Plant extract from Korean folk medicine. In Asian skincare it serves as an anti-inflammatory ingredient for irritated skin.
Topical application
CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus.
Lab studies show inhibition of inflammation mediators in skin cells. Human clinical studies are small, and the positioning stays as «a soothing extract without a strong evidence base».
Houttuynia Cordata Extract (in k-beauty often written as 어성초, fishwort) is a plant extract of Houttuynia cordata leaves. East Asian plant, traditional Korean and Japanese medicine uses it for skin inflammation. Composition. Flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, hyperoside), essential oils, alkaloids. Where applied. Soothing creams and serums, k-beauty acne products, post-sun products (0.5-5%). Brands include Anua Heartleaf, Abib Heartleaf, COSRX. Evidence base. In vitro – anti-inflammatory effect via NF-κB and COX-2 inhibition (Kim 2017). Antibacterial activity against Cutibacterium acnes. K-beauty brand clinical RCTs in 20-50 patients over 4-8 weeks show acne papule and erythema improvement. Safety. CIR has not made a separate assessment. Contact reactions are rare at standard cosmetic concentrations. Individual reactions to leaf essential oils possible in very sensitive skin. Pregnancy and lactation – safe topically.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
SafeSuitable for
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to Wildberries, Goldapple, Letu, iHerb, Sephora and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Houttuynia Cordata Extract is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Houttuynia Cordata Extract suits: oily, dry, sensitive, combination, normal.
Plant extract from Korean folk medicine.
The INCI name is Houttuynia Cordata Extract. It may also appear as: Хауттюйния.
Published: · updated: