Heartleaf vs Centella: What's the Difference?

Heartleaf and centella both appear in Korean products made for calming, sensitive or stressed skin. They are often used for similar reasons, but they are different plants.

Heartleaf (Houttuynia cordata)

A plant used in Korean skincare for calming and soothing, often in toners and cleansers for oily or blemish-prone skin.

Centella (Centella asiatica, "cica")

Known for barrier support and soothing care. Centella and its compounds, such as madecassoside, are common in creams and serums for sensitive or irritated skin.

Which to choose?

• Oily, congested or easily flushed skin: heartleaf toners and cleansers are a popular choice.
• Dry, sensitised or barrier-stressed skin: centella creams and serums.
• Many routines use both, for example a heartleaf toner followed by a centella cream.

Browse by ingredient: Heartleaf · Centella · all ingredients.