescriber and aesthetic trainer, Natalja Andrejeva, says that Botox is an 'emerging go-to solution' for teeth-grinding. 'Over the past few years, I've seen a noticeable rise in clicents seeking relief from bruxism using Botox, especially post-pandemic,' she tells Metro. 'Botox is injected into the masseter muscles to relax them. This reduces the intensity of clenching and grinding without affecting your ability to chew or speak.' More Trending The result? 'Less jaw tension, fewer headaches, and better sleep and quality of life. You'll also get a slightly slimmer jawline,' adds Natalja, founder of Face Code Aesthetic, where she offers the treatment, starting at £290. 'Typically, treatment would be required every three to six months, depending on muscle strength and individual response. 'But over time, some clients find they can space out treatments more as the habit and symptoms lessen.' Of course, the ultimate — and almost impossible solution — is to live a stress-free life. But until then, be safe in the knowledge that you're far from the only one — and don't forget to unclench your jaw. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ View More » MORE: Vogue has started using AI models — what does it mean for beauty standards? 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