Heartleaf (어성초)
Heartleaf — Houttuynia cordata, known in Korean as eoseongcho (어성초) — is a rising star in Korean skincare. Native to Southeast and East Asia, this heart-shaped-leafed plant has been used in traditional Korean and East Asian herbal medicine for centuries. In contemporary K-beauty, it has emerged as a dedicated ingredient category, with entire product lines centred on its calming and soothing reputation.
General Information Only. This page provides educational skincare information and is not medical advice. If you have persistent acne, eczema, rosacea, allergies, skin irritation, pigmentation changes or any medical skin condition, please consult a qualified dermatologist or healthcare professional before changing your skincare routine. Individual results vary. Always patch test new products.
What heartleaf is
Houttuynia cordata is a flowering plant in the Saururaceae family. It is widely distributed across East and Southeast Asia and has a long history in Korean, Chinese and Japanese herbal medicine. The plant contains quercetin, rutin and other flavonoids alongside various other phytochemicals that contribute to its anti-inflammatory appearance and calming properties in skincare.
One distinctive feature of the plant is its unusual aroma — it has a notable fishy or earthy smell, which is why it is sometimes called "fish mint" in English. In Korean skincare, this is managed through formulation, and most products using heartleaf extract are either fragrance-balanced or targeted at users who prioritise skin benefits over scent.
Skincare benefits
Calming and soothing
Heartleaf is primarily valued for its calming properties in skincare. It is commonly included in formulations targeting inflamed-looking, reactive or blemish-prone skin.
Anti-inflammatory appearance
The flavonoids and other phytochemicals in heartleaf extract have demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity in research. This is reflected in its use for visibly red and irritated skin.
Antioxidant properties
Quercetin and rutin are well-known antioxidant flavonoids present in heartleaf, contributing to its use in formulations seeking to calm environmentally stressed skin.
Oily and congested skin support
Heartleaf is popular among those with oily, acne-prone skin — it helps calm the inflammatory aspect of blemish-prone skin without adding heaviness.
Best for
Heartleaf is best suited to: acne-prone skin, sensitive and reactive skin, oily skin with redness or inflammation, and those seeking calming botanicals in their routine. It pairs well with niacinamide (sebum regulation and brightening), centella asiatica (barrier repair and calming) and hyaluronic acid (hydration).
As with all botanical ingredients, those with known plant allergies should patch test before use.