A great cleanser should clean without stripping your skin. If you have sensitive, dry, or acne-prone skin, two top-rated Korean gel cleansers dominate:
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Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Cleanser
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Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
They’re both known for their mild, low-pH formulas and natural ingredients — but which one’s better for your skin?
Let’s compare.
🌳 Round Lab Birch Moisturizing Cleanser
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🌿 Key Ingredients: Birch sap (from Inje, Korea), Hyaluronic Acid, Allantoin
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💧 Texture: Soft gel that foams gently
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✨ Best For: Deep hydration + skin barrier care
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🔍 Skin Type: Dry, sensitive, or easily irritated skin
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🌸 Fragrance: Fragrance-free
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📌 Highlight: Provides hydration even during cleansing; no tight feeling
🔗 Buy on Amazon
🌳 What Is Birch Juice and Why Is It Used in Skincare?
Birch juice (also called birch sap or Betula Platyphylla Japonica juice) is a nutrient-rich water tapped from birch trees, especially in spring.
It contains:
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Amino acids, antioxidants, and minerals
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Natural humectants that attract moisture to the skin
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Skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits
In skincare, birch juice is used as a hydrating, calming, and barrier-repairing ingredient — perfect for dry or sensitive skin types. That’s why it’s the star of Round Lab’s popular cleanser line.
🍀 Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
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🌿 Key Ingredients: Heartleaf extract (Houttuynia Cordata), Quercetinol™ Complex
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💧 Texture: Lightweight creamy foam
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✨ Best For: Soothing inflammation, controlling excess oil
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🔍 Skin Type: Oily, combination, acne-prone
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🌸 Fragrance: Fragrance-free
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📌 Highlight: Deep cleans pores while calming sensitive skin
🔗 Buy on Amazon
📊 Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Round Lab Birch Cleanser | Anua Heartleaf Cleanser |
|---|---|---|
| 🌿 Main Ingredient | Birch sap + Hyaluronic Acid | Heartleaf extract + Quercetinol |
| 💧 Texture | Gel cleanser, low foam | Foaming creamy gel |
| 🎯 Focus Benefit | Hydration, barrier support | Pore care, soothing acne/redness |
| 🔍 Skin Type Match | Dry, sensitive, reactive skin | Oily, acne-prone, inflamed skin |
| 🌸 Fragrance-Free | Yes | Yes |
| 🛒 Buy Link | Amazon | Amazon |
💡 Which One Should You Choose?
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✅ Choose Round Lab Birch Cleanser if:
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You want a hydrating cleanser that won’t strip your skin
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Your skin is dry, sensitive, or barrier-damaged
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You need a mild, moisture-replenishing face wash
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✅ Choose Anua Heartleaf Cleanser if:
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You need to deep-clean pores and calm breakouts
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Your skin is acne-prone, oily, or combination
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You want to balance oil and reduce inflammation
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🌿 What Is Heartleaf and Why It’s Popular in K-Beauty?
Heartleaf (Houttuynia Cordata) is a beloved Korean herbal ingredient known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and soothing properties. It’s ideal for acne-prone and sensitive skin types — making it a go-to in many calming cleansers and toners.
✅ Final Verdict
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Choose Round Lab if your skin is thirsty, sensitive, or easily irritated
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Choose Anua if you’re looking to cleanse deeply without over-drying or irritating acne-prone skin
Both are excellent everyday cleansers that support your skin’s natural balance.
📣 Affiliate Disclosure
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