I've tried virtually every toner, and this K-beauty one never lets me down

New York Post

a day ago

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I test hundreds of beauty products every year. It's part of the job — and honestly, part of the fun. From the newest vitamin C serums to under-eye masks, my bathroom counter is a revolving door of bottles, jars and tubes.
But if there's one category I always circle back to, it's Korean beauty.
There's just something magical about the gentle formulations, the thoughtful ingredients and the way K-beauty treats skin like something to be nurtured, not punished. And when it comes to K-beauty toners, few have impressed me like the Anua Heartleaf 77 Soothing Toner. The fact that it's on sale right now? Run, don't walk.
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When I first tried the Anua toner, I wasn't expecting much. I had just finished testing a slew of exfoliating toners that left my skin feeling raw and overly sensitized, and I was craving something — anything — that would soothe the irritation. Enter: Heartleaf. The bottle itself was unassuming, but after the very first use, I could feel my skin exhale. It had been waiting for me to stop with the activities and just give it a break. This is, in its purest form, a rescue mission in a bottle.
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Heartleaf, or houttuynia cordata, is one of those quiet powerhouse ingredients you don't hear about unless you're knee-deep in ingredient lists. But, it's revered in Korean skincare for its calming, anti-inflammatory properties and it's the reason this toner is my go-to when my skin is stressed out, breaking out, or just being temperamental.
The '77' in the name? That's the percentage of heartleaf extract in the formula. Seventy-seven percent. That's a commitment.
What's wild is how lightweight this formula is. It feels like water, slightly more plush, maybe, but sinks in immediately. There's no stickiness, no film or weird scent; just a clean, cool glide that makes your skin feel instantly calmer. I use it morning and night, with a cotton pad or just patted in with my hands if I'm feeling extra lazy. And, no matter what else is going on in my routine, it never pills, never clashes, never causes drama. That's rare.
This toner is also a master of balance. You know how some soothing products leave your skin soft but a little too greasy? Or do they calm redness but do absolutely nothing for hydration? Not the case here. Anua's toner has this uncanny ability to comfort while also lightly hydrating, which makes it perfect for literally every skin type. I've recommended it to my oily-skinned friends and my Sahara-dry bestie, and it works like a charm for both. That's kind of miraculous.
Honestly, the biggest compliment I can give this toner is that it disappears into your life in the best way. You don't think about it when it's there, but the second you stop using it, you notice. Your skin is a little less even, a little more reactive. That's when you realize: oh, that was the secret sauce. It's one of those behind-the-scenes heroes that quietly holds your routine together.
And right now, it's on sale. I don't mean a tiny, blink-and-you-miss-it discount — it's a deal worth stocking up for. This is one of those moments when you should absolutely hit 'add to cart' without hesitation. Because skincare like this doesn't go on sale often, and your future self will thank you when your skin is flaring up from heat, stress or one too many actives and you've got a fresh bottle on standby.
There's also something kind of elegant about the simplicity of this toner. Void of a complicated blend of 15 plant extracts, alcohol and artificial fragrance, this clean, focused formula simply does what it promises.
What's more, it's conveniently travel-friendly it is. I've packed this toner on multiple trips, poured a little into a mini bottle for flights and even used it as a mini mask soaked into cotton rounds on long layovers. It's just that versatile. When your skin is acting up in a new climate or reacting to recycled airplane air, a swipe of this is like a glass of cool water. You can practically feel your skin saying, 'thank you.'
Beyond all the technicals, I think the real reason I love this toner so much is that it feels like a little act of kindness in my routine. It's not flashy, and it's not trying to be a miracle product. It just works, consistently and quietly, and sometimes that's exactly what you need. Especially when you've overloaded your skin and are in desperate need of something dependable.
I've had moments (yes, plural!) where I've built entire routines around this toner. When my skin was too irritated to handle anything fancy, I'd just use this, a simple moisturizer and sunscreen. That was it. And my skin not only survived, it healed. I think we underestimate how powerful simplicity can be, especially in a world where new launches are coming at us faster than ever.
So if you've been hunting for something to calm your skin, balance your routine, or just give your face a moment of peace, this is it. Especially now that it's discounted. And, if you're like me and have tried a million toners that all blur together in your memory, the Anua Heartleaf 77 Soothing Toner will stand out. Not because it's flashy, but because it makes your skin feel better every single time you use it.
This article was written by Victoria Giardina, 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.